Tweebuffelsmeteenskootmorsdoodgeskietfontein: A mouthful of a mystery

Nestled in the North West Province of South Africa lies a town with a name that’s a tongue twister and a conversation starter in equal measure – Tweebuffelsmeteenskootmorsdoodgeskietfontein. Translated literally, it means “the spring where two buffaloes were shot stone-dead with one shot.” This unusual moniker invites curiosity, leading many to wonder about the town’s fascinating history.

The Birth of a Name:

The year is 1866, and the South African Republic (ZAR) is expanding its territory westward. A farmer named A.P. de Nysschen receives a land grant in the rugged terrain, now known as the Ditsobotla Local Municipality. Legend has it that while exploring his new property, de Nysschen encountered a watering hole where two buffaloes were locked in a fierce fight. With a single, well-aimed shot, he brought down both beasts, earning him the admiration of nearby Bantu tribes who witnessed the feat. The name stuck, forever immortalizing the event in a mouthful of Afrikaans.

Beyond the Legend:

While the tale of de Nysschen’s marksmanship adds a layer of intrigue, the name’s origins might be more practical. Some historians believe it simply describes the location: “Twee buffels” meaning “two buffaloes,” “meteenskoot” signifying “with one shot,” and “morsdood” translating to “stone-dead,” alluding to the abundance of the animals and the effectiveness of hunting practices in the area. The “fontein” part, meaning “spring,” further indicates the presence of a vital water source.

From Farmstead to Flourishing Town:

Whatever the true origin, the name certainly served as a memorable advertisement. Over time, the farmstead evolved into a small settlement, attracting Dutch Reformed Church missionaries, traders, and miners seeking gold in the nearby hills. In 1913, Tweebuffelsmeteenskootmorsdoodgeskietfontein officially attained village status, solidifying its unique place on the map.

A Legacy of Laughter and Local Pride:

Today, the town boasts a population of around 4,000 residents. While the name continues to raise eyebrows and elicit chuckles, it has become a source of local pride. Tourists flock to take photos with the town’s sign, and residents embrace their quirky moniker with enthusiasm. From annual “Two Buffalo Day” celebrations to local businesses incorporating the name into their branding, the spirit of the town lies in its ability to laugh at itself while celebrating its unique heritage.

Tweebuffelsmeteenskootmorsdoodgeskietfontein may be a mouthful, but it’s more than just a curious name. It’s a testament to the rich history, cultural blend, and resilient spirit of a South African town that wears its unusual identity with pride. So, the next time you come across this linguistic marvel, remember the story behind it, and perhaps, raise a toast to the place where two buffaloes met their fate, and a town’s legend was born.

Twee­buffels­met­een­skoot­morsdood­geskiet­fontein is a farm in the North West province of South Africa that is noted for its unusually long place name of 44 characters—the longest in South Africa and possibly fourth-longest in the world. Located in the Ditsobotla Local Municipality of the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, some 20 kilometres (12 mi) east of the town of Lichtenburg and 200 kilometres (120 mi) west of Pretoria, the name in Afrikaans means “the spring where two buffaloes were shot stone-dead with one shot” (Afrikaans: Twee buffels met een skoot morsdood geskiet fontein). Originally granted to A.P. de Nysschen on 24 April 1866 by the government of the South African Republic, Twee­buffels­met­een­skoot­morsdood­geskiet­fontein is also sometimes known by the shortenings Twee buffels (Two buffaloes) and Twee Buffels Geskiet (Two buffaloes shot).

In 1985, Twee­buffels­met­een­skoot­morsdood­geskiet­fontein was the subject of an Afrikaans-language song written by Fanus Rautenbach and performed by Anton Goosen. Rautenbach had originally written the song in 1978, and it tells of the supposed hunter Gysie Grootlief who volunteers to shoot a giant buffalo with twelve-foot wide horns terrorising the hamlet of Sannaspos.