(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 1991-03) Boshoff, Andre Ludwig; Van der Merwe, F. J. G.; Van Zyl, D. J.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Sport Science.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Competitive gymnastics has been in existence in South Africa for more than a century. Gymnastics clubs were founded during the second half of the 19th century in various centres in the country. Such clubs were established essentially at the instance of immigrants or aliens who were in South Africa for economic, military or other reasons. The first club, the Port Elizabeth Gymnastics Club, was founded in 1876, although British soldiers spontaneously practised the sport in Cape Town prior to that date. The Cape Town Gymnastic Society and the YMCA Gymnastic Society were established in the early 80's.
t the time, the discovery of South Africa's mineral wealth led to the expansion and establishment of sports activities in the interior. The Kimberley Gymnasium and the Pirates Gymnastic Club were established in 1884 and 1886 respectively on the Kimberley diamond-fields. The first gymnastic competition in South Africa took place here at the end of 1885, during the inauguration of the railway line.