Zeerust was originally Coetzee-Rust, named after Diederick Coetzee, the owner of the farm Hazenjacht. On 20 March 1867, the first erven of the newly established Coetzee-Rust were sold per public auction in Potchefstroom. The name Coetzee-Rust was later abbreviated to Zeerust. Municipal status was however only obtained on 18 March 1936.
The Graaff-Reinet colony was established in 1786 after farms belonging to Dirk Coetzee were purchased on which to establish the village. (http://www.karoopark.co.za/factfile.html)
Die gemeente Graaff-Reinet is gestig op 11 November 1792 en die eerste kerkgebou was vermoedelik laer af in Kerkstraat - heel waarskynlik was dit die oorspronklike plaashuis van Dirk Coetzee. (http://www.nggrootkerk.co.za/geskiedenis.html)
Daar is ook 'n deel van die Sneeuberge wat na Dirk Coetzee vernoem is en staan bekend as die Coetzee mountains close to Graaf-Reinette.
