22/11/2024
Every town and every city in this country has its problems, which can make these places appear “ugly” (but definitely not boring!). Before you pass judgement, get out of your car (or leave your walled complex) and talk to the people who live there. You will get a completely different picture.
Lambert’s Bay is definitely not one of those towns that will immediately captivate your heart. At first glance, it is simply far too industrial for that. But these days, the waves, quiet sandy beaches, sea birds and springtime floral spectacle are what attract increasing numbers of holidaymakers and retirees to the area. And it’s the beautiful succulent people that stay behind.
Louis Botha got more than he came for while paying Karoo Kombuis a visit in Prince Albert. Here he found the most delicious, tastiest traditional boerekos served by colourful, humorous and gentle hosts. Willem van der Berg tells the story of the Dangerous Darkies, the U9 barefoot soccer team two communities of Graaff-Reinet a little closer together.
Building a house on sand might not be such a good idea; using bags of sand might be better. After moving no less than six times since 2006, Nick and Nicole Nyalungu have found a place called home. This place the Shiyalongubo Dam in the Makhonjwa Mountains, where they are building an earthbag house after doing extensive research about the people who once lived on these lands.
Darling Sweet celebrated its 10th birthday in July. Since moving to Evita se Perron in October, they’ve made and packed a ton of sweets every week and, together with Swartland Kitchen they employ a total of 38 people. It’s a true platteland success story.
Van Zylsrus is a merciless desertscape where drought and suffering are a way of life. Willem van der Berg knows, as he has a pitiful history with this place. But, during a recent visit, he came to learn that the people of the Kalahari will not hesitate to share what they have. Love and care carry them through.
Love and care go for animals of course too. For the past seven years, a pair of Cape eagle owls has been returning to the same garden of a Langebaan home to nest. Since 2018, 18 owlets have been raised here. Wendy Maritz spoke to homeowner Alta Drake Vrey about life with owls, and we visited the good people of The Owl Orphanage in Velddrif.
It’s getting hot out there, but here at Platteland we have a few cool, green ideas for summer. Explore a False Bay rock pool garden, visit the first florilegium in Africa; download a Spotify playlist for your house plants; and make a beautiful dog-bowl planter for your fur kid.
Speaking of plants. You might have heard of growing vegetables in the soil, water or with the help of fish – but did you know you can grow plants in thin air? NASA developed aeroponics about 45 years ago to grow fresh food for its astronauts, and the system is still in use.
Summer is synonymous with alfresco feasts, tables groaning beneath the weight of seasonal produce. Errieda du Toit has created a menu for the stoep table that is best enjoyed with friends and family this summer. The best way to break bread is with Ina Paarman’s new mushroom pesto. Perfect to enjoy at your next braai.
It’s really all about making memories. Gail Bussi gets nostalgic about her mom’s frikkadels for padkos she had as a child while sitting in her dad’s blue Jaguar. And Arthur Holland shares what he loves about Meiringspoort.
This summer issue is packed with goodness and is now available in stores and online: https://bit.ly/3ORFsrr
