Since the launch of Platteland eight years ago we have visited many places all over the country to gather stories for the magazine. What a privilege and a pleasure it has been! Time and again, a dorpie would enchant us: Kaapsehoop, Albertinia, Rooiberg, Soutpan, Nottingham Road, Nieu-Bethesda, Biesiesvlei, Vanwyksdorp, Barberton, Val, Nieuwoudtville, Bloemfontein… (Only kidding.) The list goes on.
The fascination, we have realised, mostly has to do with the people who live there, but it is an abundant water supply that tugs at our heartstrings. That’s just how it is with plant enthusiasts, gardeners and vegetable growers. (Okay, Askham and Soutpan have an appeal all of their own.)
Anyway, we keep getting captivated by small platteland towns. But never before has a place swept us off our feet like…