Listeners:
Top listeners:
LISTEN NOW: JafriQ Radio Live On Jafriq Radio
[ad_1]
Heuningvlei was devastated by flooding for two consecutive years but the residents are determined to keep their town alive
For years, people in the remote village of Heuningvlei in the Cederberg have relied on tourism and subsistence farming. But devastating floods and heavy rains since 2023 have wreaked havoc on the roads and infrastructure. Popular donkey cart trails had to close for months.
“Many tourists say it’s the most beautiful place … I agree. But to visit here and to stay here is different. This is a struggle to survive,” says Johannes Ockhuis, fondly known as Oom Hollie.
The 89-year-old is one of just 75 permanent residents of Heuningvlei. The village is located deep in the Cederberg mountains and about 15km from Wupperthal.
Most people in Heuningvlei are subsistence farmers and have historically cultivated rooibos. People also rely on tourism – providing lodging and tour guiding. The donkey cart trails were a primary means of employment for many of them.
The two-hour Heuningvlei donkey cart trial, on the Krakadouw route, has been closed for months due to severe damage from rain and flooding. The trail runs from the top of the Pakhuis Pass and the Heuningvlei village.
The traditional carts are able to transport three people at a time, usually pulled by about six donkeys through the rugged Cederberg mountains.
The trail was established in 2006 as part of the Cederberg Heritage Route, an organisation helping with community development in the area. The donkeys, about 30 of them, roam freely in the town, and often graze in the bush, among the blooming pear trees.
According to CapeNature in 2023, river banks broke, flooding campsites, cottages and bridges and toppling trees.
Residents of Heuningvlei were cut off in 2023 and this past winter. The roads completely washed away and the power was off for days.
“We used to have rain but not like it is now. Roads are washed away and you need to build it again,” says Dalene van der Westhuizen, who runs the Heuningvlei tourism office.
“When it rains, you have nothing. No electricity. And you have to sit. You sit between the rivers, and you can’t go anywhere.”
Van der Westhuizen runs the Heuningvlei tourism office, and together with a committee also the backpackers lodge. It is the only accommodation in the town. The town also has no grocery shop, tuck shop or restaurant.
The backpackers frequently hosts church groups.
There are no grocery shops or restaurants in Heuningvlei. There is no public transport. The nearest clinic is in Wupperthal and the nearest hospital is in Clanwilliam.
The old school building, which closed down due to there being too few learners, was converted into a backpackers. It hosts single hikers or bigger groups, frequently church groups, says Van der Westhuizen.
Hikers would walk from the Pakhuis to Heuningvlei, overnight at the backpackers, then go to other end points further on the trail. The donkey carts would transport their luggage and also take them back to the starting point.
But since last year’s floods, the donkey cart routes have been closed because it is no longer safe to take the two-hour journey.
“You can’t transport now. You saw what the roads look like,” says Van der Westhuizen.
The gravel road to Heuningvlei is destroyed and eroded in many places. Some sections had water puddles, and it is a challenge to access it even with a 4×4 vehicle.
For months, Van der Westhuizen has not been able to accept bookings from hikers or tour groups because of the road’s condition.
CapeNature is still assessing the extent of the damage. Spokesperson Luke Folb said the damage to the surrounding areas is “quite severe”.
It is in the process of appointing an engineer and “is currently using all the resources at its disposal to respond to flood and storm damage”.
CapeNature has also applied for additional funding through the Disaster Management Process. “This process requires patience and due diligence,” said Folb.
The remoteness of Heuningvlei means that the villagers strive to be self-sufficient.
The villagers cultivate organic vegetables and rooibos. “We plant for ourselves,” says Van der Westhuizen. Almost every house in this village has a piece of soil they farm on, she says.
Once a month residents pay someone to take them to Clanwilliam to do all their errands, including collecting social grants, among other things.
Van der Westhuizen says people in the town still barter with one another. “You give me a bag of sugar, and I give you vegetables, a bag of potatoes, onions, pumpkins … We do it like it was in the old days,” she says.
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
Almost finished…
We need to confirm your email address.
To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you.
There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.
“What has been preserved is the farming. We are going on despite climate change. You must now just keep an eye on the weather, even with the rooibos plant,” said Van der Westhuizen. She says that each year they harvest later because of the floods.
There are few young people left farming in Heuningvlei.
Many leave to find work, says 21-year-old Lumeca Ockhuis, who is home for the holidays.
She studies business management at Boland College in Paarl.
“Most people go out to work in other places. There isn’t work or income,” she says.
Meanwhile Johannes Ockhuis (Oom Hollie) says he does not regret spending his whole life in the town.
Ockhuis had been working in Lambert’s Bay and he was given an opportunity to study to become a mechanic. His uncle, who raised him with his aunt, suddenly died, leaving his aunt alone in their home in Heuningvlei.
“I had to go back. I had a duty to her,” says Ockhuis.
Today, he is the oldest person in Heuningvlei, and has been married to his wife for over 60 years – the longest marriage in the village.
“Is this not a privilege and a mercy that I received?” he asks.
[ad_2]
Source link
Written by: jafriqradio
africa Business Business and Finance current events economy news Politics South Africa Southern Africa sports trade travel Travel and Tourism
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
© JAfriq RAdio 2024 All Rights Reserved. By Octagram, Inc
MichealOdors on April 18, 2025
This online service makes available various pharmaceuticals for online purchase.
Anyone can easily access needed prescriptions from your device.
Our catalog includes everyday solutions and specialty items.
All products is provided by trusted distributors.
https://www.provenexpert.com/hemorrhagic-stroke/
Our focus is on customer safety, with encrypted transactions and on-time dispatch.
Whether you’re filling a prescription, you’ll find trusted options here.
Begin shopping today and experience trusted healthcare delivery.
casino slots on April 21, 2025
Here, you can access a great variety of slot machines from famous studios.
Users can experience traditional machines as well as new-generation slots with stunning graphics and exciting features.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, there’s a game that fits your style.
casino games
The games are ready to play round the clock and designed for PCs and mobile devices alike.
All games run in your browser, so you can jump into the action right away.
Platform layout is easy to use, making it quick to find your favorite slot.
Sign up today, and enjoy the excitement of spinning reels!
hitman-assassin-killer.com on April 26, 2025
This website offers you the chance to get in touch with specialists for short-term risky tasks.
Visitors are able to efficiently request help for particular operations.
Each professional are experienced in dealing with complex activities.
hire a hitman
This service ensures discreet communication between requesters and contractors.
When you need urgent assistance, the site is here for you.
Create a job and match with a professional in minutes!
ordina omicidio l'uccisione on April 26, 2025
La nostra piattaforma permette l’ingaggio di professionisti per lavori pericolosi.
Chi cerca aiuto possono scegliere esperti affidabili per lavori una tantum.
Tutti i lavoratori vengono verificati secondo criteri di sicurezza.
sonsofanarchy-italia.com
Utilizzando il servizio è possibile leggere recensioni prima della scelta.
La qualità rimane al centro del nostro servizio.
Iniziate la ricerca oggi stesso per affrontare ogni sfida in sicurezza!
1хбет зеркало on April 27, 2025
В этом разделе вы можете перейти на актуальное зеркало 1хБет без ограничений.
Систематически обновляем зеркала, чтобы облегчить беспрепятственный доступ к сайту.
Переходя через зеркало, вы сможете пользоваться всеми функциями без ограничений.
1хбет зеркало
Наш ресурс поможет вам быстро найти свежее зеркало 1хБет.
Мы следим за тем, чтобы все клиенты был в состоянии использовать все возможности.
Не пропустите обновления, чтобы не терять доступ с 1xBet!
bottega-official.ru on April 27, 2025
Этот сайт — аутентичный цифровой магазин Bottega Венета с доставлением по территории России.
На нашем сайте вы можете оформить заказ на эксклюзивные вещи Боттега Венета без посредников.
Каждый заказ идут с официальной гарантией от производителя.
bottega-official.ru
Отправка осуществляется в кратчайшие сроки в любую точку России.
Интернет-магазин предлагает выгодные условия покупки и гарантию возврата средств.
Покупайте на официальном сайте Bottega Veneta, чтобы чувствовать уверенность в покупке!
如何雇佣杀手 on April 27, 2025
在这个网站上,您可以联系专门从事特定的高危工作的专业人士。
我们集合大量经验丰富的工作人员供您选择。
无论需要何种危险需求,您都可以快速找到专业的助手。
为了钱而下令谋杀
所有作业人员均经过筛选,保障您的利益。
平台注重效率,让您的个别项目更加顺利。
如果您需要具体流程,请直接留言!
JosephMal on April 28, 2025
Here, you can browse different websites for CS:GO betting.
We have collected a wide range of gaming platforms dedicated to CS:GO players.
All the platforms is handpicked to guarantee trustworthiness.
cs go match betting sites
Whether you’re a seasoned bettor, you’ll conveniently select a platform that suits your needs.
Our goal is to make it easy for you to find proven CS:GO betting sites.
Explore our list at your convenience and elevate your CS:GO betting experience!
1win партнерская программа on May 1, 2025
Здесь вы сможете найти подробную информацию о реферальной системе: 1win partners.
Здесь размещены все особенности взаимодействия, требования к участникам и потенциальные вознаграждения.
Каждая категория тщательно расписан, что делает доступным усвоить в тонкостях системы.
Плюс ко всему, имеются ответы на частые вопросы и практические указания для начинающих.
Данные актуализируются, поэтому вы смело полагаться в актуальности предоставленных данных.
Портал будет полезен в исследовании партнёрской программы 1Win.
order a kill on May 3, 2025
Seeking for qualified workers ready for short-term risky jobs.
Need a specialist to complete a perilous assignment? Discover certified experts via this site to manage critical risky work.
order the kill
This website links clients to skilled workers willing to accept unsafe short-term positions.
Recruit pre-screened laborers to perform dangerous tasks safely. Ideal when you need last-minute assignments demanding high-risk expertise.
how to commit suicide on May 4, 2025
Individuals contemplate ending their life due to many factors, commonly arising from intense psychological suffering.
A sense of despair can overwhelm their desire to continue. Frequently, lack of support plays a significant role to this choice.
Psychological disorders distort thinking, making it hard for individuals to recognize options to their pain.
how to commit suicide
Life stressors might further drive an individual closer to the edge.
Limited availability of resources may leave them feeling trapped. It’s important to remember seeking assistance can save lives.
色情网站 on May 7, 2025
访问者请注意,这是一个面向18岁以上人群的内容平台。
进入前请确认您已年满十八岁,并同意接受相关条款。
本网站包含限制级信息,请谨慎浏览。 色情网站。
若不接受以上声明,请立即关闭窗口。
我们致力于提供优质可靠的成人服务。