When watching the wind run waves through the wheat fields … witnessing green growth turn to golden grain … hearing the characteristic ‘burr’ sound of the born and bred locals’ unique Swartland accent as they roll their R’s, almost visually emphasising the regions rolling hills and natural contours in their mother tongue, you know that you find yourself knee-deep in the historic heart of the Swartland: Malmesbury …
The area is most known for its grain, wine and rooibos production, sheep and cattle farming, as well as poultry rearing. The Swartland farmers use their landscape to paint a picture of dependence on nature and its weather patterns. Humbly they accept, adapt and adhere to their required activity to help announce the changing of seasons – ploughing, planting, harmoniously harvesting, all with impeccable timing.
With Cape Town only 65 kilometres south of it, Malmesbury falls within an acceptable radius for some residents who choose to commute to work in the Cape Metro. Malmesbury’s bustling CBD offers excellent amenities: private and public schools; various churches, of which the most imposing the neo-Gothic Dutch Reformed church; medical, health-care, retirement, veterinary, shopping and recreational facilities – even the luxury of an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a 9-hole golf course and a country estate. The Swartland Wine and Olive Routes are very popular among visitors.
The town – initially named Zwartland after the area’s original predominant Renosterveld vegetation which turned black during the very hot, dry summers – was renamed Malmesbury in 1829, by a sir in honour of an earl, and from then on the whole region was referred to as the Swartland. Most noteworthy in its rich history, is the underlying water theme. A sulphur spring sparked its development, as well as the large farming community’s need for a congregation and church. Every few weeks, farmers and their families would travel to town for a church weekend and Holy Communion. To provide them with water, ‘communion wells’ (nagmaalputte) were built in 1751 and today two of these wells still stand. The hot-water spring and mineral baths were located opposite a small periodical stream. The high-quality water, compared to that of famous Aachen in Germany, attracted locals and visitors alike. Today the De Bron shopping centre commemorates the once sought-after mineral spring. And whether wells and springs run try, locals have learnt that change, resilience and perseverance teach you many valuable life lessons.
