Genadendal Mission Village, Cape Overberg
Genadendal is a must visit for anyone interested in the history and culture of South Africa. Visiting this Moravian village, that was first established in 1738, is like landing in a place that has not changed with time. The Church Square is regarded as being the most authentic in the country and not surprisingly, it is surrounded by upwards of 30 well maintained historic buildings that are all national monuments.
Genadendal Mission Station (c1849) by George French Angas
Outside the Church Square, many of the local inhabitants still live in cottages of the Moravian style, some in better repair than others. The pity is that Genadendal was at one stage the largest settlement in the Cape Colony after Cape Town. With a focus on education, it was the home of the first Teachers’ Training College in South Africa, erected in 1838 and which now houses the Museum.
The Moravians helped the community develop home industries like furniture manufacture, milling, printing and the forging of knives (the well known herneuters).
Unfortunately, Genadendal’s development was severely handicapped by unjust legislation which led to the closing of the Teacher’s Training College and prevented the inhabitants from owning property. These policies caused impoverishment, degradation and stagnation of the town, and a loss of community pride. However, the new democratically elected town council is supporting all efforts to introduce new community projects in order to create jobs on a local level. On 1st February 1995 President Nelson Mandela announced that his official residence in Cape Town has been renamed Genadendal. On 10th October 1995 he paid an official visit, the source of much pride to the locals.
Experience History!
- Participate in church service. The church houses the oldest organ in South Africa. Church services take place on Sunday at 10h00 and 19h00 (summer) and 18h00 (winter). They are known for their beautiful choir singing and brass band performances.
- Visit the Museum which is filled with the most amazing collection of items, almost all of which have been made, over time, at the mission. Visiting hours: Mon-Thurs: 9:00-13:00; 14:00-17:00: Fri: 9:00-15:30: Saturday: mornings: Sundays on special request, phone (028) 2518220
- Visit an operational water mill, a printing museum, an operating blacksmith, a beautiful manse, an old bell and a grove of ancient oak trees.
Browse!
The Art & Craft centre, the group of local weavers, the gift shop, the Book Shop and Information Centre.
Enjoy!
The restaurant and savour traditional foods (bookings essential (028) 2518220). The bakery has bread and muffins made from stone ground flour, the old fashioned way.
Record!
Take your camera. If you are a keen photographer, you could spend days here.
Nearby!
Visit Greyton, just 6km away – a favourite South African weekend getaway.
Directions: Genadendal is on the R406 which is off the N2 between Cape Town and Caledon. The turnoff is approximately 3km before Caledon on the Cape Town side. The R406 does eventually loop back to the N2 after Greyton, but last time we drove it, it was a gravel road in poor repair. It is best to return the way you came unless the locals say otherwise.
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