There are two really interesting little
villages 5km apart in the Riebeek Valley, which is approximately 80km from
Cape Town, RIebeek Kasteel and Riebeek West.
In Malmesbury, one turns right through
the swartland until one reaches Riebeek Kasteel. This area is steeped in
history as it was one of the first areas in which whites were allowed to
settle in the days when Simon Van der Stel was governor of the Cape
Colony.
Today it is a very important part of
our economy as the fruit grown in the valley ripens first every year and
is exported to the European markets.
The area is home to a lot of Olive
farms as well as wine farms. South Africa's premier port, Allesverloren
comes from RIebeek West. The Allesverloren farm was home to the first
South African Prime Minister, D.F. Malan.
Jan Smuts was also born on a farm
approximately 5km from the Allesverloren farm. The home where he was born
is now situated in the middle of the PPC Cement Factory, and has been
restored back to its original condition.
Take a look at a couple of photographs
from the Riebeek Valley. Most of them were taken at Jan Smuts birthplace.
Click on the thumbnails below if you
would like to view larger images
