In this issue

In this issue of go! Platteland: Don't cut them all down, says Dave Pepler - Blue gums; Join us on a stroll through Prince Albert; Backwaters of the Molopo - Discover Piet Plessis, Bray, Tosca and Vorstershoop; Genadendal - Hallowed haven in the Overberg; Explore the Wilge River’s valley of plenty and New beginnings in Koperfontein.

Backwaters of the Molopo

If you look at a map of North West, where the northern border curves into Botswana, that's where you'll find Piet Plessis, Tosca, Bray, and Vorstershoop. Willem van der Berg drove many kilometres on dirt roads and met people who still have time for stories.

10+ mins

Koperfontein - The winds of change are blowing.

It's little more than a siding and a stop on the railway line to Saldanha, but Koperfontein is getting a new lease of life thanks to a wind farm and a new coffee shop and venue.

10+ mins

GENADENDAL Barefoot on hallowed ground

Genadendal, a village in the Overberg region, is steeped in the slower pace of an earlier era. The bricks, stones, woodwork, thatch, and even the trees, tell the fascinating story of the first mission station in South Africa - and of many other firsts.

10+ mins

Thunderbirds get a second chance

The southern ground-hornbill - an iconic species of the savannah biome that breeds only once every six years - is critically endangered. Sarie Marais-Nell visited the Mabula Ground Hornbill Project near Bela-Bela, where they are working hard to slow the decline in their numbers.

8 mins

Valley of plenty

The place where the Wilge River cuts through the mountains about 40 km north-east of Bronkhorstspruit is known as Wilgepoort, Trichardtspoort, Zusterstroom... or simply "the valley". This river is the lifeblood of the people who live and farm here.

10+ mins

A weekend in Prince Albert

Prince Albert, which turns 260 this year, has evolved from a quiet Afrikaans farming hamlet to a modern, bustling oasis that draws visitors from all over the world. Yet this town at the foot of the Swartberg has lost none of its charm. Walk with us.

7 mins

In the shadow of glants

Eucalyptuses the colossi of our landscapeare spread out over a large part of South Africa and offer respite to man and beast and bee. Still, it's become the done thing to simply get rid of these "aliens". Please think twice about doing so, pleads Dave Pepler.

10+ mins

Make a kokedama

A kokedama, or a Japanese moss ball, is a lovely way to display an ornamental plant like a living work of art in your home. We show you how to make your own.

4 mins

Read all stories from go! Platteland

go! Platteland Magazine Description:

The slow life is the good life: go! Platteland celebrates the rural lifestyle and the entrepreneurial spirit of people whose hearts are in the platteland – whether they grew up in the countryside or are already based there, are contemplating making the move or simply hankering after the rural life. Platteland offers articles that focus on entrepreneurs, DIY projects, animals, gardening, food, towns and people. It is both practical and inspiring – as much of a visual feast as it is a celebration of great writing.