Traces of Africa

The story of Onverwacht began during the Great Trek in 1838 when many coloured people joined the Voortrekkers in their journey into the interior of the country. They worked mainly as labourers on the farms. To ensure their loyalty during the Anglo Boer War, president Paul Kruger promised them a piece of land should the Boers win the war. Alas, the war was not won by the Boers, but Paul Kruger gave them the land anyway, upon which they exclaimed: ‘Dis nou Onverwacht!” (meaning; this is unexpected!)

Today Onverwacht is a village near Cullinan where 36 families from coloured descent live. They call themselves the ‘black Afrikaners; speaking the most beautiful Afrikaans language. They are religious and proud of their history and heritage which they love to share with visitors.

The popular Afrikaans TV-programme Pasella (2 million viewers) will feature Traces of Africa on Wednesday 21 April at 19:30 introducing our tour to Onverwacht. The format of the programme is in the form of a walking tour by Pasella-presenter Paul Rothman and Hanneke du Preez of Traces of Africa.

During the programme we visit the pastor Hein Holder of the Dutch Reformed Church and learn more about the projects such as the youths who bring sick people to the clinic even sometimes in wheelchairs or even coats. We visit the old graveyard where Patricia tells more about the inspiring examples of staunch community leaders such as Auntie Napaai.

The donkey-cart ride with Jacob and his two donkeys Kleintjie and Bloukop takes us to the residents such as Uncle Jimmy Dingaan who tell us amazing stories from the past. Auntie Joyce show us how to make ‘Onverwacht-cookies’ a lovely delicacy which she prepares in her outside oven. We end the tour with some teenagers enthusiastically embarking on ‘boeredanse’ (folk dances).