Pniel, its name means ‘face of God’, is an historic village, set on the Dwars River, in beautiful surrounds of vineyards and mountains, and sheltered by magnificent oak-lined streets.
Pniel started out as a mission settlement for the landless and homeless slaves released after slavery was abolished in the Cape in 1842. Pieter de Villiers and Paul Retief were two farmers, who in 1842, were concerned about the plight of emancipated slaves and most particularly about the lack of land and accommodation that they faced. The two donated 19 hectares of land from part of the farm De Goede Hoop, which was between Stellenbosch and Franchhoek.
Houses were immediately built on Middle Street, the main road through Pniel, and although the initial building style of these houses has changed, some of the houses still show signs of older building material, such as ceilings made from solid trees and hand sawn wooden planks. An idealistic 20 year old pastor, the Rev Stegmann was appointed as head of the mission and remained there all of his life until his death in 1910.
In 1843 a further 43 hectares were added to Pniel from the neighbouring farm, Papier Moulen, and the whole area was subdivided into plots and granted to emancipated slave settlers on a permanent tenure basis, to be inherited by their children.
The beautiful congregational Church, also built around 1842 is opposite Die Werf, home to many historic monuments.
One can organise tours by local residents that include the history and the significance of the church to the community.
Franschhoek and Pniel are also favourite haunts of pigeon racing enthusiasts. Surrounded by high mountains the terrain provides a stern test for pigeons released in the area.
Today Pniel is known for fruit and vegetable farming, and the annual big pumpkin competition yields not only pumpkins, but other vegetables of humongous sizes. The latest competition was won by Mario Williams with his large pumpkin of 163 kilograms; other winners were Freddie Simpson’s longest bean of 69 centimeters, and everybody wanted to buy Auburn Jefthas’s massive melon of over 20 kilograms. Henry Jordaan weighed in a tomato of 540 grams, and onions of 400 grams. Titus Simpson was very proud with his super sweet La Rochelle grapes of 800 grams, and Franklik van Graan was grand with his “kromnek”-pumpkin of 89 centimetres. Eddy Basson proudly displayed his butternut of 42 centimeters, and the price for the biggest ‘flat white boer pumpkin’ (boerpampoen) went to Mrs. Florrie Solomons. Freddie Simpson was ace with the biggest pepper, the hottest chili and the biggest makataan and Ashley Mentoor’s aubergine (eggplant) was the biggest.
For the ultimate guide on the Cape Winelands, visit ShowMe Cape Winelands.
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