I’m sure even in your meetings you will hear “Stellenbosch and Franschhoek”., whereas Pniel is always referred to a settlement area. Bare in mind that the TOWNS of Pniel, Franshhoek AND Stellenbosch amalgamated. We obtained “Town” status before the amalgamation with Stellenbosch and Franshhoek in 2001, something the Municipality fail to remember.

On the website Stellenbosch.gov.za , Pniel being described as “settlement” – “The major portion of the area is utilised for agriculture (mainly wine production) and it includes the towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and settlements such as Klapmuts, Koelenhof, Kylemore, Johannesdal, Pniel, Jamestown and Raithby.”

The grant issue is two part maybe.. to control tourism traffic visiting Franshhoek by certain body’s ? or making Pniel people out to be plain stupid. I’m sure the Pniel people are capable of managing their own grant and affairs as they have done since 1843,
The question perhaps should be asked if the Municipal employees assigned to tourism development recognise how to develop projects instead of following on existing products.

There is a lot of potential yes: The current white elephant municipal buildings in Pniel could be used as a “tourism hub” with at least a coffee shop small curio shops, there is so much to see in and around Pniel. Instead big space of about 100 square meters are wasted on one person in an area build and funded as a Multi purpose community Centre” Even as mentioned our information office has not succeeded in positively contributing to tourism development in the area. So what is Franschhoek tourism really doing to benefit the area.

* How about a bicycle rental? – Surrounding farms offer kilometres of bike trails – see MBT centre on Boschendal
* coffee shop – perhaps tires guests would want to sit awhile – so many day tourists, backpackers and tour guides come through this area
* Personal guiding / How about the training guides that actually want to guide in Pniel, ( and certain people from the community that shall not be named), Allow our own people to show of their town.
* Home stays financially assist local in creating a space – many have an extra room – ( have some ideas on this)
* B&B – So many wine farms offer themselves as a wedding venue and most often cannot accommodate all the guests. having B&B an offer accommodation for such guests.

Perhaps some Pniel people, who can afford a lavish lifestyle should recognise that tourism can boost the town’s economy by providing jobs for the unemployed and less fortunate, and not just for those who want to feed their ego, or have their name to go down in history.

We have such a rich cultural history that people are interested to know about. we have our roots in slavery and we should be proud that we built this strong community out of Nothing. No help from the Municipality especially. The development a redevelopment of our town has mainly been done by the community funding and or provincial grants. IDP processes has been run for many years, but what benefit had this had for Pniel as a TOWN.

Food for though:

* Our Church building is one of the most photographed buildings. People find its location interesting.
* Museum
* Monuments
* Horticulture / gardens
* River area / mass graves
* Geography interests –
* Silver mines
* Bicycle renting
* Hiking – even many hiking trails – our charter services can drop and go – pick up and go can all be managed from the info centre witch is closed over weekends by the way.
* B&B
* Home Stays

to be continued…………