Citizens of the Greater Republic of Swellendam had gathered outside the beautiful building to listen to the Proclamation and Exhortation to the Citizens, which re-declared the Greater Swellendam area as a Republic, exactly 216 years after the first declaration. It had been a wonderful day, which had celebrated all that it is good about country life and living in South Africa.

In the new shopping mall, opened only 20 days previously, young people from the community performed: the Barrydale “Blikkies Band” featured amazing drumming gymnastics on their recycled paint tins, and also demonstrated their talents as ‘riel dansers’,  two groups of young dancers from Railton, the local township, sang and performed traditional cultural acts, and the Psyclonics, an award winning hip hop group were stunning in their home choreographed act. A group of local musicians formed a band for the day “The Republicans” – and they were so good that it is unlikely that they will be just a one day wonder.

Under the oaks at The Old Gaol Restaurant on Church Square, with its fine views of the dramatic Moederkerk, an old fashioned kermis took place – traditional roosterkoek were baked over the coals, there were arts and crafts, home made sweets, cakes and fresh produce, buskers – the trees were wrapped in colourful Republic colours, and the atmosphere was one of family, fun and friendship.

But the final and most splendid part of the day was reserved for the evening, when, as the sun set in glorious fashion behind the Langeberg Mountains, which form the backdrop to this most unpretentiously beautiful country town, the Curator of the Drostdy Museum, Johan Kriek, stepped forward in full costume to read the Proclamation of the Republic of Greater Swellendam.

“NOW, THEREFORE, I, Johan Kriek, Curator of the most revered Museum of the Drostdy, of the Municipality of Greater Swellendam,  representing Bountiful Barrydale, Beautiful Buffeljags, Incredible Infanta,Magnificent Malgas, Splendid Stormsvlei, Stunning Suurbraak, and Superlative Swellendam, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Greater Swellendam Tourism Organisation  and the laws of the Republic of South Africa, do hereby proclaim that on this day, June 18^th 2011, 216 years after the original declaration, The Greater Swellendam area has once again become a Republic.   From henceforth every June 18^th will be declared Republic Day, a day of fun, frivolity and balloons, and I call upon children, families, educators, librarians, public officials, farmers, fairy godmothers, musicians, and all the people of the New Republic to henceforth observe this day with appropriate celebrations, ceremonies, dancing, and joyousness.”

Fuelled by gorgeous youngberry liqueurs from Wildebraam Berry Estate, the newly fledged Citizens arose and enthusiastically repeated the Exhortations.  Cannons were fired, champagne corks were popped and a new era was ushered in.

Arise, then, citizens of the Republic of Greater Swellendam

Arise, all those of you who love, protect and believe in the power of peace and love and new shopping malls !

Say firmly:
‘Our sons and daughters shall continue to wage war and achieve victory on the fields of tou trek

Our berries and birds and bonteboks will stand firm in the forefront of uniqueness

Our history and heritage will not bow down under the yoke of commercialism and five rand shops

We will celebrate our eccentricities and strange ways and embrace and welcome all those who sojourn in our land

We will offer a magnificent place of feasting, soft places to rest weary heads, and service on a golden platter to all those who come with their English pounds, American dollars and Euros

We will promise to maintain and preserve the beautiful land with which we have been endowed, respecting the animals and birds with which we share it. “

Arise all citizens of the Greater Republic of Swellendam and Go forth and have fun!

Brainchild of the Greater Swellendam Tourism Organisation, who have been working to find a way to unite the seven towns which comprise the Swellendam Area, and to create an awareness of the variety and richness of the area which will equal many of the other better known destinations, the launch of the Republic is the beginning of a mission to establish the area as one which celebrates country life, simplicity, good food, home comforts, friendship, outdoor adventure, hospitality at its best and unparalleled service.  “Unplugged” is the word which perhaps best describes the thinking behind this – already the area is well known for its Unplugged Festival in February, and Joubert Tradauw wine farm in Barrydale has one of the best wine labels in South Africa – Unplugged 62.

An Ambassador scheme was announced at the evening: this scheme is designed to encourage local people to learn more about their area and to be able to help passing tourists and visitors with service and information. More schemes are in the planning stages, for example a passport and border control are being created.

Hout Bay had success in declaring itself a republic some years ago, but what Swellendam has that Hout Bay hadn’t is the fact that Swellendam has a historical precedent.

Swellendam’s New Republic has a mission and an aim: it is a “A Republic of community, unity, love, art, music, good food, and beauty. A Republic in which people show that they care about one another and about the environment in which they live, that they treasure wildlife and nature. A Republic which draws together the towns and villages that make up the Greater Swellendam Area – Barrydale, Buffeljachts, Infanta, Malgas, Stormsvlei, Suurbrak and Swellendam”

By Amanda Shackley of Impangele in Swellendam

Free Fan Fests are being held in all South African host cities

Not all fans will be able to get their hands on coveted 2010 Fifa World Cup™ tickets, but they’ll still be able to experience the biggest soccer extravaganza in Africa at live Fan Fests – official public viewing events – in all nine host cities.

Millions of fans are expected to watch the matches live and experience the unique World Cup ambience in these outdoor areas. Entrance to the Fifa Fan Fest™ is free, with all 64 matches to be broadcast on giant screens in a safe and secure environment.

Fan fests in Gauteng

In Johannesburg, close to Alexandra township and the Sandton central business district, lies Innes Free Park, the venue for the Sandton Fan Fest. This park, with its rolling grass and water features, will provide a picturesque location for the event, with the Sandton skyline as a backdrop.

Soweto soccer fans will watch all World Cup matches at the Rockville Fan Fest at Elkah Stadium. The venue is conveniently located next to the Thokoza Park station of Johannesburg’s new bus rapid transit system. Up to 40 000 people can be hosted at Elkah Stadium.

In Pretoria, fans will be able to watch all matches at the Centurion Cricket Ground, located just outside the city’s central business district. With both seating and standing options, fans will be able to view all the games on the 50 square metre screen, with entertainment between games.

Cape Town’s Fan Walk

In Cape Town, the Grand Parade will host all soccer lovers. It is situated at the heart of the city and has undergone extensive upgrades in preparation for the tournament.

Getting to the Fan Fest will be easy, with the overhauled Cape Town Station just a few hundred metres from the venue. Or through the Fan Walk, which stretches from the Cape Town Stadium through the centre of Cape Town to the Grand Parade.

Fan Fest on the beach

Durban’s Fan Fest is the only one in South Africa situated on the beach – and with the city’s all-year round warm weather, fans will be in for a real feast. The Moses Mabhida Stadium is also within walking distance from the Fan Fest.

In the Free State, the Fan Fest will be located at the Mangaung Outdoor Sports Centre in the township of Rocklands, 15 minutes from the Bloemfontein city centre.

Within the venue, five-a-side football pitches will be available and fans will be able to get to and from the Fan Fest on a dedicated shuttle that runs from the centre of town.

In Mpumalanga, Bergvlam High School will host all soccer lovers. It’s located just outside the Nelspruit city centre. Ample parking spaces will be available within walking distance of the Fan Fest, with the city providing alternative transport arrangements to ensure that people are able to move between the stadium and the fan fest with ease.

In the Eastern Cape, the Port Elizabeth fan fest will be based at St Georges Park – the oldest park in the city and the site of the second-oldest cricket stadium in the country.

Soccer fans will be able to get to and from the stadium on shuttle buses, or will be able to drive there and park in secure parking areas within walking distance from the venue.

Hospitality packages

In Limpopo, the Polokwane Fan Fest will be based at the city’s 107-year-old cricket club situated a short distance from the new Peter Mokaba Stadium. There will be both seating and standing options, with great views of the giant screens. Hospitality packages will also be available for those who wish to enjoy a more exclusive viewing experience.

In the North West, the Fan Fest will be based at Fields College in Rustenburg, a short distance from the city centre. With a capacity of more than 20 000 people, the venue will be able to cater for those of you who aren’t lucky enough to get your hands on one of the elusive match tickets.

Both parking and alternative transport arrangements will be in place to ensure easy access to the on¬site festivities.

Official public viewing events

Official public viewings events were first launched by Fifa at the 2006 World Cup, when more than 18-million fans gathered at the 12 official events, transforming Germany into one of the greatest fan parties of all time.

Apart from the South African host cities, Berlin, London, Mexico City, Paris, Rio de Janeiro, Rome and Sydney are also locations for the official public viewing events of football’s flagship tournament.

In South Africa, the Fan Fests will be organised by the host cities together with Fifa and the Local Organising Committee, with the international Fan Fest cities and Fifa taking responsibility for the international events.

Source: SouthAfrica.info

Die Tuishuise at Cradock

Designed for families, honeymooners, weekend lovers, culture trippers, foodies and cross-country travellers, the Cradock World Cup Fiesta has a little something for everyone:

Fun:
Farming fun: Farm Tours, Donkey Car Rides, Farmers Markets, Boeresport
For the Kids: Egg Hunt at Egg Rock, Clowns, Making Movies, J Board Challenges
Karoo Cooking Courses: Potjie Making, Slow Food, Lamb and Venison, Kitchen Gardening
Food: Victoria Manor, Karoo Kraal, Mila’s, Marachinos, Country Living, 1814
Fireside: Chatting, Long Lunches, Charity Knitting (Part of Our Giveback To The Community)
Craft Courses: Mosiac, Scrapbooking, Pewter, Beading, Photography, Soap Making and Decourpage
Adventure Sports: Flyfishing, White River Rafting, Abseiling, Paintball, 4×4,
Tours: Gluwein and Ghost, Township, Town Walking, Birding
Shopping: Karoo Shop, Country Living, Quaint, Treasures, Playtime
Soccer Games: Local and World Cup
Tastings: Biltong, Roosterkoek, Whiskey
Music and Dance Classes: Ballroom, Hiphop, Guitar

Nature:
Outings to the Zebra Park: Ranger Day, Recyling, Hiking Trails, Environmental Days, Bush Braais
Outings in and around town: Bird Watching, Hiking, Predatours Wildcats, Stargazing

Cultural:
Heritage: Cradock Four, NG Kerk, Olive Schreiner & Fish River Museums, Graveyard, Dundas & Bree Street, Cradock Club
Xhosa: Introductory Xhosa lessons, Folklore, Ubuntu Talk, Vusubuntu
Afrikaans: Literature, Michausdal Stoep Stories, Huiskonserte
Pudding, Port and Poetry Evening
Hum and Sun Massages by Local Xhosa Girls
Concerts: Huiskonsert,
Potjiekos and Stargazing
Boeremusiek Bokjol
Exhibitions: Windpump Photography, Karoo Photography, Art
Movies: Karoo, Cult, Kiddies

Festive:
Voorkamer Fees, which takes place on 17,18 and 19 July, targeting Grahamstown Festival attendees and performers en route to the Festival, looking for a place to stopover or do a last performance practice

Schreiner Festival, Celebrating Olive Schreiner, 2, 3 and 4 July, where famous writers Ettienne van Heerden and Stephen Gray will be the guests of honour.

Cradock hopes to make this an annual event.

Come and celebrate The Beautiful Game, the Awesome Karoo and the Best of Cradock this winter!

Hotrod racing at Killarney

SA HotRods and the Western Province Motor Club (WPMC) have partnered to bring you the most eye-popping, action-packed day of motoring magic to date, the SA HotRods Street Festival 2010.

Prepare to be amazed at Killarney Racetrack, on Sunday 23rd May.

Expect spectacular drag racing, drifting, gymkhana and a motor show. The day promises to entertain all! With an auto market, kid’s corner, live entertainment and food stalls, it’s bound to be a blast!

This all under one massive marquee tent! So no matter the weather, the show will go on! Keep an eye out for local celebs and press too.

While you are being absorbed by all the action on and off the track, you can drop your kids off at our kid’s corner where professional minders will look after and entertain your children with jumping castles, face painting, and so on.

So for a day of motoring mayhem, be sure to get there early to be one of the lucky few who are in on all the action!