Van Reenen - Development

 

The approach of integrating agricultural and urban development together with education, training, physical health and spiritual wellness as well as upliftment and job creation all in one central hub is a unique developmental concept in South Africa. There exists only one other example of this kind in South Africa and that is the proposed agri-urban development to be located at Roadside in the Free State.

The creators of the project are the owners of five farms that are located to the north of the township of Van Reenen. Two of the farms are located in the Free State Province and three of the farms in the Kwa-Zulu Natal Province of South Africa.

The township of Van Reenen is in turn located between the towns of Harrismith and Ladysmith. Van Reenen is approximately 310 km’s southeast from the metropolitan municipalities of Thswane, Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni as well as the OR Tambo International Airport (all located in the Gauteng Province).

The owners/developers chose these surroundings after careful consideration of locality, accessibility, climate and historical value, as well as considering the economic need and/or lack of skilled individuals in the local and surrounding communities.

In short, the intended developments proposed for these farms include:

  • A pecan nut production unit,
  • An olive production unit,
  • Alpaca llama breeding and production unit,
  • Horticultural production unit for the growth of oil-rich herbs for pharmaceutical-grade oils,
  • Houses to serve as accommodation for farm manager’s, staff and accredited trainers,
  • A number of luxury houses, to be leased to local and international investors,
  • An international school complex and associated staff quarters,
  • Office park (an oil press, distiller, class rooms, packing & storage warehouse, offices, etc.),
  • Houses for the owners and family members involved in the development,
  • International spiritual retreat and wellness center and associated accommodation,
  • Two wind turbine farms for the generation of electricity,
  • The conservation of wetlands for endangered and Red Data-listed birds, and
  • Creation of an accredited education, growth and upliftment hub, amongst others.
  • This approach of integrating agricultural and urban development together with education, training, physical health and spiritual wellness, upliftment and job creation all in one central hub is a unique concept in South Africa. There exists only one other concept of this kind in South Africa that the authors are aware of, and that is the Agri Urban Development at Roadside, Free State Province. The authors of this report can confidently state that none of the urban and commercial developments in South Africa can match the regional, national and international socio-economic benefits that these two developments aim to produce.

    The location of the five farms in relation to the township of Van Reenen and the provincial boundaries. The N3 Highway is the only primary access route to the farms.

De Angelus Estates

Nolans Volens 2

View Nolens Volens Site development plan: (255Kb)

Development plans include:

  • Heavenly Meadows farm homestead or a Guest House, Pradera de Cielo
  • Managers house (horticulture),
  • Horticultural production unit and retail nursery, De Cielo (Heavenly),
  • International school, dormitory and staff housing,
  • Wind turbine farm
  • De Angelus Estates Office Park, and
  • A house for family members.

Heavenly Meadows farm homestead or Guest House

The farm owners/developers wish to build the homestead or a boutique guest house (Pradera de Cielo) on this farm. The total number of people that will be accommodated at the homestead would be nine, and in the case of a possible guest house; it would have facilities to accommodate fifteen guests. It will overlook the farms Paulina, Geluk and most of Nolans Volens 2.

There are aspects to the development that can only be conclusively finalized, once the EIA for the greater development is completed towards May of 2009.

The magnificent natural forests boost many indigenous species, i.e. Geelhout, Natal Salie, Coral Trees, Outiniqua Geelhout, rich shrubbery, and unequalled fauna and flora, perceived only to be found in and around Heritage areas.

International school: (“Royal Dutch School of Higher Education”)

The development of an international secondary school, dormitory and sport field complex is proposed. It will be within the area between the railway servitude and the current Post Office tower access road. (Fig.6) Provision for 270 students, 54 per grade, who wish to be educated within the scientific, mathematical and classical art domains, is envisaged. The school is to follow the Dutch curriculum, tuition being English with Dutch as second language. This will provide excellent tertiary study opportunities to the students.

Tandjiesberg

Northern views towards Nelsons’ kop and Tandjesberg from Nolans Volens 2.

Sample Wind Turbine Farm

Wind turbine farm

The area north of the Telkom and cell phone towers seems to be a suitable site, in terms of constant wind and accessibility, for the erection of a height restricted, wind turbine farm. This farm will be used to generate green electricity for the De Angelus developments. It is also close enough to an Eskom power line, creating an opportunity to connect to, and sell surplus electricity to the national grid. Attention is given to position, height, bird flight lines etc. as not to disturb the skyline unnecessarily.

De Angelus Estates Office Park is located due south of the Petronet pump station and will accommodate an oil press & distilling plant, laboratory, processing, packaging and storage warehouse, a number of classrooms and two office blocks. Initially, De Angelus Estates will occupy this office park only, but as more investors buy into this unique eco & socio-economic development project, so will more office and warehousing space be made available for rental.

House for family members

A house will be built just south of the Escom servitude with access from the existing forestry/railway service road. This house will be used by local as well as internationally resident family members, as it is foreseen to co-opt some members within the vision of skills development of the Estate.

6

Nolans Volens 6 (Kwa-Zulu Natal Province)

The farm referred to is Portion 6 of the farm Nolans Volens 2384 in the district of Ladysmith in the Kwa-Zulu Natal Province. Currently there are no developments on this farm other than fence lines and dirt roads whilst the natural veldt is currently used for grazing by beef cattle. The property is 202.9229 ha in size. The developments proposed for this farm is: Lugar de Angelus (“Place of Angels/Angelic Place”) Spiritual Wellness Retreat, and
Wind turbine farm. Van Reenen’s old Dealer, which will become DAE Organic Market.

 

 

The library, to be named the Albert Luthuli Library, after our SA’s own “Chief of freedom”, who became president of the ANC in 1952. Luthuli was a visionary, teacher and devout Christian; an earth-angel amongst people and the first African recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, in 1960. The library will feature a screening room, selected books, CDs and DVDs, the Namaste Coffee Shop, as well as a retail facility, Infinito, selling selected media.

The central meditation area, Ligero de Angelus (Angelic Light) is to be neatly laid-out and accessible, but still completely part of the natural landscape, and will be situated below the Worlds View mountain peak, therefore offering solitude and peace to the wary souls that visit this unique retreat.

Although the Retreat will sprawl over more than 200 hectares of land (Figure 7), including exceptional mountainous and vale areas, it is based upon low-density development, with the various amenities of the retreat located relative distances from each other. This allows the guests to remain in touch with nature during a week or weekend visit, but still be able to attend sessions or services, all within walking distance. The accommodation components will comprise of seven clusters, named after the Seven Heavens: Vilon, Raqia, Shehakim, Machanon, Makon, Zebhul and Araboth.

Initially, the clusters will contain a total of 54 two- and 109 three bedroom accommodation units, totalling 163 facilities. Each unit will sport luxurious finishes, focusing on stylish comfort, in order to facilitate spiritual unity in family- and/or relationship structures. The units will sleep four or six guests per unit. The retreat is to eventually consist of 252 units, i.e. 37 units per cluster.

The main hiking route, Meandro Angelica (angelic meander) will lead across breathtaking terrain up to the Lions Head range, and will incorporate obelisks, displaying the 72 Holy Names. Secluded meditation spots are to feature information of the nine angelic orders, (ultra intelligences) their domains, special meditations as well as information tablets displaying the sacred geometry of the Pillar of Light, or soul path.

Practical workshops will become a regular feature at Van Reenen village. Topics include health issues, community awareness, drug and alcoholism awareness and many others that could be on offer.

Furthermore, every year a number of students from disadvantaged communities will be selected to enroll in the private school by means of an international sponsorship program.

Lugar de Angelus (Pty) Ltd, De Angelus Estates (Pty) Ltd as well as Agri Urban Developments (Pty) Ltd, will contribute social responsibility funds in the De Angelus Foundation, students all over South Africa can apply for and enrol to study with the help of these contributions.

This invaluable project will recieve funding from organisations through Tambhura Property Investments (project development) & Agri Urban Developments (agricultural development). The Roadside project recieves its funding from Roadside Village Development Art 21.

A Plato below Lions Head mountain range

World’s View over Natal, from the farm Nolans Volens 6.

Main Road in Van Reenen

The main road entering the Village of Van Reenen. 

Railway Bridge

The Old Rail Bridge that needs to be protected below Nolans Volens 6.

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The view from Paulina towards Nelsons kop and Tandjesberg.

Some of the breathtaking views that forms part of the farm Nolans Volens 2

Secretary Birds

Secretary Birds are still free to roam the area undisturbed. 

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The development is an Angel Concepts creative component, for Agri Urban Developments.