Van Reenen - Environmental Studies

De Angelus Estates (Van Reenen)

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.

See also: Introduction to the De angelus Estates

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.

This initial assessment focussed more on current resources and problem areas (e.g. soil erosion, water, alien plant infestations, veldt fires, noise and light pollution) and applicable legislation to be complied, in order to manage these aspects of the development.

Since then, the feasibility of this project has been extensively refined through numerous field visits and many office hours that eventually became this report.
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

The developments collectively form one large functional economic unit or estate.

The development is an Angel Concepts creative component, for Agri Urban Developments. The development in itself is foreseen to reach optimal completion within 10 years of ROD.

Farm management

The farm manager will be responsible for overseeing and managing all development and agricultural activities on this particular farm. He will be assisted by an NSD-accredited Trainer, who will provide training (both practical and theoretical) to staff and trainees on all aspects pertaining to the pecan nut production unit, olive production unit, llama grazing unit and cattle production unit.

The functions of the farm manager and trainer will include, but not be limited to, fire break management, road management and associated erosion control, veldt management and associated erosion control, and the management of the extensive wetland.

The farm Paulina showing the proposed locations of the various developments. Green squares = houses; red dashed line = camp fence lines; solid red line = farm boundary; brown dashed line = access roads; PP = processing and packing shed.

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Point of interest

Pecan nut production unit

The western quarter of the farm will be used to establish an orchard of approximately 35ha of pecan nut trees. This production unit will also accommodate a pecan nut processing, packing and storage warehouse. Teff grass, Eragrostis teff, will be grown between the rows of trees. During the winter months, the grass will be cut, baled and used as horse fodder. Various experts have been consulted, and only hardy varieties recommended by the SA Pecan Growers Association, will be planted.
The Pecan and Olive production units will create numerous full-time training and employment, as well as seasonal (packaging) employment opportunities.

Olive production unit

An orchard of about 10ha of olive trees, suitable to the climatic conditions, will also be established. Varieties such as Mission, Luccino and Frantoio are considered, due to their specific qualities, taking the geographical area and climate into account.

Housing

Investment Houses are to be developed off two lanes. Seven will be built off the “Meandro de Oliva” lane, (Olive Meander) on the north-eastern ridge, along the olive plantation, ensuring views of the Lions Rump mountain peak (F on Figure 3).

Seven houses are to be built at the south- western border, along the “Pinos de Angelus” lane, (Angelic Pines) amongst exceptional Bhutan-pine tree specimens, in close proximity to the pecan-managers’ house at the pecan plantation. (Figure 5) Fourteen houses will be allocated as an investment-exchange-lease programme, spanning 37 years, with national and international subscribers, upon completion.

Apart from provision for the farm managers’ house, abutting the north western corner of the plantation, a well-planned birders’ hide will be constructed adjacent to the extended wetland. This should provide rare opportunities to observe amongst others, the red data species found in the area.

Wild flowers




Bhutan Pines at the Western Boarder of Paulina, where the “Pinos de Angelus” lane is foreseen. 

The views from Geluk (Free State Province)

In reference, is the whole of the farm Geluk 969 in the district of Harrismith in the Free State. Currently there are no developments on this farm other than fence lines, dirt roads, and a number of existing farm dams, whilst the natural veldt was used for grazing by beef cattle. The property is 388.3445 ha in size.

The developments proposed for this farm (Figure 6) are:
Vistas de Cielo lane (“Heavenly Views”)
Farm management house,
Herb production unit,
Alpaca llama production unit,
Small grazing camp exclusively for horses, and
Four staff/trainers houses

Vistas de Cielo (Heavenly Views)

The “Vistas de Cielo” lane will comprise of 10 houses located on the western perimeter of the farm (Figure 5). These houses will be available as an investment-exchange-lease of 37 years, to overseas investors, with the option to renew.
The architectural design will be based on ‘Old Westminster’ designs, and instead of numbers houses will be identified through an angelic name, within the theme of the whole estate.

Homesite

Farm management / trainers’ houses

Three cottages will be built on Geluk - two will be located more or less in the center of the farm and one located on the eastern perimeter of the farm (Figure 5), within view of the farm managers’ home. An additional cottage adjacent to the stabling area, for use of the stabling manager, will be built. The two trainers’ cottages at the centre of the farm will be available to local and international trainers and/or assessors and the eastern cottage will house the Estate Maintenance Manager.
The locations of these houses will provide a strategic vantage point and view in terms of safety and security for the Llama production unit. Trainers, concerned with agricultural activity on Paulina, Geluk and Nolans Volens II, will all be accommodated here.

Herb production unit

The old cultivated land, approximately 35ha, in the northwestern corner of the farm will be used for an herb and fresh produce production unit. This unit will produce herbs that are rich in natural oils. The raw oils will be used for the production of pharmaceutical-grade oils. The Company, BEDADS, will manage this unit.

The fresh produce produced by the farms’ horticultural units will supply the Lugar de Angelus spiritual retreat as well as the local community.

The farm Geluk showing the proposed locations of the various developments. Gold squares = Vistas de Cielo; green squares = houses for management; red dashed line = camp fence lines; solid red line = farm boundary; brown dashed line = access roads; LB = loading bay.

Alpaca llama production unit

The llama production unit is envisaged to cover grazing veldt on Paulina and Geluk , although the core of the unit will reside on Geluk (De Angelus Alpacas). On Paulina, two large fenced camps, making up the eastern half of the farm will be set aside primarily for llama grazing.
On Geluk, four large fenced camps will be set aside primarily for llama grazing as well as a sleeping camp, a loading bay and horse stables. The llama production unit and associated buildings will be in view of the managers’ and staff housing for safety and security purposes.

Llama was selected, due to unique employment opportunities arising from the scope of products that could be produced, as well as the quality grading of their flax. The fact that these animals, due to physical attributes, have less impact on soil structures and are highly suited for the climate was also taken into account. Pioneering work has been done in the US, where Llama, apposed to horses, are used in the rehabilitation of children with physical impediments or personality disorders. The Estates also wish to explore this treatment regime further in due time.

The DAE Weavery will train and employ individuals from within the local community to treat, spin and create products from Alpaca Llama wool, which will be sold locally and internationally. Employees will be granted shareholding opportunities through a trust, especially created for this purpose.

Since cattle are currently being farmed, the grazing will initially be used by cattle. However, cattle sold will not be replaced with new cattle.
A small camp for horse grazing is being set aside, in the southwestern corner of the farm. The horses will be used for horse trails but also for security patrols.

Nolans Volens 2 (Kwa-Zulu Natal Province)

Nolans Volens 2

This farm, Portion 2 of the farm Nolans Volens, is in the district of Ladysmith in the Kwa-Zulu Natal Province. There are no developments on this farm other than fence lines, dirt roads, and a number of existing farm dams whilst the natural veldt is currently used for grazing by beef cattle. The property is 200.0313 ha in size.

The developments proposed for this farm is:

  • 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. Horticultural production unit

Figure 6: The farm Nolans Volens 2 and Scotston showing the proposed locations of the various developments. Pink squares = housing for the spiritual retreat staff; blue squares = houses for family members; solid red line = farm boundary; brown dashed line = access roads; CF = farm house for the farm owner / developer; M = farm managers’ house; SH = staff housing for the school complex; PN = Petronet pump station; OP = De Angelus Business ZONE; thick yellow line = wind turbine farm

An area of approximately 20 ha in size, marked as “horticultural area” within Figure 6, will be used for the construction of nursery tunnels and open fields. The area is currently degraded and eroded, as a result of the construction of the current NMPP pipeline, some years ago.

Tunnels will be used to cultivate roses, nigella and rose-geraniums, amongst others. True Lavender will be planted in open fields. Plants are sourced in terms of popularity, rarity, demand and application. Only plants that will sustain the areas’ climatic conditions will be propagated.

The largest of the tunnels will be 15m x 23m in size. One side of all the tunnels will always face into the predominant wind direction (i.e. westerly wind) and lessen demand for forced ventilation that might’ve been required. Two large dams located close-by will provide water for this production unit.
The horticultural managers’ house will be built northeast of the horticultural area. A retail nursery, De Cielo, selling directly to the public, will be established at the old farm entrance.

The horticultural unit will also sport an extensive earth-worm farming facility, providing scope for greater long term employment as research will be done into the application of wormacide fertilizer, as well as bio-organic insecticides.

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.

Schoolsite

The view towards Van Reenen from the site for the schools’ housing site, “Vistas de Angelus”. 

Tandjiesberg

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

The rectangular area situated to the southeast of the school complex will provide accommodation in the form of cottages: Vista de Angelus (Angelic View) for teachers and other staff members from the school. Thirteen such cottages will be constructed, consisting of ten 2-bedroom (sleeping a maximum of 4 people) and three 3-bedrooms (sleeping a maximum of 6 people). These cottages would be leased to the schools’ staff. The management, service and maintenance would reside with De Angelus Estates. The school complex will make provision for sports fields and a dormitory.

School motto:

There is a Greater Reality
God is omnipresent
Practise Integrity, Honesty & Accountability
You are perfect in the Devine Master Plan, stay in the Light
To have respect, you must first give it to others
Focus. Be diligent and strive for excellence in all you do
Life in itself, comes with responsibility
Love yourself! It will enable you to love and live honestly
Respect the various Kingdoms of Creation
Be grateful that you are blessed with abundant life – express it!

The school will initially open to grades 8 and 9 students, hence it will have its’ first grade 12 class within three years of opening.
The dormitory will house approximately 74 students.

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.

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.

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The developments proposed for this farm (Figure 8) is: Lugar de Angelus (“Place of Angels/Angelic Place”) Spiritual Wellness Retreat, and
Wind turbine farm.

Lugar de Angelus 

The largest development on the De Angelus Estates is the Lugar de Angelus (Angelic Place) Wellness Retreat. It will consist of the Lugar main centre and offices, inclusive of the Shekinah conference facility, which would also serve as an indoor theatre, catering for 900 delegates/patrons.
Other amenities are offices for various treatment regimes, accommodation options, recreational facilities, two Crystal-healing roman-baths, and a labyrinth, Sophia de Elohim, based upon the Notre Dame de Sous-Terre, at Chartres, France.

Lugar de Angelus is to feature a Restaurant Complex, Rosea de Cielo (Heavenly Rose), featuring “a la carte” (Phoenicia), “buffet or reception” (Rosaceae), as well as “terrace & tea garden” (Damascena) options. An Amphi -theatre, Nabucco, will cater for 4 500 visitors, 4 320 seated and 180 stage-front standing/seated.

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Small church in Van Reenen
A small chapel, Angel Rizing, founded on Cistercian architecture, will be available for intimate events.

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.

A Plato below Lions Head mountain range

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

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Text from ALL Holy Scriptures will be displayed throughout Lugar de Angelus. These will serve as references and guidance to individuals who need anewed clarity within the framework of spirituality, sometimes lost within the structures of dogmatic experiences.
Five, three unit clusters, consisting of two-bedroom cottages, for Lugar de Angelus staffs are foreseen within view and walking distance of the main centre and amenities.

The two crystal baths, El…El…Elyon and Eli…Eli…Eli, will be energized through the combination of crystals and light. The baths are dedicated to the Holy Councils.
El…El…Elyon, “Praise to the most High”, is designed unto the focal energies of Metatron, Michaelilu and Melckizedek. These powerful Devine entities are associated with white-light, as well as the complete light spectrum of the fourth and fifth dimensions. The crystals applied to this bath are prisms and quartz crystals.
Metatron, the bearer of the Ten Commandments, represents Keys of Information; Light-body activation and Spiritual Enlightenment.

Michaelilu, or “Michael”, represents the 5th ray, which represents the Throat Chakra- and therefore represents communication and expression. It is the first spiritual ray, and is associated with healing. Michaelilu, is the Protector, the Power and the Will of The Devine, and protects the Power of faith and truth.

Melckizedek controls fourth-dimensional transmutation. He assists with “Merkevah” Light Body development, and his focus applies to the full fourth- and fifth-dimensional transmutational colour spectrum.

Eli…Eli…Eli is a holy mantra of one of The Devine Names. The bath will focus on violet- energy, violet being the 7th ray, has the shortest wavelength. It travels the fastest and is associated with healing transformation and spiritual growth. Violet symbolizes the transition from gross physical matter, transmuting into Devine Light (Devine Alchemy). It vibrates sonic energy frequencies associated with the Archangel Zadkiel, and those omitted from Amethyst crystals.

Cosmic understanding and the “science of spirit” will be taught here, through the training of the Quantum grids.

:: The 3-D generated image of the envisaged Amethyst Bath, Lugar de Angelus, Nolans Volens 6.

The farm Nolans Volans 6 showing the proposed locations of the various developments. Pink squares = various accommodation options for guests; solid red line = farm boundary; brown dashed line = access roads; B = crystal baths; T = tea garden; R = recreational centre; MA = meditation area; thick yellow line = wind turbine farm

Wind Turbine Farm

An area abutting the middle, towards the western boundary of the farm Nolans Volens 6, and the eastern boundary of the farm Geluk, is the most suitable site, in terms of constant wind, for the erection of a wind turbine farm. This farm will be used to generate green electricity for the De Angelus developments. Two possible sites are indicated on the farm Nolans Volens 2, and another within the southern boundary of Geluk.
The farms are also crossed by an Eskom power line, and would be able to hook up and sell surplus electricity. It is estimated that a wind turbine farm of international standards, could be erected, and would enable contribution to the national grid, annually.

Thus it would more than contribute towards supplying the developments’ needs. Delivery would not only provide De Angelus Estates to be self-sufficient in terms of energy concerns, but will also assist in boosting the country’s’ requirements for more eco-friendly energy.

Scotston (Kwa-Zulu Natal Province)

The farm referred to here is Portion 20 of the farm Scotston 4128, in the district of Ladysmith, 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 15.9639 ha in size.
The development proposed for this picturesque area

  • Three small cottages, (Salamande, Devah, Gnome)
  • A rainwater well (Mermaid)
  • And a lookout platform (Sylphs).

Cottages

Three one- bedroom cottages, Salamande (fire), Devah (crystals & sacred sites) and Gnome, (earth) will be available to anyone who would like to visit the estate. A rainwater collection well, Mermaid (water) will be built. The platform, Sylphs, represent the wind, air and sky aspect of the elements.
Thus, the symbolic energies of the Elemental Kingdoms are being balanced in order to “anchor” the subtle energies of Mother Earths’ nature spirits. Phonetic spelling is used in order to harmonize the energies to the angelic 9-vibration. The elementals, including elves, fairies, goblins and undines, will be honoured in correlation to their planetary co-creation functionality, throughout the Estate. Salamanders relate to transformational energy; earth spirits to the soil, fauna and flora; water spirits to emotional-energy balance; Sylphs relate to intuition, imagination and ESP, whilst Devas guard sacred information and angelic communication.

Several text in the Holy Scriptures refer to the Elemental Kingdoms and nature spirits, however, this has always been a point of contention for the 3rd-dimentional thinking of the average man. Thankfully, many native cultures, along with some brilliant philosophers, have kept humanity in touch with this symbolic wisdom, through their art and literature.

Lookout platform

A sturdy wood and stone lookout platform, in correspondence to the Sylphs (air) will be erected close to the edge of the Scotston mountain peak. At a height of 1818 masl, it will overlook the aptly named Windy Corner, the Lost Valley and the Van Reenen Pass. The scenery is outstanding and the views are amazing.

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Matters pertaining to all five farms

Wetlands and alien invasive plants

All five farms contain numerous small streams and small to extensive wetlands (yellow dotted lines); especially in the low-lying areas furthest away from the mountains (van Eeden & Lizamore, 2006). Once these wetlands have been delineated, it will indicate where no development of any kind will be allowed. This will not only conserve these wetlands but also conserve green corridors between wetlands. It will also allow for the proper conservation of wetland-dependant plants and animals. Furthermore, two very large blue-gum (Eucalyptus sp.) forests (red arrows) located within these wetlands will be removed. Current research in South Africa has shown that alien invaders use more than twice as much water when established close to or in water resources as opposed to being established far away from them. Further research has also shown that removal of such exotic trees can restore the water flow in streams and wetlands to its natural state (Cullis et al., 2007). Restoration of impacted wetlands and removal of alien vegetation will also make more surface water available for this development.

Water resources

A number of small to quite large dams (left) occur on the farm Geluk, as well as the adjoining Nolans Volans 2 farm (van Eeden & Lizamore, 2006). There are 9 natural springs and at least one spring (right) occurring on the farm Nolans Volens 2, is known to have provided water to Van Reenen village for many years. During March 2007, it was measured to produce about 338l per hour.

There may be more springs that become active during the rainy season. These sources of surface water will be properly managed and maintained in order to continue providing excellent quality water to the developments proposed for this farm. These water sources will be registered and appropriately licensed with the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry.

The soils in this region are typically sodic soils and therefor prone to erosion. This manifests itself through the formation of subsurface erosion tunnels. Once the roofs of these tunnels collapse, surface erosion will continue. Such erosion is evident on three of the farms (van Eeden & Lizamore, 2006). A number of jobs have been created to repair erosion damage and to put measures in place that will prevent future erosion. At the same time, large tree trunks of declared invader species such as blue gums are removed and used to combat soil erosion.

Involving the local community

All five farms will make up De Angelus Estates. For example, walking trails and horse trails will be developed across all five farms and will be accessible by visitors from the Retreat, as well as residents to the estate. Selected local residents will be employed to develop and maintain the trails whilst others will undergo accredited training as guides. Some restrictions will have to be imposed to prevent damage to the fauna and flora, as the whole development will be aimed at integrating ecology and economy into a sustainable business venture. No off-road vehicles of any kind will be allowed on the Estates. Residents that have excellent local knowledge of the fauna and flora will be trained as conservators.

The township residents will be evaluated in terms of suitability concerning the various NSD-learner ship programmes that the Estates’ education system will offer. Some will be taught to start their own B&B businesses, and/or be trained in organic gardening, trained and employed in arts and crafts, re-use and recycling of solid waste material, llama wool craft productions, amongst many other concepts. The Estate will train, and then employ willing and able people from the immediate vicinity.

Placement and/or projects will be sourced for future students, who have equipped themselves at any of the training modalities. The Estates will provide for an education, training and learning system based upon international curricula and management styles. For example, visiting lecturers as well as students from abroad and locally can provide or participate in workshops and lectures, respectively.

These lecturers and students can be accommodated in Van Reenen and still be in close proximity to the classrooms. In support of this, willing local residents, once they have successfully completed the Estate-Presentation, on how to practice the B&B concept, will be offered the opportunity, to accommodate future students, in their own homes. Other residents will be employed as transport operators, to shuttle visitors and residents around the Estate, to and from Van Reenen and other accommodation options, in close vicinity.

Planning includes the creation of a vibrant local produce complex, “DAE Organic Market”, which will sell the Estates’ grown produce, providing needed fresh produce to the area, in partnership with other participating farmers. It is envisaged that the old post office building, be converted into the “Bluegum Country Kitchen” restaurant, to be created by an independent interested party.

Restored rail cottage in Van Reenen Village.

In partnership with township residents, crafts will be marketed at the old station building, to be refurbished, and converted into the “Van Reenen Station & Art Emporium”, dually serving as the station platform, once the Highland Rail Meander is active.
Talks with Enambithi Municipality, have already taken course, regarding the restoration and application of historic buildings. Most of the buildings in the old village were erected between 1892 and 1924. A complete regeneration programme for this unique little village, is envisaged, without altering its’ wonderful country spirit.

Two old buildings in Mr. Karva’s estate will be allocated for training purposes.

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.

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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Van Reenen’s old Dealer, which will become DAE Organic Market.

The future…

Once the De Angelus Estates has been established, the future is really there for the taking. For example, the Highland Rail-Meander, currently still in draft, is to be created in collaboration with Spoornet, local and provincial Departments of Tourism and all interested parties and communities, in time to come.

The Highland Rail Meander route is envisaged to run between the towns of Ladysmith, Van Reenen, Harrismith, Bethlehem and Ficksburg. The rail route will travel through some breathtaking scenery and will offer the towns unique opportunities in furthering employment and tourism in their districts.
It is thought to call this locomotive Tranz-Drakens, in reference to the fact that it will in fact cross the mountain range en-route.


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.


The viability of converting the existing NMPP pipeline, into a corridor for the transportation of desalinated water, for an in-land Agri-irrigation system, will be discussed with international investors, at a gathering, May 2009. The line will be mothballed by the NMPP during the course of 2015. It is a national asset, and could be applied for this purpose.

Another future expansion is foreseen, once the Lugar de Angelus spiritual retreat has officially opened, is that the Estates wish to introduce the “Little Comrades Marathon” in collaboration with the Comrades Management Board, KZN Tourism Board and the Oaklands Polo Estate.
The route envisaged is approximately 42km long, follows the winding D284, and goes through the Estates and onto part of the S793.

Structural layout of registered structures and classification:

Class 35: De Angelus Estates, business management unit

Class 43: Lugar de Angelus, food & beverage, temporary accommodation

Class 45: Lugar de Angelus, spiritual development, training & lifestyle counseling retreat

Class 41: ACE, Angelus Componental Education, skills development & training

Class 44: Agri Urban Developments, agri-activities, i.e. De Angelus Alpacas, Pecans & Beef etc.

Class 42: Agri Urban Developments, biotechnical research, organic fertilizers & sprays

NB: A second phase extending on the activities of the De Angelus Estates is foreseen after the completion of the activities set about in this report. Additional land is being purchased for this purpose.

Road access:

The primary access route to the Van Reenen village is the N3 national highway (Figure 8). The eastern entrance to the township will be permanently closed off, as it is a traffic safety hazard given the fact that the Van Reenen pass commences from this point onwards. Access to components of the De Angelus Estates, and the Van Reenen Township, will be from the secondary road, S793, to the north of the Caltex fuel station.

A section, of what used to be the old Harrismith-Ladysmith road, will be upgraded; enclosing the old stone bridge (a monument). This road will be upgraded to be the access to Nolans Volens 2, Nolans Volens 6, going around the township. In consideration of safety requirements, the road going through the township will not be used by visitors to the Estate.

The farms Paulina and Geluk have proclaimed access off the same S793. The current T-junction exit onto the N3 highway may be upgraded to a fly-over should the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) decide to upgrade the existing highway.

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