The buildings and landscape are highly maintained in one part, and in another unused and overgrown. Tourist guide, Dr Timothy Visser, has been studying it for years – he has lived nearby most of his life and has access to the old hostel area, closed to the public.

It is an apt place to be in South Africa’s Heritage Month with Herbert Baker and Francis Massey architecture on one hand, and old abandoned hostels on the other.

South African history – colonial, industrial and apartheid – comes to life with Timothy’s stories, research and what we see.

Parts of Paardevlei are changing rapidly – it is very close to Somerset West and prime residential with its lakeside and mountain views. A new hypermarket is rumoured by the private hospital. Come and see it before too many more changes.

Saturday 9 September 2023

10am to noon

R350 per person; pre 9 Aug R260 early bird payment

Meet at: Lorenzo Marx Coffee Bar Paardevlei

25 De Beers Avenue

Paardevlei

Somerset West

Do join Timothy and I for lunch afterwards at Lorenzo Marx Cafe; menu here

Available as a private tour, just let me know dates

To book: kate@cultureconnectsa.com WhatsApp/phone +27 (0)72 377 8014

Images: Admin Block ex AECI (De Beers Explosive Works) Baker & Masey 1900 || Ex AECI Power Station 1903 || Culture Connectors 2022 || Old labour compound