goedverwacht

Goedverwacht meaning "High Expectations", is situated near to Piketberg and is accessed by and excellent tarred road off the R399, between Piketberg and Velddrif.

Situated in a fertile and well-watered valley on the West Coast the townis characterized by gardens filled with flowers and thatched roofed houses. An aura of peace, tranquillity and timelessness surrounds it.

The land originally belonged to a widowed farmer, Hendrik Schalk Burger. When the emancipation of the slaves was in sight, he asked his slave, Maniesa (originally from Bengal, India and the last slave in South Africa), and her five children and son-in-law to stay on the farm with him and care for him until his death.

In his will, he left the farm to Maniesa and her children with the instructions that when all her children had died; their descendants should sell the farm and divide the proceeds.

His own children challenged the will in court but it was upheld and remained in Maniesa's family's hands until 1888 when her last child, Hester, died. Her grave can still be seen in the graveyard.

Maniesa's descendants then decided that instead of selling the farm on open auction, they would sell it to the Moravian Missionaries for 750 Pounds in 1889 and to this day Goedverwacht remains a Moravian Mission Station, the money being divided among them as stated in Hendrik Schalk Burger´s will.

The church plays an important role in the lives of the God-fearing hard-working Goedverwacht inhabitants and is a National Monument. Owing to its close proximity, it was run as a unit with the older Wittewater Mission for many years.

The village is situated in a fertile and well-watered valley and is characterized by simple thatched homes with brightly painted windows and doors and gardens full of flowers. The church and parsonage were built by the villagers and are constructed of local stone. Other interesting buildings include the school, the Mission Store and the watermill, which is now being restored.

The Peerboom ("Pear Tree") Hiking Route has been developed which leads from the old graveyard through the mountains behind the village to emerge above the neighbouring village of Wittewater. The route can be walked in a day, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, and features beautiful views over the Berg ("Mountain") River valley, indigenous Fynbos ("fine leaved") vegetation and amazing rock formations. There are many spots for picnicking on the outskirts of the town or at the nearby settlement of Wolfkloof.

Guided tours and meals can be arranged. The town is currently seeing a revival of the traditional organic farming methods and fields, which have been lying fallow for years. The produce is available on occasion from the Mission Store.

The church, its festival and actiities still form the focus of community life in Goedverwacht and visitors are welcome to attend a service.