Where in the world is Jonkershoek?

Article, written by Hendry Dawid Kortje,

You can read about a day in his life in the second issue of Brakpan's Voice Newsletter. 

Jonkershoek Nature Reserve (11 000 hectares) which includes the smaller Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve (204 hectares), lies near the town of Stellenbosch. The Reserve comprises the imposing Jonkershoek Mountains which form part of the larger Boland Mountain Catchment and gives birth to the Eerste River, Berg River, Lourens River and the Riviersonderend.

The lower reaches of the valley are a well-known wine producing area. Jonkershoek Nature Reserve functions as a mountain catchment area, providing water for Stellenbosch and surrounds and in the 80’s a dam was built to supply water to the City of cape Town as well. 

The rugged mountainous terrain is ideal for hiking.

Summers here are warm to very hot, and strong south-easterly winds prevail, creating a very serious fire hazard. The winters are cold, often with gale force north-westerly winds. The mountainous topography has a magnificent effect on the rainfall, which is of the highest in South Africa. Snow is not unusual on the higher peaks during the winter months.

The natural vegetation of the Jonkershoek area is mainly mountain fynbos. More than 1 100 plant species are known to occur here of which a number are rare and some are endemic that’s why we don’t allow any drones without permits in the Jonkershoek air space to protect these plants. Distinctive species of proteas can be seen as well as ericas end restios.

Several relic forest communities occur in narrow moist kloofs where they are sheltered from fires and act as a home to at least two families of Cape Leopards. Dense riparian vegetation grows along the banks of the Eerste River and although Oak trees are not indigenous, these trees are allowed to grow on the Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve because of their special historical value. Large Pine stands and plantations are a distinctive feature of the Jonkershoek Valley and occur on the neighbour’s property (MTO).

To get to Jonkershoek, just look for the signage or follow Merriman Street which passes between the university buildings in an easterly direction. As soon as you leave the last residential area, Rozendal, you are A for a way to Jonkershoek.

Where you pass the Lanzerac Hotel on your right, the road makes a wide turn to the right. This road is littered with cyclists and other fitness enthusiasts in the mornings and evenings and should be approached with care. Here the feast of the eyes begin when you drive between the fancy farms of the two rich-asses, Jannie Mouton and the Markus Jooste. On the left side on one of the slopes, Herstein Castle watches the road with hawk eyes. Further down the road the abandoned folk cottages are a sad sight because a year or two ago they were still inhabited by farm labourers who have now been moved by their wealthy bosses. Against their will they are now housed in some of the Coloured residential areas to make a living in RDP cottages with the R15 000 that was stuffed into their hands as a consolation prize. My prediction is that these folk cottages are going to turn into lavish B&Bs in a year or two.

Most of the buildings here are historical and The Manor House was built 1792 and the first oak tree was planted in 1817. This house may be haunted because even during the day, one will get the strangest feelings when you are alone in the house. Even guests have complained of paranormal things happening in this house.

A nature conservator.

A father

A husband

A poet and writer.

©Hendry Kortje 20231101