For years, people in the remote village of Heuningvlei in the Cederberg have relied on tourism and subsistence farming. But devastating floods and heavy rains since 2023 have wreaked havoc on the roads and infrastructure. Popular donkey cart trails had to close for months.
‘Many tourists say it’s the most beautiful place … I agree. But to visit here and to stay here is different. This is a struggle to survive,’ says Johannes Ockhuis, fondly known as Oom Hollie.
Residents of Heuningvlei were cut off in 2023 and this past winter. The roads completely washed away and the power was off for days. The old school building, which closed down due to there being too few learners, was converted into a backpackers. It hosts single hikers or bigger groups, frequently church groups, says Van der Westhuizen.
For months, Van der Westhuizen has not been able to accept bookings from hikers or tour groups because of the road’s condition.
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