Entering the town of Christiana, potholes make their presence known, as is the case in just about every town in South Africa, and the wind chases empty plastic bags across the street.
However, first impressions don’t always last. Upon meeting some of the local businesspeople and residents, one quickly realises that work is being done behind the scenes to restore the town’s infrastructure, clean it up and keep it clean. Employers are creating job opportunities, and the town is opening itself up to visitors, potential new residents, and investors.
Where it all began
The then Transvaal government established Christiana in 1870 to maintain law and order along the Vaal River after diamonds were discovered downstream. Not long after, diamonds were found around the town and in the river itself, and the town grew rapidly.
Around 1910, diamond diggers ordered a ‘delver’s bell’ from Germany, in which the miners could work and recover diamonds from the gravel below the surface of the water. In 1919, the bell was transported in sections by 17 ox wagons from what is today known as the Port of Cape Town and assembled on site.
Unfortunately, in 1921, the bell sank, trapping some miners inside, and they drowned. Attempts to recover it failed when it broke apart, and no further recovery efforts have been made since.
Economy, investment, and infrastructure
Christiana’s economy is driven by a mix of small businesses and larger agricultural-focused enterprises. The region is well known for its agricultural production, including maize, groundnuts, potatoes, and seed potatoes, as well as a large cattle feedlot.
Local businesses are competitive and active, supported by the surrounding farming community, which plays a significant role in the local economy.
A group of concerned residents established the River of Hope non-profit organisation (NPO) with a simple focus: to assist the municipality in restoring Christiana to its former glory. One of the biggest challenges is ensuring safe running water to all parts of town, followed by filling and repairing potholes, cleaning the streets and keeping them clean.
River of Hope also aims to attract tourists to the town by promoting its activities and facilities, including the 40km stretch of uninterrupted water on the Vaal River, from Christiana to the Vaalharts weir, which is ideal for boating, water-skiing, and other water sports.
Magda Laubscher, spokesperson for River of Hope, says it is her mission to uncover and share the town’s ‘gems’. The NPO works to support community development, keep the town clean and tidy, and increase and maintain tourism.
Tourism and recreation
Fishing is a popular activity in the area, with regular competitions held along the river. Barbel, yellowfish, and carp are the most common catches, usually kept for personal consumption. Access to the Vaal River is available from municipal grounds, and boats can be launched from Riverbend Camp in Christiana on the Vaal.
The area is also rich in birdlife, and birdwatchers can expect to spot several species along the river.
Visitors can enjoy sundowner trips on the river, with several operators offering experiences on the water. Annual events such as ‘Anything that Floats’ add to the local attractions.
Adventure activities include two shooting ranges, one of which offers a crossbow facility, as well as hiking trails with overnight facilities on a nearby farm.
Several of Christiana’s original buildings remain, including the town’s first bank, and ghost tours are also available.
The bridge over the Vaal River was built in 1921. Before that, people and goods crossed by ferry. At Surrender Hill, San rock engravings can be viewed by prior arrangement.
Community services and lifestyle
A range of accommodation options, including guest houses, means there’s no excuse not to stop and stay in town, while several restaurants and other eateries offer a variety of menus to satisfy all tastes.
Leisure facilities include a golf course, gym, beauty salons, and a massage parlour for days when you don’t want to spend time on or next to the river.
Healthcare services are available through a hospital, clinic, pharmacy, and several doctors.
For those considering settling in Christiana, the town offers nursery schools, schools, businesses, and retirement homes, and 17 churches cover seven denominations.
Agriculture in Christiana
While in the area, Farmer’s Weekly visited the Vaalharts weir, Rascal Seed Research Laboratories, Wesgrow, and Beefmaster Group.
The Vaalharts weir was completed in 1938 and raised in 1967. It supplies water at a rate of 40m³/s via a 1 176 km-long network of purpose-built canals, irrigating 39 820ha of crops and supplying industrial water to six towns.
The weir forms part of the Vaalharts Irrigation Scheme, which includes the extensive canal system that supplies the region. It also supports the roughly 40km stretch of river between Christiana and the weir.
Rascal Seed Research Laboratories is one of the largest producers of Generation 0 (G0) potato minitubers in South Africa. Operations are conducted under sterile conditions to prevent contamination.
Imported tissue material from various potato varieties is cloned in the laboratories, and G0 minitubers are grown in sterile soil in climate-controlled, insect-proof greenhouses from plants produced in the tissue laboratories.
Wesgrow Potatoes is a farmer-owned company established in 1964. It distributes a range of seed potato varieties to farmers for planting. Potato farmers in the area also deliver potatoes for distribution to consumers. Wesgrow not only takes the interests of farmers it serves to heart but also invests in the community by supporting and sponsoring school and sporting activities in the region.
Beefmaster Group purchases high-quality cattle in South Africa and other Southern African countries and supplies premium beef to South Africa and international markets. Cattle are finished at the company’s feedlot in Christiana before being transferred to Kimberley in the Northern Cape, where the head office and processing facility are located.
Beef is prepared to client specifications and shipped to its destination. The public can also purchase products at various retail outlets in Christiana.
You’re invited
If you’re travelling along the N12 and spot the turnoff to Christiana, visitors have an open invitation to stop, stay, and explore the town.
Visit River of hope to learn more about Christiana.
