The Coast of Dreams

HISTORY OF ”DIE PONT”
THE FERRY OVER THE BERG RIVER
AT VELDDRIF 1899 – 1950

Extracts per kind permission of Abraham J Brink, author of ‘TROMMELVLEI”

The historical town of Velddrif is situated on the banks of the Berg River. It’s origin can be attributed to the rich fishing waters of the West Coast. The name “Velddrif” was derived from the words “drif in die veld, directly translated this means “ford in the field”. However, when attempting the translation the true continuation is lost.
To facilitate business and communication with the surrounding towns and Cape Town, it became apparent that the building of “Die Pont” was a necessity.

The first ferry at the “drif in die veld” was managed by Willem Tolken. It was successfully operated between 1899 – 1950.

The ferry consisted of 2 poles planted on either side of the river bed and was operated by hand using a pulley system. However, when laden wagons crossed over the ferry, tractors were hooked up to the pulley system to cope with the heavy load.
Payment was levied depending on the size of the load. For instance, a buggy pulled by two horses cost half a crown or 2 shillings and 6 pence! Pedestrians paid a nominal, negotiable fee. The maximum load was two motor cars.
In 1950 “Die Pont” was replaced by a bridge. This bridge was opened by the Administrator of the Cape, JG Carinus on 17 June 1950 and still serves the community.

LAAIPLEK

Laaiplek, or “Loadingplace” as it was formally known, is situated at the mouth of the Berg River. The other name by which it was known is “Rooibaai”. The historic, traditional fisherman homes in the area are still known as” Rooibaai” houses. They are designed by Robin Ellis BA (ARCH) MURP (CAPE TOWN), who is resident in Laaiplek, and are a popular choice of local homeowners.
Carl Stephan (of Norwegan descent) was a successful fisherman in the area during the early days. His boats were regularly seen traveling up the Berg River to transport goods to and from the farmers as far up river as Kersefontein. These goods, once they reached “Loadingplace”, were transferred to larger ships bound for Cape Town.
The name “Loadingplace” can still be seen on the grave stones of the Stephan family who are buried in a tiny cemetery at St Helena Bay.

DWARSKERBOS

Traditionally Dwarskerbos is seen in relation to the “kersbos” (Euclea Racemosa) and it is believed that the name has been derived from this indigenous species.
However, the story is told that local farmers, transporting their goods to Laaiplek, stopped overnight at “uitspanplek” (outspan place) to water their oxen and rest at this half way point near Rosyntjie dam. At this particular location the “kersbosse” grow in abundance and would often grow across “dwars” the wagon trail. The south easterly wind also blew the “kersbosse” at what appeared to be many cross angles “dwars”.
An interesting fact is that when the wind blew in a southerly direction, the wagons camped (kuiered) on the north side or the “kerbosse”. However, when the wind was northerly the wagons would camp on the southern side of the “kersbosse”. Each wagon driver was never short of a “vaatjie witblits” (vat of a strong white alcoholic drink). It is believed it came from the farm Brakkuil, halfway between Elands Bay and Dwarskersbos. The brew was aptly called “Brakkuil se Blits” (Brakkuil’s strong alcoholic beverage)!