Steytlerville Municipality, Karoo

The Karoo is one of the World’s most unique, arid zones. In South Africa it stands alone, globally it is an: "envied rarity." Situated in the Western parts of the Eastern Cape. "Steytlerville is the home of peace and tranquility." Here one can rest, relax, refresh yourself and recharge the inner batteries of your soul, while exploring and enjoying yourself by indulging your need, for some unusual entertainment. As is common with many of the far flung Towns and Villages of the Karoo, Steytlerville had its origins as a parish for the Dutch Reformed Church. In the arid Valley between the Groot Winterhoek Mountains and the Baviaanskloof Mountains to the South and the Grootrivierberge to the North, the Farm; 'Doorspoort' was a welcome oasis for the Voortrekkers or Nomadic Farmers. These were the first settlers in the District. The Farm was purchased by the Dutch Reformed Church, in Uitenhage in 1875 to serve the spiritual needs of the local farmers and the Town was subsequently established in 1876.

Steytlerville was named in honour of the Reverend Abraham Isaac Steytler, a Minister of the Dutch Reformed Church and later Moderator of the Cape Synod between 1909 and 1915. Steytlerville became a Municipality, in 1891. The original Church was built in 1876 with some 300 members, however this first Church was replaced with the large neo-Gothic style Church in 'Sarel Cilliers Street' on the site of the original Town Square. The new Church was designed by the architect; F.W.Hesse and built by building contractors from Cape Town, H.H. Moon & Ledbury.

During the Anglo Boer War the town was garrisoned by British Troops as a protection against raiding Boer Commandos. In 1911 work was begun on a steel bridge to span the Groot River in the direction of Uitenhage. The bridge was officially opened in in 1913 and named the Lady de Waal Bridge honouring the wife of the Administrator of the Cape Province at the time, Sir Frederick de Waal. The Bridge was washed away in the flooding of the Groot River in 1916 and 1921. On both occasions it was rebuilt and remains today unused, due to its replacemnet, by a concrete bridge spanning the tempestuous Groot River in 1974.

The introduction of Merino sheep into the district, in 1915 was an important factor in the growth and development of the district for many decades and together with the Angora goat they have been farmed, in the district since 1870. This has been the central in the economic well-being of the community. In more recent times and largely at the instigation of; the former Minister of Agriculture and Water Affairs, Sarel Hayward whose roots were in Steytlerville. Many farmers introduced indigenous wildlife to their farms, given the precarious grazing conditions, resulting from persistent drought in the District. Fortunately nature has endowed Steytlerville with, exceptional beauty and it is known for its astonishing variety of semi-desert vegetation which includes dwarf shrubs, tiny succulents, umbrella-shaped wild plum trees and ancient cycads.

Visitors to the small Karoo Town will immediately be struck by the Town’s exceptionally wide; Main Street. This was designed when the Town was established in 1876. This allowed ox wagons to turn around at both ends. Nowadays the wide streets are divided by flower boxes planted with Bougainvilleas and the street lamp poles are adorned with the coats of arms of families associated with Town and Area. The Town’s houses provide beautiful examples of Edwardian and Victorian architecture. Steytlerville lies in the heartland of the Mohair production Area. The Angora goats, which produce the mohair, thrive in the natural Karoo scrub and dry climate which is just perfect for mohair production! Port Elizabeth, which lies South-East of Steytlerville, is known as the Mohair Capital of the World because most of the mohair that is produced Internationally, passes through its brokerage and processing systems. The surrounding area that adjoins Port Elizabeth has developed an agriculture/tourism product known as: the Mohair Meander. Tourists are encouraged to visit working mohair Farms and see for themselves how products associated with mohair are made! Then to share in the Karoo lifestyle of the Area that produces this rare natural wool.  Several outlets along this route sell mohair products.

Steytlerville lies at the entrance to the Eastern parts of the 'Baviaanskloof' and showcases a host of architectural gems like: 'quaint Edwardian- and Victorian-era houses with tin roofs and large street-facing verandas complete with 'broekie' lace and stained glass windows.' "This is one of the best Towns the Karoo has to offer is Steytlerville, with its Bougainvillea-lined streets and horse-drawn carts, it is a 'diamond' waiting to be discovered!"