Melkhoutfontein
Situated about 7 km inland from Stilbaai, this settlement has grown from a poverty-stricken community into a vibrant town with a very proud heritage.
Brief History
The original farm, Melkhoute Fonteyn was surveyed and subdivided in 1853, and again in 1872 when the Anglican Church acquired a portion of 50 hectare to build houses. This plot formed the original basis of the Melkhoutfontein settlement known today.
Melkhoutfontein was a fishing community, at first fishing for subsistence, but over time it turned into commercial hand line fishery. Against all political and economic odds against them, this community courageously kept up their struggle for survival, building a future for their children.
As a result of the increasing popularity of the area as a holiday resort, trades other than fishing, (such as those relating to the building industry) started flourishing, thus creating new career opportunities. Consequently, after having gained experience and becoming skilled in one of these trades, entrepreneurs started establishing their own businesses.
In turn the successful businesses began employing people and transferring skills, so gradually the tide started turning for Melkhoutfontein and its residents.
More about Melkhoutfontein
Dreamcatcher South Africa
The aim of this non-profit organisation is to help struggling communities improve their quality of life by, among others, empowering community-based tourism development. With their assistance some traveller experiences were set up in Melkhoutfontein.
The visitor will connect with local people and experience heart-warming and un-staged intra-cultural encounters. These include:
CookUp Kamamma – mouth-watering local traditional food experiences
Homestay with Kamamma – local accommodation in comfortable amicable guest house settings
PaintUp with Kamamma – celebrating the rich cultural heritage: murals beautifying more than 30 houses depicting the social and cultural history of the area. Designed and painted in collaboration with the community.
WalkAbout Community Tours – visitors are educated about local traditions, culture and history by very knowledgeable local tour guides.
More to Experience
Melkhoutfontein also offers some interesting tourism activities like a visit to the Melkhoutfontein e-Centre where artworks and audio-visuals take visitors back to a bygone era.
Hessequa Art Route – Wall art at Melkhoutfontein Sporting Grounds: Local artist Christo Gelant, assisted with the mural of blitsbok Darren Adonis.
Community Services
The Melkhoutfontein Community is taken care of in different ways, such as the Melkhoutfontein Primary School, Sunbeam Crèche and Ouma Lena se Huis/Seesterretjie Kindergarten. Also the Melkhoutfontein Clinic, Soeterus Home for the Elderly, Public Library, and St Augustine’s Church, the New Apostolic Church, and more.