Potch or Tlokwe...

We were so looking forward to are stay with Steven & Richardt – and after our break-down adventure it’s extra super great to finally arrive.

They live in Potchefstroom – or Tlokwe; these name changes in South Africa are confusing...

“In 2006 the local municipality decided on a name change for the city, the municipality and a number of important street names, favouring ‘Tlokwe’ as the new name. The municipality changed its name to ‘Tlokwe City Council’, but the city’s name remains Potchefstroom.”

“Since the first democratic election in South Africa in 1994, a number of changes have been made to geographical names in the country. It can get a bit confusing, as mapmakers struggle to keep up, and roadsigns aren’t immediately changed. In many instances, the ‘new’ names were existing ones used by parts of the population; others are new municipal entities.

Richardt, Henk, Maud’s leg, underneath one of Richardt’s works of art. It’s so great to be back here! And to catch up, get new music (just love the best indie of 2011, and the ‘final’ 80’s playlist), roam around Potch, visit their new favourite bars - busy schedule:-) We can follow the new art projects online of course, but it’s way better to talk about it live.

about Richardt

As always the food is delicious! Steven is an excellent cook, and as a bonus for Maud he always comes up with yummy vegetarian dishes.

One of Steven’s works of art. We finally saw his book about the destruction of history. He documents historical buildings that are being demolished, and the modern structures they have to make way for.

about Steven

Thanks to S&R we make great headway with our ‘Lekker Alleen’, new working title ‘Vinger Alleen’, project; a cascade of brilliant ideas keeps flowing. Beer, Bunnies – guess that’s plenty for the perfect L/V Alleen B-day experience.

Back to history: Potchefstroom, the oldest town in the North West, was established in 1838 by a group of Voortrekkers led by Andries Hendrik Potgieter. The name was derived from POT (gieter), the Voortrekker leader, CHEF (the leader, referring to Potgieter), and STROOM (the Mooi River). Until 1960 it was the capital of the old South African Republic, of which the first president, Marthinus Wessel Pretorious, was sworn in at Potchefstroom. Potch has played an important role in South Africa’s constitutional, cultural and religious development.

about Potchefstroom 

more about Potch 

Tlokwe - Potch