Hartbeespoort Surrounds
Alphabetical list of South African towns

                                      History of Hartbeespoort
 

                               A heart breaking beginnings.

General Hendrik Schoeman, original owner of the farm Hartbeespoort was also a farmer, decided that the community could gain from having a dam built to provide water and irrigation. He started in 1896 to build a dam wall in the Crocodile river, at the kloof where the river runs through, just were the railway line runs today in Meerhof. It was originally call Sophiadam after his wife. It cost him a massive Ł10,000 to build, an absolute fortune in those days. It was in those days the largest dam in the southern hemisphere and could provide water for the whole community.

Around 1905, a Sweed by the name of August Karlson, started construction on the dam wall as we know it.  In the Schoemansville area. But with much financial problems in the country at that stage and with the onset of war, the building was terminated. 

                        

In 1918, construction was started again and the farms were bought and divided up for residential areas. Roads were tarred. The farm school had to be broken down to make way for the water building up in the dam. After the temporary dam was washed away by torrential rains in May 1921, all construction was stopped. The engineer left out of pure frustration. The morale of the builders and community was low.

The council eventually employed a young, but able engineer F.W. Scott, to complete the wall. In September 1923 the road was laid across the bridge, making it the new “main” road between Pretoria & Rustenburg.  The main road in Hartbeespoort was then named Scott Street. The dam wall was built in an odd shape called a “Triomfboog”. Taken from Roman architecture for its strength to retain water. It is not repeated anywhere else in South Africa.

The dam used 250,000 bags of cement from PPC, rock was taken from the east side wall and sand was used from the river bed. Drinking water was provided by a natural fountain on the top of the mountain and accessed by a pipe line running through the mountain made from jam tins surrounded by cement.

In 1970 the dam wall was raised a further 2,4m and slues gates were installed, thus allowing the dam to fill to 205 million cubic meters of water.

The dam was mainly used for agricultural irrigation on the farms just below the dam wall and up to 60 km to the east and 58 km to the west via channels.

Many of the houses built in those days have been used for municipal buildings and are now tourist attractions (Tan Malie).


Still to this day, as it was from the beginning, when the dam overflows, tourists come from far and wide to see the spectacular. It has happened that the cars have been backed up all the way to Saartjiesnek (a good 10km distance).

Many thanks to Mrs van Zyl of Laerskool Generaal Hendrik Schoeman.  

   

To accentuate this, an arch is built on the wall to symbolize a gateway. It is a copy of the Arc de Triomphe in Parys. This shape is repeated in the Union Buildings, another major Historical Building.

During construction on the dam wall the children of the laborers were taught in a temporary school just behind the construction.  

alice ART Gallery Owner Tienie Pitzer or Contact Ilse Botha  "For the ultimate Experience in Art"  A place of beautiful expression. Original art by well known artists on display. Take the time to visit this gallery in tranquil surrounds. Also see "Fresh Talent"  where young artists have the chance to exhibit and show what they have.  110 Scott Street, Schoemansville, Hartbeespoort. Contact 083 325 0358 Fax: (088) 011 958 0723 web: www.looking4.co.za/aliceart.htm or www.aliceart.co.za e-mail: aliceart@global.co.za 

Highland Upholstery  Owner Martie van Tonder or Contact Magda Rheeder "Give your furniture or car a new lease of life"  Upholstery and restoration of furniture and vehicle seats. Experience and personal supervision of all work is the combination for success in this dynamic enterprise.  Let us renovate that old chair, couch or sentimental piece of furniture and add some years to its life. "Riempies", chairs and antiques are welcome. We also make comforters. "The BEST Workmanship at the BEST Prices in Madibeng" Shop1, Cassiem  Street, Schoemansville-Hartbeespoort. 
Martie 082 493 9968 Magda 083 376 2741 Fax: (086) 511 0133 web: www.looking4.co.za/martie.htm  e-mail: martie@absamail.co.za 

looking4 ►                                               Broederstroom 
Benlize L O D G E  Owners Bennie and Elize Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the bush, where bird watching, hiking, swimming or tennis are some of the activities available at this rest haven.  A popular escape for businessmen, couples or groups.  Close to Pretoria and Johannesburg.  Units are fully equipped for self catering. (Sleeping 2,4,7 or 8 people)  certainly the most beautiful views of the dam. Discounts from Monday to Thursday. Bookings only!  Broederstroom Area. Tel/Fax: +27 (0) 12 205 1055  or  Fax: +27 (086) 632 6081  Bennie 082 338 3977  web: www.looking4.co.za/benlize.htm  or  web: www.hartbeespoordam.com\benlize.htm email: benlize@mweb.co.za  

Broederstroom Country Butchery Owner - Mike Concalves  "Your specialized Meat Shop! Worth a Visit"!   Five Star Country Butchery and Continental Delicatessen. Wide variety of pre-packed picnic and braai packs. Best beef, biltong, beef sausages and dried wors in the Country,  Variety of Seafood's including: Prawns, Calamari, Crab sticks, Kingklip and Snoek. "Restaurants and conference centres welcome! We Supply and Deliver!" Gourmet cold meats and salads. Our herbs and spices, oils, sauces and condiments will make you come back for more. This unique store evolved out of the oldest family food store in Broederstroom and still maintains the tradition of service and quality from years gone by. Open Weekdays - 07:00 -18:00 Sat - 07:00 -13:00.  Church Street, West,  Pretoria,  Broederstroom. +27 (0) 12 205 1120/205 1012 
Fax: +27 (0) 12 205 1921 web: www.looking4.co.za/bstroomcountry.htm e-mail: amgon@mweb.co.za  

Broederstroom Liquor Store  Owner - Johnny Rodrigues Jnr. This modern bottle store in the country is a supplier to lodges, bars and restaurants at wholesale prices. "Over 100 Wine Estates" provide the widest selection of wines and Spirits. "Choose to Booze" We cater for functions, weddings, parties and special occasions. Church Street West, Pretoria, Broederstroom. +27 (0) 12 205 1924  Tel/Fax: 12 205 1921 or 082 877 9991 web: www.looking4.co.za/bstroomliquor.htm e-mail: jando@mweb.co.za  

BROEDERSTROOM MINI MARKET (inc.) T-JUNCTION FARM STALL Owners - Johan & Hannie Grundling or Contact Suzette 
"Your One Stop Mini Market."  We stock a wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, milk, cheese and butter fresh from the farm.  Try our homemade bread (Boerbrood) and Cakes. Chutneys, jams, pickles and preserves to choose from.  Take-Aways or a snack from the grill, including roast pork, lamb, beef, chicken and turkey.  Also on the menu is: Lasagna, curry and rice, spare ribs, dagwoods, hamburgers, vetkoek & mince, viennas & chips, Russians, boerewors rolls and a variety of pies (Riversands original chicken pies - spinach pies), Clean & Hygienic.  Trading hours: Mon-Sun 07:30 - 20:00.  (P31) end (R513) T-Junction from Lanseria to Broederstroom.  +27 (0) 12 205 1202  
Tel/Fax:: +27 (0) 12 205 1106/1779 or +  Fax: 27 (086) 631 5406  Johan 082 452 9716 Hannie 082 789 7188  Suzette 072 272 0908 web: www.looking4.co.za/tjunction.htm e-mail: johan@asera.co.za  

NIKITA Portuguese Restaurant -Accommodation - Pub & Grill Owners - Tony and Rosa  Visit us 4 "True Portuguese Cuisine"  Breakfast, lunches and dinners are served in ambient atmosphere in the restaurant or outside on the porch.  This is a family restaurant and we are children friendly. (See the playground).  Fully licensed bar and winery "Live Music" and regular dancing shows with a company from Brazil are some of the exciting things that happen here.  Corporate events and functions.  Reserve accommodation in advance 2 avoid disappointment. Plenty of Secure parking. Open 7 days a week.  (R512) Lanseria Road, Kalkheuwel, Broederstroom.  Contact:- Restaurant:  
+27 (0) 12 205 1027 Office:  +27 (0) 12 205 1132 Reservations: +27 (0) 12 205 1363 Fax: +27 (0) 12 205 1241  web: www.looking4.co.za/nikita.htm

 looking4 ►                                                        Damdoryn 
Chameleon Village Owner - Richard Crooks or Contact James  This is a destination!  One of the finest destinations you will ever reach, where you will see and experience the finest things.  Crafters leave goods on consignment for traders to show. Artists display their own art, ranging from copper art, brass mouldings, wood and stone, carving and paintings. Exhibits of hide; bead and woodwork are to be seen on more than a hectare of market space, making this the largest craft market in the world. Pottery, water features, garden pots and ornaments are but some of the things that keep visitors enthralled for hours. Lots to eat and drink with a variety of International cuisine and seven eating places to choose from. Fun for children, jumping castle, jungle gyms and play park.  Animals, reptiles and fun fare are just some of the many interesting things to do. "CLICK TO SEE THE WEB"  Then come see for yourself. N4 Old  Rustenburg Road, Damdoryn, Hartbeespoortdam.  +27 (0) 12 253 1451 Fax: +27 (0) 12 253 1462 Richard - 082 900 1794 James - 072 326 7125 web: www.looking4.co.za/chameleon.htm e-mail: james@chameleonvillage.co.za 

 looking4 ►                                                               Melody 
*H*M*Z* Plant & Tool HIRE Owner Rodney Zietsman or Contact Lizette  Lawnmower sales, service and hire.  Hire of mixers, rammers, compactors, grinders, generators, welders, water pumps and jack hammers and general tool hire. "We manufacture and sell power outage plants to your requirement".  Deliveries local.  (R511) Caltex Service Centre, Melody,  Hartbeespoort.  +27 (0) 12 253 1555 Fax: +27 (0) 12 253 1777 Rodney 082 210 1655  Lizette 082 831 4873 web: www.looking4.co.za/hmztool e-mail: hmz.serv@lantic.net 

looking4 ►                     Hartbeespoortdam -Outside Listings  
 looking4 ►           Representation in other towns               

Chigo's Fried Chicken - Take-Away & Restaurant Owner - Eileen Hendry  Our breakfast; Lunch or Take-Aways and Flame grilled chicken are always talked about. Browse through our Arts & Crafts section, to see: gifts, clocks, art, jewelry and table cloths. While seated in our licensed restaurant, try some of "The Best of the Best in Biltong"  you have ever tasted. You'll know why everyone comes back for more... This country store also stocks homemade bread, sweets, jams and preserves. Debit & Credit cards welcome. 20 Rustenburg Road, Magaliesburg. (1st. Shop on your right from Krugersdorp), 
Tel/Fax: +27 (0) 14 577 4551 082 787 7051 web: www.looking4.co.za/woodendeck.htm  e-mail: wartarts@mweb.co.za  

CRETE UNIQUE Owner - Hennie van Buren-Schele  Enhance your home or office with a choice from a wide range of wall cladding, tiles, pots, pavers and cement products. Plot 466, Krokodildrift-West District Brits. Tel/Fax: +27 (0) 12 252 6382 or 083 351 7952 web: www.looking4.co.za/creteinique.htm  

CRYSTAL FEELING - Owners - Chris and Kait Berry or Contact - James  (Floor Manager) or Salome (Masseuse)  
"South Africa's premier retail outlet specialising in crystals, minerals, fossils, gemstones, jewelery, books and CD's"  **CRYSTAL CAVE SCRATCH PATCH**  HEALTH & BEAUTY SALON - Massage therapies:- Hot crystal, Swedish massage & Bioptron treatment available, Peppermint foot, Stress relief. BEAUTY TREATMENTS:- Facial, Manicure, Pedicure. "Crystals have the power 2 help us along life's journey by expanding our consciousness and helping us 2 reconnect 2 ourselves, 2 others and 2 the universe." The Akasha Centre, 15 Rustenburg Road, Magaliesburg.  +27 (0) 14 577 2182 or Contact James (Floor Manager) on  Office No. or on  083 741 2510 or Salome (Masseuse) Office No. or  072 020 9472 or ask at repection. web: www.looking4.co.za/crystalfeeling.htm  or  www.crystalfeeling.co.za e-mail: info@crystalfeeling.co.za 

Destiny Guest House & Tea Garden Owner - Andrč du Plessis Enjoy the peace & quiet of this private 
"Home from Home" with it's farm and country setting.  Holiday accommodation or weekend get-aways. Private Tea garden for guests, TV, Self catering or catering.  Air-conditioned. Bring your own meat or we provide braai packs.  Parties, functions, conferences, small weddings. Also incorporating scenic 2km mountain trail, 4X4 track and walking trail situated in the Witwaters Mountain range. This track is rated @ 3-4. Ideal venue for club meetings. Ext. Van der Hoff Road, West Moot, Pta-Swacina Park. Tel/Fax: +27 (0) 12 377 0361  or Contact Andrč on 082 892 3751 web: www.looking4.co.za/destinyhouse.htm  e-mail: adsupply@iafrica.com 

Drum Rock Owner - Marie Jones or Contact - Charlotte A welcome break for the weary traveler or just the right spot to "Wet the whistle". Relax inside the Rock under the thatch and experience real hospitality.  Snacks and meals are homemade to order.  Come for refreshments and a game of pool or just good conversation - (We will be back!! - looking4.)  JQ-5, R560 Brits -Magaliesburg Road. Situated in Hekpoort. Marie - 082 667 0613 or Charlotte - 076 888 9944 web: www.looking4.co.za/drumrock.htm  

MultiGas - Specialist LP Gas  Owner Wilkie Els. Contact  "My Reputation Your Peace of Mind"  *Designers and Installers of Gas Supply Pipeline. *Suppliers & Installers of Fireplaces, *Braais, *Stoves *Geysers. Replacements, repairs and service of all the above as well as Gas gauges. Accredited agent of LP Gas.  All gas lines installed and designed according to LPG  standards.  No. 7  Pieter Street. Brits. 082  861 0565  Fax: +27 (0) 12 252 5618  web: www.looking4.co.za/multigas.htm  

SCHIETFONTEIN GLASS & ALUMINIUM  Contact  - Attie van der Walt   *Flat glass *Showers *Tinting *Alunimium sliding, patio doors & windows *Sandblasting *Mirrors *Motor glass.  Free Quotation.  Available 24/7.  We sandblast your design onto glass and mirrors.  We invite enquiries from Brits North-West 2 as far as West-Rand and greater Johannesburg. (R513)  Plot 38, Schietfontein, De Wildt.  Attie -  082 820 1965  Fax: +27 (0) 12 504 1497 or Fax: +27 (086) 631 5397 web: www.looking4.co.za/schietglas.htm  e-mail: attieglas@yahoo.com  

SKEERPOORT VERSPREIDERS  (Pty Ltd) and Mini Market  Owner - Tokkie Botes or Contact Marina or du Toit Botes  This versatile centre provides ATM, pre-paid electricity and air-time facilities as well as a postal agency.  The superette stocks all the usual groceries and stationery, making delightful take-aways to feed hungry travelers. "FUEL TRANSPORT" is one of the main functions of this distribution centre who deals in diesel, petrol, paraffin, gas (LPG), anthracite, lubricants, coal and maize meal.  Wholesale  prices.  We also do tyre repairs. +27 (0) 12 207 1104 Fax: +27 (0) 12 207 1079  or +27 (086) 631 5392  Marina  - 082 924 3015  Du Toit  - 082 874 4234  (R560) Skeerpoort. (Next to NG Church). web: www.looking4.co.za/sverspreiders.htm e-mail: sv@emcom.za.net 

SOHO Systems cc - t/a  SOHOISP - The Internet Services Division of Soho Systems South Africa - now offers Dialup and Broadband Internet Access, Email, Web Mail, Faxmail (Email-2-Fax), Web Site Development (Content Management Systems, Blogs, and Wikis), Web Site Hosting, Web Site Marketing (Search Engine Optimization and Link Exchange), and Really Simple Syndication (RSS), nationwide. AGENTS NEEDED. For more details, please phone the office at 
+27 (0) 28 316 3684 email info@soho.org.za, or visit http://sohoisp.blogspot.com/. web: www.looking4.co.za/soho.htm or www.soho.org.co.za  (Recommended by Existing members of looking4 Small Business Club)

 Spedeworth MOTORSPORT SA Owner - Rudy Myburgh or Contact Jan or Rieta  See the King of Motor Sport! Hot Rod Track with fully equipped workshop, where conversions take place, chassis building and all sorts of repairs to hot rods.  Race meetings. (See the next event)  No. 3 Richards Bay Street, Kirkney (Ext. 6)  Pta-Mahem. (Also see Vereeniging Raceway)
+27 (0) 12 372 0118  Fax: +27 (0) 12 372 0097 Rudy 082 556 7762 Jan 082 372 2567  web: www.looking4.co.za/spedeworth.htm  e-mail: rudy127@lantic.net

The Bond  (Sonlia 10) Pty Ltd. Wedding and Conference Centre. "4 THE ULTIMATE UNIQUE WEDDING EXPERIENCE" This venue was specifically designed and built 2 suit your every need.  If you are planning a wedding, 21st, anniversary, corporate function or just a good old party: - then let the professionals assist you 2 make your event a success.  At "The Bond" we pride ourselves in the spacious hall, chapel, dance floor and gardens.  We cater in and out, do all the necessary decorating and draping and will advise you on issues that we do every day.
+27 (0) 11 955 6212 (Johan)  Ben - 082 959 5414  or  Leonie - 072 263 2865  (R560) Hekpoort.  800m from (R563) Towards Magaliesburg.  web: www.looking4.co.za/thebond.htm