Dwarskersbos History and Heritage

From a Sandveld Farm to a Seaside Village — The Story of Dwarskersbos

Tucked between the rolling dunes and the vast Atlantic Ocean, Dwarskersbos is a West Coast village where history, nature, and community come alive. Just 170 km north of Cape Town, this quiet Sandveld settlement slowly grew from a handful of farms and coastal homesteads into the seaside village beloved by locals and visitors alike.

To truly appreciate Dwarskersbos today, we need to look back to its beginnings — a time when the wind sculpted the dunes, the sea shaped daily life, and hardworking farmers and fishermen built the foundations of the community. Here, every wave, every dune, and every stretch of shoreline tells a story — the story of Dwarskersbos.

Acknowledgements

This story grew from the voices and memories of those who know Dwarskersbos not just as a place — but as home. It’s shaped by the people who have lived its stories, walked its beaches, and quietly kept its history alive through time.

My heartfelt thanks to Stiaan Binnemann, whose stories, and deep knowledge brought the past to life; to Lokkie van Zyl, for her guidance and her love for the heritage of our area; and to Gina Smit, for kindly allowing me to photograph the old farm where so much of the Dwarskersbos story began.

My heartfelt thanks to Stiaan Binnemann, whose stories and deep knowledge brought the past to life; to Katriena Hysamen, for sharing her memories and wisdom of the village; to Lokkie van Zyl, for her guidance and love for the heritage of our area; and to Gina Smit, for kindly allowing me to photograph the old farm where so much of the Dwarskersbos story beg

I am equally thankful to George Nimb, Hector Skinner, and all the many others who have shared their memories — whether through conversations, Facebook posts, or treasured photographs. Through each of you, the heartbeat of our seaside village continues — in every memory remembered, every photograph shared, and every story that drifts back with the tide.

Every effort has been made to share this story as faithfully and accurately as possible, drawing on local memories, family accounts, and available records. Some details may differ between tellings — as stories often do — but that’s part of what makes the history of Dwarskersbos so special. It remains a living story, still told and retold by those who carry this village in their hearts.

The Story Behind the Name

Every town has a story behind its name, and for Dwarskersbos, the story is as unique as the village itself. There are a few versions, but the two most often shared by longtime residents and families with deep roots go like this:

One version comes from an old saying:

“’Wa dwars agter die kersbos” — meaning “The wagon stood sideways behind the Kersbos bush.”

In those early days, people often described places in full sentences rather than single names. This phrase marked the spot where wagons once stood dwars agter die kersbos. The bushes were said to be so large that wagons could truly stand sideways behind them, offering passing travelers a welcome shelter against the coastal winds. Over time, the phrase was shortened to Dwarskersbos, a name carrying both story and place in one breath.

Another version focuses on the Kersbos itself, a hardy indigenous shrub that still grows along the dunes today.

Another version focuses on the Kersbos itself a hardy, indigenous shrub that still grows along the dunes today.

• “Dwars” (Afrikaans for “across” or “sideways”) reflects how the bushes grow, shaped by the West Coast winds
• “Kersbos” refers to the tough, salt-loving Euclea polyandra, perfectly suited to the sandy, sea-swept coastline.

Dwarskersbos isn’t just a place name—it’s a direct link to its wild coastal heritage. It honors the twisted, sideways bush that provided shelter and became a symbol of resilience. Every time you hear the name, think of the wind, the sand, and that tenacious plant leaving its lasting mark on the Sandveld.

The Founding of Dwarskersbos

Long before Dwarskersbos appeared on any map, this quiet stretch of the Sandveld coast was alive with people and stories. Trek-net fishermen hauled in their catches from the surf, farmers came to the sea to rest after the harvest, and families gathered for New Year’s picnics beneath the wind-shaped bushes along the dunes. It was here, among the sand and salt air, that the roots of Dwarskersbos first began to grow.

By the mid-1800s, the names Dwarskersbos and Soverby were already familiar to the togryers — transport riders who travelled this coastal route with ox wagons. These names marked trusted resting places, chosen for their access to fresh drinking water for the oxen. The togryers’ road wound behind the dunes, where the sand was firmer and the journey easier.

Official records mark 1920 as the founding year of Dwarskersbos, established on the Smit family’s farm — land they had owned since the mid-1800s. Many locals recall the village only began to expand later, when sections of the coastal farm were divided into plots. That was when the beach village truly took shape, laying the foundation for the seaside community we know today.

The First Owners and the Smit Family Legacy

The land that would become Dwarskersbos has a long layered history. The first to graze livestock here was Jan Myndertz Cruywagen, and by 1770 it had passed to Martin Melck I. When the perpetual lease system (erfpag) began in 1813, Martin Melck III applied for several farms, including Dwarskersbos, officially receiving the grant on 11 February 1839.

In 1852, Coenraad Kotzé of Langvlei bought the farm, renting it to his son-in-law, F.G.H. Huisamen. After Kotzé’s death in 1864, the land was divided: Huisamen’s wife inherited a quarter, Theunis Erasmus Smit bought half, and Dirk Smit a sixteenth. The remaining three sixteenths stayed unclaimed due to the coastal terrain and scarce fresh water.

By 1885, Theunis Daniël Petrus Smit had purchased both his father’s share and the Huisamens’ portion, consolidating the scattered pieces of the farm. After his death in 1894, his descendants inherited it, and it has remained in the Smit family ever since. With each succeeding generation, Dwarskersbos slowly evolved. It wasn’t a sudden revolution, but a continuous, subtle development shaped by the people who called it home.

The legacy of Dwarskersbos as we know it began with Alexander “Alk” Smit, (born on 15 July 1893), and his school sweetheart, Magdalena Malan. They married in 1921 and moved to the family farm, turning it into a home and the foundation of a thriving seaside village, raising six children and weaving the Smit legacy into the community. Through their care, hard work, and vision, they shaped the village.

Alk planted the first bluegum trees in the farmyard, personally watering them every Sunday.n 1915, he made local history by buying a six-cylinder Buick in Cape Town, becoming the first person in the Sandveld to hold a driving licence.

He didn’t just leave land behind; he left a lasting legacy of fairness, kindness, and community spirit. His vision and generosity built the foundation of Dwarskersbos — a village shaped by the same warmth and neighbourly care that has endured for over a century. As you continue, you’ll see how his influence and the Smit family’s dedication remain alive in the village, its people, and the way the community comes together today.

Alexander “Alk” Smit and his wife Magdalena.
Photo credit: Pamela Roux

Life on the Early Farm and the First Houses

As the first families settled in Dwarskersbos, life revolved around the rhythm of farming and fishing. Oom Jan Thiart and his sons, Coenraad and Frederick, were among the earliest farmers, planting wheat and keeping sheep and goats, mostly for their own use, as Oom Jan had ten children to care for. They rented land from Oom Jan Smit of Klein Klipfontein, and later Oom Dirk Theart joined to help care for the goats.

Later, Jan Thiart and his son Coenraad built homes closer to the sea, turning to fishing for their livelihood — a tradition that would soon become part of the Dwarskersbos way of life.

In 1921, when Alk Smit began farming, he was joined by three families — two van der Westhuizens and a Vermeulen — who settled as bywoners to help with the daily work. Together, they planted grain, tended to sheep, goats, and cattle, and worked the land with horses pulling the ploughs. At that time, about eight families lived in Dwarskersbos — the first roots of a community that would one day grow into the village we know today.

In those early years, houses were sturdy and unpretentious, built from stone with reed thatch roofs. The walls were low, with small windows and doors, while floors were made of clay, polished smooth with a mix of cow dung. Builders also used a special cement made from shells and sand, gathered along the nearby coastline. The whitewashed walls, coated with lime or yellow clay, glowed softly in the sunlight — a humble, timeless beauty that still inspires West Coast homes today.

Living by the Sea — Reed Fish Houses, Fishing Traditions, and the Trekke

Life in early Dwarskersbos was deeply tied to the sea—its generosity, its moods, and its unspoken rules. Fishing wasn’t merely a job; it was a way of life. In those days, Soverby bustled with activity, and along the shoreline lay gentle slopes known as trekke, each with its own name—Soverby, Bakenbos, Die Stompe, and others. These were the favored fishing grounds of local trek-net fishermen, who worked the West Coast with their long seine nets, following traditions passed down through generations. The air was rich with the scent of salted fish, wood smoke, and pipe tobacco. Fishermen shared stories and laughter, while children watched, learned, and helped with the cleaning and brining of the day’s catch. Small bakkies, the fishermen’s boats for hauling nets and fish, dotted the dunes, and every reef had its own name—known only to locals—guiding the men safely through night waters. The trekke stretched from Laaiplek down to Elansbaai, forming a living chain of families, traditions, and the ever-changing sea. Resourcefulness was vital; in one unusual practice, the blood of trek oxen was used to strengthen ropes and nets, a testament to the ingenuity of those who worked this rugged coast.

A timeless scene of community effort: Fishermen pulling in a net during a traditional trek fishery at Dwarskersbos, showcasing the rich coastal heritage of this historic fishing village. Photo credit: Natasha Tolken Smit

What began as a way to feed families soon grew into a way of life. After the Great Depression, trek-net fishing became a full-time calling for many of the local men. It was often said—without contradiction—that the best fishermen came from Dwarskersbos. Many of the skippers who made their names in those early years grew up here—men like Piet Tos Smit and his sons, Andries Eigelaar and his sons, Klippies Thiart and his sons, as well as Enneric, Johnnie, Floors, Allert, and James. In their veins flowed farmer blood, and over time the lines between farmer and fisherman faded. These farm boys made being a fisherman not just a livelihood, but a proud profession—one that carried the rhythm of the tides and the spirit of Dwarskersbos itself.

Each trawl group had its own fish house on the dunes, often built from fluitjiesriet (reeds) and fitted with cement tanks for salting and preserving the day’s catch—mostly harders (mullet) and maasbankers (horse mackerel). Fish were packed into small barrels, or ballas, for storage or transport. Right here on the shoreline, much of the day’s catch was also turned into bokkoms. The fish were carefully cleaned, soaked in brine for several days until the salt penetrated the flesh, then threaded onto strings to form bossies (bunches) and hung out to dry in the sea breeze.

Money was scarce, and bokkoms sold for just a shilling (10c) per hundred. Children helped wash the fish in the sea, earning a few bossies as payment, which they could trade at the local shop for treats such as dates—a bossie of 50 bokkoms cost a sixpence (5c), the same as a pound of dates. Today, these sun-dried mullet remain a cherished West Coast delicacy—a living link to the generations who once worked these waters, their hands shaped by the tides and their lives bound to the sea.

From fishermen at work pulling in their nets to bokkoms ripening in the sun – a glimpse into Dwarskersbos rich fishing heritage. Photo credit: George Nimb

Over time, Soverby and the other trekke fell quiet, with many of the old cement tanks gradually swallowed by the shifting shoreline. Today, Soverby is a peaceful restaurant, yet now and then the sea stirs up the past—exposing a brine tank and reminding us of the proud fishing tradition and community that once thrived along these dunes.

A serene Dwarskersbos shoreline captured by Hector Skinner, featuring an old cement brine tank weathered by time and nature. A quiet testament to the area’s coastal history

As the years went by, the familiar rhythm of the trekke began to change. What had once been a way of life built on teamwork, tides, and tradition slowly gave way to a new era along the coast.

Fish factories gradually became more common on the West Coast, bringing an end to the days of traditional trek fishing. Two prominent factories played a pivotal role in this transformation.

In January 1942, shareholders including Jameson Welding and Engineering Works and Federale Volks Beleggings established Marine Products in Laaiplek, linked to Laaiplek Fisheries. The farm was purchased in October 1942, and the company officially registered as Laaiplek Fisheries in November 1942. Production began in May 1943, with permission for canning granted in September 1943. An original “rantsoenvis” facility followed around 1946, later rebuilt and mechanized in 1949, marking the beginning of a more industrial era on the coast.

Meanwhile, in Velddrif, Irvin & Johnson applied for land in 1943 and purchased it in July of that year, forming the African Inshore Fisheries (AIF) two months later. Production began in July 1944, and by 1949 operations were in full swing. This new factory signaled a clear shift from small-scale, traditional fishing to modern, industrialized methods, introducing a new rhythm to daily life along the Berg River.

The old African Inshore Fisheries factory in Velddrif — where the tide began to turn for local fishermen. It marked the shift from traditional trek-net fishing in places like Dwarskersbos to a new, industrial era along the West Coast.
Photo credit – Niki en Danie Tolken.

The Eigelaar family also played a pivotal role in the growth of Velddrif’s fishing sector. The Eigevis Group, founded by Andries Johannes Frederik Eigelaar, contributed to modern fishing practices and the development of local infrastructure. In the 1950s, the group was involved in establishing the South African Fisheries Museum in Velddrif.

Summers of Community: Music, Braais, and Togetherness

n 1933, Mrs. Smit brought the first seaside accommodation to Dwarskersbos with the construction of the Badshuise (Bath Houses), near what is today Orgidee Street. The design was simple but practical — two long blocks, each with two rooms, a kitchen, and another two rooms at the back, mirrored on the opposite side. Altogether, the buildings offered sixteen rooms, two kitchens, and bathrooms, with a broad cement stoep stretching across the front, where the long veranda became a stage for evenings filled with music, conversation, and camaraderie — perfect for gatherings, laughter, and the lively dances older holidaymakers still remember fondly.

These rooms quickly became a beloved West Coast holiday destination. As demand grew, six more flats were added, each with a room and small kitchen, welcoming even more visitors to enjoy the simple rhythm of seaside life.

Summers in Dwarskersbos were filled with community, music, and laughter. The sounds of concertinas and guitars drifted through the warm evening air, mingling with the crash of waves and the laughter of children. Families camped between Dwarskersbos and Soverby, many near Leliestraat, sharing the Badshuise toilets and an outdoor kitchen.

One holidaymaker fondly recalls the “krip”, a lively circle where dancing continued until sunrise. Oom Freddie Mostert would pull up his chair and start his accordion, playing cheerful boere musiek — as the saying went, “As Oom Freddie eers die stoel nader getrek kon, jy ma weet, nou issit sulke tyd” — everyone knew the fun was about to begin. Often, Andro Tredoux joined in with playful yodels, while Oom Crisjan Haan strummed his guitar and Willa Orrel sang freely without his stammer. Accordion and concertina players kept spirits high long into the night, and the music, laughter, and rhythm of the waves blended into an unforgettable celebration of community and joy, making December holidays the highlight of the year.

On Christmas Eve, Freddie Mostert, Oom Awie, Stoffel, Flota, and others would ride through the streets on a lorry, their carols filling the still night air. Just before midnight, the whole village would gather — reminded that the magic of summer lay not just in sunshine and sea, but in friendship, song, and memories shared under the stars.

The caravan park came later, but unfortunately, the exact date could not be traced. Initially, it was just a square plot, cleared and fenced, and trees were planted to provide shade. The first holidaymakers stayed in tents and caravans, cooking and washing outdoors, as there was no water and no toilets.

The Dwarskersbos caravan park today — once just a cleared, fenced square of sand with a few young trees for shade, now a welcoming seaside retreat that keeps the spirit of those early holidays alive.

Even then, the West Coast holiday spirit thrived, and those long, golden, sun-soaked days stayed alive in memory — more than just holidays, they celebrated togetherness, a village in rhythm with the sea, where community, music, and laughter defined life along the shore.

From Farm to Village: Development and Land Ownership

As Dwarskersbos grew from a farm into a small community, locals distinguished different parts of the land using familiar nicknames for family homes, landmarks, and plots — especially since many families shared the same surname. Even today, many older residents still use these traditional names, keeping the village’s history alive and preserving a shared map of memory:

• Die Plaas – where the farming took place
• Die Hoek – the northern section
• Die Seebog – the seaside stretch, up to today’s Iris Street
• Bo-duin – south of Iris Street

In the early years, if someone wanted to build a house, they would go to Oom Alkie Smit for permission and point out where they hoped to build. He would visit the site, offer guidance, and grant the right to build for ten shillings a year, later increased to three pounds. There were only a few rules to keep harmony — no large livestock like sheep, cattle, or goats, only a pig (kept in a pen) and some chickens.

In 1968, Dwarskersbos entered a new era when the land was officially divided into plots (erven) and put up for sale. Residents who already had homes here had their plots surveyed, and were required to purchase them to keep their properties. The prices were fair for the time, around R750 for an average-sized erf, while the remaining land went under the hammer at auction. Most of these plots soon found eager new owners, ready to put down roots in the growing village.

From Wagon Tracks to Village Roads: Access and Electricity

Reaching Dwarskersbos was not always easy. Before the village appeared on maps, travel was slow and often difficult. In wet winters, the vleipad — the old track through the marshes — became muddy and slippery, making it impossible to cross by wagon or car. In summer, the same paths were impassable again, as the dry, loose sand made travel nearly impossible.

Treknet fishermen often travelled along the beach, using the firm sand at low tide to move between fishing spots. Many locals also cycled to nearby towns like Velddrif and Laaiplek, as bicycles were for many the main way to get around. As one local remembered:

“With low tide you ride, with high tide you push your bike.”

Motorcars, were slow to make their appearance in the Sandveld. The heavy, sandy tracks made early motoring difficult, and only a few brave drivers attempted the journey to Dwarskersbos in those days.

When the village was formally laid out, streets were named after flowers, marking the first proper road system. 1969 brought a major change: the tar road from Velddrif to Dwarskersbos was completed. For the first time, people had reliable access to the coastal village, transforming daily life and making travel to and from the area much easier. The old coastal dirt track has long since disappeared, slowly claimed by the advancing sea. Today, the R27 connects the village to the wider West Coast — a world apart from the rough routes of the past.

Better access encouraged village development. By 1984, the parking area at the top of Iris Street was established, and Iris Street became the first tarred street. The following year, the remaining streets were tarred.

By 1974, electricity arrived in Dwarskersbos, bringing modern comfort to village homes. Candles and paraffin lamps were replaced by steady, bright light, lighting homes with ease and opening a new chapter in life for the community.

Every Drop Counted: Drinking Water in Dwarskersbos

In the early days of Dwarskersbos, before taps and municipal supply, water was a precious and carefully managed resource. Locals relied on wells, rainwater, water lorries, and storage tanks to meet their needs.

Long before the village was established, campers who came to stay by the sea made use of the available wells. One of the best-known wells was at the lower end of Roos Street, near today’s caravan park. Campers on the dunes would draw fresh water from it, hauling it up in buckets for drinking and to care for their animals. In later years, this property belonged to Oom Andries van der Merwe, who, concerned for the safety of his children and grandchildren, eventually decided to fill in the well. Another well often mentioned stood in Poephoek. The water there came from the well of Oom Braampie Mostert, and its remains can still be seen today if you follow the wooden pedestrian path from Weste Street down to the sea.

When the Badshuise were built, gutters channeled rainwater into storage tanks. Long-time residents recall that during the Christmas holidays, the tank water usually lasted until just before Christmas. When it ran out, Oom Alk would hire someone to refill it.

As more houses sprang up in the area, many were also equipped with reservoirs to catch and store rainwater. Oom Fanie Tredoux’s water lorry became a familiar sight, delivering water into the community reservoir for a small fee. One resident fondly recalls how, as a child, each evening was a little ritual: carrying large covered buckets to the reservoir, carefully scooping the water, and bringing it home for the family’s daily needs.

In 1969, a larger municipal water reservoir was built to bring water to Dwarskersbos — and what a joy it was to simply turn a tap and watch the water flow! With a reliable supply, residents finally began planting trees and flowers, which had struggled for years in the brackish water. This reservoir, constructed by the Sentrale Boere of Swellendam, continues to serve the community to this day, a lasting reminder of how essential water is to life along the West Coast.

Schools and Education in Dwarskersbos

In the early years of the Sandveld, formal education was a luxury few could access. The first settlers were scattered farmers and fishermen families, who valued faith and literacy but lived far from towns or schools. Parents often taught their children to read the Bible at home — reading and religion went hand in hand, and learning Scripture was both education and moral duty.

Before the mid-1800s, most children learned on farms under the supervision of hired tutors, and families often pooled resources to share a teacher. This gave rise to the first “plaasskole” (farm schools) — small, one-room classrooms where children of all ages learned together.

By the mid-1800s, parents began voicing concern about the lack of qualified teachers. A petition from 46 women in Redelinghuys in 1866 lamented that there was not a single government school in the district. The Dutch Reformed Church (NG Kerk) responded by founding the Huguenot Seminary and later the Teachers’ Training College in Wellington (1873) to train teachers for rural areas like the Sandveld.

By the 1920s, children from Dwarskersbos attended the nearby Rosyntjiedam farm school, about three miles away, a small two-teacher school. Tant Katriena Huysamen fondly remembered these journeys. On winter mornings, children rose early and walked barefoot over frosty ground, their hands so cold they could hardly get their books and lunch — a slice of bread with lard and a piece of fish — out of their bags. Along the way, small fires were lit in muisnes (“mouse nests”) to warm hands and feet. Storms brought fierce north winds and heavy rain, soaking the children from head to toe, but a warm pot of soup at home made it worthwhile. In summer, the sand burned their feet, and thirst was a constant challenge. With no water at school, children often asked neighbors for a drink, sometimes being refused, as everyone relied on distant wells.

Susan Kriegler was one of the early principals, and later Mr. F.J.J. Brand took the helm. During his time, the school was taught by his wife, her sister Miss Boonzaaier, and Miss Muller. Classes went up to Standard 6, after which students had to travel to Piketberg High School to continue their education.

Eventually, a truck was used to transport the children, though it soon proved too small. In summer, the girls walked in the morning while the boys drove, switching in the afternoons; in winter, the routine was reversed. The youngest children, up to Standard One, were always transported both ways.

As Dwarskersbos grew, the Rosyntjiedam school could no longer accommodate all the children. In 1935, Mr. Brand moved the school to the village, establishing the first official Dwarskersbos school. Later, Koos Wiese served as principal, with Mr. Van Aarde, Mr. Mouton, and Mr. Flip Wessels among the staff. These are the educators we have on record, though others, not documented here, also played an important part in shaping the school and community.

In 1969, the original school had grown too small, so a new, modern school was built in Dwarskersbos. For two decades, it served the village, where children learned, friendships blossomed, and the community came together. At the end of 1989, the school closed permanently due to rural depopulation, and children then went to Velddrif School. Today, Dwarskersbos has a private school that welcomes children up to Grade 7.

Left: The first Dwarskersbos school on Narsing Street, now a private house — photographed only showing the school name to respect the owners’ privacy. It once rang with the laughter and footsteps of generations of children. Middle: Principal Koos Wiese and his wife (photo credit: Natacha Tolken), guiding young minds with dedication. Right: The second school on the Main Road, built in 1969.

From Smouskarre to the Village Shop

In the early days, when transport to Dwarskersbos was still limited, the village relied on smouskarre — first horse-drawn wagons that made their way from nearby towns, carrying groceries and supplies. Old-time residents fondly remember how villagers often paid in unusual ways — with chicken eggs, poultry, or even sheep and goat skins. Later, these wagons were replaced by trading trucks, which continued to bring goods to the village and sustain everyday life.

Around 1930, the first shop opened in Dwarskersbos, built by Alk Smit and run by a Tolken from Velddrif, known to everyone as Oom Kiepie. It was a big step up from the smouskarre. Oom Kiepie owned a truck, and on Saturday nights, he gave villagers a lift to the drive-in cinema in Velddrif, or on Sundays to church — all for just a trippens (two and a half cents) a trip. The shop quickly became the heart of the community — glass jars of sweets lined the long counter, while shelves were stocked with tins, bolts of fabric, and other household goods. It was more than a shop, it was a place where people gathered to share news and stories. In the evenings, residents bought milk from the farm, and the farmer’s wife sold eggs to the shop, keeping Dwarskersbos supplied and connected.

As Dwarskersbos grew, so did the need for postal services. At first, letters and parcels arrived with anyone traveling from town and were simply placed on the shop counter until collected. Then, in 1947, a small postal agency opened next to the shop, giving residents a proper place to send and receive mail. Over time, a telephone exchange was added, and the office expanded into a full post office with a 38-line switchboard, serving the village faithfully until it closed permanently on 30 November 1969.

There was even a hand-cranked petrol pump in the town for a while, although it eventually closed as the population declined. Even today, Dwarskersbos has no petrol station — a gentle reminder of the town’s simpler, slower-paced past..

By the early 1970s, a new shop was built by Lolan Smit — the same building that still stands proudly today. Decades later, it remains the village shop Dwarskersbos locals still visit — a living link to the days when this seaside village was just beginning to take shape.

Early Church Life in Dwarskersbos

Although faith has always been a defining part of life along this stretch of coast, Dwarskersbos itself never had its own church building. From the earliest days of settlement, faith and church life stood at the heart of the community. Families would travel for days by ox wagon to attend communion, baptize their children, or get married in a church. Before confirmation, young people stayed at the church for two weeks,, preparing for this important milestone.

In the earliest days, before formal congregations existed, open-air services brought people together at gathering points such as Rietvlei, Zuurfontein, Melck se Klipfontein, Rooibaai (Laaiplek), and St. Helenafontein. Dwarskersbos and the surrounding farms later came under several congregations — first Swartland, then Piketberg, later Aurora, and eventually Velddrif and Laaiplek.

One of the strongest advocates for a permanent church at Velddrif was Johannes (Jan) Smit, son of Theunis Erasmus Smit. Representing the Sandveld on the Piketberg Church Council, he worked tirelessly toward establishing the Velddrif church. His sudden death on 24 October 1880 during a synod meeting in Cape Town was a great loss, yet his vision lived on. In his will, Jan Smit left £400 and one-quarter ownership of the farms Velddrif, Klein-Klipfontein, and Dwarskersbos to the Dutch Reformed Church of Piketberg to fund the church. His brother, Theunis Smit, later repurchased the farms for £2000, keeping the land within the family.

In 1896, the first zinc school building was erected in Velddrif, funded by £400 from the Department of Education. It served both as a school and church, though Velddrif still had no resident minister. By June 1907, plans were approved for a church in Velddrif, and Jan Smit’s £2400 legacy helped make the Kruiskerk (Cross Church) possible. It was inaugurated on 10 September 1908, but Velddrif still had no permanent minister, with the Aurora minister visiting only every two months.

By 1928, Velddrif became an independent congregation, with Dr. A.J. Wagener as its first minister. As the community grew, the old Kruiskerk became too small, and a new church was inaugurated on 22 January 1955. By 1965, Laaiplek grew enough to form its own congregation, branching off from Velddrif.

Although Dwarskersbos never had its own church, it did have a cemetery — a quiet, historic resting place for the village’s earliest families. The graves belong to those who lived, worked, and helped shape this coastal community. Though no longer in use, locals still care for the site, lay flowers, and honour the memory of those who came before, keeping alive Dwarskersbos’s enduring spirit of faith, heritage, and respect across generations.

Dwarskersbos’ cemetery holds more than memories—it holds the spirit of the town. Each weathered gravestone and every caring volunteer reflects generations of respect and remembrance – Photo Credit Marin & Nelene Louw

Legacy of Poephoek

A quiet stretch of coastline near what is now Kersbosstrand was once known to locals as “Poephoek.” The quirky name came from the strong, smoky smell of burning mussel shells, processed in lime kilns (kalkbranders) to make a fine white powder used for whitewashing buildings or as a cement substitute — a common West Coast practice. Though never marked on maps, the name still lingers in memory, offering a glimpse into Dwarskersbos’s rustic beginnings.

In 2014, Derek and Sura Swart lovingly restored one of the last two remaining Poephoek cottages in Dwarskersbos, keeping its original West Coast charm. During restoration, they discovered the cottage was built with a cement mix of shells and sand, laid directly on the dune sand without foundations. The Swarts preserved its low ceilings, thick whitewashed walls, and small, symmetrical windows — timeless details that honor the craftsmanship and simplicity of the early coast.

A 2014 Die Weslander clipping highlights the restoration of one of Dwarskersbos’s last Poephoek cottages—an effort to preserve its early coastal heritage. Nearby, the historic lime kilns in Yzerfontein, declared national monuments in 1980, stand as silent witnesses to this shared chapter of West Coast history.

The 1969 Tidal Wave – A Night to Remember

One of the most dramatic moments in Dwarskersbos’s history occurred on August 27, 1969, when a rare meteo-tsunami — a giant wave caused not by an earthquake but by a powerful atmospheric squall — struck the Cape West Coast. The wave flooded low-lying areas, sweeping over homes and dunes along a two-kilometer stretch. Locals still recall it towering between 20 and 30 feet (over 6 meters) high. Remarkably, no lives were lost, and the village escaped lasting damage — a true testament to the community’s resilience.

This atmospheric tsunami remains a vivid memory for long-time residents — a powerful reminder of nature’s force along this rugged coastline. Click here to explore the full story on our blog Dwarskersbos and the Day the Ocean Spoke: The 1969 Meteo-Tsunami and a Coastal Legacy.

A collection of old newspaper clippings from 1969, featuring photos and stories of residents who experienced the Dwarskersbos Meteo-tsunami

A Growing Coastal Village

For much of its history, Dwarskersbos consisted of the main village and later its Kersbosstrand extension, a quiet coastal retreat that remained largely untouched by development. Its relative isolation — about 170 km (two hours) from Cape Town — helped preserve its laid-back charm and natural beauty.

In recent years, however, Dwarskersbos has seen steady growth and renewed interest. New extensions such as Bloumosselstrand and Dolphin Beach have brought modern holiday homes, beachfront villas, and improved infrastructure, welcoming a new generation of visitors and investors. Yet, even as it grows, Dwarskersbos has kept its small-town soul — a place where tranquility, open skies, and friendly faces remain part of daily life.

A Living Legacy

Dwarskersbos is more than a place on the map — it’s a story still unfolding. From the wind-shaped Kersbos bushes that gave the village its name, to the first families, fishermen, and transport riders who brought life to the dunes and shoreline, every corner of this coastal village carries a memory.

The history of Dwarskersbos is written not only in records and photographs but in the rituals, routines, and stories passed down through generations — from carrying water from the community reservoir to gathering for New Year’s picnics by the sea. These small moments, woven together, form the heartbeat of a village built on community, resilience, and connection to the land.

Even today, heritage and natural beauty remain inseparable here. The Kersbos bushes, still standing along the dunes, remind us that the past is never far away — it lives on in the land and in the people who call this West Coast village home.

Take a walk along the dunes, breathe in the sea air, and imagine the stories carried by every wind-shaped bush. Dwarskersbos isn’t just a place — it’s a living memory, waiting to be discovered.

One Final Note

I could go on forever about the rich history of Dwarskersbos, but I want to leave you with this charming piece of local wisdom—perhaps it will even come in handy on your next visit to the village.

An old-time resident, Tannie Katriena Huysamen, shared this piece of coastal knowledge:

“The old people believed that if seabirds fly from north to south in the evening, there would be a storm the next day. But if they fly from south to north, the weather would be fine. We, as longtime residents, can confirm that this is true.”

📖 A Recommended Read:

If you’re curious about the rich history of our area, I highly recommend Velddrif se mense by Lokkie van Zyl. This fascinating book doesn’t just cover Velddrif—it also has a wonderful section on Dwarskersbos, sharing stories of the people, places, and events that shaped our little corner of the West Coast.

Whether you’re a history buff or just love learning about local life, this book is a real treat. It’s full of insights, anecdotes, and snapshots of life as it once was—and a perfect read for anyone who wants to connect with the roots of our community.

📚 Sources Used

• 1   Local Oral Histories & Community Knowledge – Anecdotes, place names (like “Poephoek”), and historical perspectives shared by long-time residents of Dwarskersbos.
• 2.  Bergrivier Tourism – Details on local history, fishing heritage, and trekvissery traditions.
• 3.  South African Weather Service – Scientific context on the 1969 meteo-tsunami, including wave data and meteorological conditions.
• 4.  CapeNature – Ecological information about the Sandveld region and the Cape Floral Kingdom.
• 5.  SANParks – West Coast National Park – Resources on biodiversity, marine life, and the annual wildflower display.
• 6.  Property24 – Insights into property trends and developments in Dwarskersbos
• 7.  The Weslander (17 April 2014 edition)
• 8.  West Coast Way – Insights into Dwarskersbos’ etymology, early settlement, and coastal culture.
• 9. SANBI (South African National Biodiversity Institute): Verification of species like Euclea polyandra, duikers, steenbok, Angulate tortoise, and reptiles such as Cape cobra and boomslang.
• 10. Fish Factories of Yesteryear: AIF, Velddrif, Cape West Coast.” Fishing Industry News South Africa, April 15, 2019. https://www.fishingindustrynewssa.com/2019/04/15/fish-factories-of-yesteryear-aif-velddrif-cape-west-coast/
• 11. Eigevis Group. https://eigevis.com
• 12. The History of the South African Fisheries Museum. West Coast Escape. https://westcoastescape.co.za/the-history-of-the-south-african-fisheries-museum/

A whimsical cartoon of the Dwarskersbos name by Idees vol vrees by Kobus Galloway