Laager Rooibos, one of South Africa’s most entrenched brands, is celebrating this year’s Heritage Day by supporting the 21st Snoek en Patat Celebration powered by Goedverwacht Awakens. Themed #ApartTogether, the 2021 celebration will be held virtually on 24 September with all funds raised going towards a community youth development initiative.
Goedverwacht Village, situated in Rooibos heartland in the Western Cape, was established in 1889 as a Moravian Mission station – and is still run as such. The Snoek en Patat Festival was founded on the community’s history of subsistence farmers when sweet potatoes (patats) were grown in the harsh winter months and traded for snoek from St Helena Bay’s fishermen.
“From this entrepreneurial past, the community came together and founded the festival,” explained Lorraine Cornelius, Chairperson of Goedverwacht Awakens NPC, the non-profit organisation behind the event. “One of the main goals was to create an income in the winter season when tourism was slow. Another was to bring the community of Goedverwacht together and unlock the potential of small business in the village. We are all very proud of how it has benefited not just Goedverwacht but the surrounding areas.”
Cornelius explained that the event, which has won the Best Community Tourism Initiative from West Coast Tourism in 2005, 2008 and 2012, is internationally-renowned, attracting up to 15 000 people over the weekend prior to the pandemic. However, its continued fundraising drive would not be possible without ongoing support.
“With its 76-year history and uniquely South African heritage, the Laager Rooibos brand has a long tradition of bringing South Africans together and supporting our local communities,” said Wandile Ngubane, Laager Rooibos Brand Manager. “In the wake of this devastating past year that has left so many in need, the Snoek en Patat Celebration is a wonderful opportunity to continue Laager Rooibos’ tradition of community upliftment while also celebrating the richness and diversity of being South African.”
Goedverwacht Awakens NPC was established to provide skills’ development and training in business and entrepreneurship, all the while embracing this cultural heritage. The NPO provides micro-entrepreneurs in Goedverwacht Village with mentorship and practical assistance needed to run a sustainable business. The funds raised at this year’s event will go towards a community computer station and printer to provide the youth with internet access, as well as assistance with printing projects and CVs for job opportunities.
Celebrate #ApartTogether at the 2021 Snoek en Patat
With the ongoing threat of Covid-19, the 21st edition will be held on Friday, 24 September from 10am to 2pm in a virtual format so that everyone can participate safely. Instead, the event will be live streamed on the Goedverwacht Awakens Facebook page (www.facebook.com/goedverwachtawakens) with tours, entertainment and interviews throughout the event. Some of the live streamed highlights will include:
- Messages from Ray van Rooy (Executive Mayor of Bergriver Municipality), Lorraine Cornelius (Chairperson of Goedverwacht Awakens), Johannes Nathan (West Coast Aboriginal Elders Council), and special guests;
- Tours of the oldest working water mill in South Africa;
- A tour of traditional handmade leather shoe cobbler’s shop;
- A tour of the mill museum with a glimpse into the lives of yesteryear;
- Meeting the shepherds and their lambs, kids and calves;
- Links to other communities joining us in a braai; and
- Demonstrations of how to make traditional rooster brood and prepare a snoek, Goedverwacht style!
Participants can also pre-order the famous snoek, patat en roosterbrood which can be collected from Snoek en Patat Junction from 12pm or delivered direct. To pre-order, contact Lorraine Cornelius on 073 957 3549 or email [email protected].
For more information about Laager Rooibos, follow @LaagerRooibosTea on Facebook and Instagram or visit www.joekels.co.za
