Mothers of Creation Route

The Garden Route is South Africa’s Garden of Eden. It is a combination of long, deserted beaches, tranquil lagoons, lush green forests and mountain ranges. It stretches along 227km from the Slang River near Heidelberg to the Tsitsikamma Forest and the Storms River.

This narrow temperate zone is wedged between the mountains and the sea and here nature has created a spectacular garden. The route covers the south-western reaches of South Africa’s high interior plateau the Great Karoo. This stark region takes its name from the Khoi word meaning 'land of great thirst'.

South Africa is known to be a land of great contrasts and the Mothers of Creation Experience Route, which parallels the Garden Route, showcases some of these contrasts: the lush coastal region and the stark Karoo; the despair of poverty and unemployment and the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of the local people; and even the difference of starting off a mere tourist to become a welcome guest in the community. 

Natural attractions of the area:

Natural Beauty:

Between the town of George and the Tsitsikama forests, the ruggedly beautiful Outeniqua and Langkloof mountains drop down from the interior plateau to the coastal plain. The mountains capture the rain clouds that rise from the sea and in turn fill the many streams and rivers, providing life-giving water to large tracts of forest. The name Outeniqua comes from the Khoi word meaning ‘People with Honey’, as the Khoi people collected honey from bees feeding on the region’s wild flowers. The flowers of the Outeniqua Mountains form part of the fynbos, which makes up 80% of the Cape floral kingdom.

Fynbos:

The vegetation of the folded sandstone mountains and sandy coastal plains of the Western Cape is commonly known as fynbos. This is an Afrikaans name that refers to the small, delicate leaves of many of the species. Although the soils of the mountains and coastal plains of the Western Cape region are low in nutrients, an estimated 6800 species of fynbos plants survive here. Fynbos species comprise 80% of all plants found in the cape floral kingdom. This is the smallest of the world’s six floral kingdoms, covering just 0.04% of the earth’s landmass, yet it is one of the richest in diversity. An estimated 70% of the fynbos plants are endemic and some are so limited in distribution that they occur only on a single mountain peak. 

The forests that carpet much of the Outeniqua Mountains form part of the remaining 20% of that kingdom.

Trees:

Some of South Africa’s largest trees are found in these forests, including the massive Outeniqua Yellowwoods (Podocarpus) which reach heights of up to 50m (a tree of this size would probably be over 800 years old with a trunk at least 3m in diameter). The ironwood (Olea capensis subsp. Macrocarpa) is another huge tree, with some specimens reaching 35m in height.  Smaller in size, but of great commercial value is the Stinkwood (Ocotea bullata), famed for the fine furniture made from it. In both the Tsitsikamma and Knysna forests pathways have been cut through the forests to allow visitors to see some of these majestic “‘Big Trees”. Sadly, the great forests of indigenous hardwood trees have lost much of their former splendour as a result of ruthless exploitation during the 18th and 19th centuries.  Nevertheless, the Garden Route’s 65 000 hectares of surviving natural forest makes up the largest indigenous forest reserve in South Africa.

For centuries, herds of elephant roamed the plains and wetlands of the Southern Cape. By the beginning of the 20th century however, they had all but lost access to the coastal plain as a result of increasing human settlements. The elephants sought sanctuary in the depths of the Knysna forests, even though these woodlands are not the most ideal of habitats for the giants. By 1908 only 20 elephants remained and the creatures had to be given official protection. But their numbers have steadily declined since then and today only one cow remains of the original herd. The decline in numbers is not attributed to poaching or hunting but to a reduction in the elephants’ reproductive capacity because of deficiencies in their forest vegetation-based diet. In 1994, three juvenile females were translocated from the Kruger National Park (one subsequently died) to bolster the numbers of the Knysna elephants.

The Great Karoo:

What struck the Khoi most about this arid land was its total lack of surface water, its open space and its silence. Even today there are few villages and even fewer towns dotted across the summits of the many flat-topped hills (koppies) and the expansive plains that spread out in all directions. But when the infrequent rains come to the Great Karoo the area loses its harshness and becomes cloaked with a mantle of tiny, brilliantly coloured wildflowers, its sparse bushes suddenly turn green and tall, swaying grasses cover the hard, bare earth.

Within this region of natural beauty are eight communities fighting to keep their land. Their struggle has given rise to the community-based Sustainable Women’s Tourist Route. On this route tourists have the opportunity to meet local people while directly supporting the community to create a sustainable economic future. Other communities have also joined the route, enlarging and adding value to the existing route.   

The Southern Cape Land Committee Trust (SCLCT) initiated this project. The mission of the SCLCT is to seek redistribution of land for the economic empowerment of the community, with particular focus on women. Eight communities were identified based on their geographic location. These are situated in diverse but equally beautiful places and eight women from within the communities were identified to own and manage their routes. All of these communities have a claim to the land, either an ancestral claim, a claim under the land restitution process or simply because they have nowhere else to go.

The Southern Cape Land Committee Trust (SCLCT):

The SCLCT has been in existence for the past 15 years. During this time they have concentrated on land acquisition and security of tenure for rural communities and farm workers. As communities have begun to access land, largely through the government land reform programmes, the SCLCT has expanded its vision. There is a strong commitment to the redistribution of land for sustainable economic empowerment and to change power relations, both political and material, to enable women to have access to and control of land and resources.

Background to the Mothers of Creation Route:

The SCLCT has had a strong emphasis on the empowerment of women. This has resulted in the emergence of a core of strong, skilled women who are able to drive the developments within their communities. The region has been identified as having of the highest tourism potential in South Africa and is also ecologically valuable. Much of the land which communities are seeking ownership of is located along the Garden Route’s indigenous forests, rivers and also in the starkly beautiful Karoo. The pattern of development has traditionally seen poor people being systematically removed and made to settle in unsustainable urban townships. The developments are reserved for wealthy visitors. But communities are resistant to relocation to townships. They seek sustainable rural lifestyles on their own land in rural areas.

Through the South African government’s land reform programme, opportunities now arise for poor people to take ownership of and directly benefit from tourism. But redistribution of land and access to resources remains frustratingly slow processes. Wealthy owners and local authorities are also often resistant to a change.
Unemployment, especially among local women, is high. This leads to economic dependence and the resulting imbalance in power relations. Women remain vulnerable to abuse, to HIV/AIDS infection and exclusion from development initiatives.

Consequences of moving rural communities to urban areas – the perspective of the SCLCT:

• Rural communities generally have different values and lifestyles from urban communities, which will be negatively impacted on should they be forced to relocate to urban townships. Generally speaking the rural communities are not exposed to the high levels of crime and drug abuse, which happen in many urban townships. This causes major problems, especially for the youth, and is a cause of fear for the parents;
• Many households in rural settlements have at least one breadwinner who is working in close proximity to the community. Relocating far from their place of work means these earners could lose their jobs;
• There are waiting lists for houses in urban townships. When the authorities consider moving a rural settlement into these townships they very often speak of “jumping” the waiting list or making special provision for a whole community they intend on relocating. This is a recipe for conflict between the new group and the existing community. In addition to the difficulties of adapting to a strange new environment with urban pressures and also often have to face hostile new neighbours; and
• Community ties are disrupted. Community structures fall away. Support mechanisms are destroyed and existing networks break down. A further consequence is that valuable rural land, including state land, is not redistributed but remains for the use of wealthy minorities.

Vision of the Mothers of Creation Experience:

• The development of a tourist route owned by women;
• A route that focuses on sustainable development, for example alternative services, organic food, cultural crafts and alternative building methods;
• A route which offers visitors the opportunity to interact with the communities and in particular local women;
• A route that will provide income generation opportunities to the broader community through the provision of peripheral commodity supplies;
• A route that will enable rural women to own the businesses and resources and not just benefit through employment; and
• A route that will challenge the land-holding patterns of the region and shift power relations.

What to expect when visiting the communities and enjoying a homestay:

Toilet Facilities: The majority of the toilets are long drops (outside toilets with either a bucket or a large open hole beneath the toilet). 
Towel: Although it is not necessary for all homestays, it is suggested that own towels are taken.
Linen: Linen is provided at the majority of the establishments however, confirm this when making reservations.
Water: Some of the establishments do not have running water inside the homestays.

This is a different experience! Leave behind running water, electricity, flushing toilets and preconceived ideas. Choose the excitement of the unknown and the opportunity to share the reality of other people’s lives.

Guidelines when visiting the communities:

Directions:

As far as possible, directions are supplied for most communities and local establishments. However, once you arrive in the community, locals can usually give you further directions.

Notice period:

As the communities are generally quite a distance from established towns, your hosts need at least 48 hours notice to prepare for your stay.

Etiquette:

• Treat all residents with respect and dignity;
• Ask for permission before taking photographs;
• Don’t hand out money - rather make a donation to a local charity that will put your money to use for community projects;
• Take general safety precautions such as keeping valuables locked away; and
• And most importantly, enjoy yourself and have fun.

Traditional Food:

The local people take pride in their cooking and visitors will definitely leave feeling well-fed.  Should you prefer vegetarian meals, the ladies will gladly oblige. The majority of the communities have their own vegetable gardens and they pride themselves on their ability to grow their vegetables organically.

Traditional food of the area:

Marogo: A cooked spinach dish.
Pap en vleis: Corn meal porridge, usually thick enough to eat with your fingers, and meat.
Roosterkoek/bread: Bread kneaded and then cooked over open coals.
Vetkoek: Deep fried dough that can have a savoury or sweet filling.
Moer koffie: Traditionally brewed, strong filter coffee.
Tomato Smoor: Warm tomato and onion relish.
Samp: Traditional staple food, almost a combination of rice and pap.
Afval: The internal organs of the animal cooked in a stew.
Potjiekos: A stew usually made in a three-legged black pot (potjie pot) over an open fire.
Wors: Traditional South African sausage.

• This is not a route for the hurried or impatient traveller. It is a route to be cherished as it engulfs an area of incredible beauty and incredible people. The local people want to welcome visitors into their communities, their homes and their lives. You are invited to enjoy every aspect of the scenery, the culture and the people. Visitors will be treated to exceptional hospitality and warmth. The real highlight of staying at a homestay is to overnight as a personal guest of the family.

The Mothers of Creation Experience is a unique and energising experience:

• Enjoy the beauty of the southern Cape;Meet the South Africans who live and love in this beautiful region;
• Have the experience of a lifetime;
• During this tour you will marvel at the resilience of people who were oppressed and dispossessed but are making the most of their lives;
• You will meet the rocks of the nation: her women and be able to share their stories, tears and skills;
• You will feast on local, healthy foods all grown and prepared by your hosts;
• You will be able to purchase local crafts;
• You will rest and relax in homes built and decorated by your hosts;
• You will dance, laugh, cry and sing with the emotions of Africa as well be amazed by her beauty and silence; and
• You will walk, canoe, bicycle, sightsee, ride in donkey carts and rock in taxis.

"YOU WILL BE CHANGED FOREVER!"

Useful Links

http://www.visitknysna.com
http://www.capenature.org.za
http://www.knysna-info.co.za
http://www.wildernessinfo.co.za
http://www.southafrica.net

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