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The Dutch touch in South Africa
Dutch history in South Africa
The legendary Dutch East India Company emblem.
© Chris Marais
Did you know?
South Africa’s bobotie is a Malay dish: meatloaf, raisins and baked egg served with rice.
One way to connect with Dutch history in South Africa is to taste traditional ‘Cape Dutch’ cooking.
Much like a New Orleans gumbo, South African bobotie (a baked mince tart with a thin layer of egg on top) or potjiekos ('pot food') speaks to the palate in a multi-cultural tongue. South Africans of Dutch origin (Afrikaners) love a good bobotie, but it would not exist on these shores if not for the Indonesian slaves and indentured workers brought to the Cape by the Dutch colonists back in the late 1600s.
As you stroll through the Company Gardens in Cape Town, remember that this is where the original Dutch colonist, Jan van Riebeeck of the Dutch East India Company (VOC), planted a large vegetable garden to feed the crews of passing ships. Van Riebeeck arrived with 3 ships in 1652, marking the year South Africa's colonisation began.
Colonial Dutch fare consisted of stewing meat and vegetables. One of the local lessons they learnt from the indigenous Khoi was to add herbs to their dishes. And when the Malay and Indonesian cuisine entered the local scene, it came with a host of spices.
The Dutch held control of the Cape for well over a century, then lost it briefly to the British and then relinquished it completely to the British again early in the early 19th Century. By then, however, the local Dutch identity had morphed into that of the Afrikaner, who spoke a whole new language that sounds more like Belgian Flemish, but still contains many words and expressions of Dutch origin.
But the fine Dutch cultural traditions remained, especially in the Western Cape. Not only is Cape Dutch cooking still wildly popular, but Cape Dutch architecture and early colonial Dutch artifacts are carefully preserved. It speaks of another era and has a unique place in this country’s cultural heritage.
Relations between the Netherlands and South Africa have see-sawed over the generations. There was strong opposition to apartheid from the Netherlands, but since the democratic elections of 1994, Dutch organisations have initiated a number of development and upliftment projects in South Africa.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Swellendam Tourism
Tel: +27 (0) 28 514 1138
Email:info@drostdymuseum.com
Stellenbosch Tourism & Information
Tel: +27 (21) 883 3584
Email: info@stellenboschtourism.co.za
Cape Town Tourism & Information
Tel: +27 (0)21 487 6800
Email: info@capetown.travel
Cape Town Routes Unlimited
Tel: +27 (0)21 405 4500
How to get here
Although traces of Dutch history can be found throughout most of South Africa, its main roots lie in the Western Cape. From Cape Town, you can embark on a number of trips to experience this.
Around the area
Visit towns like Swellendam and Stellenbosch to pick up the old Dutch colonial flavours.
What will it cost
Budget for about R2 000 a day (unless you wish to stay in top-class luxury, then it's more expensive) for getting around the province.
Length of stay
At least a week should be spent in the Western Cape, but more if you can.
What to pack
If you're in a hired car, pack generously. Buy foods at roadside stalls, have picnics in the middle of nowhere, stop over at wine estates and stock up.
Where to stay
The Western Cape tourism websites list many of the recommended places in the province.
What to eat
Traditional South African dishes, especially those with a Cape Malay heritage. Ask at the restaurants you go to for the local specialties.
What's happening
The Western Province is alive with festivals and fairs - check the websites for details.