From ‘Die Tip’ to Kleinkrantz Nature’s Valley

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The informal settlement of Kleinkrantz, originally known as "Die Tip," was established over 50 years ago when George Municipality built tin shacks to accommodate the homeless on a disused refuse dump. Over time, the residents began calling the area Kleinkrantz Nature’s Valley, a name that reflects the beauty of their surroundings.

 

The community, consisting of around 82 households, is spread out, allowing space for small yards or gardens, unlike the densely packed rows of shacks seen elsewhere.

In 2003, George Municipality commissioned an initial investigation by Octagonal Development to explore alternatives for the future of KKNV.

 

The report highlighted the limited access to basic services like clinics, unhealthy social conditions, and economic hardship. It called for a clear housing policy to respect the rights and interests of the residents, who were unwilling to move to areas like Touwsranten and instead wanted security of tenure with improved municipal services. However, no further in-depth investigation was ever conducted.

Currently, services provided by the municipality include one standpipe per plot for water, one outside flush toilet for every three families, and one electricity box per plot.

 

These provisions have led to various challenges, such as low water pressure and the inability for grown children to have their own electricity boxes. Aarum Street, the dirt road that provides access to the settlement, is not considered by the municipality as worthy of a hard surface, as it also leads to the Wilderness sewage works. Improving these services remains a key objective of the Kleinkrantz Nature’s Valley Community Forum (KNVCF).

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History of KNVCF

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In December 2022, Brian Mushfieldt of Kleinkrantz became aware of the community’s challenges and, as a first step, organized the community's first-ever Christmas tree and food hampers for every household.
 

By early 2023, the community elected a committee to address their needs, and Mike von der Heyde joined the effort in February, offering his expertise and financial support for the projects that followed. Recognizing the need for a more formal structure, Kleinkrantz Nature’s Valley Community Forum (KNVCF) was registered as a Not For Profit Company in 2024.

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The KNVCF’s mission is supported by numerous volunteers who continue to contribute their time and resources. Together, they aim to create sustainable, long-term improvements that empower the community with meaningful "Hand-Ups."