Alicedale (F15): 21

Name:Alicedale

Google count: 83 500 (wide)
Date: 23 June 2008

Historic fact:

Situated on the Bushman's River some 50 km from the bustle of the varsity city of Grahamstown, Alicedale neighbours the magnificent Shamwari Game Reserve nestled amid dense semi arid vegetation of acacias, aloes and the indigenous and protected fynbos.

Saturated with South African history dating back as far as the mid 1700's, the first human inhabitants, according to rock painting discovered recently, were the San and the Khoi.

In 1854, a British settler by the name of John Richard Wilmot bought a plot of land and decided to build a railway between modern day Grahamstown and Port Elizabeth (PE).

The railway was completed in 1873.

By the mid 1870s, the town was flourishing, acting as a midpoint between the two cities of Grahamstown and PE.

http://www.buanews.gov.za/view.php?ID=07082215151003&coll=buanew07

Other interesting info:

Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Cape is the fascinating Victorian Village of Alicedale.

In the charming old fashioned style of train travel, you can board the train at Grahamstown and meander through spectacular landscapes of ancient rock strata, game reserves and an historical tunnel whilst viewing the wild life from the comfort of your train window. As you chug across the old railway bridge and through, (yes through!) the newly designed Gary Player Signature Golf Course.
www.grahamstown.co.za/alicedale/index.html


Where to stay:

Bushman Sands Hotel is a multi-faceted experience offering something for everyone. Situated in the Bushman s River Canyon in the Eastern Cape, Alicedale is approximately 50 km from Grahamstown and 100 kilometers from Port Elizabeth. The 4-star hotel is a delightful blend of rich heritage & modern luxury. The Gary Player designed Golf Course is perfect for the keen golfer. There are thrilling adventure options & prospects of viewing Big Game.

http://www.gardenroute-direct.com/alicedale/bushman-sands-hotel-game-reserve



Compiled by the Government Communication and Information System
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Date: 22 Aug 2007
Title: Unemployment gets the boot in Alicedale
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A joint business venture has helped reduce unemployment in the Eastern Cape town of Alicedale by over 60 percent over the last three years writes Michael Appel.

Four years ago, the tiny community of Alicedale was suffering the effects of 95 percent unemployment and extreme poverty.

Situated on the Bushman's River some 50 km from the bustle of the varsity city of Grahamstown, Alicedale neighbours the magnificent Shamwari Game Reserve nestled amid dense semi arid vegetation of acacias, aloes and the indigenous and protected fynbos.

Saturated with South African history dating back as far as the mid 1700's, the first human inhabitants, according to rock painting discovered recently, were the San and the Khoi.

In 1854, a British settler by the name of John Richard Wilmot bought a plot of land and decided to build a railway between modern day Grahamstown and Port Elizabeth (PE).

The railway was completed in 1873.

By the mid 1870s, the town was flourishing, acting as a midpoint between the two cities of Grahamstown and PE. In 1996, however, the railway closed down and the town's gradual recession led to high unemployment rates and entrenched poverty.

In 2003, a joint initiative between Mantis Collection, a company specialising in boutique accommodation and game reserves, and the Eastern Cape Government was established.

Plans were drawn up for development which would actively involve the community and create sustainable development through tourism.

Thus, the incredible Bushman Sands Hotel and Golf Course was born, opening its doors in October 2004.

The hotel building was crafted by Scottish masons in the early 1900's, and was used as Railway Training College.

The painstaking restoration of the national monument involved "numbering the original bricks, in order to put each back in its original place", said General Manager (GM) of Bushman Sands Herman Muller.

Earlier this year, President Thabo Mbeki hosted the International Investors Council (IIC) conference in Alicedale bearing testimony to the town's new found status.

Mr Muller told BuaNews the presidency was intent on hosting the event in a portable marquee, however, after local consultation, it was decided that Bushman Sands, following a generous donation from its stakeholders, would help to renovate the town's original train station.

"About R1.4 million was spent on the train station getting it ready for the conference," said the GM.

The newly renovated R1.4 million conference centre is these days available to the local community for weddings and celebrations at an astonishing R25 a day.

The uniquely quaint town houses a surprising nine churches for its 4 000 strong population.

The town has one petrol station, open only Mondays to Fridays, as it is owned by one of the pastors who undoubtedly has other work to do on Sundays.

Under the guidance and leadership of Bushman Sands, the local community were given land and all the implements to grow an array of vegetables and have "recently grown their third crop," said the GM.

Community members are drawn in by Bushman Sands in various employment opportunities, and the demand for labour has grown in the construction industry as demand for a house on the Bushman Sands Golf Estate spirals.

The resulting development in Alicedale has resulted in a massive drop in unemployment from 95 percent to 28 percent said Mr Muller.

The train which runs through the hotel grounds and golf estate used to run between Grahamstown and PE only once a week, however, it now does the trip three times a week.

Further exciting news for the community of Alicedale is that the South African Rugby Institute (SARI) has identified the remote town as the site for its new academy which will include rugby fields, dormitories, a High Performance Centre (HPC) gym and other facilities.

Mr Muller said SARI members and other stakeholders are set to meet in Alicedale on 23 August 2007 to discuss the new development.

He confirmed that experts predict Alicedale will become the new hub for San and Khoi rock art in the near future, bringing promises of even further growth for the Eastern Cape's picturesque town. - BuaNews