The small, close-knit community of this neighbourhood love the natural surroundings and convenience it has to offer.
Jacques van Niekerk, who manages the Safari Garden Centre, describes himself as a horticulturist with a love for everything green and natural, a passion for family and a wide interest in anything with a creative edge – be it food, design, architecture or art.
He and his family live in a charming old thatched house with large trees and natural surroundings at the foot of the Bronberg. “One could say that we’re living in a forest,” he says.
Jacques credits the popularity of Die Wilgers to its comprehensive infrastructure and main arteries around the suburb. “Everything our city has to offer is just a few minutes away. The topography of the land allows for the N4 highway and the busy Lynnwood and Simon Vermooten roads to pass right by with little noise pollution. The area is blessed with rich, fertile soil, making gardening easy and improving the well-being of everyone,” he says.
His favourite place to wander around and enjoy special sunsets is the Bronberg south of the neighbourhood, “especially in late winter when the sky is painted into a dramatic pink-orange hue.”
But there’s more to a great neighbourhood than reliable infrastructure and pleasant places. “Our neighbours, friends and colleagues are all real people. There’s no competition to see who can amass the most earthly goods – no comparison with the neighbours. We are who we are, and we do what we do.”
The community is not so small that everyone knows everything about each other, says Jacques. “Should one have trouble – for example, a burglary – you can bank on the fact that strangers will react.” He says the hands-on community policing forum, community patrols and two-way radio communication have become an example for other neighbourhoods. “We’re lucky to have the right people in charge of these initiatives who selflessly give their time and e¬ffort.”
When asked what makes a house a home, Jacques says: “A house only becomes a home when people, and lots of animals, make this their place of refuge, safety and love. Home is a place where you’re greeted by barking dogs, always happy to see you, and a grumpy old ginger cat sleeping somewhere. It’s a place where you can plant, play and dream. Home is where memories and shared experiences grow old with you, and loved ones accept you for who you are.”
We have great shopping centres, schools, churches, restaurants, garden centres, nature areas and hospitals right on our doorstep
-Jacques van Niekerk
Transport plus:
- Easy access to the N4 and N1 highways and the Simon Vermooten and Lynnwood main roads.
- Hatfield Gautrain station is only 8,5km away.
- The suburb is served by municipal transport services.
Schools in the area:
- Hoërskool Die Wilgers
- Willowridge High School
- Lynnwood Ridge Primary School
- Laerskool Skuilkrans
Things to do:
- Eat out at Hooters, The Brazen Head or Ristorante L’Isola.
- Visit The Grove Mall for movies, games and ice-skating.
- Take the family to the Safari Garden Centre with its beautiful fish ponds, walkways, restaurant and kids’ entertainment area.
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
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