The Past
Nestled at the foot of the Hottentots Holland Mountains lies the quaint village of Sir Lowry’s Pass. The nearby mountain crossing was known to the indigenous Khoi people as the Gantouw or Eland’s Pass and was used as a stock route. The first recorded crossing was in 1664, and by 1821, the pass was a major ox-wagon crossing to the rest of Darkest Africa. In 1958, the ruts made by the wagons in the mountain were declared a National Monument. A new pass was constructed in 1828 and on 6 July 1830, it was declared open by the then Governor of the Cape Colony, Lowry Cole, who lent his name to the pass. Today, the pass still connects the N2 between Cape Town and the Garden Route.
The Village’s first post office was established in 1846 and in 1890 the first steam train stopped at the station. In 1925, the waiting room was used for English church services. During the early 1900s, the villagers’ major source of income was the picking of the wild flowers growing in the mountains and hills surrounding the village which were then sold to travellers.
Contact us:
Tel: 072 880 5829
Fax: 086 627 2902
info@slpcv.com
The Present
Sir Lowry’s Pass Village (SLPV) comprises around 12,000 residents who are predominantly of indigenous, Coloured or African descent. The village is surrounded by an extremely affluent community bordering it on all sides. Poverty, illiteracy, substance abuse and a general sense of despair are rampant and most of the residents are currently unemployed.
The Future
The villagers, people living on the surrounding farms as well as various internal and external stakeholders of SLP Village firmly believe in the potential of this community to become a thriving, world-class tourist destination where all people live in harmony and unity. Sir Lowry’s Pass Creative Village NPC (SLPCV) believes that this village and its heritage need to be showcased on the world stage.
The Vision
To empower the residents of SLP Village in developing the village into a sustainable, life-giving and unified community that creates an environment conducive to economic growth and job creation, while showcasing the full potential of each community member in this enchanting heritage tourist destination.
The Mission
To unite the efforts of all stakeholders by actively contributing towards the implementation of an integrated development plan (IDP) which must be in line with local, provincial and national strategies. To offer high-quality services as an efficient, effective and caring village by rendering assistance to those in need and to foster a vibrant local culture as a first-choice tourist destination.
The Goals
SLPCV’s objective is to act as a facilitator between the community and government, businesses, NGOs and churches, ensuring good governance, zero corruption, accountability and financial stability.
The Call
Our dream is to partner with stakeholders and investors to improve SLP Village in terms of:
- Bos en Dal Eco-Village Housing Project (± 400 houses with a Fish Farming Factory and Veggie Garden (presently busy with final stages of partnership agreements with various Government Departments and Surrounding Farming Community)
- Water recycling ~ next stage of above Project
- Informal and retail business
- Employment, and career and skills development
- Upgrading the train station and creating tourism opportunities
- Upgrading municipal services
- A joint operational public service centre
- Improved medical care facilities
- Creating community awareness regarding social care
- Fostering a sense of responsibility towards the environment
The Full Macro Development Business Plan
The more detailed Macro Plan based on the IDP and SDF of the City of Cape Town is being amended on a regular basis to adapt to SLP Village’s ever-changing needs during the process of transformation – in partnership with interested parties.
We Believe
The only way to ensure sustainable change in SLP Village is to partner with local and provincial government, businesses, NGOs, stakeholders and the community, and to align a single vision in order to ensure success during the transformation process. With the various partnerships that are being formed in the different sectors, the project’s objectives are now more achievable than ever before. We might not be able to change the past, but we CAN ensure a better tomorrow filled with hope and possibilities.
Extending an invitation
SLPCV hereby invites all interested parties to join us in our efforts to unify the SLPV community by creating an apolitical village with a sustainable future and thereby changing the lives of the community forever.
The 5 pillars of the project
- Opportunity village
SLPGV aims to provide opportunities by developing local businesses and the tourism industry in order to attract further investments which will ensure economic growth and job creation.
- Safe village
SLPCV’s main goal is to ensure a safe and clean environment where locals and tourists can feel secure to roam around freely, exploring the beauty and heritage of the historical village. This will be achieved by collaborating with the local government, community and security services.
- Caring village
One of the main focus areas as well as the biggest need is caring for the community by means of providing adequate housing, and social and health services to all residents.
- Inclusive village
SLPCV would like to encourage and facilitate the inclusion of all internal and external community members through the process of highly effective and continued communication.
- Well-run village
SLPCV has been established as an independent body corporate, ensuring a well-run village with transparent processes and structures. This body corporate will be held accountable, is free of corruption and is financially stable, with an effective and efficient administration that will create a sustainable SLP Village for future generations.