Fourways gem Norscot Manor survives on goodwill and a thriving koi pond
The beloved koi pond at the heritage site continues to draw visitors, but with fish food running low, manager Poppie Booysen is appealing to the community to help keep her ‘babies’ fed.
“I’m feeding my babies,” said Poppie Booysen, the manager of the heritage site, as she scattered pellets into the koi pond, a feature she describes as the face of the property.
Booysen said much of what sustains the manor is donated by residents, including the food for the koi.
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Three of the fish in the pond were gifted to her by residents who were emigrating. “This fish pond is the face of Norscot. Everyone who comes here makes a turn here, whether it’s children going to the library or play school, or people visiting the tea garden.”
The koi have been there for as long as Booysen can remember. Over the years, they have multiplied, creating a lively and, at times, overpopulated ecosystem.
“They’ve been here since I’ve been here, so they’re as old as I am. As you can see, there are babies and big ones.” Feeding time is one of her favourite moments.
“It’s attractive. People want to see it. That’s why I say it’s the face of Norscot, it attracts everybody who comes here.” Maintaining the pond, however, comes with its own challenges. Fish food, typically pellets and fish meal, is costly, though Booysen herself has never had to purchase it.
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“I can’t say how much it costs because I’ve never bought it. People who buy for me say it’s expensive. We don’t have money here.”
@caxtonjoburgnorth Norscot Manor manager Poppie Booysen feeds the koi that have become a central attraction at Norscot Manor, while appealing to the community for donations to help keep the pond thriving. Video: Ditiro Masuku #caxtonlocalmedia #Localnews #johannesburg #SA #Communitynews #fyp #2026 #newsupdate #Fourways ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North
Fourways Main Reef Rotary Club is working hard for the upkeep of the manor, including the fish, through fundraising and other projects.
Booysen has appealed to anyone willing to assist with donations of fish food to help sustain the growing number of koi.
“They are welcome to come at any time to assist. We will be very grateful.”
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