Dorinda Deysel (37), who owns and founded the Hello Heidelberg Marketing Agency, shares insights on how residents and visitors can make the most of their festive season in Heidelberg.

Driven by her dream of building a local support network, she launched Hello Heidelberg, a platform that provides easily accessible information about local services, businesses, restaurants, health services, and attractions.

“We provide residents and visitors with a user-friendly way to find everything they need here in Heidelberg. We are social beings. My vision for Hello Heidelberg is to reconnect people and strengthen community ties. Let’s support our local economy before looking outside.

“Whether you are a resident, newcomer or visitor, our services are here to guide you to all things local, helping you navigate the town with ease while discovering its many hidden gems,” she said.

Deysel believes that while technology has made life convenient, it has also isolated people.

“Heidelberg is the ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, just an hour from Johannesburg. With its countryside charm, beautiful views and rich history, it offers tranquillity, heritage and adventure in one destination.
“Our town was an active battleground during the Anglo-Boer wars. Despite the war sweeping through many parts of SA, Heidelberg’s historical buildings have been remarkably well preserved. It’s fascinating to think that the last war ended just 123 years ago, and now, here we stand on the same ground where soldiers once fought.

“Today, our heritage buildings whisper stories of the past. The Heidelberg Heritage Association has taken on the crucial role of preserving these treasures for future generations. Whether you want a slow-paced treat or a memorable day trip, Heidelberg offers warmth, history, and natural beauty that make time feel like it stands still,” she said.

Deysel also encouraged the public to attend festive events and seasonal activities in Heidelberg.

“There is an annual Jordaanpark Christmas vehicle parade on December 6 at 19:00. The Jordaanpark Forum is excited to announce some changes to its parade. This year, they invite the public, schools, sports clubs, NPOs and local businesses to participate.

“The rules include that your vehicle must be decorated with Christmas lights, and if you are a business, school, NPO or sports club, you must also include branding to promote yourself.

“We invite residents from our various neighbourhoods of Heidelberg to take up the challenge to decorate their homes in festive spirit this year. Driving around town, scouting for well-decorated homes, can be very exciting and pleasing to young and old alike,” she said.

Local attractions to explore this festive season:

Ghost bridge (Spookbrug)

If you have not visited the Ghost Bridge (Spookbrug), then you haven’t fully explored Heidelberg. While it’s not an official heritage site, it’s one of the most talked-about attractions. Legend says a ghost pushes your car uphill, though it’s actually a gravity hill creating an optical illusion.

Still, it’s an experience worth trying. Just remain cautious and alert, especially at night. Visitors can access the road from Plein Street in Rensburg.

Blesbokspruit

The Blesbokspruit originates north of Daveyton and flows through Springs, Nigel and Heidelberg before joining the Suikerbosrand River.

The Marievale Bird Sanctuary, established in 1930, lies along its upper reaches and is recognised as a Ramsar site (a wetland site designated as of international importance) due to its ecological significance. The area supports several species of waterbirds and small mammals.

It was placed on the Montreux Record (Ramsar site register) in 1996 due to past contamination from surrounding mines.

Dr O’Reilly’s House

Dr James O’Reilly, a Scottish doctor and graduate of Edinburgh, became district surgeon in 1888. Known for his distinctive look and luxurious spider horse-drawn carriage, he cared deeply for his patients.

He even provided seriously ill patients with homing pigeons to summon him in emergencies, a remarkable innovation for the time.

The Club House

The Heidelberg Club House is one of the oldest men’s clubs in the then Transvaal. Built in 1897, it was the second club in the Transvaal to be granted a liquor licence.

Since its establishment, the club has had a strong membership. With its men-only policy, one can enjoy a game of billiards while relaxing with a cold beer.