Krabbefontein brews unique local coffee story in Wolkberg

Maretha Swanepoel

The aroma of freshly brewed gourmet coffee lingers through Krabbefontein Café, inviting visitors to pause, relax and experience coffee grown and produced locally in the mountains of Limpopo.
Nestled at the foot of the Wolkberg Mountains, Krabbefontein has a long agricultural history dating back to 1903, when it was established as a government experimental research station by HS Altenroxel and C Plange. More than a century later, the farm took a new direction.
In 2018, four coffee trees were planted on the farm, which had previously been known for avocado production. The team decided to shift focus and experiment with coffee cultivation instead. According to Rémi Anderson, coffee seeds were sourced from around the world to determine which varieties could thrive in the local conditions. “We got to a point where we realised our coffee was good enough so we could build our own brand,” Anderson said.
He explained that Krabbefontein is built around three core principles: supporting local markets and South Africa, constantly experimenting and innovating, and maintaining high quality standards in everything they do. “The coffee industry in South Africa is very small, and it is not easy to get into it,” Anderson explained.
He said coffee quality is assessed through a process known as “cupping”, where expert tasters score the coffee. “We got 72% the first time, which is standard, but we wanted to put high quality out there. When we were recently reassessed, we got 84%, which places us in the speciality coffee category,” he said.
Coffee is generally cultivated within the global “coffee belt”, which stretches along regions near the equator. South Africa lies at the southernmost edge of that belt, creating unique growing conditions.
At Krabbefontein, coffee trees are planted on mountain slopes where they receive adequate sunlight while remaining protected from cold temperatures. “We try to grow coffee on a high-quality scale. This means we inspect the trees daily and plant them on mountains and slopes where they can face south, avoid frost and receive enough sunlight,” Anderson explained. Although coffee trees can be propagated through cuttings, Krabbefontein prefers growing from seed. “We go through all the trees every day and evaluate their quality, root systems and growth,” he said.
Soil quality also plays a significant role in the flavour of the coffee. According to Anderson, the soil must be extremely fine and free from clay or large clumps, with preparation taking up to two years before planting can begin. Trees planted too close together are more susceptible to pests and may not receive enough sunlight. Krabbefontein also follows a pesticide-free approach, relying on soil cover and machinery for weed control. Anderson explained that there are three primary methods of harvesting coffee beans. “The first method is stripping everything from the tree, including ripe beans, unripe beans and flowers. The second method is selective picking, where workers collect only ripe beans but do not return to the same trees,” he said.
Krabbefontein uses a slower, labour-intensive harvesting process. “We harvest by hand and return to each tree up to five times to harvest again and again.”
Over the past few years, Krabbefontein Café has developed a variety of coffee blends aimed at catering for different tastes while continuing to build its reputation in South Africa’s growing speciality coffee industry.

F45 to host high-energy games day challenge

Maretha Swanepoel

THERE is nothing better to spice up a workout session than a little competition and plenty of fun, and that is exactly what participants can expect at F45 Polokwane’s upcoming Games Day on June 20.
The event will see teams of three competing in a 60-minute fitness challenge where the goal is to earn as many points as possible across different workout zones.
According to Lisa Trueman from F45 Polokwane, the challenge is designed to test teamwork, endurance and determination. “The objective is to work together, push hard and maximise your team’s total score across all zones,” she said.
The workout will be divided into three competition zones. Teams will spend 14 minutes in each zone collecting points before rotating to the next challenge. A recovery period of two minutes and 30 seconds between zones will give participants time to reset.
Anyone over the age of 16 is welcome to participate, although participants under 18 will need parental consent.
Trueman explained that teams can register by downloading the F45 Training app and booking a class slot for June 20. “Each team member must individually book their spot, and all members of the same team must book the same class session,” she said.
Participants do not need to be F45 members to enter. Non-members can join by purchasing a Games Day drop-in class for R180 through the app. Teams are encouraged to bring energy and creativity to the event by wearing matching workout outfits, coordinated colours or fun fitness-themed attire.
“It is important to wear suitable training clothes for the workout. Bring a towel and a winning spirit,” Trueman added.
Games Day will begin with the first class session at 06:50 on the Saturday, followed by another session at 08:15. Participants are requested to arrive at least 10 minutes before their scheduled class, as important event information and briefings will be shared before the workouts begin.

German experience on H’burg soil

Maretha Swanepoel

A new addition to the dining experience in Haenertsburg is the opening of the Lechner’s Berg und Bier Brauhaus.
This new German-style dining experience embraces the German roots and heritage of the town.
Carl and Bernadette Lechner, who are also the proud owners of the award-winning Tenpin on Grimm in Polokwane, were inspired by Carl Ferdinand Haenert, who first discovered gold in the area.
According to Carl, Lechner’s Berg und Bier Brauhaus’ service is not just about food and drinks, but about patrons’ experience when they leave the restaurant.
The food is traditionally German, with pretzels and eisbein, paired with good beer and craft options.
Haentersburg is known for the hospitality at the shops and restaurants, and according to Bernadette, the Berg und Bier Brauhaus complements this unique tradition and the town’s ethos.
The dishes are familiar, thoughtfully prepared and can be enjoyed in a relaxed setting. When the couple walked into this space the first time, they just knew this would be the place where their dreams would be born.
The area was known as The Eatery, a place with warmth, creativity, and authenticity, and the couple will keep the focus on consistency and reliability.
Apart from being open for lunch and dinner, there is also a bar and deli with speciality baked items. The future is bright for this Brauhaus, and patrons can soon enjoy themed evenings.
From The Eatery, there will still be fresh bread and pastries, as this is what made The Eatery special.
Carl says there is no reason to take away something well-loved. “We would rather build on that foundation, expanding the offering while keeping quality.”
The Lechner’s Berg und Bier Brauhaus supports local producers and growers from Magoebaskloof and uses exceptional ingredients to keep the menu fresh and seasonal.

Zwakala: Where friends and family gather

Maretha Swanepoel

Zwakala means come closer, and by offering a brewery where you can relax, a wedding venue and a river retreat, the owners manage to get people closer to each other.
The Zwakala River Retreat is located on the family farm, high up in the Magoebaskloof Mountains. This piece of paradise welcomes readers to gather together to celebrate the best things in life. The long tables, tilled with divine dishes, are surrounded by laughter, music and wine. With hugs and meaningful conversation, people connect to each other and form long-lasting friendships.

Mina’s Farm Venue is the perfect space for couples to have wedding celebrations by using the natural surroundings and the charming rustic venue as their canvas. At Mina’s, you can create your own unique wedding with a meaningful wedding weekend.

With over 15 years of experience, Mina’s wedding coordinator will guide you every step of the way, and the rest of the team is ready to assist you in the process. The in-house florist and stylist brings your vision to life with wild, seasonal blooms and thoughtful details.
Every corner at Mina’s holds character and charm, and every view begs to be remembered. Whether it’s your wedding, an intimate celebration with family and friends, Mina’s is about connection – to nature, to each other, and to the moment.
Zwakala Brewery is known for its delicious food and a variety of craft beer, gin and tonic on tap. Each batch of beer is handcrafted with no unnatural products in the brewing process.
With its enormous windows that overlook the mountains and lots of outdoor space with a magical playground for the children, you can come and relax with friends in a tranquil environment.
Apart from the playground for children, there is also a variety of outdoor games like the life-size Jenga, badminton and corn hole, fun for both adults and children.