Bregda and Teubes Mostert
Owners of the farm Hooggeleë and Die Ark campsite
Teubes, a native of Koringberg who started school here in Sub a in 1968 (and whose father was one of the first babies to be christened in the local church), and Bregda, who “immigrated from a cattle farm between Ladysmith and Newcastle”, are the epitome of good Samaritans. Over the years, they have been involved in various capacities in the NG church, and on Sundays, Bregda (on guitar) and Teubes (on tambourine) lead the “praise and worship” services.
There are several affordable accommodation options on their farm, Hooggeleë, which originally included the farm Brakwater, where Koringberg was founded. On offer are cottages as well as the campsite Die Ark, which consists of stands, backpackers’ lodgings and a reception venue.
Although Koringberg has changed over the years, Teubes and Bregda say it remains a wonderful community.
“When our daughter Renée (then aged 3) was diagnosed with cancer in 1993 – Hein was then 5 and Philip 1 – for a period of nine months, 24/7, either one of us was permanently with her at the hospital in Cape Town. A constant stream of rusks and readymade food arrived, keeping the household going. We experienced this for a second time in 2004 when our house burnt down and an entire army of people turned up to help. When the pawpaw hits the fan, these are the people who will appear at 03:00 in the morning to help you.”
Bregda says Koringberg has always been a simple and relatively poor place, but a stream of inkommers have introduced funds to the town, improving the houses and gardens, and bringing fresh energy with them. “Although we don’t live in the town, we still experienced it as a community, though this is often via the extremely active WhatsApp group.”
Once upon a time they knew everyone, says Teubes, and he now finds it strange to drive through the town and not have any idea who lives in many of the houses. “There used to be so many activities that brought the community together. Whenever a farmer built a new shed, there would be a celebration. This is why Bregda has started the tradition of having tea on Sundays after the service. We must have a chance to talk about the week that has gone by, the week that lies ahead, and the rain – always the rain.”