‘Oom Wessel’ closes shop
AFTER 38 years as a landmark establishment adjacent to the R66 route near Melmoth, ‘Oom Wessel se Winkel’, has closed its doors after a land claim was successfully negotiated.
Originally a Catholic Church mission station located on Mnadi Farm, Wessel and Lily Els purchased the property in 1982 to farm sugar cane.
‘The mission was built in 1962, and when we took over it was basically just the church, a workshop and a compound,’ said Lily.
‘Our intention was merely to grow sugar cane, but necessity demanded we diversify to generate income.’
And so it was that a farm stall was opened in 1990, with Lily choosing a name that would be both attentiongrabbing and different.
It resulted in many laughs, with everyone expecting Oom Wessel to be an old man – but he was only
31 at the time!
Given her background as a qualified potter, a kiln was built that would provide many ceramic items for sale in the shop, along with typical traditional ‘boerekos’, such as jams and rusks.
‘I ran pottery classes and we would host ‘klei-en-kuns’ evenings, boerekos nights and entertainment shows.’
While the focus was on the guest house that had grown to 33 beds, the farm also became a popular venue for parties, weddings and conferences.
With the shop being a bit off the main road and a concern as a possible robbery risk, it was converted to a backpacking site.
In addition to its actual function, the store was a reference point for many accidents that took place on the section of the road.
‘We did see some heartbreaking accidents and this, along with three devastating fires on the farm, are the only bad memories we have,’ said Lily.
‘They were such happy years and it was the perfect place to raise our three sons.
‘What we will miss most is the peace and tranquility of the Melmoth district.
‘The compensation court ruling came through in November and then the coronavirus put a hold on the move so we could enjoy the farm without working and could say our goodbyes to staff and friends.’
Wessel and Lily are now settling in at their home in Arboretum, Richards Bay, as they contemplate a retirement which may entail plenty of caravan travel.
Landmark farmhouse sold in land claim settlement