The Brains Trust of “Rusticana” and One Man Down

The three generations of eldest son to eldest son form the brains trust behind the success and ongoing renovation of Rusticana. The images depict Father (eldest son), his son (eldest son), and his son (eldest son), a lineage deeply intertwined with the new history of this place.

Before any trip to Brandvlei, these three would convene, meticulously planning the tasks ahead. It is with heavy hearts that we acknowledge the absence of one member, yet the work must continue, the house must be renovated. This is the legacy, the very directive, that Dad, Pa, would have imparted: "Don’t stop now."

This image captures my son, fourteen years apart, alongside our friend and helper in Brandvlei. The first photograph was taken in 2007, the second in 2021, a testament to enduring friendships and shared history.