Towns and suburbs

Pniël

United Congregational Church Mission station

History of Pniel

  • Coordinates: 33°54′S 18°57′E
  • Province: Western Cape
  • District:  Cape Winelands
  • Municipality:     Stellenbosch
  • Area:     0.59 km2

Origins of the village

The village is a historic settlement nestled in the Western Cape province of South Africa. It traces its origins back to the early 19th century. Established by the London Missionary Society in 1818, the village holds significant cultural and historical importance in the region. Its name, meaning Face of God, reflects the community’s enduring spiritual heritage.

A piece of land from the farm De Goede Hoop was donated by 2 Huguenot farmers Pieter Isaac de Villiers and Paul Retief, to build a self-supporting mission settlement for homeless and landless slaves after 1842 when slavery was abolished by the British Empire. There had been about 40000 slaves in South Africa. These two farmers also bought a neighbouring farm which had been called Papiermolen which was included in the settlement. The land was subdivided into 99 small plots on which the freed slaves could build houses and plant food gardens.

Local Economy

Fruit and vegetable production has become a large industry. It is the major source of income for the town.

Mission beginnings of the town

The mission was run by the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA). A church and a school were built for the community. The name Pniël is of biblical origin and refers to the place where Jacob wrestled with God. It means “ Face of God”

The postcode here is 7681

Things to see and do in Pniel

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Useful Numbers

  • Police: Cloetesville  021 888 5940
  • Law Enforcement:021 808 8890
  • Traffic department: 021 808 8800
  • Fire: 021 808 8888
  • Municipality: 021 808 8111
  • 24-Hour Emergency line:Tel: 021 808 8890
  • `Water: 021 808 8215/021 808 8953
  •  Electricity: 021 808 8215/021 808 8953
  • Ambulance: 10177
  • Post office; 021 883 2233
  • Library: 021 808 8499
  • Closest hospital; Optima Rustenvrede Hospital- 021 885 2222
  • Pharmacy; Die Boord pharmacy: 021 887 9400
  • SPCA: Stellenbosch animal welfare  021 883 9129
  • Schools: Pniel primary 021 885 1110
  • Museum; 021 885 2645          https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pniel-Museum/268491883295194[                                                                                                                             

 

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