Albertinia is a small, friendly rural town in the Western Cape Province of South Africa, at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains. The town lies next to the N2 national road between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, about 50 km from Mosselbaai, between the Indian Ocean in the South and the Langeberg Mountain Range in the North. Albertinia is located 330km from Cape Town, or 420km from Port Elizabeth.
The Albertinia region is a major wheat and sheep farming area with one of the lowest crime rates in South Africa. This peaceful country village, which still exudes the character of a trade outpost from the early 19th century, is an affordable and popular location for retirement. But Albertinia also offers residents and visitors a variety of activities, from the adrenalin rush of high adventure to the tranquillity and peace of an unusual natural beauty.
As with most small towns, the sport and cultural activities usually wait until the weekends, when the community can take part in the activities and strengthen social ties.
Albertinia Population
The population of Albertinia numbers in the vicinity of 6000 folks.
The people of Albertinia consist of a healthy mix of South Africans, including whites, coloureds, blacks and Asians, who speak mainly Afrikaans, isiXhosa and English. The majority of Albertinia residents are Christian, but other religions are also represented.
Albertinia Climate
Albertinia's annual rainfall adds up to approximately 200 to 250 mm, but the vast majority of rain falls here in the winter months. The average winter temperatures of 8 degrees Celsius at night and 21 degrees in daytime, and summer temperatures of 18 degrees Celsius at night and 28 degrees Celsius by day further makes for Albertinia's very pleasant climate.
Agriculture
Agriculture still plays a major role in the economy of the Albertinia area.
Livestock farming, which includes cattle (dairy), sheep and ostrich farming, along with wheat cultivation, are the main commercial farming activities in the Albertinia district. But eco-friendly use of the natural resources found in this area also makes a big contribution to the economy of Albertinia.
Just outside of Albertinia, the renowned Bukkenburg Welsh Pony Stud can also be found.
Flora
The vegetation of the Albertinia area is evergreen bush, shrubs and grassland. This includes a large variety of unique flora, with certain fynbos and protea, and an abundance of Aloe ferox.
The rich and unique plant life found at Albertinia has been a rich source of income for the town, for nearly all of its existence.
Albertinia Thatch Reed
The natural thatch reed, which grows in the sandy soils of the Albertinia area, has for centuries been used to construct watertight and insulating roofs for local houses, as well as houses much further a field. For instance: thatch reed from Albertinia was used to replace the fire-damaged roof at Groot Constantia in Cape Town, in 1920.
The Albertinia district's roof thatching material is still very much renowned as some of the best thatch reed available in South Africa.
Dried Flowers
A flourishing dried flower industry takes advantage of the availability of a rich diversity of Proteas, aloes, grasses, Everlastings and Albertinia Bridal Erica (Erica Bauera) in the Albertinia area. The dried flowers produced here are of very high standard, and is mostly exported to other countries.
Aloes
Albertinia is aloe country - specifically Aloe Ferox country, because the Aloe Ferox plant is so predominant, and has such a big economic impact in this area.
The blades of the Aloe Ferox plant, which occur naturally in the Albertinia area, are collected in winter and drained for its bitter tasting sap, then boiled, to concentrate the sap even more, until it becomes a gel or even crystallise.
This aloe extract has for a very long time been known to have medicinal value. But today it gets incorporated into a wide variety of cosmetics and health products, which compete internationally with the best cosmetics and health products.
Albertinia is South Africa's only source of aloe juice that can be used in health and skin care products. In fact, there are two aloe factories in Albertinia that extract juice and gel from the harvested aloe blades.
Alcare Aloe Factory
The sap of the Aloe ferox is an important ingredient of several medicinal products, many of which are also manufactured at Albertinia. Alcare Aloe Factory is the original Albertinia aloe factory, which extracts Aloe juices for high-quality health and skin care products.
The production of the Alcare Aloe Ferox range of skincare and health products also takes place at this factory in Albertinia.
History
As many of the towns in South Africa do, Albertinia owes its founding to the efforts of the Dutch Reformed Church.
The farmers in the district had a need for a more conveniently located place of worship and education. So, the church purchased the remaining portion of the farm Grootfontein, which was still in the possession of the widow Anna Sophia Lourens.
The town of Albertinia was named after the Reverend JR Albertyn, of Riversdale, who put much effort into the establishment of a church and community centre here. The congregation of Riversdale built a rectory, and the first minister, the reverend DJ Malan, was soon ordained.
Albertinia was proclaimed a town on 18 November 1904. The original Dutch Reformed Church building in Albertinia, which was inaugurated during the same year, was rebuilt in 1952.
Another portion of the Grootfontein farm had already been sold to one Mr. Henry Stanford, who called his portion of Grootfontein "Stanfords". This portion of the original farm would also eventually come under control of the Albertinia town council, but not until 1912.
Albertinia Real Estate
Property and real estate investors are attracted to the Albertinia area for its unpolluted, fresh air and moderate climate. Albertinia is also known as a peaceful, hospitable, rural town, which is well situated, with easy access to popular recreation spots.
The fact that Albertinia properties have, until recently, been relatively affordable, despite the property boom that sent property prices in larger towns and cities sky-rocketing, also drew many purchasers. But real estate prices in Albertinia are all but rock bottom today.
Property purchasers can, however, still find vale for their money in Albertinia.
More Info
For more info about Albertinia and surrounds, Mrs Merle Botes from the Albertinia Tourism Bureau can be visited at Aloe Engen Motors, 31 Station Street, right next to the N2 main road, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturdays from 9am to 12pm. Written enquiries about Albertinia can be directed to email albinfo@telkomsa.net, or post box 12, Albertinia, 6693, South Africa.
The Albertinia Tourism Bureau can be also be contacted by telephone at +27 28 7351000, or fax +27 28 7352609
