Bernard Bravenboer is a Stellenbosch photographer whose website I stumbled across some time ago. In their vivacity and their variety, Meneer Bravenboer’s photographs capture something elemental about life in the Cape. Here are some selections from his work.
Mooikelder Manor House, Paarl. Who knew there was an Afrikaans opera guide?
Left, men of Simonsberg. Right, ladies of Heemstede.
So that’s what the Stadsaal looks like on the inside! Walked past it a thousand times but never went in.
Above: the Heemstede charity man-auction. Below: Vensters, one of the strange student traditions of Stellenbosch.
It seems to me that women are constantly meeting for breakfast.
Left: HKs (huis-komittee members) of Dagbreek (John Murray Huis). Right: A farmer.
Is that AKBC in the second and third pictures, with the blond lady?
Not at all! I am in none of Mr. Bravenboer’s photos, and have never met the chap.
I am a Ikey, Mr. Cusack, but you make me long to be a Matie. Give me your dispassionate opinion. Is that a treasonable thought?
Happy New Year/Voerspoedige Nuwejaar.
En selfde, Mnr Allen!
To a Matie like me, it is perfectly reasonable that an Ikey should long to be a Matie. But for a Matie to long to be an Ikey… that would be pure treason!
I remember asking someone in Stellenbosch “When was the last time the Ikeys won the Intervarsity match?” No one could remember, though a little research shows 2009 was the thirteenth straight win for good old Matieland. Bravo!
Ouch!
In defence of the Ikeys I should mention that in the 2009 SA Universties XV squad that played a curtain raiser against the US Collegiate All-Americans before a Tri-Nations match was dominated by players from both universities. Nine Maties and… (blush!)..four Ikey’s.