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thumbnailTo a large extent the Overstrand is the result of a forced marriage brought about by the municipal demarcation process some thirteen years ago. The four diverse municipalities of Gansbaai, Stanford, Hermanus and Hangklip-Kleinmond, each with their own character, are now united and share a common destiny. It is difficult to find a common historical link but perhaps it lies in the fact that despite its close proximity to Cape Town, the area has remained isolated for many years. Topography played a role in this isolation because the rugged Hottentots-Holland Mountain range inhibited the expansion of European settlement around the coast.

In fact the Overstrand area became the stronghold of outlaws and the remnants of Khoisan tribes for almost two centuries. Although hunting was possible they lived mainly from the sea, collecting shellfish and trapping fish. William Paterson, who travelled the region between Somerset West and Bot River in 1771, gave accounts of wild life such as zebra, bontebok, buffalo, eland and even hyena.

However, man's roots in this area go back even further. At De Kelders, the only fresh water caves on the coast of Africa, archaeological digs uncovered artefacts of a civilisation dating back 80 000 years ago. At Hangklip stone hand-axes from the Neanderthal era about 20 000 years ago have been unearthed.

Khoisan strandlopers used to leave their fish traps and middens along the coastline. In Rooi Els stone-packed fish-traps are still visible at low tide. Shell middens are found all along the coast, (75 in the village of Rooi Els alone). These piles of discarded abalone and allikricule shells and lobster mandibles are some two thousand years old.

The fish traps that have been in existence for a few thousand years are a valuable part of our historical heritage. Fish traps were the easiest and most logical way used by Stone Age people to catch fish. They were originally built by the Khoisan up to 3000 years ago and are still in use today.

Most of the fish traps are shaped in a half moon and vary in size. The Khoisan noticed that fish got caught in the natural tidal pools as the tide receded. Enlarging these pools by packing stone in strategic areas was a logical extension of the idea.
On dark nights the fish do not notice when the tide starts going out. When the water has retreated from the traps, leaving the fish stranded, they can then be caught by hand.

Packing the walls of the fish trap is a precise job and today only a handful of people are capable of doing it. The seaward side slopes gently to make it easy for the fish to swim into the trap. The internal face is vertical and clear debris and slit, so it can be drained quickly and trap the fish as the tide recedes.

We are truly blessed to have such interesting and diverse history at our doorsteps.