Rusticana: The long road home.
As we cross the threshold into a new year, there is a natural inclination toward reflection and recalibration. The conclusion of 2025 was, in a word, bittersweet. We faced the formidable challenge of the Vanrhyns Pass—a geographical giant that ultimately humbled our ambitions. For those who haven’t followed that chapter of our journey, I encourage you to read our previous account of the lessons learned on those steep, unforgiving slopes. The Weight of Ambition: A Hard-Learned Lesson on the Slopes of the Vanrhyns Pass
However, the essence of the “Rusticana spirit” is resilience. We do not dwell on the rear-view mirror; we “soldier on,” drafting new blueprints and curating the memories yet to be made. The dawn of 2026 has already brought profound moments of pride for our family. Our daughter has officially closed the chapter on her secondary education, achieving a Bachelor’s Pass with distinctions in her Grade 12 Matric examinations.
Her academic journey and the start of her tertiary education now lead toward the University of South Africa (UNISA), where she has been offered placements for both a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB). While both paths offer prestigious futures, her heart remains firmly rooted in the complexities of the human mind. Choosing B.A. (Psychology) isn’t just a career move; it is a pursuit of her lifelong passion, and we couldn’t be more supportive of her decision to help others navigate their own journeys.
Our focus now shifts toward the upcoming Easter weekend at Rusticana. While the trip to Brandvlei will be brief, our itinerary is ambitious. The goal is to fortify the property’s infrastructure to support our long-term vision. Our primary objective is to install a dedicated water line and tap for the garage. Having a reliable water source on that side of the property is essential for future workshops and maintenance.
We will be installing the 110mm PVC connection to the new septic tank—a critical, albeit unglamorous, step in ensuring the property’s self-sufficiency. We intend to survey and mark the perimeter for a new concrete slab above the septic tank, scheduled for pouring at the end of 2026. Precision now prevents headaches later. Between the major installs, we’ll be tackling the “death by a thousand cuts” list: sealing structural cracks, puttying windows, and refreshing the aesthetics with new paint. We will also be testing a new 4G internet system, a vital link for staying connected in the remote quiet of the Northern Cape.
Beyond the manual labour, Easter remains a cornerstone of our faith. It is a time to pause and remember the profound significance of the season as Christians—a reminder of hope, sacrifice, and new beginnings.