My name is Tanya Janse van Rensburg (née Schultz), and my journey into German heritage began long before I ever dreamed of joining the German Club Paarl.
Born to Richard and Gisela Schultz, I grew up surrounded by a deep sense of sentimentality and pride in my German roots.
Although I spent my childhood in Constantia, my family’s legacy is firmly planted in Philippi—my forebears were proud farmers in the Philippi Horticultural Area.
A Rich German History in Philippi
Between 1860 and 1883, three waves of German settlers arrived in Philippi, transforming sandy dunes into productive farmland. This community, later known as the Philippi Germans, developed innovative farming methods that helped feed much of Cape Town and left a lasting legacy.
The spirit of Bete und Arbeite—“Pray and Work”—captured the heart of this community. It’s also the title of Lizette Rabe’s detailed book, “Bete und Arbeite: The Philippi Germans and their Story”, which chronicles the hardships, culture, and resilience of the settlers.
Her work beautifully documents how these early families preserved their identity through faith, discipline, and a strong sense of community.
Why Heritage Becomes More Important Over Time
I’ve always been sentimental by nature. As the years go by, I’ve felt a growing need to reconnect with my roots. The older we get, the more we begin to ask: Where did I come from? What legacy am I part of?
My parents raised me with stories of faith, family, and tradition. I’ve found myself drawn to old recipes, family heirlooms, and even the forgotten dialects once spoken by our ancestors. That curiosity turned into a deep desire to honour and preserve our story—for myself, and for generations to come.
Why the German Club Paarl Matters to Me
I joined the German Club Paarl not only out of personal interest, but because I wanted to be part of a living community that celebrates and preserves our shared German heritage.
It’s a place where stories come alive, traditions are kept, and culture is passed down through events, food, language, and connection.
I’m proud to share this journey with my husband, Freddie Janse van Rensburg, who helps run the club with great care and dedication.
Together with Udo Schwarte, our Chairman, and our dedicated committee, we hope to keep the club relevant, welcoming, and rooted in tradition while embracing a new generation.
What the Club Offers Today
The German Club Paarl is more than a social space—it’s a cultural home. From our traditional Schlachtfest events to the German Deli, festive markets, and live music nights, there’s something for everyone.
Whether you’re German by heritage or simply interested in the culture, you’ll find a warm welcome at our events.
Why Cultural Traditions Still Matter
In a fast-moving, digital world, preserving traditions helps us slow down and reconnect—with each other, and with our roots.
Cultural spaces like this club remind us of the value of gathering, of storytelling, of shared meals and celebrations that bind people together.
A Shared Journey of Discovery
Have you ever wondered where your family came from? What traditions were passed down—maybe without you even realising it?
Exploring your heritage can be a powerful and grounding experience. Joining a club like ours is not just about looking back; it’s about celebrating the past while building meaningful connections in the present.
Share Your Story With Us
Do you have a memory, a recipe, or a photograph linked to your family’s past? We’d love to feature it here on our blog.
The German Club Paarl blog is not just about remembering history—it’s about writing the next chapter, together.
Reach out to us —we’d love to hear from you.
