Many foreiners (and Saffas alike) ask us what Swartland means.

This is a nice little explanation.

Swartland, from the Dutch “Het Zwarte Land” (the Black Land). The first explorers to the area called it so because of the endemic Renosterbos (Elytropappus rhinocerotis). After the rains, mainly in winter, the Renoster Bos takes on a dark appearance when viewed from the distance in large numbers. This is due to the fine leaf-hairs adhering to the leaves when wetted.

Now you know…