A tour of ELIM, South Africa - A Spiritual break from Materialism

[@jiajia2434]

You are the messenger who introduces the real South Africa to the world! I have passed by this small town few times but never stopped to take a look…After watching your video, I was moved by the people in this small town and their real life!

[@willieexplore]

What a wonderful comment to receive, thank you so much! We can all learn a lot from Elim in many ways. I appreciate your support and encouragement!

[@JoyceOctober]

Baie dankie Willie Pragtig gedoen Mag God saam met jou Verder op jou Reis Gaan Groete hier uit Elim van Joyce Erfenis en toerisme centre ❤❤😊😊 Elim is the place to be

[@willieexplore]

Hallo Joyce. Woorde kan nie beskryf hoe dankbaar ek is vir jou insette en hoe jy my ontvang het nie. Dit word opreg waardeer. My besoek aan Elim was 'n groot hoogtepunt in my reise sover. Ek wens vir julle alle sterkte daar by Erfenis en Toerisme en hopelik kruis ons paaie weer eendag. Elim is the place to be yes!!

[@bobovanzyl3008]

Joyce, jy is n blink ster. Ook as mens. Seën vir jou. Groete vir Elim.

[@Wayne-w5v]

Wow ..Elim is a beautiful place so peaceful especially Titus ..very blessed man

[@willieexplore]

Absolutely Wayne, what a wonderful place. Titus was so kind to me, I wish him all the best. Thanks for watching!

[@johnbeck2042]

Well done, Willie! I was in Elim about fifty years ago, and was amazed at the gees of the area and the very interesting design of the lovely homes and other buildings. You have brought back a great memory, but especially that of the old water wheel, which was not working because of neglect. I have seen it working now - thanks to you and your camera! Congrats, Boetie! You have mad an 81-year young chap very happy!

[@willieexplore]

Thank you so much for your kind message, John! I am really pleased that you had a chance to see the water wheel in "action". It was really Joyce who made it all possible, I was simply the guy with the camera who managed to film it. Elim is so proud of it (and the rest of their town) and so they should be. Appreciate your support and encouragement!

[@lliu4032]

Thanks for introducing our beautiful Cape pretty small towns🌸🌺💐! So touching by Titus, full of love, pray for his daughter getting a job. God Bless South Africa 🇿🇦 ❤

[@willieexplore]

You are most welcome, it was wonderful to visit Elim!

[@errol-zs1aci]

Wow, Wille! This was a fantastic documentary! I passed through the town on a bucket list motorbike trip with my son to L'Agulhas. I never knew about the rich history of this town. This has been a real eye-opener for me. In this world where money rules, it was very emotional and precious to see how these folk live and appreciate what they have - more than what money can buy. I had to dry quite a few tears while watching. Nog van hierdie asb. Baie dankie.

[@willieexplore]

Thanks Errol! Really pleased to hear you enjoyed this one. Lots of history in this part of the world, and of course Elim with its Moravian history is particularly interesting. Visiting Elim really makes you think about life more generally. Beste groete daar!

[@sallylanham2983]

Another interesting video, full of the life and spirit of this unusual small town. Keep going Willie. Yours are the best. I watch them all.

[@willieexplore]

Thank you Sally, I really value your support and encouragement. Delighted to hear you enjoy my content.

[@hanneliewiese3477]

Thanks Willie - you always go the extra mile to show us what a town has to offer.

[@willieexplore]

My absolute pleasure Hannelie, these towns deserve it! Groete

[@jaspervanzyl6212]

Always excited to see another video by Willie Explore! Thanks for the memories! Interesting place and beautiful people.

[@willieexplore]

Thanks Jasper, it is the people who make Elim what it is. A wonderful place.

[@juliecoetzee1816]

We used to holiday in Cape Agulhas when I was a child. Such lovely memories of happy, care free times come back to me watching this.

[@willieexplore]

Thanks for watching Julie! Glad the video brought back some great memories for you!

[@MagdaleneWessels]

Titus, jou huisie eenvoudig en pragtig❤ niks om skaam te wees oor nie hoor, dit laat my terug dink aan my kinder jare in my ouma se huisie met klomp fotos op die mure en doilies op die tafel en grammer radio 😊 en ons kuier om dit en ouma prit koffie op die koole stoof in kombuis ❤ brings back memories...

[@willieexplore]

Magdalene, ek stem 100% saam met jou. Dit was egter nie Titus wat versoek het om die dele uit te haal nie, maar 'n familielid. Dit was vir my hartseer om die video aan te pas, maar ek respekteer die familielid se gevoelens. Wat my aanbetref was Titus ongelooflik trots op sy huisie en hy het uitgesien na die video. Hy het selfs vir my gevra wanneer ek dit gaan oplaai. Ek het hom ervaar as 'n baie aangename persoon met wie ek 'n band gebind het wat vir my kosbaar is.

[@sheilam4525]

I love this place😊. Gorgeous houses, especially the raised ones with the sloping gardens. Mario having his number in his roof was great😂. Thatched roofs here in the U.K are very expensive to maintain, I assume it is the same in S.A. What a lovely man Titus was inviting you in to his home😊

[@willieexplore]

Isn't it just great, Sheila? If you are into architecture, you will love Elim. Good question about the maintenance of the roofs, I don't think it is cheap in SA either. Mario's number was the best!

[@colleenbrookes-gain6662]

I spent my primary holidays in Elim and those memories are imprinted forever in my heart and mind

[@willieexplore]

Hi Colleen, that is beautifully put. Thanks for watching my videos!

[@leemckenzi]

My beautiful Home Town♥️♥️♥️

[@bobovanzyl3008]

Julle het nie net n mooi dorp nie, maar ook die mooiste mense! So spesiaal. Ryke seën vir julle.

[@willieexplore]

You can be so proud my friend. Wonderful, endearing people.

[@lorendaadams227]

Willie,.the Hill with Elim's name that you mention right at the beginning is our fynbos area called Geelkop. That is our nature reserve where you can find most of our fynbos species. Many botanists go there to document and do research of the fynbos. That is also one of tbe hiking trails

[@willieexplore]

Hello Lorenda, thanks for engaging and for providing the information. I appreciate it. Hopefully one day I can return and walk that trail, the scenery looks out of this world. I am sure many botanists dream of visiting Elim too!

[@marygird7715]

Hi Willie you are really show casing these little towns that no one know a lot about which is an eye opener to our rich history of South Africa. I was a bit worried about the dogs though which are left to roam for pedestrians safety

[@willieexplore]

@@marygird7715 Glad you enjoyed it, Mary! So much to see and experience in SA. A beautiful town and all the dogs I encountered were friendly.

[@marygird7715]

@@willieexplore Hi Willie that's good that they are. Those stones in the public garden could be a labyrinth

[@willieexplore]

@@marygird7715 you may well be right, Mary! Good shout!

[@ronalddippenaar2381]

Thank you very much Mario. I thoroughly enjoyed your video. Please do more of the small towns in South Africa.

[@willieexplore]

It is Willie but thank you very much! :) Appreciate you checking out my content :)

[@mayousimon1]

Another fine awesome video willie you have made i personal just like the scenery very interesting ideal location in a small town as you don't get to view or see what expected or explained that was inspiring to building a settlement for people who want to settle down roots and find things to achieve their own objectives for findings are very valuable for finding these lands during the formation of inspiration country thank for adventures video willie

[@willieexplore]

Cheers Simon, it certainly has an interesting geography and history! We can all learn something from Elim and apply it in our own lives. Hope all is well on your side!

[@renejonathan6816]

Thank Willie for this video much appreciated. I'm sure that Elim will have much more tourist after this. What a beautiful place.

[@willieexplore]

Really appreciate your comment and thanks for watching my videos! I had a great time in Elim and I'm sure others will too.

[@phillipvanderheyde1556]

Well done Willie. I really have to go there to see how much the place have changed. I was there more than 40years ago

[@willieexplore]

Thanks for your kind words, Phillip. Really appreciate it. I think you will really enjoy visiting the town again after all these years!

[@toscabrutus1781]

Willie ek was naby nog nooit daar tyd spandeer nie! Uitstekende program! Ek het dit baie geniet! Groete!

[@willieexplore]

Tosca dit is regtig die moeite werd om daar af te klim. Maar as jy nog nie daar was nie, moenie bevrees nie, want ek was daar om vir jou te wys! ;) Beste groete daar in Lima

[@toscabrutus1781]

@@willieexplore Ja dis waar ek geniet die reeks wat jy nou doen! Groete!

[@willieexplore]

Note: Following a request from a family member of Titus (not Titus himself), I took the decision to delete most of the footage of the inside of his home. This is despite him inviting me into his home and giving me permission to film, which I appreciated. I am terribly sad to have edited this, as I thought it showcased Elim and an extraordinary Elimer in a profound manner.

[@jaspervanzyl6212]

What a shame, Willie Explore! I thought Titus represented his town beautifully and with dignity, so not sure why this request was made. Bring back Titus!

[@willieexplore]

@@jaspervanzyl6212 so did I. He was a wonderful ambassador for Elim and his family.

[@Mark_31z]

Lovely little village very calm and peaceful I encourage you to post more south African adventure

[@willieexplore]

Cheers Mark, always appreciate your input and support. Certainly more SA videos coming soon!

[@PienaarMaria]

Dankie Willie, dus nog altyd my droom om deur ons land te reis, voordat ek oud word. Elim is n pragtige dorpie met vriendelike mense. Veilig travel.🙏

[@willieexplore]

Groot plesier Maria, dit is 'n voorreg om die plekke te kan afneem en te deel met mense soos jy. Baie bly jy reis saam virtueel. Dankie vir die mooi wense!

[@LorraineBailey-yn2zm]

Hello Willie. Dit is die eerste keer dat ek so n rustige saamloop gesels snappier met iemand soos jy gedoen het. Dit het gevoel asof jy regtig wou weet. Ook, jy het die kalmte en die nabyheid aan God pragtig uitgebeeld. Ons almal probeer om ons dorpie ongerep te hou met respek vir mekaar en diepe liefde aan die kerk as middelpunt van die dorpie. Wel gedaan. 😊

[@willieexplore]

Hello Lorraine, dit is wonderlik om so mooi boodskap te ontvang, baie dankie! Dit was vir my 'n groot voorreg en hoogtepunt om Elim te besoek. Ek hoop om eendag weer terug te keer. Beste groete!

[@andrewworrall4302]

this is so cool and well put together as usual

[@willieexplore]

Thank you Andrew, glad you enjoyed it!

[@samsonkjoseph6087]

Baie dankie Meneer. Ons Here saam met jou op plekke.

[@willieexplore]

Dankie Samson, waardeer!

[@ziskabrits618]

Mooi Willie ! Dankie ❤️🕊❤️

[@willieexplore]

Dankie Ziska! Ons mooie Overberg! Waardeer jou

[@robertross5442]

Thanks for the beautiful tour

[@willieexplore]

My absolute pleasure! Thanks for watching along!

[@joesquira2683]

Hi Willie ek en my vrou het nou al baie van jou programme gekyk en is baie goed wat jy vertel van die dorp is wonderlik hou so aan doen die hele Suid Afrika van Joe en Retha

[@willieexplore]

Hi Joe (en Retha), baie dankie vir julle mooi boodskap. Ek waardeer julle ondersteuning en aanmoediging opreg. Groete!

[@jefferyflores2251]

Very beautiful would love to visit. Any hotels or bed & breakfast available

[@021karin]

TRACK 4:40 - THAT is a telephone booth where a coin operated payphone used to be housed (tiekieboks)

[@willieexplore]

I think you are right! Thanks for clarifying and watching my content!

[@johnkruger9543]

love it !

[@willieexplore]

Thank you John! Delighted to hear that!

[@irregularsmum7520]

So beautiful ❤

[@willieexplore]

A very special part of the world! Thanks for watching :)

[@alfonsoabels7744]

Willie, that round facility at the Elim post office used to be a phone booth where a public telephone was housed.

[@willieexplore]

Cheers Alfonso, that makes a lot of sense and someone else thought so too. Thanks for confirming, the facility really intrigued me!

[@alfonsoabels7744]

Willie, your video does not cover the whole Elim and its entire history. Why did you not wander in more streets? Had a look at the current cemetery. However, you did a great job. Thanks for speaking to Titus, my friend from childhood.

[@willieexplore]

Thanks for engaging Alfonso. I am sure there are bits I've missed and overlooked, as is the case with every video. As I'm sure you'll appreciate, time is often limited and I try to balance and structure my vlogs with various elements, of which history is only one. A feel for the place / first impressions is another. People another one. A bit of food and / or drink another. And so on. I've only covered a few things and my video is 50 minutes long. But glad you enjoyed the bits I did cover!

[@cvanzylguntervanzylgunter6806]

Dankie Willie ❤

[@willieexplore]

Altyd 'n plesier! Groete

[@ruthfrancis6416]

Beautiful Elim

[@willieexplore]

A wonderful town! Thanks for watching!

[@N3773B]

Loved it. Do Arniston too. Its nearby

[@willieexplore]

Glad you enjoyed it! I will try and get to as many places as I can :)

[@MagdaleneWessels]

Pragtig Willie, is daar n gaste huis om tuis te gaan as mens will besoek?

[@willieexplore]

Hallo Magdalene, bly jy het dit geniet! Ek het nie oornag daar nie, maar ek is seker daar is gastehuise. Die toerisme kantoor behoort meer te weet as ek. Groete!

[@David74428]

very kiff video.. maybe include some more conversations with the locals informed about the history.. 2 channels to use as good examples are, Yes Theory and Bald and Bankrupt.. there are allot of underated places in south africa.. both channels mentioned challenge steriotypical views on the locations they visit.. you have a good personality for the role of a traveller.. being able to communicate in the local language for translation is key , along with finding the correct person with the correct question.. if you get me.. anyway, lekka video, keep it up..

[@willieexplore]

Hi David, really pleased to hear from you and I hope you get a lot of joy from my channel! Yes, I'm familiar with the two channels you mentioned but I've tried to develop my own style, focusing on history, interesting facts, engagement with people (where possible), and raw, authentic content. There are many places in South Africa with fantastic stories to tell, but often unheard. I'm currently on a one year sabbatical from my full-time job, with the aim to build this channel. Cheers again for the support!

[@David74428]

@@willieexplore original style is essential.. in my opinion, your content in son par with the aforementioned channels.. adding a couple 00's to your subscribers may be a matter of finding a catchy thumbnail and title .. random thought, if the title of the robersons winery video (im only 2 videos in) were - Robertsons Winery, beware of guinie fowl ! with the danger sign as the badge.. anyway, ill consume the rest of your content before making further suggestions .. keep up the good work..

[@willieexplore]

@@David74428 really appreciate it, and please keep those ideas coming. I continue to experiment with different thumbnail and title ideas, and also the tags itself. We all need to start somewhere!

[@alfonsoabels7744]

The video start at the entrance (Bredasdorp side) of Elim

[@willieexplore]

I certainly does! Thanks for watching!

[@Afriqueleblanq]

Similarly exclusive to a certain culture or religion like Mnyameni or Orania. In this instance, they are exclusive to their church and don't readily accept "strangers" of even the same ethnicity. Gladly, there's no public outcry from woke journalism such as WION.

[@willieexplore]

I had a wonderful experience. Thanks for watching!

[@Justice-sv8ll]

Let me give you the real history of Elim which you have chosen to exclude conveniently! The indigenous people of Elim in the Overberg were the Khoi people and the Quena people:   Khoi people The Khoi were the first inhabitants of the Cape and were herders who traded with early European visitors.  Quena people The first 15 Quena people moved to Elim in 1824, and by 1839 there were 563 Quena people in the area. The Quena people founded the Gansbaai fishing culture.  Elim was a Moravian mission station established in 1824 by German missionaries. It was a place of safety for the Khoi people and later for freed slaves.

[@willieexplore]

Thanks for watching my video! I encourage you to make a video about Elim featuring this information.

[@kudaisiaduntola2523]

​@@willieexploregreat response

[@tandiwempanga785]

If there were people living in Europe, surely there were people living in the "discovered" places in africa. Speak of holy wars. Just thinking 😢

[@willieexplore]

I think you're looking for an argument in the wrong place. Thanks for watching the video!

[@pieterhoekstra9887]

Well done Willie on another excellent blog. Most interesting. My parents took me there in the late fifties. We were told then and saw, that there were many retarded people living there, being a result of interbreading within the immediate family members. I'm sure this is no longer the case.

[@willieexplore]

Thanks as always for watching Pieter. Glad you enjoy my videos. More SA content coming soon!

[@leosapphire3125]

Are there any Whites living in Elim?

[@willieexplore]

I don't know the demographic breakdown. Why do you ask?

[@Afriqueleblanq]

In my experience, no, and you had to be a member of the church. I worked in or around Elim three decades ago. It's very much like Orania back then, just more racist at that. My Coloured clients from other areas were shunned.