A piece of an important and largely forgotten chapter of Overstrand’s history has been brought to light with the unveiling of a plaque commemorating the people who lived and died at the former Hemel-en-Aarde Leper Institute.

For too long, the stories of the men, women and children who lived, suffered and died in this valley have been quiet whispers in our history. Many lie buried in nearby soil in graves whose markers have long since faded.

This plaque changes that.

It stands as a physical anchor of remembrance. It reminds every traveller who drives through this valley that this ground carries a deep history. It honours the resilience of the patients who built a life in difficult circumstances, as well as the extraordinary legacy of compassion left by those who cared for them.

The moving ceremony took place on Monday, 28 September 2026, at Plaaskombuis on the farm Vrede in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, close to the site where the hospital once stood.

 

The initiative was led by the History Interest Group of the University of the Third Age (U3A) Overberg and the Overstrand Municipality, following years of research and dedication by Jack van Dyk, Michael Clark, and Angela Heslop. Their work has helped bring this important part of the valley’s history back into public memory.

The Hemel-en-Aarde Leper Institute operated from 1817 to 1845. People suffering from leprosy were brought to the isolated valley, separated from their homes, families and livelihoods. The Moravian Mission of Genadendal took responsibility for the care of the residents from 1823, following the construction of the hospital, and continued this work until the Institute closed and the remaining patients were moved to Robben Island in 1845.

The history is difficult, but it is also a story of humanity.

It was therefore especially meaningful that the plaque was unveiled by Reverend Godfrey Cunningham of the Moravian Church in Genadendal. His presence brought a special connection between the Moravian community of today and the missionaries who cared for the residents of the Institute almost two centuries ago.

 

In his address, Rev Cunningham reflected on the contrast between the beauty of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley today and the suffering once experienced in here. He spoke of the people who were isolated here, but also of the compassion shown by the Moravian missionaries who chose to serve them and helped bring dignity, community and care to their lives.

He reminded those gathered that the plaque is more than a historical marker. It is a lasting reminder of the people who lived here and of the lessons their story holds for us today – to meet illness with empathy rather than isolation, and to replace stigma with understanding.

The plaque itself states:

It records that the hospital was situated approximately 100 metres west of the plaque, on what is today the farm Vrede, and that a graveyard containing about 400 graves of people who died at the Institute is situated further south.

The plaque also carries the green Cross of the Holy Order of St Lazarus of Jerusalem, the patron saint of people affected by leprosy.

The owners of the farm Vrede and Plaaskombuis, Nita and Jadri Lötter, generously supported the initiative and made the site available for this memorial. Their contribution helped create a fitting place where this history can be remembered and shared with future generations.

Surrounded by the beauty for which the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley is known today, the gathering offered a poignant reminder that beneath its vineyards and celebrated landscapes lies a story of suffering, compassion, resilience and human dignity.

The History Interest Group of U3A Overberg is to be congratulated for ensuring that this chapter of local history is no longer a quiet whisper.