Today, we took a 2-hour drive from Cape Town to meet with Max du Preez. Max is a well-known South African writer. (He also is a documentary filmmaker, producer, and journalist.)

During the Truth and Reconciliations Hearings, Max appeared on - Special Report on the Truth Commission - a television program that highlighted the week’s events relating to the TRC. He also started the first Afrikaans-language, anti-apartheid newspaper, which was very risky business since it went against the government.

We met Max at a small country store for some coffee before he took us to some of his favorite spots. Our first stop was Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa. (It is a popular misconception that Cape Point is the southernmost point.) Cape Agulhas is where the Indian and Atlantic Ocean meet; there is a sign that marks the spot.

Max, then, pointed out large stone chambers in the water that were ancient fishing traps. When the tide was high, waves would wash fish into the enclosure. When the tide receded, fishermen could scoop up their dinners with ease.

We visited the ancient fishing village of Arniston with its bright, white houses. Max also took us to the beach at Cassiesbaai, which is the most beautiful place I have ever seen. There were few people in sight; it was quiet and peaceful.

Our time with Max allowed us to see places along the Cape that we would not have otherwise visited. I cannot think of a better way to spend our last day here in Cape Town.  

Tomorrow, we are bound for safari in Zululand.

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