In case you missed the Harties Kwêla Makietie insert on Dstv last week, click here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZ6CVXh7mwY for 10 minutes of the celebration of Hartbeespoort’s title “Kwêla Town Of The Year 2026”.

Nestled between the magnificent Magaliesberg mountains and the shores of Hartbeespoort Dam, the town emerged victorious following a nationwide public voting campaign that attracted approximately 120 000 votes across the competition.

Hartbeespoort triumphed over strong competition from Gansbaai, Secunda, Howick, Bethlehem, Mokopane, Hopetown, Kei Mouth and Gobabis in Namibia.

Gansbaai finished second, followed by Secunda and Howick.

But the victory represents far more than winning a television competition. It is recognition of a community that has increasingly taken responsibility for improving its town and restoring pride in one of South Africa’s best-known tourist destinations.

Community spirit makes the difference

At the heart of Hartbeespoort’s success was an extraordinary display of community cooperation.

Residents, businesses, schools, churches, tourism operators and community organisations rallied behind the campaign, encouraging people to vote and spreading the message far beyond the town’s borders.

The Proudly Harties initiative played a leading role in mobilising support.

Adri Louw of Proudly Harties described the victory as almost unbelievable, saying the way the community united was nothing short of a miracle.

Mauritz du Preez of the Hartbeespoort tourism association explained that support came not only from local residents but also from people across Gauteng and North West who share a special connection with Hartbeespoort.

The campaign demonstrated the affection that thousands of South Africans have for the town, whether they live here, own holiday homes or regularly visit the area.

For many residents, the title confirms what they have believed for years: Hartbeespoort is a special place to live.

R2 million boost for Hartbeespoort

Apart from the prestige associated with the title, Hartbeespoort’s victory brings significant financial and promotional benefits.

The town receives R1 million from competition sponsor Lottoland SA, earmarked for community improvement projects.

An additional R1 million worth of advertising airtime on kykNET will be used to promote Hartbeespoort as a tourist destination.

The advertising campaign will provide valuable national exposure for local accommodation establishments, restaurants, attractions and tourism businesses.

A special promotional advertisement will showcase the town to television audiences across South Africa.

The prize also includes a community celebration recognising the people who contributed to the victory.

Dam wall traffic light among priorities

While the competition celebrated everything that makes Hartbeespoort special, organisers have made it clear that the prize money will also be used to address practical problems affecting residents.

One of the first priorities identified is the repair of the traffic light at the Hartbeespoort Dam wall.

The traffic light has long been a source of frustration for motorists using the narrow route across the dam wall, particularly during weekends and holiday periods when traffic volumes increase dramatically.

Other planned improvements include developing and maintaining public green spaces and installing additional streetlights to improve safety.

These projects form part of broader efforts by community organisations to make Hartbeespoort cleaner, safer and more attractive.

The R1 million cash prize presents an opportunity to turn some of these ambitions into visible improvements.

Proudly Harties leads the way

The success of the Dorp van die Jaar campaign is closely linked to the growing involvement of Proudly Harties.

The community initiative was established by residents and businesspeople determined to make a positive difference in their town.

Over approximately 18 months leading up to the competition, volunteers and supporters worked on projects aimed at improving cleanliness, safety and the general appearance of Hartbeespoort.

Rather than waiting for government intervention, the organisation has encouraged residents and businesses to become actively involved in addressing local problems.

The initiative has helped demonstrate what can be achieved when communities work together towards common goals.

The Dorp van die Jaar title is therefore not simply recognition of Hartbeespoort’s natural beauty, but also of the determination of its people to protect and improve their surroundings.

A tourism destination with something for everyone

Hartbeespoort has long been one of Gauteng and North West’s most popular weekend destinations.

Situated within easy travelling distance of Johannesburg, Pretoria and surrounding urban centres, the town attracts visitors throughout the year.

The spectacular Magaliesberg mountains, Hartbeespoort Dam and surrounding countryside provide the setting for a wide variety of outdoor activities.

Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, wildlife experiences, scenic drives and numerous adventure activities.

The Hartbeespoort Aerial Cableway offers panoramic views of the dam and surrounding mountains, while local restaurants, markets, guesthouses and accommodation establishments contribute to a thriving tourism industry.

The area is also home to a rich cultural and historical heritage, including the Hartbeespoort Dam wall, which has become one of the region’s most recognisable landmarks.

For many families, Hartbeespoort has been a favourite holiday destination for generations.

The national exposure resulting from the Dorp van die Jaar title could attract even more visitors and create new opportunities for local businesses.

Victory comes despite serious challenges

Although Hartbeespoort has earned national recognition, the town continues to face significant challenges.

The ongoing pollution of Hartbeespoort Dam remains one of the most pressing environmental concerns.

Water hyacinth, salvinia and other invasive aquatic plants have repeatedly affected large sections of the dam, threatening recreational activities, tourism and the aquatic ecosystem.

Sewage pollution entering the dam through the Crocodile River system remains a major concern, while deteriorating infrastructure, traffic congestion, road maintenance and service delivery problems continue to frustrate residents.

These challenges cannot be solved through community initiatives alone and require sustained cooperation between residents, businesses, local authorities and government departments.

However, the Dorp van die Jaar victory has demonstrated that Hartbeespoort residents are willing to work together to improve their environment.

The challenge now is to build on that momentum and ensure that the recognition translates into lasting improvements.

More than just a beautiful town

Hartbeespoort’s success highlights something that cannot be measured simply by scenic beauty or tourist attractions.

It is the people who make a town special.

From volunteers cleaning public spaces to businesses supporting community projects, and residents encouraging friends and family to vote, the campaign brought together people from all walks of life.

The victory also sends a powerful message to other South African communities facing similar challenges.

Positive change is possible when residents take ownership of their surroundings and work towards a shared vision.

Hartbeespoort may be famous for its dam and mountains, but its greatest asset remains the people who call it home.

The real work begins now

With the celebrations behind them, the focus turns to making the most of the opportunities created by the prestigious title.

The R1 million community investment, combined with the national television exposure, provides an opportunity to strengthen Hartbeespoort’s position as a leading tourism destination.

But the real measure of success will be what happens in the months and years ahead.

Improved infrastructure, cleaner public spaces, safer streets and a healthier dam would provide lasting benefits long after the excitement of the competition has faded.

For now, however, Hartbeespoort residents have every reason to celebrate.

Their town has been recognised nationally, their community spirit has been rewarded, and their efforts have shown what can be achieved when people stand together.

Hartbeespoort is officially Kwêla’s Dorp van die Jaar 2026 – and the title belongs to everyone who helped make it happen.

HARTBEESPOORT – DORP VAN DIE JAAR 2026

Competition: Kwêla Dorp van die Jaar 2026
Organiser: kykNET’s Kwêla
Winner announced: 2 August 2026
Winning town: Hartbeespoort, North West
Finalists: Nine towns across South Africa and Namibia
Votes: Approximately 120 000 across the competition
Cash prize: R1 million from Lottoland SA
Advertising prize: R1 million worth of kykNET airtime

Planned community improvements:

• Repairing the Hartbeespoort Dam wall traffic light.
• Developing and improving public green spaces.
• Installing additional streetlights to improve safety.
• Promoting Hartbeespoort as a national tourism destination.