LADISMITH NEWS - High on the cliffs of Elandsberg above Ladismith, a small light has burned for more than 60 years, a tribute to one man’s ingenuity, endurance, and love for his town.
On 31 May 1963, Stanley de Wit (7 January 1926 – 14 October 2012), a passionate mountaineer, installed a light at the turning point of the Elandsberg hiking trail.
This spot is 6,1 km up and 1 430 metres above sea level. The idea came to him during one of his many climbs. During these hikes, he noticed a constant stream of water cascading down a rock face.
Using this stream, he built what the University of Cape Town’s Engineering Department later described as “probably the smallest hydro-electric unit in the world.” This light burns permanently and can be seen from town.
Stanley’s handmade system powered a bicycle light visible from town at night. For 30 years, he maintained it faithfully. He made 278 climbs, more than 3 000 kilometres in total, to replace bulbs and repair the dynamo.
When Stanley’s legs finally told him to stop, volunteers took over the upkeep of the light.
Jackie du Toit cared for it until knee problems forced him to step down, followed by Jan Barnard from Nature Conservation, who made some design improvements.
Later, Hugh Sussens installed a photovoltaic system to help restart the alternator after droughts, and eventually, a solar-powered LED light replaced the original dynamo setup.
Today, Stanley's light still shines from Elandsberg, a lasting symbol of Stanley’s dedication and the community’s commitment to keeping his legacy alive.
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