Castle Farm: A Legacy of Peace and Unity
Tuesday, 10th September 2024
Local farmer Lungisa Madinda takes us on a journey through the scenic Castle Farm in Salem, where the land’s history is intertwined with a legacy of peace and unity.
Castle Farm, nestled in the historic region of Salem, bears the name that means peace, a title bestowed following the pivotal events of the War of Hintsa. During the conflict, Richard Gush, a significant figure in the area’s history, led peaceful negotiations between the local Xhosa people and settlers. His efforts resulted in an agreement where the Xhosa agreed to leave the village in peace. In honor of this momentous accord, Gush named the area Salem.
"Although the amaXhosa left the area in 1947, the spirit of peace between the Xhosa and settlers endured," says Lungisa. "One notable example of this unity was their shared use of a single dip for their livestock, symbolizing cooperation and mutual respect."
In later years, the descendants of the families who were removed from the farm reclaimed ownership of Castle Farm. Today, as the rightful owners, they are looking forward to new developments, all while preserving the legacy of peace and cooperation that defined Salem’s history.
“Beyond hosting curated heritage walks and showcasing the beautiful caves with Bushman paintings, we hope to build traditional rondavels—just as they were in the past—to provide our guests with a more authentic experience," Lungisa shared.
Currently, the farm focuses on raising goats, cows, and sheep, as well as the eradication of invasive plant species. Unfortunately, the farm’s broiler chicken project suffered a loss during the COVID-19 pandemic and had to shut down.
Lungisa’s roots run deep in the area. Born at Lindale Farm, Salem, in 1959, he moved to Peddie in 1970 and later returned to Castle Farm in 2005 after the family reclaimed the land. "Castle Farm was divided into different sections, such as the Sunny Side, rich with beautiful caves," Lungisa explains. "There are other sections that hold historical significance, like the dips used by both the Xhosa and British to dip their livestock, and a monument of stones symbolizing the peace between these two communities. These stones were placed together by the people themselves."
Reflecting on the uniqueness of Castle Farm, Lungisa says, "The history we have, and the caves make this place stand out in the Eastern Cape. After finishing my work on the farm, I find peace in spending time at the caves. I also enjoy coaching the local children in football and netball, helping them develop their skills and giving back to the community."
