Elim, Western Cape

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Elim
Elim is located in Western Cape
Elim
Location in the Western Cape
Elim is located in South Africa
Elim
Coordinates: 34°35′30″S 19°45′30″E / 34.59167°S 19.75833°E / -34.59167; 19.75833Coordinates: 34°35′30″S 19°45′30″E / 34.59167°S 19.75833°E / -34.59167; 19.75833
Country South Africa
Province Western Cape
District Overberg
Municipality Cape Agulhas
Area[1]
 • Total 0.69 km2 (0.27 sq mi)
Population (2001)[1]
 • Total 1,301
 • Density 1,886/km2 (4,880/sq mi)
Racial makeup (2001)[1]
 • Black African 5%
 • Coloured 94.7%
 • White 0.2%
First languages (2001)[1]
 • Afrikaans 98.6%
 • English 1.4%
Time zone SAST (UTC+2)

Elim is a village on the Agulhas Plain in the Western Cape of South Africa. It was established in 1824 by German missionaries as a Moravian mission station. When selecting the location, the missionaries placed a high priority on the proximity of water and on terrain that was suitable for planting vines so that wine for communion could be produced. As well as preaching the Gospel, the missionaries taught the villagers a variety of trades and skills. Elim's thatchers continue to be renowned for their craftsmanship.

The village is picturesque and has changed little over the years. It is filled with whitewashed cottages, fruit trees and fynbos. All the roads in the village lead to the thatch roofed church. The community, still mainly Moravian, consists of farmers, farm workers and artisans.

Elim is becoming known for the export of fynbos, and as an emerging area in the production of wine.[2]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d "Main Place Elim". Census 2001. http://census.adrianfrith.com/place/11306. 
  2. ^ Atkin, Tim, The Observer (February 22, 2009). New horizons
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