Nestled in the heart of Stellenbosch on the vibrant Dorp Street is a shop, stocked with everything from wine to honey and handcrafted clothing, that has been in operation for over a century.
Founded in 1904, Oom Samie se Winkel, or Uncle Samie’s shop in English, is often regarded as one of the oldest continuously operating shops in South Africa.
The story of the outlet traces back to when the Volsteedt family, owners of a farm in the Stellenbosch area, purchased a piece of land for their son, Samuel.
Samuel had a weak back, which hindered his ability to engage in farm labour, and he went on to establish and run a shop on his newly acquired piece of land, calling it SJ Volsteedt, General Dealer.
Samuel, who later became known by locals as Oom Samie, worked and lived on the plot, producing pottery and serving the town of Stellenbosch.
General dealers used to serve their communities with a range of essentials and luxuries. As the present-day shop explains, “they were part grocer, part tobacconist, part spice merchant, part tea and coffee seller, and part confectioner.”
This is what Oom Samie did for the next four decades until he passed in 1944.
“He never married but was a friend to all, and despite passing the business on to his nephew, the store remained known as Oom Samie se Winkel,” the shop writes.
The business was retained under his name after being passed on to his nephew.
Today, Oom Samie se Winkel operates as a living museum of sorts, offering a glimpse into the past while continuing to trade as a general dealer selling anything and everything.
“Our store continues the fine old tradition of the rural trading post, and we stock everything from straw yard brooms to handcrafted clothing, a selection of South African spices and teas, and arts and crafts,” the store’s website says.
“Oom Samie se Winkel maintains the character and charm of a traditional general dealer and offers the same goods as yesteryear.”
One can find almost anything inside, including a wide range of vintage items ranging from silver cocktail shakers to delftware jugs, and even a Terence Conran teapot set.
There are also a number of products that are crafted locally, such as leather hats and vellies, enamel plates and mugs, as well as wooden utensils.
Oom Samie se Winkel also has you covered for any spices and teas, including Kalahari desert salt, star anise, buchu leaves, cassia sticks, Honeybush tea, and rooibos.
They even sell bokkoms, which is fish biltong.
More images of Oom Samie se Winkel:
Images: Facebook/Oom Samie se Winkel
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Dining and Cooking