We are a small town with approximately 3000 inhabitants that owes its origin to the Rhynse Missionary Society, which in 1845 sent a mission and a teacher here to Christianize and teach approximately 600 bastards. The little Rhyn church is today a theological reference room and is beautifully maintained. The first VGK is our museum today. Already in 1767, Jan Abraham Nel stretched his clothes next to the fountain so that his second son would be born and planted an almond tree at the foot of the Singkoppe. The name was obtained from the members of the mission congregation who sang for the congregation from the koppies every New Year's morning. In later years, Ds. Kuhn tried to shoot the fountain bigger with dynamite, but the result was that the big almond tree was shot dead, but the fountain was not bigger. Today we are a well-functioning, clean village that together with Fraserburg and Sutherland form the Karoo Hoogland municipality. Despite our shrinking number of farmers, we still hold a good show every February - the only one in the area - and a delicious commando ride in December. The golf and rugby clubs also still function with good facilities. Our excellent modern restaurant is also a popular stop for tourists travelling through. Corbeled houses can also be seen here in our district, and also a unique tombstone route. The old NG stone church with its labyrinth and indigenous succulents is also a sight to see. A new book "Forgotten…
We are a small town with approximately 3000 inhabitants that owes its origin to the Rhynse Missionary Society, which in 1845 sent a mission and a teacher here to Christianize and teach approximately 600 bastards. The little Rhyn church is today a theological reference room and is beautifully maintained. The first VGK is our museum today.
Already in 1767, Jan Abraham Nel stretched his clothes next to the fountain so that his second son would be born and planted an almond tree at the foot of the Singkoppe. The name was obtained from the members of the mission congregation who sang for the congregation from the koppies every New Year's morning. In later years, Ds. Kuhn tried to shoot the fountain bigger with dynamite, but the result was that the big almond tree was shot dead, but the fountain was not bigger.
Today we are a well-functioning, clean village that together with Fraserburg and Sutherland form the Karoo Hoogland municipality.
Despite our shrinking number of farmers, we still hold a good show every February - the only one in the area - and a delicious commando ride in December. The golf and rugby clubs also still function with good facilities. Our excellent modern restaurant is also a popular stop for tourists travelling through.
Corbeled houses can also be seen here in our district, and also a unique tombstone route. The old NG stone church with its labyrinth and indigenous succulents is also a sight to see.
A new book "Forgotten stories of Williston" was published this year which briefly summarizes our history and recalls some humorous and famous people from our past.
"When you cross the Zakriver you come into Williston, then you are bitten by a "gogga" and when this "gogga" has bitten you, you remain there" - Leonard Oddes
Neighbouring Towns
Distances below are the most popular roads, sometimes dirt and sometimes tar.