If you live in one of our small towns in the Karoo or the surrounding countryside, your story probably looks a lot like that of your neighbor. Our towns are struggling. We are so busy just keeping our heads above water that there is little time left to create new opportunities and help our towns grow.

Years of observations

After years of working with various organizations and institutions, three things have become clear time and again. Firstly, when we work together, the impact is greater and lasts longer. Secondly, good ideas and planning only help up to a point—without execution, planning is just a waste of time. Thirdly, responsibility is being practiced less and less in our society. People increasingly expect things to be done for them or given to them, but few people seek out solutions themselves and take action to bring about change from the ground up.

Camaraderie Arts project in Nieu-Bethesda in 2023

Big Lessons

Ons Karoo en Kontrei was started to address these gaps. To help our countryside grow again, we need a movement that brings together all our change-makers and strengths. In this way, we can help our towns build healthy social and economic environments, so our towns can flourish again.

We created a platform, but we have not yet managed collaboration opportunities well. The platform did not reached its full potential. The cost of development put us in debt. It is clear that we have not yet followed the right process to foster collaboration.

Big changes

In 2026, we decided to review our strategy, communication, and partnerships, and to learn new skills. We now have an improved platform that we can manage ourselves, and there are several new features on the way to make our members’ admin easier.

We have also strengthened our partnerships. One of these is A2B Transformation. They specialize in neuroscience and help people develop their responsibility intelligence, so we can build a nation of people who achieve their full potential. We are still working on more partnerships and will keep you updated.

Direction

Our new platform is now available at www.karoo1stop.co.za. This is our first building block—a way to define value. Everyone has value, and the platform helps us showcase our members’ businesses and opportunities, and see where there is potential for new collaboration. Now is your chance. Join Ons Karoo en Kontrei as a family member and help us bring new life to our countryside.