Stellenbosch University (SU) hopes to launch a social impact initiative soon to help the small community of Faure rebuild their forgotten village and restore its natural environment.

The project, which will cost an estimated R1,5 million, will be driven by Dr Willem de Clercq and Ms Marlene de Witt of SU’s Water Institute. “Our aim is to rediscover this lost village situated next to the R102 highway between Somerset West and Kuils River,” explains De Clercq. “We hope to involve the staff and students of various SU departments as well as government, the private sector and other communities to bring economic, social and environmental upliftment to Faure. We expect the project to run for approximately five years.”