Fochville residents enjoy their special hobby
As far as could be determined they are the only people in the area doing it.
Metal detecting not only keeps a couple from Fochville busy on weekends, but has also caused them to learn a lot more about the history of the area.
According to Johan Knell, him and his wife Drienie started the hobby after he bought metal detectors approximately four years ago.
“We wanted to do it for a long time because we simply love the outdoors and hiking in the area. When you are in nature you feel much closer to God as you see His power and experience His almighty presence in His creation,” explained Knell. It was during these hikes that they started to notice the interesting ruins just outside Fochville.
The metal detectors enabled them to start searching for interesting artefacts among the stones. They also joined the group Metal Detecting South Africa (MDSA) on social media, where they gained a vast amount of knowledge.
Through the years the couple has found various interesting objects, which range from fossils called Stromatolites – which are older than 500 million years – to objects related to more recent history, such as items used by iron age people staying in the area, as well as items from the Anglo Boer War and the Transvaal War. They have also found more modern objects such as old bicycle licences.
Knell says although he had some knowledge of geology due to working for what is now Sibanye-Stillwater for 41 years, he was not prepared for all the interesting objects he would find. The Knell duo was forced to do a lot of research to identify the discovered objects and understand their meaning. This is also what makes their hobby so exciting. Although they have found a lot of objects, it takes hard work to get them out. Most of the items also do not necessarily have much monetary value.
“It is often physically hard work because you have to dig for hours. You get especially tired when it is very hot in summer. There is, however, nothing as exciting as when you hear the buzz from the metal detector showing that there is something of interest,” says Knell.
The couple hopes to continue looking for and learning more about the area’s history for years to come, even though they are currently the only residents to their knowledge to enjoy this hobby.
