It’s amazing how many locals have never been to Judah Square, the home of the Knysna Rastafari. They’re 2-3km from the N2 (taking the Nekkies turn-off), in the suburb of Nekkies.

I’ve been there numerous times and what a contrast it is to white folks’ impression of the poorer areas. The first thing you notice is that they’ve got a boom gate which is manned by volunteers who also double as fruit sellers. You feel incredibly safe in their community which is justified by police statistics which show that their home area is the only one free of violent crime.

The walls and houses shout character as many are painted colourfully with Rastafari images such as Haille Selassie. Some members of this 130-strong community have been active as they’ve started a creche, a backpackers and built a small office and a decent sized tabernacle.

There’s warmth here. Most Rastafari’s will greet you and the kids are like kids world over, curious and eager to interact.

It’s going to be a joy working with them.