John and Lynda van Niekerk …

… moved to this property in 1975 where, with a full acre of land, they transformed the original little cottage into a large family home.

In 2003, the land was subdivided and the end of 2005 saw the first villa completed, with the second house completed about 6 months later.

It seemed natural to run these villas as guest houses, as always having had people to stay with them, the family had perfected the art of making people feel right at home! John and Lynda have also been in the hospitality business since 2002, when they opened Home from Home Hospitality Services at Marina Residential at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.

John and Lynda´s son Brendan, back in South Africa after a few years in the USA, also helps host guests at Ninety North.

Mrs. Hakula, who joined the family in the mid 1980´s as housekeeper and cook, now ensures guests at Ninety North are well looked after too! Originally from rural Transkei (close to where Nelson Mandela was born) and having been orphaned and cared for by an aunt, she came to Johannesburg seeking work in her early twenties. Mrs. Hakula has seven grandchildren and is custodian of two of them.

She loves her traditional Xhosa style dresses and skirts – but some are typical of other ethnic groups – so be sure to ask her about what she is wearing! Learn first hand from her what it was like to have pass laws and how she has seen life change for black African people in this country.

The "butlers", Jabu (have a happy time) and Sipho (gift), are from West Africa and lend a silent hand to offer guests a welcome sherry or departing piece of fruit!