DE JONGE AKKER CLOSES DOORS

Loanné Breitenbach 

@viragie

De Jonge Akker had its doors open to students, lecturers, and parents alike for many years. However, on 31 December 2022, it closed its doors. The rental agreement had expired, and it was decided that the agreement would not be renewed.

According to Michelle Kroon, head of Cachet Park Shopping Centre, six months before the closure, De Jonge Akker’s owners were notified that their rental agreement would not be renewed for the new year. Therefore, they had to close their doors at the end of last year. According to Kroon, regarding the decision against the renewal of the contract, “If I disclose this information, it will be a breach of the POPI Act.”

The closure of the restaurant had left everyone confused when they returned to campus earlier this year. For some, the restaurant had fond memories of group assignments, coffee between classes, or as a place to get good food on campus. Faith Mhlongo, SCC: Transformation and Diversity Officer with Current Affairs and Acting Secretary, stated De Jonge Akker was a place where you could get a warm meal for a good price. “I am sad now that it isn’t there anymore. It was always a nice place to go ‘chill’ with friends between classes,” Mhlongo said.

Stephan Heyns, a North-West University alumni, said, “They [De Jonge Akker] were full most of the time, so you couldn’t find a place to sit.” 

The premises is under the management of Reonette Jansen, head of Food and Beverage Services. Jansen was not available for further questions and clarification on the plans for the space. 

Pelo Devenhuis, a third-year BA Communications student, believes that something is missing, but not a restaurant, since the Student Centre is also near the amphitheatre.

With one less restaurant on campus, students may order more food and beverages at the Student Centre/Klipoog Cafeteria, Voorhuis Dining Hall, and Dampad Dining Hall. Furthermore, students may find quick bites at Cachet Park Shopping Centre, the Campus kiosks spread over the entire campus, and the mini-cafeteria at the Faculty of Engineering. However, if you are looking for a sit-down bar and grill type of restaurant, the Drakenstein Restaurant (or ‘Draak’) offers a great atmosphere and mouth-watering food (at student-friendly prices).