Skemerberg Venue, a charmingly rustic retreat overlooking the ancient Magalies Mountain Range in Hartbeespoort, is the perfect place for unforgettable events.
Nestled on the slopes of the Whitewater Mountains along the R511, Skemerberg offers breathtaking views of the valley as the sun sets behind the mountains, painting the sky in rich crimson hues. The tranquil sounds of wild guinea fowl serenading the night enhance the magical atmosphere.
Surrounded by the African savannah and natural landscapes, Skemerberg provides an idyllic backdrop for your photos and lasting memories. Since 2018, our venue has been under development to host a variety of functions, featuring a spacious hall that accommodates up to 500 guests.
We offer customizable packages that include catering, decor, sound, and basic lighting. Anton van Zyl, the owner and a reverend, is also available to officiate your wedding.
Kuierkerk Hartbeespoort, an independent church, currently uses the venue to host services every Sunday at 09:00, and the annual Zakiti Festival is also held here in August on our beautiful grounds. The premises also house Kuierkidz, a Special Needs Center for children and adults with disabilities.
Skemerberg Venue has a special history rooted in love, dreams, and community support. In the mid-2000s, René and Anton van Zyl purchased an empty piece of land with their brain-injured son, Sean-Jacques, in mind, envisioning a place for his future. The land had no buildings, roads, water, or electricity—just nature, grass, and breathtaking views of the Hartbeespoort Dam and the Magalies Mountains.
Despite limited resources, they built a home, a place of hope. Their dream was to create a space for children like their son and a welcoming church. In 2006, they founded Harties Kuierkerk, which grew over the years and moved into the newly constructed Skemerberg Venue in 2018. In 2008, they launched the Special Needs Center, Kuierkidz, starting with just two students. Thanks to the generous support of the Hartbeespoort community— through fundraisers, donations, and volunteers—the school flourished and moved to its new, purpose-built home at Skemerberg in 2020.
Everything you see at Skemerberg was built by Anton and his dedicated team, but none of it would have been possible without the community’s unwavering support. Importantly, all funds raised through events hosted at our venue go towards maintaining the premises, ensuring that both the special needs school and the church have a forever home.
Skemerberg is more than a venue—it’s a place built on love, understanding, and the power of community.
The visionary behind Skemerberg. With six university degrees, he’s an innovative theologian, reverend, public speaker, engineer, entrepreneur, and author. Known for his open-minded approach, Anton is also a counsellor and lifelong learner who loves travelling and discovering new perspectives.
With decades of experience in small business management, Vic plays a crucial role as Project Coordinator at Skemerberg Venue. Outside of work, he enjoys Park runs and loves his dogs.
The administrative expert behind Skemerberg, managing everything from creditors to cash books. A resourceful problem solver, she ensures smooth operations. She also has a soft spot for sunsets and cloud watching.
With a journalism degree and years of PR experience, René keeps Skemerberg in the spotlight, managing media visibility and promotions. Also: she loves her kids and traveling with her husband Anton.
Michelle tackles every challenge with enthusiasm – no task is too big for her! She plays a key role in manageing Skemerberg’s online platforms. She also has a passion for fashion design.
With 10 years of service at Skemerberg, Cosmos plays a vital role in preparing for and assisting with all events. he takes on various tasks, ensuring everything runs smoothly. When he’s not working, cosmos enjoys hosting braais, with friends and family.
With over 15 years at Skemerberg, Boet is the backbone of every event. Always on standby, he handles everything from opening and setting up the venue to cleaning and closing up. Outside of work, Boet is a proud owner of a Jack Russels, who bring joy to his life.
With 10 years of service, Precious assists in peparing for and cleaning up after all events and functions. She plays an essential role in ensuring smooth operations. In her free time, Precious enjoys family outings.
