Leeukop Padstal on the N3

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Leeukop Padstal

On the N3 at the Roadside interchange, Exit 107

Lamb-in-Box, a brilliant solution for holidaymakers returning to an empty fridge

Construction on CHARGE’s second EV charging station started in November 2025. Bertus Geyser watched the earth-moving machinery level the Free State soil next to the N3 with keen interest.

Although he was born and raised in Natal, Bertus has been a Free Stater since 2009. His interest was not mere curiosity – he has a vested interest in Leeukop Padstal that will rise next to the EV Charging station on the N3, at the Roadside interchange, exit 107. He has put his hand up to establish and run the farm stall.

“This area is known as Roadside, we’re about 70km south of Villiers and 40km north of Warden,” says Bertus “the community is full of life, we support each other and enjoy many events and gatherings together”.

Bertus has qualifications in business management, marketing and agriculture, as well as experience in running an Engen 1-stop and its convenience store, but EV charging and farm stall management are new to him.

“I have had discussions with the CHARGE team, and I’m completely aware of the CHARGE strategy and standards of excellence required to maximise the customer experience”. This includes a partnership with König Coffee, who will install coffee paraphernalia and supply top-quality beans. “I’m no barista,” admits Bertus, “but my staff and I are looking forward to being upskilled by König”.

Bertus also has his own vision to make Leeukop Padstal a must-stop attraction.

“I am a livestock dealer, and I have a butchery – so prime grade biltong, droëwors and fresh meat products will feature prominently”.

One of these offerings is his Lamb-in-a-Box: a range of 6 pre-packed frozen hampers from small to an entire 6kg flavourful Free State veldt-fed lamb. Perfect for a Gauteng heading home to an empty fridge after a holiday on the KZN south coast.

Bertus has already canvassed the Roadside community to supply the farm stall with local products. “Your typical home-made farm stall products,” he adds, “but unique to this region: jams, pickles, soetkoekies and boerbeskuit, as well as knitwear and leather items”.

Jacomien – Bertus’s wife – will be indirectly involved. “She has a labour consultancy, but her hobby is painting” says Bertus proudly. “She does oil and acrylic renditions of cattle, the veld and wildlife scenes”. These paintings will be on display and for sale as an added interest while customers are charging their EVs or stretching their legs.

Initially, only takeaway food will be on offer, but sit-down meals are planned for the near future.

“It’s all a bit new to me, but I’m excited to be part of this project with CHARGE” he says with quiet confidence “we must embrace the future!”

Leeukop Padstal is almost exactly halfway between Johannesburg and Durban – the perfect place to break for good coffee and padkos for the remainder of the journey. Make sure you budget an extra 40 minutes travelling time – you’ll be so glad you did.