On the N12 between Klerksdorp and Wolmaransstad, at the Leeudoringstad turnoff

“I decided to name it Farm Flair, I thought, let’s give it some zest!”

The owner of Farm Flair, Jan Holliday is a man who knows what he wants and what he wanted was to be part of South Africa’s green revolution. He made his mark across a continent as head of DHL Africa, but when he said goodbye to logistics, Africa’s loss was the Northwest Province’s gain. He returned to Palmietfontein, the 2000-hectare farm established by his grandfather, to take over where his father left off, raising Droughtmaster cattle as well as developing a cattle embryo exporting business. “My business partner Brenton Abrahams introduced me to Joubert Roux” he recalls “and I immediately saw the value in CHARGE’s plan to harness green technology.”

As with his embryo business Jan loves the idea of solar electricity generation, where the organic (sun) meets hi-tech to create something good – clean energy.

Jan is particularly happy that the site on his farm was chosen for the first ever off-grid electric vehicle charging station. At the sod-turning ceremony in 2023 Jan made a speech befitting the momentous occasion. A speech topped only by the speech he made a year later at the grand opening of the world’s first solar-powered EV charging station.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I think we’ll erect a world first here just outside the small town of Wolmaransstad”.

Jan was involved in all aspects of developing the site: liaising with local government, providing accommodation and labour, as well as general oversight.

He continues to be involved in the running of Farm Flair – a unique farmstall-cum-deli that is already becoming an attraction for Wolmaransstad locals – both as place to relax over coffee and as a venue for events. The farm stall building incorporates CHARGE’s unique look-and-feel, but it is run according to Jan’s vision and dreams.

“Because this is a world first, I want Farm Flair to be a landmark, a milestone” he says proudly “years from now it must be a symbol of South Africa embracing a sustainable energy future. It could have been done anywhere in the world, but it was done here!”

As far as the day-to-day running of Farm Flair goes, Jan says that because he raises the best cattle, the farm stall offers the best Biltong and meat products. That, along with delicious freshly-brewed coffee, a newly established wine emporium and the bucolic atmosphere is the main attraction. “It’s a destination, not a farm stall” he confirms “experience it as a first”.

Jan’s commitment stretches further “I bought my wife an EV,” he says modestly “it’s the future, we all have to transition eventually”

CHARGE is learning alongside Jan the pioneer, and when people with strong personalities and clear visions need to work together, well, at times it may seem like Farm Flare! But the compromises that are reached are always to the benefit of the customer.

CHARGE couldn’t have asked for a more passionate partner to launch its grand vision. Together with Jan, CHARGE is establishing the standard of experience that all EV drivers will come to expect in years to come.