Johannes Christiaan Kotzé was the first member of the Kotzé family to farm at Platkloof. In 1816, he married Elisabeth Isabella Smit and the following year purchased De Vaderlansche Rietkloof which is now known as Platkloof Boerdery.
By 1818, the first wheat harvest was recorded. Over the next seven years, Johannes's hard work transformed Platkloof into a thriving farm. His livestock included 33 horses, 80 cattle. and around 450 sheep. and the farm produced approximately 45 tons of grain annually including wheat, oats, rye and barley.
These early efforts laid the foundation for a proud family tradition. One generation after the next has taken up the reins, each building on the work of those before them.
The first table grapes were planted here in 1993, laying the foundation for what would become a thriving export operation.
In 1996, Johannes 'Boetie' Kotzé took over the farm from his father, Gerrit Kotzé. His wife, Liezl joined him on the farm in 1999. Together, they combined their strengths to grow Platkloof into the successful and sustainable business it is today,
They represent the sixth generation of Kotzés to farm at Platkloof and proudly raise their four children with the same values and love for the land.
