"The purpose of this book is to provide a general overview of the history of the Strand as a town as part of the history of South Africa but does not necessarily address the complete history of the Hottentots Holland basin. Historical farms, such as Vergelegen farm, and towns, such as Stellenbosch, had a natural influence on the development of the Strand and where necessary it is also contained in this book ..." Danie Pienaar, from his preface.