In 2018, the van der Watt’s were involved in the development of the holistic living concept, DankiPa Eco-Estate in Plettenberg Bay through two of their companies – Micro Zone and Express Network Solutions. Their shift from specialist electronic services into the cannabis space was a natural extension of their deep-rooted philosophy: to build community-centered initiatives that promote holistic living, legal integrity, and social responsibility.

The CannaClub has since grown into a non-profit organization with over 4 000 members, all of whom have signed membership agreements on-site.

Built on the well-established ENCOD model for private cannabis clubs in Europe, the Club operates under strict compliance guidelines—avoiding commercial transactions, limiting plant numbers, and ensuring that all cultivation, processing, and packaging are handled on a single secure property.  Founder Herman van der Watt says the original vision was, and still is, “to provide a lawful, community-driven platform for responsible cannabis use while actively engaging with local municipalities and national government to create empowerment and upliftment”.

Here he talks to Cannabiz Africa publisher Brett Hilton-Barber about TCC’s plans, its relationship with law enforcement – and what’s so special about cannabis culture on the Garden Route. 

Next week we’ll look at TCC’s model and how it could be applicable elsewhere in SA.

BHB: The  regulatory environment around private cannabis clubs has been ambiguous but authorities appear to be accepting of the ‘closed loop’ model for private and social clubs (no transactions outside member growers, processors and consumers), TCC prides itself on being as compliant as possible, how do you operate inside the ‘loop’?

HvdW: While The CannaClub currently operates within a strict ‘closed loop’ model—cultivating no more than 1,000 plants onsite in line with ENCOD’s non-commercial principles—the Club remains committed to the evolution of a responsible and inclusive cannabis landscape in South Africa.

In navigating the still-ambiguous regulatory environment, The CannaClub fully adheres to legal best practices by ensuring all cultivation, processing, and consumption remain internal to its member network.

However, it is part of the Club’s long-term vision to contribute to shaping fair and practical cannabis regulations that will one day allow legacy and indigenous growers to integrate into compliant private club systems. This vision reflects The CannaClub’s founding ethos: to medicate, educate, inspire, and empower—while building a sustainable, locally rooted cannabis economy that uplifts historically disadvantaged communities.

BHB: What’s your relationship like with SAPS and other legal authorities?

HvdW: The CannaClub maintains a respectful and cooperative relationship with SAPS and other legal authorities, grounded in transparency, accountability, and mutual understanding. The Club recognises that SAPS officers operate within a complex, often ambiguous legal framework, and its stance has always been one of immediate cooperation and open dialogue—not confrontation.

The Club’s operations are fully transparent and traceable. Members are committed to acting within the law, based on guidance from the TCC advisory board and legal representatives. Should any legal transgressions be identified, the Club’s executive team is committed to correcting them without delay.

Historically, The CannaClub has experienced multiple engagements with law enforcement:

·       In 2017, the Club was raided by the SIU and six members were arrested. The case was stayed pending the outcome of the Prince Constitutional Court ruling and ultimately withdrawn;

·       In 2019, a second SIU raid led to the arrest of the CEO. After seven court appearances, the case was also withdrawn with no formal charges laid;

·       A third SIU inspection in 2020 resulted in no arrests or reported concerns.

More recently, local SAPS conducted a rural safety and security inspection in January 2023. A full statement outlining all activities was submitted to the local SAPS office, and the relationship with local law enforcement has remained cordial and transparent. The CannaClub remains committed to fostering a culture of lawful, responsible cannabis cultivation and consumption—always open to engagement and oversight from the authorities.

BHB: What is special about the cannabis culture of the Garden Route?

HvdW: The Garden Route offers a unique and thriving cannabis culture rooted in both nature and community. Its exceptional growing climate—characterized by ample rainfall, coastal humidity, and fertile soil—makes it one of the most ideal regions in South Africa for outdoor cannabis cultivation. Beyond the natural environment, the Garden Route is also spiritually and culturally significant. 

It is home to the largest Rastafarian settlement in the country, whose members, often referred to as “plant bearers,” carry deep ancestral knowledge and spiritual reverence for cannabis. This has helped shape a culture where the plant is not only respected but also celebrated. Combined with the laid-back, small-town coastal lifestyle, cannabis enjoys a level of social acceptance here that fosters openness, creativity, and community connection.

BHB: What’s your take on the current SA cannabis landscape?

HvdW: We’re encouraged by the progress being made, and believe South Africa occupies a uniquely promising position in the global cannabis space—especially with the constitutional right to privately cultivate and consume cannabis.

However, there are still major contradictions and gaps in the legal framework that need urgent attention. It’s currently legal to use and grow cannabis in private, but illegal to buy or sell it, which leaves consumers without safe, regulated access and creates unnecessary legal grey areas.

We are also deeply concerned about the risk of monopolization.

South Africa has a rich heritage of indigenous, legacy, and small-scale growers who have carried the culture and knowledge of the plant through generations. It’s vital that they are not excluded from the emerging market.

While it’s positive to see movement on medicinal and industrial hemp regulation, the adult-use space—especially private clubs—remains undefined. We need clear, inclusive guidelines for private adult-use models like cannabis clubs, so that we can develop a socially just, community-driven industry and position South Africa as a global cannabis hub, not just another market dominated by corporate interests.

BHB: Everybody has had at least one transcendental moment on their cannabis journey. Would you care to share yours?

HvdW: Cannabis has been far more than just a plant for Heidi and myself —it’s been a catalyst for healing, connection, and transformation. Through our journey at The CannaClub, we’ve witnessed first-hand how cannabis profoundly impacts lives: helping individuals overcome addiction, easing the pain of chronic illness, and even playing a part in people's battles with cancer. It’s in these real stories—shared with us daily by our members—that we see the true magic of the plant.

For many, including ourselves, cannabis has served as a mirror and a guide. A moment of clarity during a quiet smoke, a wave of empathy during a shared session, or simply the return of appetite or restful sleep—these moments may seem small, but together they weave a deeply human experience that goes far beyond recreation.

Our most transcendental moments are not singular events, but an ongoing realization: that cannabis is a companion plant. It brings people together, fosters introspection, opens hearts, and reminds us to slow down and breathe. In a world that often feels chaotic and disconnected, cannabis continues to be a gentle, grounding force—offering presence, purpose, and peace.

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