Stanley’s Light in Ladismith was first installed on 31 May 1963 by Stan (Stanley) de Wit. He placed the light halfway up Elandsberg (also known as Toringberg) overlooking the town. The original setup was basic — using a bicycle lamp and dynamo powered by water from a mountain stream. Over the years it was upgraded with stronger lights, an alternator, and later solar power.
Stanley personally maintained the light for decades, climbing the mountain hundreds of times to repair and protect it from weather damage and fires. The light became a permanent landmark for Ladismith, visible from town and deeply woven into local identity. Today, Stanley’s Light remains a symbol of dedication, community, and perseverance, and the site is part of a well-known hiking trail.