Old Joe stands at the edge of the Mpumalanga Lowveld, from where he has watched nearly a century of journeys unfold. Travellers slow down as they approach Patatanek Pass because this painted rock marks the shift from Highveld to Lowveld.
Proudly and erect on his pedestal, he carries history and stories in many layers of paint.
OLD JOE AND THE LOWVELD LEGACY
The Old Joe phenomenon began as an endearing gesture, but has become something far more enduring.
In 1927, road builders unearthed the large rock during construction through Schoemanskloof. They thought the shape resembled their foreman, Johannes Barbas, so they placed it beside the road in tribute.
They painted a face on the rock and gave him a name – little knowing how long that would last.
Barbas, a Dutch immigrant, spent much of his life working in the Lowveld, and he died in 1974 at the age of 91. Yet his likeness remained on the roadside, watching traffic pass year after year.
The rock figure became a constant, even as the road improved and traffic increased. It moved several times as the N4 developed, but always stayed in sight of the passing traffic.
And over time, people continued to paint Old Joe, so that the layers built up to several millimetres thick! Farmers, schoolchildren, and travellers all left their mark.
Each coat reflected a moment, and together they formed a record of local life.
OLD JOE, GHOST, AND A LIVING CANVAS
Old Joe entered a new era in 2005, because Mbombela artist Wouter de Witt took on the role of caretaker and creator. Known as Ghost, he saw the rock as more than a relic, so he turned it into a canvas that evolves with the times.
Ghost spends about six hours on each transformation, and he uses careful detail to bring each version to life. His work reflects events and culture in the Lowveld, but it also speaks to visitors passing through.
In 2010, he painted Old Joe as a football mascot for the World Cup, and the project gained support from TRAC, the N4 route operator.
Since then, Old Joe has taken many forms. He became a cyclist and stood as a rhino for conservation awareness.
In 2018, he honoured rock musician Piet Botha during the BosRock festival.
In 2020, he wore the uniform of healthcare workers because they stood at the forefront of the pandemic response.
Each version draws attention, but the purpose remains simple: Ghost keeps Old Joe relevant, and he ensures the landmark joins others that continue to touch tourists’ imaginations.
Legend adds another layer to the story; hence, many believe the spirit of Old Joe lives within the rock. To acknowledge that, travellers hoot or wave as they pass.
KEEPING UP WITH THE NEWS
Currently, Old Joe carries a fresh Lowveld story, being painted to mark 140 years of The Lowvelder. The design celebrates one of the region’s oldest news voices, and reflects its long record of reporting on life in the Lowveld.
Although he changes often, Old Joe stands as firm as a rock, and that balance explains his appeal. He is memory in motion: rooted in history yet shaped by the present.
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