Bernard Botha: From Enterprise Builder to Belted Galloway Farmer
At the heart of Cattle & Cork is a simple idea: good food has a story, and the people behind that story matter. One of those people is Bernard Botha, a familiar name in the Magaliesburg countryside and the farmer behind the Belted Galloway cattle at Galloway Gardens.
Bernard Botha is known to many as the owner of Black Horse Estate, a destination that has become closely associated with country hospitality, craft production, farm-style experiences, and the beauty of the Magaliesburg landscape. Before Black Horse became the destination it is today, the estate began as a Friesian stud farm. The name “Black Horse” itself comes from that heritage, with the estate’s early identity built around the striking black Friesian horses that became part of the property’s story.
Over time, Black Horse developed into much more than a farm. Through the vision and effort of the Botha family, it grew into a countryside estate known for food, events, craft beer, distilling, accommodation, weddings, and relaxed hospitality. Bernard’s role in that journey reflects a practical entrepreneurial spirit: seeing the potential in land, people, and local production, and then building something that connects them.
Bernard is also associated with Izinga Access, a South African business process outsourcing company with experience in home emergency and maintenance services. This business background adds another layer to his story. It shows a man who has operated in structured service environments, where reliability, systems, quality, and delivery matter. That same mindset can be seen in farming: success is not built overnight, and quality depends on disciplined daily work.
Today, at Galloway Gardens in Magaliesburg, Bernard’s farming focus includes Belted Galloway cattle. These cattle are instantly recognisable by their broad white belt around the body, set against a black, dun, or red coat. Their appearance may be what first catches the eye, but their real value lies in their hardiness, grazing ability, temperament, and beef quality.
The Belted Galloway is a heritage beef breed with roots in the rugged Galloway region of south-west Scotland. It was shaped by a harsh landscape, where cattle had to be hardy, efficient, and able to thrive on rough grazing. This background makes the breed well suited to natural grazing systems and lower-input farming environments.
For a farm such as Galloway Gardens, this matters. Belted Galloways are not only beautiful animals; they are practical cattle. They are known for being hardy, adaptable, and efficient on pasture. Their double coat helps protect them in colder weather, while their ability to perform on natural grazing makes them valuable in systems where the land is respected and the cattle are raised closer to nature.
Their beef is another reason the breed is so highly regarded. Belted Galloway beef is known for tenderness, rich flavour, fine marbling, and a naturally lean character. Because the breed is slower growing, the meat develops depth and character over time. For diners who appreciate beef with a strong sense of origin, this is part of the appeal.
At Galloway Gardens, the focus is on healthy, hormone-free cattle raised through sustainable, grass-fed practices. This approach fits the broader Cattle & Cork philosophy: connecting guests with the farmers, breeds, and farming methods behind premium beef. It is not only about eating a good cut of meat; it is about understanding where it came from and why the way it was raised matters.
Bernard Botha’s journey brings together entrepreneurship, hospitality, and agriculture. From building Black Horse Estate into a recognised Magaliesburg destination, to his business background with Izinga Access, to farming Belted Galloways at Galloway Gardens, his story is one of vision, hard work, and respect for quality.
At Cattle & Cork, Bernard’s Belted Galloways represent more than a breed. They represent a return to the land, to careful farming, and to the kind of food experience where every detail has a story behind it.
Join us on 18 July 2026 at Galloway Gardens for Cattle & Cork, where exceptional beef, curated adult wine pairings, live music, and country hospitality come together in the heart of the Magaliesburg countryside.
Limited tickets available.
Book now at www.cattleandcork.co.za