In 1977, a committee of about seven people began planning the first Oktoberfest at the Deutsche Schule in Pretoria. Despite initial hesitation from the school board, Walter and Dorle Lypke personally guaranteed R 10,000 to cover costs for tents, bands, and food.

Securing a liquor license was a challenge, as laws prohibited serving alcohol in the presence of women and children. The solution was to shield the beer taps from view with burlap walls.

Early on, cooking equipment was improvised. Initially, open half-barrels with coal were used to heat borrowed steel pots of pea soup. Later, gas stoves were custom-made by Oskar Zehner.

The beer, Kronenbräu 1308, flowed freely, while smaller stalls were housed in a makeshift tent street created from steel beams and railway tarps.

Tickets were R 1 for both Friday and Saturday, with 7,000 sold in advance, covering most of the initial costs. The first Oktoberfest netted R 26,300, proving its popularity in Pretoria. Profits were used to fund future events and support various school projects.

Today, this beloved tradition continues as a major fundraiser for the Deutsche Internationale Schule Pretoria and a highlight on the capital city’s entertainment calendar. It blends German culture with African hospitality, keeping alive a cherished tradition under African skies.