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When the Cape of Good Hope still was a small town, Cape Town's Governor Simon van der Stel ventured more inland to explore the untouched land. When he came across the Eerste River in 1679 he called the area Van der Stel se Bosch (Van der Stel's Bush).
The news about this rich and fertile valley which Cape Town's Govenor Simon van der Stel explored spread quickly and in 1680 the first families settled in this region. The town of Stellenbosch was declared in 1685. The first school was built in 1686 and a church soon followed during the same year. An annual celebration of Van der Stel's birthday, which is 14 October 1639, started in 1686 to honour its founder. It was Van der Stel who started an oak-planting project of which the results still line the streets of Stellenbosch, the "Town of Oaks". Thick green oak branches arch over the Victoria Street in spring in Stellenbosch, South Africa, while autumn provides a carpet of coloured leaves covering the avenues and sidewalks of this quaint town in the Cape wine lands.
Stellenbosch is the second oldest town in South Africa and many buildings, featuring various architectural styles, are very well preserved. During the last few years, a number of old Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian houses have been restored to their original beauty. The wine and the culture of winemaking are woven into the intersting history of Stellenbosch. Simon van der Stel passed on his winemaking skills to the settlers, while the French Huguenots, who arrived to this region in South Africa from 1688 to 1690, also had a great influence on the wine-making industry. Today the Cape wine lands produces some of the world's finest wines.
The history of Paarl
After discovery of the Cape winlands in 1657, farms were granted to pioneers in 1687, which was followed by the arrival of the French Huguenots in the year 1688.
The pioneers set to work and in 1699 a water mill was in operation. The first church was built in 1720. The Oude Pastorie (Old Parsonage) is a historic building, bought by the Municipality in 1937 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Huguenots' arrival. It was built in 1787 and is today home to a cultural museum.
Though not the oldest town, the establishment of the Paarl municipality in 1840 was a first in South Africa. Wagon building took place on large scale in this specific area in Paarl and played a major part in the exploration of the rest of South Africa.
The interesting Language Monument was inaugurated on 10 October 1975, representing the influence of Paarl inhabitants on the creation and development of Afrikaans.
The history of Franschhoek
In October 1687, Simon van der Stel and other pioneers took on the journey from Stellenbosch over Helshoogte and into the beautiful and fertile valley which is today the Franschhoek valley.
It is here where the pioneers established their farms along the banks of the Berg River and its tributaries. Simon van der Stel named this valley Drakenstein which is translated the dragon rock, named after the great estate in Holland belonging to the Lords of Mydrecht. In 1688 over 150 French Huguenot refugees fleeing from religious persecution arrived in the Franschhoek valley.
The Huguenot Memorial in Franschhoek was constructed in 1938 to commemorate the 250th year of the Huguenots' arrival in the valley.
The history of Somerset West
The farmers of the Hottentots Holland requested the establishment of a church for the area in 1817. The governor at the time was Lord Charles Somerset and the town was eventually named after him. Beautifully thatched cottages, historic buildings as well as national monuments reflect the old history of Somerset West.
The wine-making industry in Somerset West was introduced by Willem Adriaan van der Stel in the early 1700s.
In the most recent local government elections, the Democratic Alliance (DA) was the largest single party with 90 of the 210 seats on the council, ahead of the African National Congress's 81 seats, but with no party holding a majority. After a number of party defections and by election successes, the DA now has 97 members. The DA is currently in a coalition with the Independent Democrats and the United Democratic Movement. The coalition has 114 members, giving it a comfortable majority.
Former Executive Mayor Helen Zille of the Democratic Alliance resigned on 29 April 2009 as a result of her election to the Western Cape Provincial Parliament and subsequent election as Premier of the Western Cape Province. The City Council elected Dan Plato (DA) as the new Executive Mayor and Ian Neilson (DA) as the new Executive Deputy Mayor. The new Mayor has appointed a new Mayoral Committee.
Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch lies between the slopes of Devil's Peak in the west and the M5 freeway in the east; it is one of the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town, which lie along the eastern slope of the Table Mountain massif. The suburb's western border with the Table Mountain National Park is defined by the M3 freeway. To the north are the suburbs of Rosebank and Mowbray, while to the south are Newlands and Claremont. The eastern border of Stellenbosch is the M5 freeway; beyond the freeway are Sybrand Park, Athlone and Stellenbosch East.
The Southern Line railway divides Stellenbosch in two; the only road within Stellenbosch that crosses the railway is the Belmont Road bridge. Main Road (the M4) runs north-south through the area west of the railway, while Campground Road runs in the same direction east of the railway. The third north-south through route is Milner Road, further east close to the M5.
The area around the intersection of Main Road and Belmont Road is Stellenbosch's main commercial area, with several small shopping malls and two supermarkets. Also located in this area are Stellenbosch Town Hall, now occupied by the Stellenbosch branch of the City Libraries, and Stellenbosch railway station, which is the main public transport facility in the suburb. A smaller commercial area lies just to the east on the corner of Belmont and Campground Roads; there is also a row of shops along Milner Road in the southeastern part of the suburb. The rest of the suburb is used for educational and residential purposes, with the residential areas being generally denser further to the west where the influence of the University of Cape Town is felt.
Two canalised streams run from the slopes of Table Mountain through Stellenbosch; the Liesbeeck River runs northwards between Main Road and the railway, while the Black River runs in a northeasterly direction through the eastern part of the suburb. The terrain is generally flat east of the railway line, while to the west it slopes upwards towards Devil's Peak.
Stellenbosch Local Municipality (also known as Stellenbosch Municipality) is the local municipality that governs the towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Pniel, and the surrounding rural areas, in the Western Cape province of South Africa. It covers an area of 831 square kilometers and, as of 2007, had a population of 200,524 people in 36,413 households. It falls within the Cape Winelands District Municipality. The Cape Winelands District Municipality, formerly the Boland District Municipality, is a district municipality located in the Western Cape province of South Africa. As of 2007, it had a population of 712,413. The defined boundaries of this municipality, which covers an area of 22,289 square kilometres coincide roughly with the boundaries of the geographical area that has been known since the early days of the Cape Colony as "The Boland"
• Franschhoek
• Nuweberg
• Pniel
• Kylemore
• Stellenbosch
Adjacent municipalities
• Drakenstein Local Municipality (north)
• Breede Valley Local Municipality (northeast)
• Theewaterskloof Local Municipality, Overberg District Municipality (southeast)
• City of Cape Town (west, southwest)
List of suburbs
• Arbeidslus
• Brandwag
• Cloetesville
• Dalsig
• De Zalze
• Dennesig
• Die Boord, previously Rhodes Fruit Farms
• Die Rant
• Idas Valley
• Jamestown
• Karindal
• Krigeville
• Kayamandi
• Kylemore
• Welbedaght
• La Colline
• Mostertsdrift
• Onderpapegaaiberg, also known as Voëltjiesdorp
• Paradyskloof
• Plankenberg
• Rozendal
• Simonswyk
• Techno Park
• Tennantville
• Town central
• Uniepark
• Universiteitsoord
• Welgevonden
Paarl
The bustling, yet charming town of Paarl lies between the second largest granite rocky outcrop in the world and Du Toit's Kloof Mountains, about 60km outside of Cape Town.
• Courtrai (in the southern part of town and including the wealthy suburbs),
• Northern Paarl
• Paarl-East
• Central Paarl (generally known as upper-paarl and also containing wealthy suburbs)
• Denneburg (in the south east of the town)
• Vrykyk (in the south).
Paarl falls under the Drakenstein municipality. Drakenstein is divided into thirty-one wards, with a total of sixty one councillors. In the 2011 local government elections the DA managed to turn the tables, and obtained an outright majority on the council, holding 35 seats out of 61.
Summers are hot and dry with long days. A south easterly wind often blows in summer bringing cooler air from the nearby coast. At times this wind can be very strong. Daytime temperatures range from 24°C to 35°C. The occasional scorcher with temperatures in the high 30s and low 40s can be expected in mid-summer. Night time temperatures range from the mid teens to the high 20s with the occasional hot and balmy night over 30°C.
Winter is typically wet, windy and cold. Rains are brought with north westerly winds. Daytime temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C. Some chilly days with temperatures below 10°C can be expected in mid-winter. Night time temperatures range from the mid teens to below 0°C. Snowfalls are rare but the surrounding mountains can have snow-capped peaks.
Spring and fall are temperate times with the occasional rainfall.
There are approximately 10528 business establishments in the Cape Winelands District.
The local economic base is quite diverse with the following industry sectors dominating:
• Agriculture, hunting, forestry and fishing
• Wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles, motor cycles, personal and household goods, catering and accommodation
• Financial intermediation, insurance, real estate and business services
The District is dominated by the following 6 employment sectors:
• Agriculture/Forestry and Fisheries
• Community, Social and Personal
• Manufacturing
• Wholesale and Retail
• Financial, Insurance, Real Estate and Business
• Construction
The percentages of other occupational groups, are as follows:
• Clerks (7,2%)
• Craft and Trade (6,7%)
• Legislators/ Senior Officials (3,9%)
• Plant/Machine operators (5,5%)
• Professionals (4,4%)
• Service workers (6,8%)
• Agriculture/Fisheries (4,8%)
• Technicians (5,7%)
• Undetermined (6,7%)
The Cape Winelands District has a diverse labour force in terms of educational levels and skill levels.
The ‘Wholesale and Retail’ trade is the biggest contributor of income to the District economy
at 27,57%, followed closely by the ‘Manufacturing’ sector at 25,27%. Other major sector
contributors are ‘Agriculture, Hunting, Fishing and Forestry’ with 15,32%; ‘Financial
Intermediation, Insurance, Real Estate and Business Services’ at 16,25% and ‘All tiers of
government’ with 5,79%.
Significant income increases on the previous financial year of the different sectors are as follows:
• Electricity, Gas and Water Supply increased by 24,64%
• All Tiers of Government increased by 19,58%
• Transport, Storage and Communication increased by 17,83%
• Community, Social and Personal Services at 17,20%
• Financial Intermediation, Insurance, Real Estate & Business Services increased by 15,72%
• Wholesale and Retail increased by 10,19%
• Agriculture, Hunting, Fishing and Forestry increased by 10,83%
• Manufacturing increased by 7,89%
Tourism
The tourism sector has significant growth potential as the Cape Winelands has a rich
historical heritage, wine routes and natural beauty. A number of well-equipped and top
quality tourism establishments have been developed to support what the farms and the
natural environment have to offer.
The Cape Winelands Tourism Visitor Study (2006) indicated that tourism is established and has significant growth potential within the Cape Winelands. 50.4% of all visitors coming to the Western Cape visit a wine route. The five key tourism sectors in the Cape Winelands are:
• Food & Wine
• Adventure & Ecotourism
• Health & Wellness
• Conferencing & Accommodation
• Agri-Tourism
• Culture & History, Arts & Crafts
Agriculture
The agriculture sector forms the backbone of the regional economy of the Cape Winelands
District Municipality area. Agriculture at 38% of the GGP is the largest contributor to the
economy of the Cape Winelands District and for some locations within the municipality,
agricultural GGP’s contribution exceeds 50%. Furthermore, in terms of job creation more
than 38,3% of the Municipality’s working population was employed by the agricultural
sector, primarily in horticulture enterprises (Census 2001).
The estimated 80 000 ha intensively cultivated and irrigated areas of the Cape Winelands
produce mainly deciduous fruit and wine grapes, with Ceres being the main centre for pear
production and the Hex River Valley and Paarl for table grapes. In terms of the wine industry,
the locus is equally dispersed between Robertson, Worcester, Stellenbosch and Paarl.
The Cape Winelands District Municipality conducted an agricultural sector study in 2004.
Below, are some of the key findings of this study.
Viticulture
South Africa is the world’s sixth largest wine producer, accounting for 2.8% of global
production. The Western Cape’s favourable climatic and soil conditions make it home to
most of South Africa’s wineries, accounting for 90.5% of production. Viticulture contributes
some 30% to the Western Cape region’s horticultural income and about 3% to its Gross
Regional Product. In 2001, there were 4 390 primary wine producers and 388 cellars – an
increase of 15% over 1999. This included 67 cooperatives, 91 estates, 219 private wine
cellars and 11 producing wholesalers. The area under vines is some 106 000 hectares. About
746 million litres of wine are produced annually from 314 million vines.
On average, 71% of production finds its way into good wine (for drinking) – up from 65%
in 1999. Another 1% finds its way into rebate wine (for distillation of pot still brandy),
15% into distilling wine, and 13% into non-alcoholic uses such as grape juice and grape
concentrate.
With respect to macroeconomic impact of the wine industry on the economy of the CWDM,
in 1999 a study by Coningarth and Associates illustrated the important contribution the
wine industry makes to the various wine regions of South Africa.
By looking at the contribution of the sector to factors such as capital formation in the
industry, employment, GGP impact and income distribution factors the study was able to
conclude on the pivotal role the industry plays in the regional economy given its strong
forward and backward linkages.
Fruit
With some 2 500 deciduous fruit growers, the Western Cape is the country’s largest producer
of deciduous fruit, accounting for about 85% of total exports. In 2001, gross export earnings
were about R5.1 billion. The Western Cape’s share of world apple production is just under
2%, yet it exports 35-45% of its total crop. The Western Cape accounts for only 1% of world
pear production but is the largest southern hemisphere exporter of Comice and Forelle
varieties. About 40% of production is exported, with some 75% going to the EU (about 35%
to the UK and 65% to mainland Europe). The fruit juice industry is also a strong growth
sector. The biggest producer in the Western Cape is Ceres Fruit Processors, which produces
large quantities of apple and pear concentrate.
In 2001, total production of dried fruit was 3 740 tons of dried tree fruit, and 31 000 tons of
vine fruit. The gross value at producer level was R34.9 million for tree fruit and R121.6 million
for vine fruit. Some 65-70% of annual production is exported. There are approximately 1
450 growers supplying this industry nationally, mostly in the Cape Winelands and Langkloof
areas, although vine fruit for drying into raisins comes largely from the Orange River area.
Vegetables
Given the suitability of the regional climate, vegetable production is an important component
of Western Cape agriculture, representing some 12% of total production. In 2001, some 41.7
million kilograms of fresh vegetables were exported from Cape Town’s port, up from 21.2
million the previous year.
Within the CWDM potatoes, onions and tomatoes are the most important crops grown.
With respect to potatoes the bulk of the production is located in the Ceres area where more
than 1200 ha were planted in 2002. Approximately 17% of this crop is processed while the
rest is sold as table potatoes.
Although the area is better known as a fruit and onion-producing region, it is also the main
supplier of potatoes to the Western Cape from January to May.
Poultry
The Western Cape broiler industry produces some 135 000 tons annually, accounting for
over 17% of national production, which is worth almost R6bn at producer level. The region
is home to the country’s third largest broiler player, County Fair, as well as its largest egg
producer, Nulaid.
The Western Cape produces about 20% of the country’s annual total of 4,6 billion eggs.
Within the CWDM region Rainbow Chickens has a total of 4 factories, producing 15% of
the firms’ output.
Aquaculture
Aquaculture is currently the only growth sector within the world fishing industry, with annual
production increases averaging 10 percent since the early 1980’s. Aquaculture’s share of
total fish production in the world is currently approximately 20 percent. The development
of aquaculture in South Africa shows a relatively short history, and it is only from the mid
seventies that the industry really started to develop.
In an attempt to enhance the development of the aquaculture industry, small-scale
aquaculture was initiated as a means of diversification. The result of this initiative was
that research also started to focus on small-scale systems. The first research project in the
Western Cape started in 1992 at the Kromme Rhee (Stellenbosch) experimental farm of the
Department of Agriculture of the Western Cape. In the Western Cape enormous potential
for the establishment of small scale aquaculture production systems do exist. In the region
there are over 2000 irrigation dams with a total volume of over 500 000 cubic metres, which
have an estimated production potential of approximately 5 800 tons of freshwater fish per
year.
Together with this adequate supply of water resources, a good platform for future research
and development is already established.
Essential oils
This entails the cultivation of herbs for production/extraction of oils to be used in
manufacturing of homecare and beauty products including fragrances. The CWDM has
identified the farming of essential oils as an opportunity for employment creation and investment.
Manufacturing
The manufacturing in the Cape Winelands is characterised by its diversity with small to
medium sized enterprises dominating the economy, with potential for further growth.
A multimillion-rand tram project that will transport tourists along the wine route, stopping at various vineyards and restaurants, is on the cards for Franschhoek. Punted as an "icon" for the picturesque valley, known for its wines and world-class restaurants, the tram will travel along an old 28km railway line to Paarl that is no longer in use.
An initial R10 million injection will be made into the project, which will include the buying of the trams, fixing the line, marketing and project development cost. Two historic 1930s trams, costing R2.5m each and imported from Australia, would operate on the line. The first tram would start running late this year. Each tram seats about 50 people and can travel up to 45km/h.
A ticket would entitle each passenger to use the tram all day. There would be 10 to 12 potential stops, with a tram passing each stop once every hour, allowing passengers to embark and disembark.
As of the census of 2001, there are 117,705 people and 28,745 households residing in the winelands municipality. The racial makeup of the municipality is Black African 20.55%, Coloured 57.36%, Indian/Asian 0.20%, and White 21.88%.
17.7% of all households are made up of individuals. The average household size is 4.09.
In the municipality the population is spread out with 25.4% under the age of 15, 24.4% from 15 to 24, 30.8% from 25 to 44, 14.9% from 45 to 64, and 4.5% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 25 years. For every 100 females there are 94.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 91.1 males.
In the municipality 74.1% of residents speak Afrikaans at home, 6.9% speak English, 17.2% speak Xhosa, 0.1% speak Zulu, 1.0% speak Sotho.
Stellenbosch
The population of Stellenbosch, South Africa is 94263 according to the GeoNames geographical database.
The Winelands is also home to some of the country’s finest schools offering an international standard of education. Courtrai primary school provides learners with a solid foundation in education, while the reputable La Rochelle girl’s junior/high school, Paarl Boy’s Primary/High School and Paarl Gimnasium have been serving the community with pride for many, many years. Bridgehouse, closer to Franschhoek, also takes boys and girls from junior education through to high school graduation in a highly intimate and individualistic environment.
Stellenbosch
List of Schools
• Paul Roos Gymnasium
• Rhenish Girls' High School
• Bloemhof High School
• Stellenbosch High School
• Cloetesville High School
• Kayamandi Secondary School
• Luckhoff Secondary School
• Af Louw Primary School
• Rhenish Primary School
• Bruckner De Villiers Primary School
• Cloetesville Primary School
• Devonvallei Primary School
• Eikestad Primary School
• Idasvallei Primary School
• Ikaya Primary School
• JJ Rhode Primary School
• Koelenhof Primary School
• Lynedoch Primary School
• Rietenbosch Primary School
Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch University is one of South Africa's leading universities. This institution has a rich history dating back to 1863 and has 10 faculties, including Engineering, Commerce, Science and Arts.The University currently has about 25,000 students. Although the official language of the university is Afrikaans, most post-graduate courses are presented in English.
Sport
Rugby is arguably the most popular sport, with the local Maties Rugby Club being one of the oldest and biggest clubs in the world. Stellenbosch has two world class Astro hockey fields where local teams train and which have hosted international matches. In cricket, Stellenbosch hosted the ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier, which the South African team won. Other popular sports include tennis, swimming, athletics and waterpolo. The Maties sports clubs of Stellenbosch University are among the best in the country and the town also boasts some of the best sports schools in South Africa, like Paul Roos Gymnasium
Paarl
The town boasts some of the best academic schools in the country including Paarl Boys' High School (est.1868), Paarl Girls' High, Paarl Gimnasium High School (est.1858) and La Rochelle Girls' High School (est.1860).
List of Schools
Charleston Hill Primary School
Dalweide Primary School
Ebenezer Primary School
Hoërskool Labori
La Rochelle Girls High
La Rochelle Girls Primary School
Niewe Drift Primary School
Paarl Boys High
Paarl Boys Primary School
Paarl Gimnasium Laerskool
Paarl Girls High
Paulus Joubert Primary School
Paulus Joubert Secondary School
Paarl Boys’ High School
Paarl Boys' High has featured in the academic merit list of the Western Cape for ten years running and has been featuring in the top ten for the duration as well, making it one of the top academic schools in the province. The school is bilingual, with classes in English and Afrikaans and has been maintaining a 100% pass rate for over a decade.
Sport
Each year the school takes part in one of the biggest interschools in South Africa against its arch rival, Paarl Gimnasium High School. The main event (the u/19A rugby match) attracts over 20 000 spectators to the Faure Street Stadium and is broadcast in two languages on three national television networks. The school has produced many Springboks, from legends like Boy Louw, Mannetjies Roux and "Prince of Wings" Carel du Plessis, to more recent players like Corne Krige (former Springbok Captain), and Gurthro Steenkamp. Other sports that are also included in interschools are: field hockey, cricket, swimming, squash, tennis, chess and even debating. Golfing professional, David Frost, also matriculated at Paarl Boys' and continues to make a contribution to golf at the school. Paarl Boys' High School is currently ranked as the third most prestiguous rugby school in South Africa.
Someset West
The town has a range of primary and secondary educational facilities.
Primary schools
• Somerset House
• Somerset College
• Somerset West Private School
• Helderberg Primary School
• De Hoop Primary
• Beaumont Primary
• International School of Helderberg
High schools
• Hottentots-Holland
• Parel Vallei
• Somerset College
• Somerset Private
• Helderberg High School
• International School of Helderberg
Somerset College, is a pre-primary, preparatory and senior school set against the backdrop of the breathtaking Helderberg and Stellenbosch mountain ranges in Somerset West. Founded in 1997, today Somerset College is home to a Pre-Primary, Preparatory School and a Senior School with a combined enrolment of nearly 900 students and a staff of 100.
The Winelands is an area where you can feel safe and at home. It has a relatively low crime rate as police and university security petrol the streets regularly. But, as in any area there is still some amount of crime. These crimes are, however mostly crimes of opportunity that can easily be avoided. By taking sensible precautions you can almost ensure your safety.
Please note: This list only includes Businesses for sale in the Western Cape and not Franchises. Please click on the following link to view complete list of Franchises for sale in the Western Cape.
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