Towns and suburbs

Durbanville

Durbanville

History of Durbanville

One of the oldest municipalities in the Western Cape, Durbanville is named after Sir Benjamin D’Urban, who served as governor of the Cape from 1834 to 1838. Before 1836, locals called the area Pampoenkraal, meaning “pumpkin fold” or kraal, which refers to an enclosure for cattle. Farmers named it this way because it served as a meeting place near freshwater springs just behind the Durbanville hills. Jan van Riebeek discovered these springs in 1652, and they became a watering station for travelers journeying from Cape Town to the interior.

In 1825, the community established a Dutch Reformed Church, around which a small village developed. By the 1870s, the town had its own court, magistrate, and jail. The municipality came into existence in 1901, with John King as the first mayor. Since the 17th century, residents have planted grapevines in the area, primarily of the Cape Madeira variety in the early days.

The postcode for Durbanville is 7550

Things to do and see in Durbanville

  • Rust-en-Vrede, in Wellington Road, is a Cape Dutch complex that dates back to 1850
  • There are 12 farms in the valley including  Altydgedacht, Bloemendal, D’Aria, DeGrendel, Dimersdal, Hillcrest, Meeredndal, N’Tida, and Signal Gun.
  • ‘Open gardens” in spring info@durbanvillegardenclub.co.za
  • Durbanville Plaasfees 082 376 3236
  • Onze Molen  The mill was built between 1837 and 1842 at the Johannesfontein farm. The structure was converted to a horse mill. It is one of only two tower mills erected in the Malmesburg district.
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  • Morningstar Park Outdoor Gym Cnr School Street and Kwartel Road.
  • Vissershoek pass
  • The Brews and Blues Festival. It is an annual event. The festival brings together the love of beer and music.
  • Parkrun 08:00 every Saturday at Meerendal Estate, durbanville@parkrun.com
  • What’s on in Durbanville, Facebook page

WEATHER IN DURBANVILLE TODAY

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Useful Numbers

  • Police: 021 970 3800
  • Municipality– 021 444 5467
  • Traffic department: 021 444 7084
  • Fire: 021 444 7290
  • Water: 021 444 5467
  • Electricity: 021 444 5467
  • Ambulance: 10177 – Resq Medix Ambulance Service-021 948 8091
  • Post office; 021 976 2933
  • Library;021 444 7070
  • Closest hospital; Mediclinic  021 980 2100
  • Pharmacy; Medicare Pharmacy Village Square-021 975 6570
  • SPCA: Uitsig Animal Rescue,· Animal shelter-083 375 3606
  • Civic centre:021 400 3966
  • Schools;

Durbanville High School-021 976 3188
Reddam House -010 060 4236
Fairmont High School, Durbanville-021 976 1147
Curro  Independent School-021 975 6377
Durbanville Primary School-021 976 8115
Durbanville High School-021 976 3188
Durbanville Preparatory School-021 975 1125
Alpha Primary School-021 976 1493
Valmary Park Preprimary School-021 976 2890
Alpha Primary School-021 976 1493

Museum; Rust-en-Vrede,Art Gallery & Clay Museum- 021 976 4691

Local Listings