Towns and suburbs

Bonnievale

“Beautiful valley”

Bonnievale

History of Bonnievale

Bonnievale is a town situated between Swellendam and Robertson, South. It was initially, a railway stop called “The Vale” and was established in the area. In 1917, this halt was officially designated as a railway station and renamed Bonnievale. The name change was formalized in 1922 when a village management board was elected, and Bonnievale was granted municipal status in 1953.

The name “Bonnievale,” meaning “Beautiful Valley,” was chosen by Christopher Forrest Rigg. He selected the name to honour his grandfather’s home in Scotland. Christopher Rigg emigrated from Scotland to South Africa at the age of two. His family settled in Barberton, where he worked as a dynamite blaster in the gold mines. After his first marriage ended in divorce, he married Lilian Moon from the Robertson area in 1894, and they settled in 1900. Rigg purchased a farm known as Bosjiesmansdrift.

In 1898, two local farmers began exploring the possibility of using water from the Breede River for irrigation. They faced significant challenges and financial issues, which halted the project at Olifants Krans. When Christopher Rigg arrived in the area, he brought his expertise in blasting to the project. He overcame obstacles, including blocked canals, and completed a tunnel through Olifants Krans. This innovation, which involved the use of cement for the first time in 1914, allowed the irrigation system to function effectively. Rigg then divided his irrigated land into plots and established the village of Bonnievale.

In 1909, the local farmers formed “The Zandrift Irrigation Council.” Rigg generously donated the irrigation system to the board, with the condition that he could serve on it. The irrigation channels he developed are still in use today. The project was hailed as the “greatest feat of engineering by one man in South Africa” by contemporary newspapers.

Christopher Rigg passed away in 1926 and was buried at sea while visiting overseas.

Bonnievale is renowned for its high-quality wines, including muscadel and sherry, as well as its production of deciduous fruit.

The license plate prefix for Bonnievale is CER. Postcodes are 6730 (streets) and 6730 (boxes)

Things to see and do in Bonnievale

WEATHER IN BONNIEVALE TODAy

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Useful Numbers

  • Police: 023 616 8060
  • Municipality; 023 625 1630
  • Emergencies; 0860 88 1111
  • Traffic department: 023 616 80000
  • Fire: 086088111
  • Water:
  • Electricity:
  • Ambulance:101777
  • Post office; 023 616 2470
  • Library:023 616 8016
  • Closest hospital; Robertson 023 626 8500
  • Pharmacy;
  • Chris Van zyl hall : Voortrekker road 023 616 8000
  • Happy Valley Hall: New Cross Street 023 616 8000
  • Happy Valley sports fields: 023 616 8000
  • SPCA: Swellendam 028 514 2083
  • Schools: Bonnievale High School-023 616 2160
    Bonnievale Primary School- 023 616 2655
    Jakes Gerwel Technical School-023 009 0999
    Pre-Primary School Irena Coetzee-023 616 2893
  • Museum; 78 Hoofstr
  • Tourism office/info; 023 616 3932- 59 Main St

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