Towns and suburbs

Languedoc

languedoc

History of Languedoc

The Drakenstein area is historically significant for its mix of Huguenot refugees and Free Burgers (Vryburgers). The Huguenots, unable to teach their language, saw it largely disappear in the valley.

Slaves were introduced to the Cape Colony shortly after the settlers arrived in 1652. Initially, few farmers owned slaves, but as farms expanded, the demand grew, leading to a significant slave population in Drakenstein. Many of these slaves were skilled artisans, such as carpenters and wheelwrights.

Although the British Empire abolished slavery in 1834, slaves were required to serve an additional four years as apprentices. Many gravitated towards mission stations where they learned trades and received a basic education. In 1842, farmers Pieter Isaac de Villiers and Paul Retief donated land for freed slaves to establish a self-sustaining mission station, with local farmers providing further support by donating land for housing and agriculture.

This area also has ties to Cecil John Rhodes, who, after resigning as Prime Minister of the Cape Colony, turned to fruit farming. Rhodes purchased old wine farms affected by phylloxera and replaced the vines with fruit trees, pioneering the use of refrigeration for shipping fruit to Britain. In 1898, Rhodes addressed the need to retain labour in the Cape, commissioning architect Herbert Baker to design the village of Languedoc for farm workers. Influenced by Cape Dutch architecture and the Arts and Crafts movement, each house featured a garden for flowers, vegetables, and space for livestock. This village, lined with oak trees, still stands today.

Rhodes also commissioned a cottage in Muizenberg due to his declining health, though it is unclear if he ever stayed there.

The postcode for Languedoc is 7680

WEATHER IN LANGUEDOC TDAY

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Useful Numbers

Main centre Stellenbosch

  • Police: 021 809 5000
  • Municipality;021 808 8111
  • Traffic department:021 021 808 8800
  • Fire: 021 021 808 8800/ Fire Brigade 021 887 1333
  • General enquiries:021 808 8215 / 021 808 8953 / 021 808 8343
  • Ambulance: 10177
  • Post office; 021 886 7521
  • Library:021 808 8384 /
  • Closest hospital;Stellenbosch Provincial Hospital-021 808 6100
  • SPCA: Stellenbosch Animal Welfare-021 883 9129

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