Stellenbosch Totally Explained

Everything about Stellenbosch totally explained

Stellenbosch is the second oldest European settlement in the Western Cape Province, South Africa after Cape Town, and is situated about 50 kilometers (30 mi) away along the banks of the Eerste Rivier. The town became known as the City of Oaks or Eikestad in Afrikaans and Dutch due to the large number of oak trees that were planted by the founder to grace the streets and homesteads.
The town is home to the University of Stellenbosch. The Technopark is a modern corporate and research complex situated on the southern side of the town near the Stellenbosch Golf Course.
Stellenbosch is said to be the heart of Afrikanerdom due to the large number of academics and students who have lived and studied there.

History

The town was founded in 1679 by the Governor of the Cape Colony, Simon van der Stel, who named it after himself — Stellenbosch means "(van der) Stel's forest". It is situated on the banks of the Eerste River ("First River"), so named as it was the first new river he reached and followed when Jan van Riebeeck sent him from Cape Town on an expedition over the Cape Flats to explore the territory towards what is now known as Stellenbosch. The town grew so quickly that it became an independent local authority in 1682 and the seat of a magistrate with jurisdiction over 25 000 square kilometers (9,700 sq mi) in 1685.
The Dutch were skilled in hydraulic engineering and they devised a system of furrows to direct water from the Eerste River in the vicinity of Thibault Street through the town along van Riebeeck Street to Mill Street where a mill was erected. Early visitors commented on the oak trees and gardens.
Soon after the first settlers arrived, especially the French Huguenots, grapes were planted in the fertile valleys around Stellenbosch and soon it became the centre of the South African wine industry. This comprised 8555 slaves, 6066 'Whites', 1220 'Hottentots', and 296 'Free Blacks'.

Climate and geography

Stellenbosch is located just 55km to the east of Cape Town. Stellenbosch is in a hilly region of the Cape Winelands and is sheltered in a valley at an elevation of approximately 100m, flanked on the west by Papegaaiberg (Afrikaans: Parrot Mountain), actually a hill. The south and east are high mountains, with Stellenbosch Mountain to the south, and Simonsberg (Afrikaans:Simon's Mountain), Jonkershoek Mountains and Great Drakenstein Mountains to the east and south-east. The Pieke (1494m) (Afrikaans:The Twins) is a signature peak of the Stellenbosch region, the highest being Victoria Peak (1590m).
The soils are dark alluvial to clay soils and combined with the well-drained, hilly terrain and Mediterranean climate prove ideal for viticulture. Summers are dry and warm to hot, with some February and March days rising to over 30°C. Winters are cool, rainy and sometimes quite windy, with daytime temperatures averaging 16°C. Snow is usually seen a couple times in winter on the surrounding mountains. Spring and autumn are shoulder seasons and daytime temperatures hover in the 20°C's.

Sport

Cricket is the most popular sport. Stellenbosch hosted the ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier, which was initially to be played in Pakistan but moved to South Africa due to Security concerns. South Africa's Women's Team came out victorious beating Pakistan in the finals.

Viticulture and winemaking

The Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek valleys form the Cape Winelands, the largest of the two main wine growing regions in South Africa. The South African wine industry produces about 1,000,000,000 litres of wine annually. Stellenbosch is the primary location for viticulture and viticulture research. Professor Perold was the first Professor of Viticulture at Stellenbosch University. The Stellenbosch wine route, established in 1971 is world renowned and popular tourist destination.
The area has a mediterranean-type climate, with dry hot summers, cold wet winters. It is at the start of the Cape Fold mountains, which have created soil favourable to vines. Grapes are grown primarily for wine, not as table grapes.

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.

List of suburbs

Arbeidslus
Brandwacht
Cloetesville
Dalsig
De Zalze
Dennesig
Die Boord, previously Rhodes Fruit Farms
Die Rant
Idas Valley
Jamestown
Karindal
Krigeville
Kayamandi
Welbedaght
La Colline
Mostertsdrift
Onderpapegaaiberg, previously known as Voëltjiesdorp
Paradyskloof
Plankenberg
Rozendal
Simonswyk
Techno Park
Tennantville
Town central
Uniepark
Universiteitsoord
Welgevonden

History of selected suburbs

Kayamandi

Although parts of Kayamandi may currently appear to be an informal settlement it was originally a small suburb reserved for the exclusive use of Xhosas.

Notable entrepreneurs

Anton Rupert

Kees Bruynzeel

Willy HeuerFurther Information

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