Stellenbosch, Western Cape

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Stellenbosch (IPA: [ˈstɛlənˌbɑ̹ʃ]) 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 River. The town became known as the City of Oaks or Eikestad in Afrikaans due to the large number of oak trees that were planted by the founder to grace the streets and homesteads.

Stellenbosch's eastern suburbs in the winter months. Snow on the Jonkershoek Mountains

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.

1 History
2 Population
3 Viticulture
4 Stellenbosch University
5 List of suburbs
6 History of selected suburbs
- 6.1 Kayamandi
7 Notable entrepreneurs
8 External links

[edit] History

A typical Cape Dutch style house in Stellenbosch

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 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. 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 kilometres (9,700 sq mi) in 1685.

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. The first school had been opened in 1683 but education in the town began in earnest in 1859 with the opening of a seminary for the Dutch Reformed Church and a gymnasium which known as het Stellenbossche Gymnasium was established in 1866. In 1874 some higher classes became Victoria College and then in 1918 the University of Stellenbosch. The first mens hostel to be established in Stellenbosch was Wilgenhof. In 1909 an old boy of the school, Paul Roos, captain of the first team to be called the Springboks, was invited to become the sixth rector of the school. He remained rector till 1940. On his retirement the school's name was changed to Paul Roos Gymnasium.

In the early days of the Second Boer War (1899-1902) Stellenbosch was one of the British military bases, and was used as a 'remount' camp; and in consequence of officers who had not distinguished themselves at the front being sent back to it, the expression 'to be Stellenbosched' came into use; so much so, that in similar cases officers were spoken of as 'Stellenbosched' even if they were sent to some other place.

[edit] Population

Stellenbosch has a population of around 90,000 as of the year 2000, not counting students. This estimate is based on formally housed residents. As such it is almost certainly understated, as the Stellenbosch region also includes a number of informal settlements.

[edit] Viticulture

Vineyards around Stellenbosch

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 hot summers, cool winters and clear, sunny skies. 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.

[edit] Stellenbosch University

Main article: 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.

[edit] 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

[edit] History of selected suburbs

[edit] Kayamandi

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