History of Bothasig

• Province:  Western Cape
• Coordinates  33°51′34″S 18°32′23″E
• Municipality: City of Cape Town
• Area: 4.07 km2

Bothasig, often referred to as “The Sig,” is a suburb in the northern part of greater Cape Town, near the N7 highway. Established in 1965 on the farm Bosmansdam, Bothasig was initially designed to accommodate 300 houses, with a plan to eventually house 20,000 people. The development primarily targeted “white working-class families,” with 800 people on a waiting list for the first 300 of the planned 4,000 houses. Notably, Bothasig was the first town in South Africa where prefabricated wooden houses were built, chosen for their speed and cost-effectiveness. The designs included several options for three-bedroom, 1,000-square-foot houses with garages, priced at R5,200 (excluding land costs). The state planned to build 3,000 houses, with private developers constructing the remaining units.

Originally named Bosmansdam, the suburb’s name changed to Bothasig in 1966 after a visit by PW Botha, then Minister of Community Development and later State President of South Africa. Impressed by the view of Table Mountain, Botha remarked, “Where can one find a better view?” leading to the name “Botha-sig,” meaning “Botha’s view.” Mr. Botha handed over the first completed house on October 26, 1965.

In its early days, Bothasig resembled a pioneer settlement, surrounded by a sandy wasteland that caused issues when the wind blew. The area lacked paved roads, shops, a post office, telephone services, and public transport. Residents had to organise lift clubs to reach Goodwood station.

With the assistance of the Department of Housing and the Milnerton Municipality, the community’s needs were gradually addressed. A primary school was built first, followed by a post office, and by 1968, a community hall and a bilingual creche. An automatic telephone exchange was only installed in 1974.

Bothasig is also known for the wonderful Christmas lights displays that some residents decorate their houses with. The police station (pictured) joins in the fun

Many of the streets in Bothasig are named after people and places related to the Dutch East India Company. Kompanjie Street, Boom Street (named after Hendrik Boom, the first gardener in the company gardens), Swellengrebel Street  (Hendrik Swellengrebel, from 1739, Governor of the Cape of Good Hope) Adam Tas,  a community leader in the Cape Colony at the turn of the 17th century. Vryburger Free Burghers were  Dutch employees of the Dutch East India Company who were released from company service. Batavia, Holland, Nassau, Ceylon.

The postcodes for Bothasig are 7441 (streets) and 7406 (boxes)

Things to do and see in Bothasig

•  Dog park, Adam Tas road
• Community food garden, Link Road behind the hall.
• Bothasig Fynbos Nature Reserve, Bosmansdam Road 021 444 8971
• De Grendel Park 2 Outdoor Gym, Swellengrebel Avenue, Bothasig

WEATHER IN BOTHASIG TODAY

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Useful Numbers in Bothasig

•  Police: 021 559 9400
• Crime Protection Forum: 0215599400
• Traffic department: Milnerton 021 550 1312
• Fire: Milnerton fire dept; 021 400 6949
• Water: 0860 103 089
• Electricity: 0860 103 089
• Ambulance: 10177 or Resq Medix 074 173 7283
• SPCA: Cape Town Grassy Park 021 700 4140
• Library; 021 400 2757
• Clinic: 021 818 0940
• Bothasig community hall:  021 528 7960
• Neighbourhood watch
• Residents Association chairperson@bothasigresidents.org.za
• Schools:

Bosmansdam High; 021 558 1070
Bosmansdam primary; 021 558 7110

Wolraad Woltemade primary; 021 558 3600
Tafelburg school; 021 558 2405

Bothasig High; 021 065 2146

• Other emergency numbers COCT

FAQs – Bothasig

1. Where is Bothasig located?
It is a northern suburb of Cape Town, situated between Edgemead and Milnerton Ridge, about 15 km from the city centre.

2. What type of area is Bothasig?
It’s a well-established residential suburb with a mix of houses, schools, churches, and small businesses, popular with families and commuters.

3. Are there shops and restaurants in Bothasig?
Yes, the Bothasig Mall and surrounding centres offer supermarkets, takeaways, and local stores. There are also several pubs and cafés nearby.

4. How do you get to Bothasig?
Access is easy via the N1 and Plattekloof Road (M14), with quick routes to Century City, Goodwood, and Blouberg.

5. Is Bothasig safe?
It’s a close-knit, community-focused suburb with active neighbourhood watches, an excellent police station and local safety groups.

6. What schools are in the area?
Bothasig has several schools, see list above, and is close to schools in Edgemead and Monte Vista.

7. Is there public transport?
Yes , Bothasig is served by Golden Arrow buses, connecting it to major hubs like Cape Town and Century City.

8. Are there parks or recreation spaces?
Yes — the suburb has community parks, play areas, and sports clubs such as the Bothasig Sports Complex.

9. What amenities are nearby?
Large shopping centres like Canal Walk and N1 City Mall are less than 10 minutes away.

10. Does Bothasig host local events?
Yes, markets, fundraisers, and sports events are regularly held at the community centre and at the sports grounds.