Ceres

• Province: Western Cape
• District: Cape Winelands
• Coordinates:33°22′S 19°19′E
• Area:80.7 km2
• Municipality: Witzenberg

Ceres is a town in the Witzenberg Valley of the Western Cape, situated about 170 km north-east of Cape Town. It lies at the foot of the Skurweberg and Hex River Mountain ranges, surrounded by high peaks and fertile agricultural land. The town sits along the R46 route, which connects it to Wolseley and Tulbagh, while Michell’s Pass links Ceres to the N1 and the Breede River Valley.

The region is known for its cold winters, with snowfall common on the surrounding mountains. The valley landscape includes orchards, rivers and mountain passes, with the Dwars River and other tributaries supporting local agriculture.

History of Ceres

The town, established in 1854 on a farm owned by Jan Frederik Munnik, is named after the Roman goddess of agriculture. It was granted municipal status in 1864 and is one of the oldest farming districts in South Africa. Surrounded by beautiful mountains, it serves as the administrative centre of the Witzenberg Municipality. The railway from Wolseley reached Ceres through Mitchells Pass in 1912.

The town was developed at the crossing of the Dwars River, lying between the Witzenberg and Skurweberg mountains. The town grew along Voortrekker Street, the only route with a bridge over the river. Early businesses and the market area were located around Market Plain.

After diamonds were discovered in Kimberley in the late 1860s, the road through Ceres became the main route to the diamond fields. It was the last major stop to the north. It benefited from the increased traffic. This unfortunately ended in 1885 when a direct railway line was built via Wolseley. Ceres was bypassed.

There are almost no historic buildings in Ceres. This is because of the  1969 earthquake that caused extensive structural damage. Many older buildings were demolished during reconstruction. The result was a modernised town centre.

The climate is usually warm, but winters can be very cold, making it ideal for fruit growing. The area is a major producer of South Africa’s deciduous fruit. In winter, the area and the surrounding Koue Bokkeveld mountains often transform into a snowy wonderland, offering activities like skiing and snowboarding.

Civic leaders in the town have long promoted gardens and tree planting, resulting in many public and private gardens throughout the area.

The postcode for Ceres is 6835 (Streets and Boxes)

Things to see and do in Ceres:

• –Transport Riders Museum
• This is a great birdwatching area
• The Loxtonia Cherry Trail Run in November – 0214620520
• Bainskloof is well known for beautiful hikes with rock pools and stunning fynbos
• Swaarmoed pass
•  Chrysanthemum show (May) 083-4470309
•  Winkelhaak road    
• Theronsberg pass 
•  The Eselfontein MTB Route is one of the best MTB routes in the country. Get to Eselfontein Road on Eselfontein Farm, there are 15, 35 or 70-kilometre routes to choose from.     
• Slide show               
  

  Resources

  For permits, fishing rules, shell collecting regulations and other practical outdoor information , see the Colourdots coastal and nature use guide

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Useful Numbers

Residents and visitors can find important local contact numbers below, including police, medical services, utilities, and community facilities in and around

• Emergency Services

• Police: 023 316 8600
• Fire: (023) 316 1997/8
• Ambulance: Tulbagh-023 230 1326 or 10177

• Medical

• Closest hospital;  General hospital-023 312 3160
• Bella Vista Clinic-023 315 5980
• Pharmacy;023 312 2440

• Municipal & Utilities

• Municipality; 023 316 8194
• Water: (023) 316 1997/8 (24 hours)
• Electricity: (023) 316 1997/8

• Transport & Roads

• Traffic department:023 316 1997

• Community & Safety

• NSRI 087 094 9774
• 24-hour Poisons Information Helpline of the Western Cape:  0861 555 777.
• Childline South Africa: 116
• SPCA: Ceres Veterinary Hospital-023 312 3020

• Local Contacts and Community Resources in

• Home Affairs: 023 315 5021/ 5047
• Post office;023 312 3160
• Library: John Steyn Library-023 316 1288
• Tourist bureau;023 316 1287/ 023 316 1287
• Museum; 023 312 2045

• Schools in Ceres

• Ceres Primary School-023 312 1510
• Hoërskool Charlie Hofmeyr-023 312 1194
• Gericke Primary School-023 312 1110
• Ceres Secondary School- 023 3122460
• Bella Vista Primary School-023 315 5047
• Nduli Primary School- 0218682380
• Morrisdale Primary- 023 316 5236
• Mooi-Uitsig Primary School-023 315 5820
• Ceres Lions Pre-Primary School-023 312 2425
• Bella Vista High School-061 284 4007
• Iingcinga Zethu Sec School-023 312 2337
• Fairfield NGK Primary School- 023 3155920
• Ezelfontein NGK Primary School- 023 3161916

Witzenberg is located in the Cape Winelands District. It consists of five towns: Ceres, Tulbagh, Wolseley, Op-die-Berg and Prince Alfred’s Hamlet.

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