History of Ceres

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

Ceres was established in 1854 on the farm belonging to Jan Frederik Munnik and is named after the Roman Goddess of agriculture.  Municipal status was granted 10 years later It is one of the oldest farming districts in South Africa. It is surrounded by beautiful mountains and it is the administrative centre of the Witzenberg Municipality.

Civic leaders in Ceres have long promoted public and private gardens and many trees have been planted.

The railway line from Wolesleyreached Ceres through the Mitchells Pass in 1912

The climate is usually warm but it gets very cold in winter. This is ideal for fruit growing and the Ceres area is where much of South Africa’s deciduous fruit is grown.
During winter, Ceres and “The Koue Bokkeveld” mountains surrounding the town often become a winter wonderland covered in snow. There are lots of snow-fun activities offered such as skiing and snowboarding.

The postcode for Ceres is 6835 (Streets and Boxes)

Things to see and do in Ceres:

• –Transport Riders Museum
• Ceres 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
• Ceres Chrysanthemum show 083-4470309
•  Winkelhaak road    
• Theronsberg pass                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

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WEATHER IN CERES TODAY   

Useful Numbers in Ceres

• Police: 023 316 8600
• Municipality; 023 316 8194
• Traffic department:023 316 1997
• Fire: (023) 316 1997/8
• Water: (023) 316 1997/8 (24 hours)
• Electricity: (023) 316 1997/8
• Ambulance:Tulbagh-023 230 1326 or 10177
• Post office;023 312 3160
• Library: John Steyn Library-023 316 1288
• Closest hospital; Ceres General hospital-023 312 3160
• Bella Vista Clinic-023 315 5980
• Pharmacy;023 312 2440
• SPCA: Ceres Veterinary Hospital-023 312 3020
• Schools: Ceres Primary School-023 312 1510
  Hoërskool Charlie Hofmeyr-023 312 1194
  Gericke Primary School-023 312 1110
  Ceres Secondary School- 0233122460
  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- 0233155920
  Ezelfontein NGK Primary School- 0233161916
• Tourist bureau;023 316 1287/ 023 316 1287
• Museum; 023 312 2045

Ceres