History of Durbanville
- Province: Western Cape
- Coordinates : 33°49′57″S 18°38′51″E
- Area: 2.62 km2
- Municipality:Â City of Cape Town
One of the oldest municipalities in the Western Cape, Durbanville is named after Sir Benjamin D’Urban, who served as governor of the Cape from 1834 to 1838. Before 1836, locals called the area Pampoenkraal, meaning “pumpkin fold” or kraal, which refers to an enclosure for cattle. Farmers named it this way because it served as a meeting place near freshwater springs just behind the Durbanville hills. Jan van Riebeek discovered these springs in 1652, and they became a watering station for travellers journeying from Cape Town to the interior.
On 2 September 1836, it was renamed D’Urban in honour of Sir Benjamin D’Urban, Governor of the Cape from 1836 to 1838. A year later, when Port Natal was changed to Durban, it led to some confusion To resolve this, the village became Durbanville in 1886.
After the turn of the 19th century, the village grew quickly. The King Brothers’ local wagon works developed. This used to be South Africa‘s largest wagon-building factory. At the turn of the century, almost all the village, more than 200 men, were employed there. At its peak, it was one of the largest wagon works in South Africa. However, the business closed before the First World War.
In 1825, the community established a Dutch Reformed Church. By the 1870s, the town had its own court, magistrate, and jail. The municipality came into existence in 1901, with John King as the first mayor. Since the 17th century, residents have planted grapevines in the area, primarily of the Cape Madeira variety.
The postcode for Durbanville is 7550
Things to do and see in Durbanville
- Rust-en-Vrede, in Wellington Road, is a Cape Dutch complex that dates back to 1850
- There are 12 farms in the valley, including Altydgedacht, Bloemendal, D’Aria, DeGrendel, Dimersdal, Hillcrest, Meeredndal, N’Tida, Phesantekraal and Signal Gun.
- ‘Open gardens’ in spring info@durbanvillegardenclub.co.za
- Durbanville Plaasfees 082 376 3236
- Onze Molen The mill was built between 1837 and 1842 at the Johannesfontein farm. The structure was converted to a horse mill. It is one of only two tower mills erected in the Malmesburg district.
        
- Morningstar Park Outdoor Gym Cnr School Street and Kwartel Road.
- Vissershoek pass
- The Brews and Blues Festival. It is an annual event. The festival brings together the love of beer and music.
- Tygerberg/Durbanville Nature Reserve
- Â Boland Dam, Sonstraal and Vygeboom Dams, and Kenridge Dam
- Kenridge Bark Park Door De Kraal Ave. Enclosed off-leash dog park
- Parkrun 08:00 every Saturday at Meerendal Estate, durbanville@parkrun.com
- What’s on in Durbanville, Facebook page
- Durbanville wine safari
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Useful Numbers
- Police: 021 970 3800
- Municipality– 021 444 5467
- Traffic department: 021 444 7084
- Fire: 021 444 7290
- Water: 021 444 5467
- Electricity: 021 444 5467
- Ambulance: 10177 – Resq Medix Ambulance Service-021 948 8091
- Post office; 021 976 2933
- Library;021 444 7070
- Closest hospital; Mediclinic 021 980 2100
- Pharmacy; Medicare Pharmacy Village Square-021 975 6570
- SPCA: Uitsig Animal Rescue,· Animal shelter-083 375 3606
- Civic centre:021 400 3966
- Schools;
High School-021 976 3188
Reddam House -010 060 4236
Fairmont High School, Durbanville-021 976 1147
Curro Independent School-021 975 6377
Primary School-021 976 8115
High School-021 976 3188
Preparatory School-021 975 1125
Alpha Primary School-021 976 1493
Valmary Park Preprimary School-021 976 2890
Alpha Primary School-021 976 1493
Kenridge Primary School 021 976 3046
- Museum; Rust-en-Vrede,Art Gallery & Clay Museum- 021 976 4691
Suburbs in Durbanville include Aurora, Durbanville Hills, Durbell, D’Urbnvale, Durmonte, Eversdal, Goedemoed, Kenridge, Sonstraal, Skoongesig, Uitzicht, Vierlanden and Vygeboom.
FAQs – Durbanville
1. Where is Durbanville located?
Durbanville is a northern suburb of Cape Town, about 30 minutes from the city centre, bordered by Bellville, Brackenfell, and the Durbanville Hills wine region.
2. What is Durbanville known for?
It’s known for its wine estates, leafy upmarket suburbs, and village atmosphere, with easy access to both city amenities and countryside tranquillity.
3. How far is Durbanville from Cape Town?
Durbanville is roughly 30 km from Cape Town CBD via the N1 or N7 highways.
4. What are the main attractions?
Top attractions include the Durbanville Wine Valley, Durbanville Rose Garden, Wine Estates, and Durbanville Nature Reserve.
5. Are there schools in Durbanville?
Yes, Durbanville has several top-rated schools such as Durbanville High School, Durbanville Primary, Fairmont High, and Reddam House Durbanville.
6. What shopping options are available?
Durbanville offers multiple centres, including Village Square, Wellington Park, Wellington Road (High Street shopping) and The Market at the Barn for local produce and crafts.
7. Is Durbanville safe?
It’s considered one of the safer suburbs in Cape Town, with active community patrols and well-established neighbourhood watch groups.
8. Is there public transport?
Public transport is available through MyCiTi feeder routes, taxis, and bus services, though most residents use private vehicles.
9. Is Durbanville pet-friendly?
Yes, many parks and wine farms welcome dogs, and several cafés have pet-friendly outdoor areas.
10. Why live or visit Durbanville?
Durbanville combines wine country charm with suburban convenience, offering a peaceful lifestyle close to Cape Town’s northern hub.
