Eerste Rivier

• Province: Western Cape
• Coordinates: 34°0′S 18°43′E
• Area: 5.86 km2
• Municipality; City of Cape Town

Eerste Rivier lies in the Helderberg region of the Western Cape, approximately 40 km east of Cape Town’s city centre. The town is positioned along the Eerste River and bordered by Somerset West to the south and Stellenbosch to the north. It is located near Cape Town International Airport and is connected by the N2 highway and regional rail lines.

The surrounding landscape includes low-lying plains, agricultural land, and residential suburbs forming part of the greater Cape Town metropolitan area. Eerste Rivier, meaning “First River, also known as Eersterivier, is a suburban area located in the eastern part of Cape Town. Situated within the Oosteberg subregion on the Cape Flats, Eerste River serves as a residential and commercial hub.

History of Eerste Rivier

Eerste Rivier has a rich history that dates back to the mid-19th century, largely shaped by its connection to the development of the Cape Town, Wellington, and Docks Railway line.

This area served as a station. The village likely emerged in 1862 when the railway line from Cape Town reached here, and it became a key road junction, connecting Cape Town, Bellville, Stellenbosch, and Somerset West.

The site of the tomb of Sheikh Yussuf, of Bantam is in this town. He was exiled to the Cape in 1693 by the Dutch administration of the East Indies. He introduced the Islamic faith to South Africa, and his tomb is considered to be the most important shrine in the Holy Circle of Islam.

Originally, the suburb consisted of several farms, but it expanded rapidly after the 1980s as more people settled in the area. The suburb once included other areas such as Delft and Blackheath, which later became separate municipalities.

The postcode for Eerste River is 7100.

Resources

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

WEATHER IN EERSTE RIVER TODAY

Browse businesses and places to visit in Eerste Rivier

Useful Numbers

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

• Emergency Services

• Police: Saps Kleinvlei-021 902 8300
• Fire: Kuilsrivier Traffic Department-021 815 3402
• Ambulance:10177

• Medical

• Closest hospital: ER-021 902 8000
• Clinic-021 444 7144
• Pharmacy;Eerste River Hospital Pharmacy-021 902 8035

• Municipal & Utilities

• Municipality;Kuilsrivier Municipality-021 400 2355
• Water:0860 103 089
• Electricity:0860 103 089

• Transport & Roads

• Traffic Department: Kuilsrivier Traffic Department-021 815 3402
• Road Emergencies / SANRAL: 0800 204 204

• Community & Safety

• NSRI 087 094 9774
• 24-hour Poisons Information Helpline of the Western Cape:  0861 555 777

• Local Contacts and Community Resources in Eerste Rivier

• Post office Post Office-021 904 1385
• Library: -021 444 7671
• Bosasa community centre:
• Multi-purpose centre 021 444 7493

• Schools in Eerste Rivier

•  Eersterivier Secondary School – 074 640 5725
• Beverly Park Primary – 021 906 1780
• Blackheath Primary – 021 905 2200
• Forest Heights – 021 904 1644