- Province :Western Cape
- Coordinates; 33.9309° S, 18.5772° E
- Area 5.52 km²
- Municipality City of Cape Town
Jump to:
History of Elsies River |Useful Numbers in Elsies River
Elsies River is a suburb located about 15 km north-east of Cape Town city centre on the Cape Flats. It is part of the City of Cape Town and is bordered by Goodwood, Kensington, and Delft.
Elsies River is characterised by flat, low-lying terrain with residential areas, light industry, and commercial zones. Major roads include Voortrekker Road and Racecourse Road, which connect to the N1 freeway for easy access to the city centre and northern suburbs.
History of Elsies River
In the late 1600s, Elsje van Suurwaarde farmed this area, having outlived two husbands. The land changed hands many times in the years following her death. Some of the landowners rented allotments to coloured people who began moving to the area. In the late 1800s.
The area had plenty of water and wood, which were useful for building and farming. It was then known as “Elsie’s River Kraal”. It was a good stopping place to let the horses drink and rest. Also, the famous Arcadia Coffee House catered for travellers.
The Transatlantic railway had a station at Elsie’s River. Farmers drove their wagons from the surrounding areas to meet the train.
There was a further influx of people during the great depression. The area became very populated and was plagued by neglect and a lack of services. From the 1940s, however, industries moved into the vicinity, which brought employment opportunities. Today, Elsie’s River has many modern amenities such as schools and libraries.
Today, Elsies River sits in the middle of a busy, well-connected pocket of the Cape Flats. The majority of residents identify as Coloured or Black African, with Afrikaans being the most spoken language at home, followed by English.
More about Elsies River
The postcodes for Elsies River are 7490 (streets)and 7480 (boxes)
Transport
Elsies River is served by Metrorail  Golden Arrow Bus Services, and minibus taxis. See linked pages for details. Other options for getting around the Western Cape.
Resources
Practical information for the Western Cape: regulations, permits, and helpful tips. See the Colourdots coastal and nature use guide
WEATHER IN ELSIES RIVER TODAY
all listings in Elsies River
Useful Numbers in Elsies River
Residents and visitors can find important local contact numbers below, including police, medical services, utilities, and community facilities in and around
-
Emergency Services
- Police: 021 928 1400
- Fire: Epping – 021 592 1158
- Ambulance: 10177
-
Medical
- Closest hospital; Day hospital – 021 932 6027
- Clinic: 021 936 8885
- Pharmacy– 021 932 2955
-
Municipal & Utilities
- Water: 0860 103 089
- Electricity: 0860 103 089
-
Transport & Roads
- Traffic department: 021 592 1158
-
Community & Safety
- NSRI 087 094 9774
- 24-hour Poisons Information Helpline of the Western Cape: 0861 555 777.
- Childline South Africa: 116
- SPCA: Cape of Good Hope SPCA-021 700 4140
-
Local Contacts and Community Resources
- Post office; 021 932 6027
- Cravenby community hall:021 444 0265
- Town 2 Community centre:021 360 3229
- Adriaanse Community Hall 021 444 0263
- Leonsdale community centre:021 444 0916
- Elsies River Civic Centre: 021 400 091
- Uitsig community centre: 021 444 0916
-
Schools in Elsies River
- Â Elsies River High School-021 932 5085
- Valhalla Primary School- 021 592 2003
- Norwood Central Primary- 021 932 0841
- Avonwood Primary School-021 932 3895
- Valhalla Secondary School-021 932 6012
- Cinda Park Primary School- 021 932 6510
- Eldene Primary School-021 932 3895
- Eurecon Primary School-021 931 2902
- Elswood Primary School-021 932 6510
- Edward Primary School-021 931-2309
Other Cape Flats towns and suburbs include: Â Atlantis; Belhar; Blue Downs Bonteheuwel; Crawford; Eerste Rivier; Epping; Â Grassy park; Hanover Park; Khayalitsha; Kuils River; Langa; Lansdowne; Lotus river; Macassar; Mannenberg; Mitchells Plain; Nyanga; Ottery; Delft and Philippi
- Colourdots is an independent regional information resource for the Western Cape.
Learn more about the project HERE
