Klawer

• Province: Western Cape
• District: West Coast
• Coordinates: 31°47′S 18°37′E
• Area: 6.41 km2
• Municipality: Matzikama

Jump to: History of Klawer |Things to See and Do in Klawer |Useful Numbers in Klawer

Klawer is a small agricultural town in the Matzikama Local Municipality of the West Coast. It lies along the N7, approximately 35 km north of Vredendal and about 250 km north of Cape Town. The town is situated near the Olifants River at the foot of the Matzikama Mountains. It is surrounded by farms producing wine grapes, citrus, and rooibos tea, typical of the Olifants River Valley.

History of Klawer

 The town’s economy is based on irrigated agriculture, particularly vineyards, table grapes and orchards, supported by the Olifants River Irrigation Scheme. Klawer is also home to Stellar Organics, South Africa’s largest organic winery, and forms part of the Olifants River Valley Wine Route.

The town takes its name from the Afrikaans word for clover, which once grew abundantly in the area, especially after seasonal rains. Located on the southern edge of the Cape’s flower region, the surrounding landscape is known for its spring wildflowers, which peak in August and September after good rainfall.

European settlers arrived in the mid-19th century, drawn by fertile riverbanks and farming potential. Early agriculture relied on small-scale flood irrigation, with farmers later developing weirs and basin systems to manage water. Attempts to introduce larger irrigation schemes in the late 19th century faced resistance, delaying more structured water management until the 20th century.

The opening of the railway line in 1914 marked a turning point, improving access to markets and supporting agricultural growth in the Olifants River Valley. Farming cooperatives established in the 1920s helped coordinate production and trade, leading to the founding of the Klawer Wine Cellar in 1956.

During the mid-20th century, government policies reshaped land ownership, with many non-white communities removed from fertile areas along the river. Periodic droughts, particularly in the 1930s and 1960s, placed pressure on irrigation systems and led to further investment in canals and water management to sustain farming.

The license plate prefix for lawer  is CCP, and the postcode is 8145

local WEATHER TODAY

Browse businesses and places to visit in Klawer

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Things to See and Do in Klawer

• Doring River offers river rafting and hiking trails on which San rock art can be viewed.
• Klawer Wine Cellar was founded in 1956

Resources

Practical information for the Western Cape: regulations, permits, and helpful tips. See the Colourdots coastal and nature use guide

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Useful Numbers in Klawer

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

• Emergency Services

• Police: 027 216 8060
• Fire: Vredendal- 027 213-1379.
• Ambulance: 10177

• Medical

• Closest hospital: Vredendal 027 213 2036
• Pharmacy; 027 217210

• Municipal & Utilities

• Water:027 201 3404
• Electricity:082 3237463

• Transport & Roads

• Traffic department:027 213-1379
• Road Emergencies / SANRAL: 0800 204 204

• Community & Safety

• Childline-116
• 24 hour Poisons Information Helpline of the Western Cape:  0861 555 777.
• NSRI 087 094 9774
• SPCA: matzikama dierebeskerming 027 213 4182

• Local Contacts and Community Resources 

• Post office; post agency; 027 216 1024
• Library: 027 2013463

• Schools in Klawer:

• Primary school 027 216 1507