Local guide to Malmesbury
- Province: Western Cape
- West Coast
- Coordinates: 33°27′S 18°44′E
- Area:18.8 km2
- Municipality: Swartland
- The license plate prefix is CK
- postcodes are 7300 (streets) & 7299 (boxes)
History of Malmesbury
The Heart of South Africa’s Grain-Growing Industry
This historic town has deep roots in South Africa’s agricultural heritage. It was once known as “Het Zwarte Land,” a name coined by Jan Van Riebeek. The name referred to the area’s vegetation, particularly the Renosterbos, which turns black during the hot summer months.
Ancient Inhabitants and Early European Settlers
For centuries, the Khoi people inhabited the region. European settlers began to arrive in the 1700s, drawn by the area’s hot sulfur springs, which were renowned for their ability to cure rheumatism. Unfortunately, these curative springs were never fully developed; instead, a shopping centre was built on the site, with a fountain marking the original location of the springs.
Early FarmsÂ
The first farms in the area were allocated in 1703. The Dutch Reformed Church (NG Kerk) established a congregation known as “Swartlands Kerk.” In 1829, the town was named Malmesbury after the Earl of Malmesbury, father-in-law to Sir Lowry Cole, the Governor of the Cape Colony. Malmesbury gained municipal status in 1860, marking its growth as a key settlement in the region.
Agriculture and Historic Landmarks
The local climate is ideal for grain cultivation, making it the centre of South Africa’s grain-growing industry. Vineyards also thrive in the region, contributing to its agricultural diversity.
Malmesbury is home to several beautiful historic buildings, including a synagogue built in 1911, reflecting the once-thriving Jewish community in the town. Today, Malmesbury continues to play a vital role in South Africa’s agriculture, with its rich history and cultural heritage attracting visitors from near and far.
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Things to see and do in Malmesbury
- Historic Walk, see beautifully restored buildings along the “Historic Walkabout Route, these are of interest to historians, architects and tourists. Download brochure 1mbÂ
- Parkrun 08:00 every Saturday at ‘Die Bos’ on Barocca St, malmesbury@parkrun.com
- The oldest milling company in the country is headquartered here. Bokomo was established in 1919. Tours are offered here.
- Swartland Birding Route, Swartland Wine and Olive Route.
- Pinotage and Hanepoot grapes are local specialities.
- Visit the small village of Philadelphia on the way to Malmesbury from Cape Town
- Neo-Gothic Dutch Reformed Church, dating back to the early 1860s
- Masonic Lodge (1866).
- Communion Well 1750Â a series of wells around the Dutch Reformed Church. One of the three remaining wells can be seen in Lewis Stores, Piet Retief St.
Useful Numbers
- Municipality 022 482 4370
- Police: 022 482 7500
- Traffic department: 022 487 9400
- Home affairs: 073 176 8515
- Fire: 022 487 9479
- Municipality 022 487 9400
- Emergencies: o/h 022 487 9400 a/h 022 487 9479
- Ambulance: 022 482 1161 10177
- Post office;022 482 2422
- Library:022 487 9439
- Closest hospital; Swartland Hospital 022 482 1161
- Pharmacy; Geard pharmacy 022 482 2557
- SPCA: Swartland 022 492 2781
- Schools: Swartland High; 022 482 1469
Swartland primary; 022 487 4595
Laerskool swartland; 022 482 2251
Wesbank secondary; 022 486 4868
Liebenburg primary; 022 486 4595
Naphakade primary;081 472 8697
Schoonspruit secondary; 022 486 4598 - Museum; 022 482 233
- Tourism (0)22 487 1133
- Local paper” Die Courant”: 022 487 3221
- Swartland Gazette: 022 482 3817
- Swaartland Joernaal 071 860 7888
