Malmesbury

Swaartland town

Malmesbury

History of Malmesbury

The Heart of South Africa’s Grain-Growing Industry

Malmesbury, a historic town with deep roots in South Africa’s agricultural heritage, 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 center was built on the site, with a fountain marking the original location of the springs.

Early Farms 

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 climate in Malmesbury is ideal for grain cultivation, making it the center 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.

The license plate prefix in Malmesbury is CK and the postcodes are 7300 (streets) & 7299 (boxes)

WEATHER IN MALMESBURY TODAY

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Things to see and do in Malmesbury

  • Malmesbury Historic Walk Download brochure 1mb
  • Malmesbury 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 in1919
  • Swartland Birding Route
  • Swartland Wine and Olive Route. Pinotage and hanepoot are local specialities.

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

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