Good morning, Durbanville!
I’m actually writing to you from KwaZulu-Natal this week, and my gosh, I don't know how the locals here cope with this humidity every week! I am already missing that crisp, dry Durbanville air.
I’ve been away for work, but with the schools breaking up and the Easter holidays officially kicking off, I wanted to make sure you have the essentials before the "great trek" begins. Whether you're heading up the coast or staying put in the 7550 for a quiet break, here is your community update.
1. Water Watch: The 48% Reality
This week, our collective dam levels officially dipped to 48.45%. We are now firmly below the halfway mark, and with water usage in the metro hitting one billion litres per day last week, the City has intensified its "Early Drought" messaging. If you’re heading out of town, please ensure your irrigation is off and your pool covers are secure.
2. The Weekend: 7550 & Beyond
Inside the Valley:
Art at Rust-en-Vrede (Saturday, 11:00): The gallery is hosting a new exhibition opening this Saturday morning. Khumo Ramaila’s "Alienated" opens at 11:00—a great excuse to visit the Clay Museum and grab a coffee.
Tree63 Unplugged (Tonight, 20:30): Iconic South African rockers Tree63 bring their sold-out unplugged show to Durbanville for the first time. Frontman John Ellis leads a new lineup through intimate acoustic versions of the band's biggest hits. There were roughly 90 tickets available earlier this week, so check for any last-minute door sales.
Sunday Matinee at Die Boer: Singer-songwriter Lize Beekman brings her beautiful, poetic show "In Antwoord" to the stage this Sunday (29 March) at 14:00.
Barnyard Special (Sunday, 14:00): A change of pace at Tyger Valley this Sunday with a tribute to The Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel (Here Comes The Sun). Perfect for a nostalgic holiday matinee.
Beyond the Valley:
Cape Town (Kirstenbosch): The final Summer Sunset Concert is this Sunday (29 March). It's a special Children's Concert featuring the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra and storyteller Rob van Vuuren.
Paarl (Mistico Centre): The Winelands Koffiefees is taking place this Saturday and Sunday at the Mistico Equestrian Centre (R312).
Stellenbosch (Spier): The Spier Light Art exhibition is currently running every evening (until 6 April). Entry is free, but booking is essential via their website.
3. Development & Infrastructure: The 7550 Watchlist
The Bloemendal Auction: The open tender for the iconic Bloemendal Wine Estate officially closed this Wednesday at 13:00. We are waiting to see if the seller accepts an offer (the starting bid was R180 million). The big question for the community remains: will the new owners preserve the "mountain biking mecca" and heritage we all value?
Winelands Airport Update: The expansion of the Cape Winelands Airport is nearing its final hurdle. Five appeals from neighbouring landowners are currently being reviewed, with a decision expected by the end of the month.
The Altydgedacht Concerns: Similar to the Racecourse, proposed high-density developments at Altydgedacht continue to face local resistance over traffic and infrastructure strain.
🚨 10 Days to the Racecourse Deadline: This brings us to the most urgent local matter. Formal objections to the proposed Durbanville Racecourse development must be submitted by Monday, 6 April. While the community petition is nearing 2,500 signatures, an individual email carries the most weight. You can send a brief note to [email protected] to record your stance before you hit the road for the holidays.
📸 Through Your Lens: We Need You!
Our gallery is looking a little empty this week! Want to see your photo here next week? Simply reply to this email with your best shot of the 7550, your name, and where it was taken. Let’s show off the best of our town!
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