1. The Ville Report: News & Impacts 📰
Altydgedacht Development: Final Call for Comments
The ambitious proposal to develop portions of the historic Altydgedacht farm into a residential precinct (including over 1,200 new units) is reaching a critical milestone. While the farm aims to remain sustainable, the scale of the project has raised questions about our local urban edge.
Residents have until 31 January 2026 to submit comments.
Voice your opinion on the urban edge or traffic impacts by emailing the consultants at [email protected].
Durbanville: The New Varsity Town
Keep an eye on the Groot Phesantekraal precinct this month. The new STADIO campus is officially welcoming its first 1,000 students this February. It’s not just about classrooms, though—a world-class rugby field, built to international World Rugby turf specifications, is set for completion by the end of next month, positioning Durbanville as a new hub for high-stakes school and club rugby.
The R8 Billion "Winelands" Airport Update
There is massive momentum behind the Cape Winelands Airport (at the old Fisantekraal site). With Growthpoint Properties (V&A Waterfront owners) as a lead partner and WBHO recently appointed as the contractor, the project is moving into the technical phase. While a few statutory appeals are being wrapped up in March, construction is slated to begin shortly thereafter. For us, this means a future 30-minute reduction in travel time to an international terminal by 2028.
Community Safety Alert A massive thank you to the vigilant neighbours who reported suspicious activity on Zebra Street earlier this month. Metro Police successfully shut down an illegal manufacturing plant producing over 2,000 litres of counterfeit gin. It’s a stark reminder that our community tip-offs are the most effective tool SAPS has.
2. The Local Legends: Bronze for the North 🏆
We’re keeping the spotlight on the local institutions that put Durbanville on the map in the recent Kfm Best of the Cape awards. In a province full of heavy hitters, these two brought home the Bronze.
The Biltong Standard: The Grounds Meat & Deli
It’s one thing to make good biltong; it’s another to be voted the 3rd best in the entire Western Cape. Known to locals for their "wet and fatty" cuts and traditional spices, they’ve turned a simple Edward Road butcher shop into a destination. If you haven't stocked up for the weekend braai yet, this is your sign.
Location: 76 Edward Rd, Bellville.
The Scenic Winner: Goedgeleven Events Venue Beating out hundreds of venues to take Bronze for "Best Wedding Venue" is no small feat. Goedgeleven remains a local favourite not just for weddings, but as a reminder of the world-class valley views we often take for granted on our daily commute down Klipheuwel Road.
Location: Klipheuwel Rd, Durbanville.
3. The Saturday Ritual: Durbanville Parkrun 🏃♂️
It’s been a community staple since 2015, and whether you’re chasing a Personal Best or just looking for an excuse to earn your morning coffee, the Meerendal trails are calling.
The Route: A scenic, undulating 5km through the vineyards. It’s challenging enough to feel like a workout but beautiful enough to forget you’re running up a hill.
When: Saturday, 08:00 sharp.
Pro Tip: The queue to get into the estate can get backed up, and you don’t want to be sprinting to the start line!
Where: Meerendal Wine Estate.
The Post-Run Move: The "social" part of the morning happens at the finish line.
Bossa: Perfect for the kids and a hearty breakfast.
La Romantica: Great for a quicker coffee or a smashed avo on sourdough while overlooking the dam.
The Rule: Don't forget your barcode! If you haven't registered yet, you can do it for free at parkrun.co.za.
4. Arts & Culture: This Weekend 🎸
Die Boer, Durbanville: The Francois van Coke shows are fully booked, but Mathys Roets has limited seats left for his Sunday lunch show (14:00). Book via dieboer.com (At time of writing there are still 56 tickets left)
Under the Stars: If you missed the local shows, The Galileo Open Air Cinema is at Rhebokskloof Wine Estate (Paarl) this Saturday night for Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. Doors open at 17:00, movie starts at 20:30.
5. Save the Date: Maastricht Kuierfees (March 13–15) 🍷
If you want to understand the "soul" of Durbanville, this is the weekend to do it. Hosted on the historic Maastricht Wine Estate, this three-day festival is a collaboration with NG Kenridge that brings the whole valley together.
Friday Night: The Appel Skemerkonsert (March 13)
The weekend kicks off with the legendary Appel (Christoph Kotzé). If you’ve heard "Nonna" or "Boer loop deur my are" on the radio, you know the vibe.
The Vibe: It’s a "Skemerkonsert" (Sunset Concert) held in a massive tent on the farm.
The Food: Don’t worry about dinner; there are plenty of stalls inside the tent serving steak rolls, pancakes and Maastricht’s famous Sauvignon Blanc slushies.
Pro Tip: Gates open at 17:00, but the show only starts at 19:00. Arrive early to snag a table near the front—it’s first-come, first-served.
Tickets: R250 (Kids under 10 are free). Book on Quicket.
Saturday Morning: The Kenridge Drafstap (March 14) Before the wine starts flowing, the valley wakes up for the Drafstap (Fun Run/Walk). It’s a "self-carry" race, meaning you bring your own water, keeping the farm pristine.
The Routes: Choose between a 4 km (R50) or an 8 km (R80). Both take you through the actual vineyards with views that make the hills feel a little less steep.
The Prize: Medals for the first 350 finishers.
Registration: Starts at 07:00; race starts at 08:00. Enter on Entry Ninja.
Sunday Morning: The Plaasdiens (March 15) The weekend ends with a beautiful, open-air "farm service" hosted by NG Kenridge. It’s a massive community gathering under the Durbanville sky—bring a camp chair and a hat.
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📧 Get in Touch I love hearing from readers. Have a question about the Altydgedacht development or a hidden gem I missed? Just hit reply or mail [email protected].