Surrounded by Farmlands
The history of Durbanville dates back to the 19th century, when the Tyberg Hills became occupied by European settlers who farmed on loan from the Dutch East India Company.
The farmlands, accompanied by a spring of water, became an important stopping place on the road to the north. The first farms were mostly wine farms, with vineyards like Cape Madeira lining the farmlands. A number of these farms now form part of the Durbanville Wine Route.
The main place became Pampoenkraal, and a village was laid out around 1806. In 1836, the village was renamed D’Urban in honour of the Governor of the Cape from 1836 to 1838, Sir Benjamin D’Urban. However, when the new port of KwaZulu-Natal was named Durban, confusion arose and the village was once again renamed to Durbanville in 1886.
Throughout the 1800s, Durbanville was known as a farming village with only a church, which was built in 1825, a school and a trading store. With the establishment of the King Brothers Wagon Works, the wagon industry expanded in the village. In the early 20th century a railway station was built, connecting Durbanville to the rest of the country.
Today, Durbanville is still known for its wine farming, as well as wheat and canola production. It boasts a thriving business centre and various residential areas. Famous residents include Afrikaans rapper Jack Parow, Afrikaans radio personality and journalist Amore Bekker, as well as astronaut Mark Shuttleworth.
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