Ubuntu Local Municipality lies in the central Karoo, part of the Northern Cape’s Pixley ka
Seme District, with its seat at Victoria West. The 2022 census counted 15,836 people across
20,393 km², down from 18,601 in 2011.
Victoria West is one of the oldest towns in the Karoo, laid out in 1843 around a spring, and
remains the region’s main service centre for surrounding sheep farms. Loxton, a smaller Karoo
village further south, has become known in recent years for its arts and crafts community.
The municipality’s name, Ubuntu, is the Nguni concept of shared humanity, chosen for the
merged local government area rather than referencing a place or clan.
Towns and Villages in Ubuntu
Victoria West is the seat; Loxton, Richmond (Northern Cape) and Merriman are the other named
settlements. GeoNames records eight named places in the municipality, all listed below.
| Place | Type | Population |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria West | Seat | 8,254 |
| Loxton | Town | — |
| Richmond | Town | — |
| Merriman | Village | — |
| Deelfontein | Village | — |
| Hex River | Village | — |
| Hutchinson | Village | — |
| Meltonwold | Village | — |
| Census | Population |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 18,601 |
| 2022 | 15,836 |
Geography
Ubuntu covers open Karoo plains and low hills in the central Northern Cape. Within
Pixley ka Seme District it
neighbours Umsobomvu,
Kareeberg and
Thembelihle.
Demographics
Population fell from 18,601 in 2011 to 15,836 in 2022, part of a broader rural decline across
the Karoo. Most residents live in Victoria West, with smaller numbers in Loxton and Richmond.
Afrikaans is the dominant home language, with isiXhosa also spoken among farmworker
communities.
Like much of the central Karoo, Ubuntu has seen younger residents move to Kimberley,
Bloemfontein or Cape Town in search of work, leaving an older population profile in its towns.
Economy and Local Life
Sheep farming — Karoo mutton and wool — is the leading industry across Ubuntu’s rural expanse.
Victoria West also serves as a stopover town on the N12 route between Cape Town and
Johannesburg, supporting local trade and services.
History
Victoria West was founded in 1843 and named after Queen Victoria. Richmond followed in
1843 as well, on a farm called Wildschutsfontein. Ubuntu Municipality was created in
December 2000, merging Victoria West with Richmond, Loxton and their surrounding farmland.
Getting There
The N12 national road runs through Victoria West, linking it to Beaufort West and Kimberley.
Kimberley Airport, roughly 220 km away, is the nearest airport with scheduled flights.
FAQ
What is the seat of Ubuntu Municipality?
Victoria West.
What is Ubuntu’s population?
15,836 people at the 2022 census, on 20,393 km².
Which district is Ubuntu part of?
Pixley ka Seme District Municipality.
What are the main towns?
Victoria West, Loxton and Richmond.
What is Ubuntu’s main economic activity?
Sheep farming, plus trade linked to the N12 route.
When was Victoria West founded?
1843, named after Queen Victoria.
Is Ubuntu’s population growing?
No, it fell from 18,601 in 2011 to 15,836 in 2022.
How far is Victoria West from Beaufort West?
About 145 km, via the N12.
What is Loxton known for?
A small arts and crafts community that has grown in the village in recent years.
What does the name Ubuntu mean?
An Nguni concept of shared humanity, chosen for the merged municipality rather than a place name.
What language do most residents speak?
Afrikaans is the dominant home language across Ubuntu.
Is Ubuntu’s area mostly farmland?
Yes, sheep farms cover most of its 20,393 km².
Does Ubuntu have a hospital?
Victoria West has the municipality’s main clinic and hospital services.
Is Richmond in Ubuntu the same as Richmond in KwaZulu-Natal?
No, they are different towns in different provinces, sharing only a name.
Does the N12 route pass through Ubuntu?
Yes, it runs directly through Victoria West, the seat.