Matzikama Local Municipality covers the lower Olifants River valley on the Western Cape’s West Coast, the northernmost municipality in the district. The 2022 census counted 69,043 people across 12,981 km², up from 67,147 in 2011. Vredendal is the seat.
The name comes from a Khoekhoe phrase describing the area’s abundant grass, a reference to the valley’s grazing land before it was turned over to irrigated vineyards.
Towns and Villages in Matzikama
Vredendal anchors the Olifants River valley as the seat and largest town. Vanrhynsdorp lies at the foot of the Vanrhyns Pass on the N7; Klawer and Lutzville sit further down the valley among vineyards, and Doringbaai is the coastal fishing village.
| Town | Note | Population |
|---|---|---|
| Vredendal | Municipal seat | 21,769 |
| Vanrhynsdorp | N7 pass town | 7,515 |
| Klawer | Wine-farming town | 7,469 |
| Lutzville | Wine-farming town | 6,268 |
| Koekenaap | Farming village | 1,858 |
| Ebenhaeser | Rural settlement | 1,563 |
| Doringbaai | Fishing village | 1,509 |
Other named places in the municipality:
- Bitterfontein
- Brakfontein A
- Groot Matjiesfontein
- Kliprand
- Koelfontein
- Le Souvenir
- Nuwerus
- Papendorp
- Rietpoort
- Strandfontein
- Uitvlugt
- Weltevrede
Geography
Matzikama spans the lower Olifants River valley and the arid Knersvlakte plain to the Atlantic coast. It borders Kamiesberg to the north and Hantam to the east, both in the Northern Cape, and Cederberg to the south, within the West Coast District.
The Knersvlakte, a stretch of quartz-strewn semi-desert between Vanrhynsdorp and the coast, is known for its succulent plant diversity and is a proclaimed nature reserve.
Demographics
Population rose from 67,147 in the 2011 census to 69,043 in 2022, a modest 3% increase — the slowest growth of the district’s five local municipalities, reflecting limited new industry beyond farming.
Afrikaans dominates as the home language across the valley’s farming towns, a legacy of the area’s long Cape Dutch and mission-station settlement history.
The municipality’s remoteness from Cape Town, roughly three hours by road, has kept it largely insulated from the coastal in-migration seen further south in the district.
Economy and Local Life
Irrigated agriculture along the Olifants River, especially wine grapes around Lutzville and Klawer, anchors the economy; the Knersvlakte’s arid farmland and Doringbaai’s crayfish and line fishing add to the mix.
Vredendal serves as the valley’s commercial centre, with a large co-operative winery among its main employers.
Vanrhynsdorp, at the base of the Vanrhyns Pass, is a traditional stopover for travellers heading north on the N7, and the Knersvlakte’s succulent nurseries add a niche horticultural trade to the district.
Klawer’s large wine cellar, one of the biggest co-operatives on the West Coast, processes grapes from across the lower Olifants valley and remains one of the municipality’s largest single employers.
Getting There
The N7 runs the length of the municipality through Vanrhynsdorp, Vredendal and Klawer toward Springbok and Namibia. Cape Town International Airport is roughly three hours’ drive south.
FAQ
What is the seat of Matzikama Local Municipality? Vredendal.
How many people live in Matzikama? 69,043 at the 2022 census, up from 67,147 in 2011.
Which district is Matzikama in? The West Coast District Municipality.
What towns are in Matzikama? Vredendal, Vanrhynsdorp, Klawer, Lutzville and Doringbaai among others.
How big is Matzikama? 12,981 km², the largest municipality in the West Coast District.
What is the main crop? Wine grapes, irrigated from the Olifants River.
What is the Knersvlakte? An arid, quartz-strewn plain south of Vanrhynsdorp known for succulent plant diversity.
Is Matzikama coastal? Yes, at Doringbaai and Strandfontein on the Atlantic.
How far is Vredendal from Cape Town? Roughly 300 km, about a three-hour drive up the N7.
What is Matzikama’s biggest town? Vredendal, the municipal seat, with 21,769 residents.
What language is most spoken? Afrikaans, across nearly all of the municipality’s towns and farms.