Stellenbosch Local Municipality lies in the historic Cape Winelands east of Cape Town, part of the Cape Winelands District. The 2022 census counted 175,411 people over 831 km². The seat is Stellenbosch town.
Towns and Villages in Stellenbosch
The municipality is split into western and eastern sections by mountains, connected by the Helshoogte Pass, and centres on three main towns.
| Place | Type | Population |
|---|---|---|
| Stellenbosch | Seat | 96,228 |
| Franschhoek | Town | 20,000 |
| Le Roux | Town | 17,432 |
| Klapmuts | Town | 9,229 |
| Kylemore | Town | 5,185 |
| Languedoc | Town | 5,138 |
| Pniel | Town | 2,366 |
Other places and localities:
- Banghoek
- Cloetesville
- Dalsig
- De Novo
- Die Rand
- Elsenburg
- Groendal
- Helderberg
- Idasvallei
- Jamestown
- Kayamnandi
- Onder-Papegaaiberg
- Paradyskloof
- Robertsvlei
- Stellenbosch Central
- Stellenbosch NU
- Swiss Farm
- Vlottenburg
Geography
Stellenbosch spans wine-farming valleys east of Cape Town, from the university town itself across the Helshoogte Pass to Franschhoek. It borders Drakenstein to the north, Breede Valley to the northeast, Theewaterskloof to the southeast, and the City of Cape Town to the west and southwest.
Demographics
Population grew from 155,728 (2011 census) to 175,411 (2022 census), up about 13%. Afrikaans is the predominant first language at 67.7% of the population; Stellenbosch University adds a large student population to the town’s demographics.
Economy and Local Life
Wine production and tourism are the defining industries, with the Stellenbosch and Franschhoek wine routes among South Africa’s best known. Stellenbosch University adds education and research to the local economy, and a growing agri-tech and biotech sector has developed around the university and surrounding wine estates.
History
Stellenbosch, founded in 1679, is South Africa’s second-oldest town after Cape Town, established under Dutch Cape Governor Simon van der Stel. Franschhoek was settled soon after by French Huguenot refugees, whose descendants’ surnames and wine estates still mark the valley. Stellenbosch University, founded in 1918, has grown the town into a major centre for Afrikaans-medium higher education and agricultural research.
Getting There
The R44 and R310 link Stellenbosch to Cape Town, about 45 km to the west, and to the N1 and N2 highways. Cape Town International Airport is roughly an hour’s drive away.
FAQ
What is the seat of Stellenbosch Local Municipality?
Stellenbosch town.
How many people live in Stellenbosch Local Municipality?
175,411 people, per the 2022 census.
Which district does Stellenbosch belong to?
The Cape Winelands District Municipality.
What towns are in Stellenbosch?
Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Klapmuts, Kylemore and Pniel.
How big is Stellenbosch Local Municipality?
831 km².
When was Stellenbosch founded?
In 1679, making it South Africa’s second-oldest town after Cape Town.
Who settled Franschhoek?
French Huguenot refugees, who arrived soon after Stellenbosch was founded and planted the valley’s first vineyards.
What is Stellenbosch University known for?
Afrikaans-medium higher education and agricultural research, founded in 1918.
How do the eastern and western halves of Stellenbosch connect?
Via the Helshoogte Pass, which crosses the mountains separating the two sections.
How far is Stellenbosch from Cape Town?
About 45 km, via the R44 and R310.
Has Stellenbosch’s population grown recently?
Yes — up about 13% between the 2011 and 2022 censuses.
What language dominates Stellenbosch Local Municipality?
Afrikaans, spoken by 67.7% of residents as a first language.
Which town lies west of Stellenbosch, toward the City of Cape Town?
Stellenbosch’s western section, bordering the metro directly, contains suburbs like Klapmuts and Kylemore.
What is Pniel?
A small former mission-station settlement within Stellenbosch Local Municipality, near Franschhoek.
Which party governs Stellenbosch Local Municipality?
The Democratic Alliance, which has held a consistent council majority since 2011.
What other towns fall within Stellenbosch besides the main three?
Smaller settlements such as Klapmuts, Kylemore, Languedoc and Wemmershoek also lie within the municipal boundary, most tied to nearby wine estates.