Rondebosch
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Rondebosch is one of the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town, South Africa. It is bordered by the suburbs of Rosebank, Rondebosch East, Claremont, Newlands, and the slopes of Devil's Peak.
It is primarily a residential suburb, with a medium sized shopping area and a small business district. It is best known for its excellent schools and for the University of Cape Town.
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[edit] History
Four years after the first Dutch settlement at the Cape in 1652, the first experimental crops were grown along the banks of the Liesbeek River (at that stage called the Amstel or Versse Rivier). On the banks of the river, a circular grove of thorn trees, or Ronde Doorn Bosje, was turned into a kraal. In 1657, the first group of Dutch East India Company employees were granted "free burgher" (free citizen) status, and granted land along the river in the area now known as Rondebosch.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, Rondebosch became a predominantly English speaking area, and was declared a whites-only area under the Group Areas Act. Since the end of Apartheid in the mid-1990s, the area has become increasingly integrated.
Rondebosch was traditionally a liberal constituency opposed to the apartheid government. Today it is generally a safe seat for the opposition Democratic Alliance.
[edit] Landmarks
On the slopes of Devil's Peak above Rondebosch is the main campus of the University of Cape Town, one of the country's top universities.
The historic Groote Schuur estate in Rondebosch includes presidential and ministerial residences with Cape Dutch origins. The Groote Schuur building is the biggest, rebuilt by Cecil Rhodes after a fire in 1896 according to a design by Herbert Baker. The presidential residence, Genadendal (formerly Westbrooke) also dates back to Cape Dutch times.
The centre of Rondebosch is the Main Road, with the Victorian cast iron Rondebosch Fountain being a historic landmark. The area is currently being revitalised as 'Rondebosch Village'. Historic buildings in the area include the library (formerly the town hall) and St Paul's Church.
The home of Simon van der Stel, first governor of the Cape Colony, is now part of Rustenburg Junior School. This building dates back to the 17th century, although it has undergone many alterations over the years. Its summer house, dating from 1760, remains as a monument just below the university.
Rondebosch Common, once a military camp ground, is declared a national monument and is also an important fynbos conservation area.
The Baxter Theatre in Rondebosch is Cape Town's second biggest theatre complex, after the Artscape Theatre Centre in the city centre.
[edit] Schools
Rondebosch is well known for its prestigious schools, several of which are among the top schools in the country.
- Diocesan College (Bishops)
- Rondebosch Boys' School
- Rustenburg School for Girls
- South African College Schools (Sacs)
- St Joseph's College
- Westerford High School
[edit] Sports
Rondebosch tennis courts near the University are one of the city's main tennis venues. The University itself has facilities for most sports. Western Province Cricket Club has some excellent new facilities in Rondebosch, catering for many different sports including tennis and hockey. Other facilities include Rondebosch Golf Club and Rygersdal Football Club.
Next door to Rondebosch is Newlands, home to the Newlands Stadium for rugby and soccer, and Newlands Cricket Ground. In the other direction is Hartleyvale in nearby Mowbray for hockey and soccer, and Athlone stadium is also nearby.
[edit] Property
Property prices in Rondebosch are high. Its good reputation owes a lot to its excellent schools and university, as well as its proximity to the city and views of Table Mountain.
