Visit Stellenbosch

The Winelands Safety Initiative (WSI), a prominent non-profit organization, is proud to announce a groundbreaking collaboration with the Stellenbosch Municipality, Visit Stellenbosch, the South African Police Service (SAPS), and leading private security companies ABC and AM. Together, they are launching an informal parking attendant/car guard project in Stellenbosch, starting on June 21, 2023.

This initiative aims to address the pressing issue of informal parking attendants who have been harassing and exploiting visitors due to their lack of knowledge about parking regulations. The primary objective is to enhance security and provide a safer environment for both residents and visitors in the Stellenbosch Central Business District (CBD).

Approximately 40 highly vetted guards, all screened for criminal records, will be strategically deployed throughout the Stellenbosch business center. These dedicated attendants will assist motorists with parking, diligently monitor their areas for any suspicious activities, and promptly report such incidents to the municipal operational control center, as well as the control centers of ABC and AM. To ensure their visibility, guards will be equipped with reflective bibs bearing the logos of WSI, the municipality, and Visit Stellenbosch. The words “Parking Attendant” will be prominently displayed on the back of the bibs, along with the municipal control room number, while attendant IDs will be visibly displayed on their chests. Attendants will also be provided with raincoats, caps, and the Buzzer community safety app, facilitating seamless and structured communication between attendants and their security partners. All attendants have completed comprehensive training on public interaction, area monitoring, and reporting suspicious activities.

Emphasizing community involvement, a majority of the guards are recruited from Kayamandi, with additional participants hailing from the Stellenbosch Shelter and local street communities. The attendants’ income will primarily come from motorists and surrounding businesses. To reduce their vulnerability to robberies, WSI is assisting attendants by equipping them with cell phones for cashless transactions through bank apps, in addition to traditional cash payments.

Furthermore, partnering security companies have expressed their intent to consider outstanding attendants for potential employment opportunities, rewarding those who excel in their security duties.

This innovative project represents a collaborative effort to address security challenges, improve visitor experiences, and empower the Stellenbosch community. By enhancing the professionalism and effectiveness of informal parking attendants, the initiative aims to create a secure and welcoming environment for all.

For media inquiries or more information, please contact:

André Pelser

082 453 7760

10 November 2022

Eerste River pedestrian bridge, paths handed over to Stellenbosch

Visit Stellenbosch news, November 2022

The pedestrian bridge across the Eerste River and a network of paths were officially opened on 2 November during a ribbon cutting ceremony by Jannie Durand (Chief Executive Officer, Remgro Limited) and Mayor Gesie van Deventer. The ceremony served as an official handover of the bridge and paths that were built by Remgro to the Stellenbosch Municipality and the public. The paths link Stellentia Avenue (entrance next to the Rupert Museum) with Aan-de-Wagenweg (at De Volkskombuis).

According to Durand it is a privilege to be involved in the continued development and improvement of Stellenbosch. “We are proud members of the Stellenbosch community and look forward to being a part of the various plans to invest into the broader community.”

The Mayor described the new pedestrian bridge and paths as “a huge asset for our community. As a municipality, we like to work with partners like Remgro that contribute to the development and improvement of our town. The paths create lovely alternative routes for residents and tourists who visit our town. Get on a bicycle or put on your walking shoes and come and discover the lovely paths! We thank Remgro for their contribution to improve and beautify our town.”

Remgro started with the Eerste River rehabilitation project in 2016. This included the pedestrian bridge as well as phase 1 of the paths as part of the greater Remgro property development master plan. The plan was drawn up in 2013 to convert the Lower Dorp Street area into a multiple development and a sought-after business sector. At the same time, it improved the environment for the broader Stellenbosch community.

The bridge and non-motorised (NMT) transport paths are the first part of the master plan. A distinct feature is that it creates a safe pedestrian and NMT route across the Eerste River from Stellentia Avenue and underneath the R44 through to Aan-de-Wagenweg. The route includes lighting and closed-circuit television and will be monitored by the municipality. The paths create alternative routes for workers, learners, pedestrians, cyclists and tourists between the Stellenbosch station, Die Boord, Onder Papegaaiberg and the University/Coetzenburg.

The river rehabilitation campaign goes hand in hand with the construction of the bridge and paths and includes the removal of alien plant species and planting of indigenous plants. The riverbanks are also being rehabilitated for flood control and stabilisation. According to a maintenance agreement with the municipality, Remgro will undertake the maintenance of the riverbanks and the paths until the end of 2023.

Phase 2 of the paths project, which is subject to a public participation and amendment process, runs from Aan-de Wagenweg to the Krige Street wooden bridge. This will create a safe alternative route for learners from the surrounding schools.

The following Aan-de Wagenweg projects are part of the Remgro property master plan and have been completed: the restoration of De Volkskombuis Restaurant, the Aan-de-Wagenweg turning circle and the Southern Sun de Wagen Hotel that opened its doors in 2021.

The widening of Lower Dorp Street (between the R44 and Adam Tas Road) has been planned to relieve traffic congestion in Lower Dorp Street. A heritage impact study and public participation process for this project have been completed.

Remgro is also participating in the Adam Tas Corridor project to benefit the broader Stellenbosch community.