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Did you know that Somerset West was once famous for its fruit farms and canneries long before it became known for estates, wine farms, and shopping centres?
In the early and mid-1900s, the fertile soils and Mediterranean climate made the area ideal for growing peaches, apricots, pears, and other fruit. During harvest season, fruit from farms around Somerset West would be packed and transported across South Africa and even exported overseas.
As the town grew, many of these farms were gradually transformed into residential neighbourhoods and business developments. However, the rich agricultural heritage that helped build Somerset West can still be seen today in the surrounding vineyards, orchards, and historic farm estates.
What Every Estate Homeowner Should Know Right Now
People living in security estates and residential complexes are being urged to pay closer attention to how their communities are managed, following recent legal developments in South Africa.
Experts say trustees and homeowners' associations could face legal challenges if decisions are not made fairly or according to the rules.
Here's what happened:
Legal disputes involving estates and complexes are becoming more common
Trustees can be held accountable for decisions that break regulations
Homeowners are increasingly standing up for their rights
Poor governance could lead to expensive legal battles
The warning highlights the importance of transparency and following the correct procedures to ensure estates and complexes run smoothly.
South African Company Transforms Old Tyres Into Fuel
Source: businesstech.co.za
A South African recycling company is tackling two major challenges at once by converting old vehicle tyres into fuel for industrial use.
The initiative is helping reduce tyre waste while replacing traditional fossil fuels used in manufacturing processes.
Here's what they are doing:
Around 150,000 waste tyres are being processed each year
The tyres are converted into approximately 1.44 million litres of industrial fuel
The fuel has replaced the company's use of conventional furnace oil
The project prevents thousands of tyres from ending up in landfills and illegal dumping sites
The initiative has also created 32 jobs in the recycling and manufacturing sectors
The project highlights how innovative recycling solutions can turn waste into valuable resources while creating jobs and reducing environmental impact in South Africa.
Home 1: Under R2m
Price: R1,950,000
Address: 23 Oxford Mews, Longdown / Somerset West
Details: 93 m² / 3 Bed / 2 Bath
Built/Completion: Apartment
Parking: 1 Garage + 1 Parking Bay
Extras: Double-level first-floor apartment, open-plan kitchen and living area, braai balcony, mountain views, main bedroom with en-suite bathroom and air conditioning, secure gated complex, intercom access, pet-friendly, fibre internet, ideal for first-time buyers or investors.
Click here: To check out the full property
Home 2: Between R2m – R4m
Price: R3,300,000
Address: De Velde / Somerset West
Details: 103 m² / 3 Bed / 2 Bath
Built/Completion: Apartment
Parking: 2 Covered Parking Bays
Extras: North-facing ground-floor apartment, open-plan kitchen with Caesarstone countertops, fitted gas hob and electric oven, built-in cupboards, pet-friendly, fibre internet, swimming pool access, secure lifestyle estate living.
Click here: To check out the full property
Home 3: Above R4m
Price: R7,999,000
Address: 103 Swallow Crescent, Steynsrust / Somerset West
Details: 600 m² / 4 Bed / 4.5 Bath
Built/Completion: House
Parking: 2 Garages + 2 Parking Bays
Extras: Located in sought-after Vredenberg Estate, expansive open-plan living areas, contemporary kitchen, stylish lounge and dining area, pet-friendly, swimming pool, garden, fibre internet, backup battery/inverter, designed for luxury family living and entertaining.
Click here: To check out the full property
Events coming up this week (15- 21June)
Helene Bester sings Nana Mouskouri | 18:00, June 20
Location: Lourensford Estate, Somerset West
Description:
Enjoy an evening of timeless music as Helene Bester pays tribute to the legendary Nana Mouskouri.
Mel die Storieverteller – Internet Sensasie | 19:00, June 20
Location: Stellenbosch
Description:
Internet sensation and storyteller Mel brings her unique brand of humour, relatable observations, and energetic storytelling to the Drostdy Teater Winterfees.
Creedence – A Clearwater Revival Tribute | 19:30, June 20
Location: The Drama Factory, Strand
Description:
Relive the timeless music of Creedence Clearwater Revival in this high-energy tribute show celebrating one of America's most iconic rock bands.
Father's Day with Frost & Gunn | 13:00, June 21
Location: Daisy Jones Bar, Stellenbosch
Description:
Celebrate Father’s Day with an unforgettable afternoon of live music featuring two of South Africa’s most respected musicians, Albert Frost and Jake Gunn.
Events coming up next week (22- 28 June)
Tjhoko Planter Box Workshop | 11:00–14:00, June 24
Location: Lourensford Wine Estate, Somerset West
Description:
Get creative with a hands-on planter box workshop featuring the popular Tjhoko Paint range.
South African leg of the FEI DWC and ACES Dressage Challenge 2026 | June 26–28
Location: Mistico Equestrian Centre, Paarl
Description:
Watch some of South Africa’s top dressage riders compete in the local leg of the FEI World Dressage Challenge and ACES Dressage Challenge.
Sinatra in the Cellar at Lourensford | 18:30, June 27
Location: Lourensford Wine Estate, Somerset West
Description:
Step into an evening of timeless classics as the Kruger & Tutu Ensemble presents an intimate tribute to Frank Sinatra in the atmospheric cellars of Lourensford Wine Estate.
