Langeberg Municipality

Langeberg Municipality is a Category B: Local Municipality, located within the Cape Winelands District Municipality in the Western Cape Province.

The Langeberg Municipal Area forms part of the Cape Winelands District Municipality and is made up of the following Towns: Montagu; Ashton; Bonnievale; Robertson and McGregor. 

Since 1992, Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP)® has been working closely with this Municipality. It is an Independent, global NGO working toward a clean, reliable, equitable and cost-efficient energy future. They work directly with Governments and decision-makers across the globe, helping them see clean energy through a new lens. By developing data-informed, real-World solutions — that are also cost-effective and reliable — "RAP strives to create stronger, more equitable Communities." 

This Municipality is nestled in the Langeberg Mountains and falls into the Breede River Catchment Area. It is described as majestically beautiful and is well known for its natural fertile and productive soil. The Municipality’s vision for the Area is “to create a stable living environment and sustainable living conditions for all citizens.” By developing data-informed, real-World solutions — that are also cost-effective and reliable . RAP strives to create stronger, more equitable Communities. The RAP project identified six Informal Settlements: Mandela Square in Montagu; Riemvasmaak is a Settlement in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. (The name means 'tighten the strap' or 'tied with straps' in Afrikaans), in Ashton; Plakkerskamp in Bonnievale; Nkqubela, Enkanini, Kanana and Lawaaikamp in Robertson; and McGregor Squatter Camp in McGregor. 

Each sphere of Government's responsibility is outlined in the Constitution of 1996. While National and Provincial Governments’ Legislation may supervise the functioning of Local Government, a Municipality Governs the Local Government affairs of its Community. A Municipality is tasked to structure and manage its administration and budgeting and planning processes to give priority to the basic needs of the Community and to promote the Social and Economic Development of the Community.
There are three kinds of Municipalities in South Africa: Metropolitan municipalities (Category A), Local municipalities (Category B) and District municipalities (Category C).

Langeberg Municipality is a Category B: Local Municipality, located within the Cape Winelands District Municipality in the Western Cape Province. The Municipal Area covers approximately 4 517.4 square km. According to the population growth estimates of Stats S.A., the population figures for the Area indicates a number of: 119 962 Residents and 31 000 Households in 2021. 

History Of Viljoensdrift Wine Farm which has created many jobs and attracts many Tourists to this Municipality-

Viljoensdrift is a family-owned Farm and Winery with led by brothers Fred and Manie Viljoen. Manie as viticulturist, manages the vines and deciduous fruit, while Fred works his magic in the cellar.

The first generation 'Viljoen's or Villion', as these French Huguenots were called. They have been planting vines for wine and brandy making way back, in 1818. Five generations later, the Viljoen family are still producing grapes which they now cultivate into their own wines.

In 1998 Fred and Manie opened the Cellar Door after 30 years. They had been supplying grapes to the local co-op and now they are reaping the benefits of their commitment to and passion for wine making. They have since then re-aligned Viljoensdrift to focus on their own label production and have entered the marketplace. "Locally and Internationally, with resounding success! The conservation of their unique environment is an integral part of the farming philosophy of the Viljoen's".

A young Fred studied Nature Conservation at the Cape Technikon and today, armed with knowledge and passion, the conservation of Viljoensdrift's natural habitats, 'runs like a golden thread', throughout their farming and winemaking operation. The Farm straddles the Breede River and all though most of the riparian areas, run along this river they have been transformed for agricultural purposes. A pristine section of indigenous vegetation can still be found here. The Viljoen's treasure is the Area where the beautiful old Breede River Yellowwood, Wild Olive and White Olein trees create an excellent habitat for various water birds, including the awe-inspiring Fish Eagle. Besides crafting exquisite wines on the Farm, a significant amount of energy goes into their fruit production operation. Apricots and peaches are grown mainly for canning purposes.

Viljoensdrift’s wide variety of soil types, including deep alluvial, calciferous-rich soils, enables them to establish the right cultivar on the right soil which; ensure top quality wines. Current emphasis is on re-establishing noble varietals. “We are extremely blessed to have rich soils ideal for the production of a variety of red and white cultivars,” says viticulturist Manie Viljoen. “Our grape growing and winemaking actions honour the specific terroir which enables us to produce world-class wines with distinctive flavours."