Category: Velddrif Community News
Building Through Five Presidencies: The Structural Transformation of South Africa’s Construction Cycles Author: Prof. Clive Coetzee (clivecoetzee@sun.ac.za | 084 614 1675) Data Sources: Statistics South Africa (P5041.1 Building Statistics) & Stats SA/OECD Consumer Price Data Introduction: Looking Beyond the Union Buildings Following our look at provincial distribution in Part 1, Part 2 of this series steps back to the national level. It investigates how South Africa’s building-plan pipeline shifted through the administrations of Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki, Kgalema Motlanthe, Jacob Zuma, and Cyril Ramaphosa. While approval trends correlate with interest rates,…
Velddrif Sakekamer • Kommunikasie aan Lede en Gemeenskap Geagte Lede en Breër Gemeenskap, Daar was onlangs heelwat gesprek, kommentaar en reaksie rondom ’n omgewingsaansoek wat verband hou met die soutmynbedrywighede van Unisalt / Cape Salt Company (Pty) Ltd in Velddrif. Die Sakekamer erken en respekteer ten volle dat inwoners, besighede en ander belanghebbendes geregtig is om vrae te vra, bekommernisse te opper en kommentaar te lewer wanneer ’n omgewings- of ontwikkelingsaansoek ter tafel is. Dit is trouens juis waarvoor ’n behoorlike openbare deelnameproses bestaan. Terselfdertyd het dit uit van die gesprekke…
Ekonomiese druk, plaaslike besigheid en die pad vorentoe Kommentaar namens die Velddrif Sakekamer Die Velddrif Sakekamer neem met groot kommer kennis van die toenemende ekonomiese druk waaronder Velddrif, Laaiplek, Port Owen en die breër Weskus-gemeenskap tans verkeer. Die moontlike sluiting, afskaaling of onsekerheid rondom visfabrieke en die gepaardgaande risiko van werksverliese is nie net ’n nywerheidsaangeleentheid nie, maar ’n ernstige gemeenskaps- en ekonomiese uitdaging. Die Sakekamer neem ook kennis dat die onlangse fabriekverwante aangeleentheid deur die betrokkenheid van verskeie rolspelers en partye positief aangespreek en opgelos is. Hierdie uitkoms is ’n…
The Velddrif Business Chamber would like to extend a warm welcome and sincere congratulations to De Drift Mall / De Drift Shopping Centre, which officially opened its doors in Velddrif on 28 May 2026. This exciting new development, located on the corner of Voortrekker Road and Ankoveld Street, brings a significant new retail offering to our town. With a project size of approximately 7 200m², around 25 shops, and anchor tenants including Checkers and Dis-Chem, De Drift is a welcome and well-deserved economic injection for Velddrif and the broader Bergrivier region.…
The Velddrif Business Chamber would like to inform all local businesses and the public that the leniency framework for pet-friendly food establishments has now been formalised and approved in line with the West Coast District Municipality (WCDM) policy under Regulation R638 of 2018. This marks an important step toward maintaining Velddrif’s reputation as a welcoming, lifestyle-driven, and tourism-friendly destination, while still ensuring full compliance with health and safety legislation. ⚖️ Important: Pet-Friendly Status is NOT Automatic All businesses that prepare, handle, or sell food are legally required to apply for exemption in order to allow pets on their premises — specifically in designated outdoor areas. ???? No…
Velddrif’s Restaurant Dog Policy: An Update from the Business Chamber Over the past weeks, many residents and business owners have shared concerns about the enforcement of a long-standing food safety regulation in Velddrif — particularly as it relates to dogs being allowed inside or outside restaurant dining areas. We want to acknowledge upfront: we have been relatively quiet publicly. That silence was not indifference. It was a deliberate decision to first engage responsibly, gather facts, and ensure that the next steps we take are practical, lawful, and in the best interests of our…
SMEs Are Not Credit Providers Let’s talk about something far too many small and medium businesses quietly accept. Begging for their own money. Then the cycle starts. Silence. This is not an exception. It is a pattern. Here are the facts. In South Africa, SMEs account for roughly 60 percent of employment and close to 40 percent of GDP. Late payments are one of the top three reasons SMEs fail. According to multiple SME finance studies, more than 70 percent of small businesses experience late payment from clients, often exceeding agreed…
Ecovision Velddrif: A New Dawn in Sustainable Energy and Water Solutions An initiative of the Kahar Group transforming communities through renewable innovation In a world where sustainability is no longer optional but essential, the Kahar Group proudly introduces Ecovision Velddrif — a visionary initiative designed to harness the power of renewable energy and advanced water solutions to secure a resilient future for communities across the Western Cape. Official Launch in Bantry Bay The official launch of Ecovision Velddrif took place in the prestigious setting of Bantry Bay, marking a significant milestone for the project…
The Velddrif Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce the winners of our Christmas Light Competition. Congratulations to Cheryl & Andrew Mestern (Elizabeth East, Port Owen) and Keith Goldschmidt (Oost St, Laaiplek) for their spectacular displays. Thank you for creating such a magical experience and for sharing the joy of the season with us all. We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to the local community and the Bergrivier Municipality for their partnership in lighting up our town. We look forward to making Velddrif shine even brighter for Christmas…
Exciting Infrastructure Update for Velddrif: Carinus Bridge Construction Confirmed for 2027 Dear Velddrif Community, We are pleased to announce a significant milestone for our town: the construction of the new Carinus Bridge is officially scheduled to commence in 2027. This long-anticipated infrastructure project will enhance regional connectivity, alleviate traffic congestion, and contribute meaningfully to Velddrif’s economic development. It marks a pivotal step forward in supporting both local growth and long-term investment in our community. In addition, the upcoming Strip Mall development will introduce Velddrif’s first set of traffic lights, strategically positioned by the mall…
