Velddrif

Velddrif
Velddrif
Velddrif Show map of Western Cape Velddrif Show map of South Africa Velddrif Show map of Africa  Velddrif shown within Western Cape
Coordinates: 32°47′S 18°10′E / 32.783°S 18.167°E / -32.783; 18.167Coordinates: 32°47′S 18°10′E / 32.783°S 18.167°E / -32.783; 18.167
Country	South Africa
Province	Western Cape
District	West Coast
Municipality	Bergrivier
Established	1946
Area
• Total	8.87 km2 (3.42 sq mi)
Population (2011)
• Total	11,017
• Density	1,200/km2 (3,200/sq mi)
Racial makeup (2011)
• Black African	12.2%
• Coloured	57.1%
• Indian/Asian	0.5%
• White	29.6%
• Other	0.6%
First languages (2011)
• Afrikaans	83.5%
• Xhosa	8.7%
• English	5.8%
• Other	2.1%
Postal code (street)	7365
PO box	7365
Area code	022

Velddrif or Velddrift (population 7800 in 2007) is a coastal fishing town in the Bergrivier Local Municipality, Western Cape, South Africa. It is located on the estuary where the Berg River flows into St. Helena Bay.

Velddrif is located approximately 145 kilometres (90 mi) north of Cape Town, and is connected to Cape Town by the R27 road. The R27 joins the R399 at Velddrif. It is situated near the point that the meandering Berg River flows into the sea at St. Helena Bay. This estuary is an important bird habitat, home to around 30,000 birds, including up to 80 species which are endemic to the Cape coast. Well over 350 different species of birds can be seen here as it is a habitat for sea, river and land birds.

Flowers grow in this area, including the Euclea racemosa (Kersbos), Babiana ringens (Rotstert), Willdenowia incurvata (Sonkwas Riet), Limonium (Strandroos) and Leucospermum rodolentum (Sandveld Luisebos). Regular boat trips can be taken up the river to view birds.

The name Velddrif is derived from a local farmer, Theunis Smit, who took his stock through a drift in the field (Afrikaans: veld), to find grazing across the river. In 1899, a pont (pontoon ferry) was built to cross the Berg River.

The main industries of Velddrif are fishing, tourism, and salt production. There are two large salt works in the town that provide much of the salt in the Western Cape. The fishing industry is substantial in Velddrif; the town is part of the Crayfish Route. A common scene in the area is the rickety wooden jetties with the dried fish speciality, Bokkoms hung up the dry. The town contains Port Owen, which comprises 100 hectares and has 3.5 km of waterways.

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Wikipedia