Getting to Know Bonteheuwel Better
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Bonteheuwel, often called “Bontas” by the locals, is a Cape Flats township north of Cape Town, next to the N2. In the 1960s, it became one of the places where coloured people were moved after the Group Areas Act was passed in 1950. This act institutionalised Apartheid by creating racially segregated residential zones, often giving the best land to white people and leaving coloured communities in less favourable areas. Bonteheuwel was established as a rental scheme by the city of Cape Town, and it sits between Langa, Heideveld, and Bishop Lavis.
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Houses in Bonteheuwel
Bonteheuwel’s housing development began in 1961 and wrapped up by 1964. The area is primarily made up of two main types of homes that were built during the apartheid era: maisonettes, which are two-story houses, and paired houses. Many properties are hidden behind by high fences and gates, with carports covering the front yards.
Property prices in Bonteheuwel typically fall between R500,000 and R1.5 million, with the average being around R600,000. Rental options in the area are quite limited.
Locals often refer to different parts of the area as “blocks” — for instance, A Block, B Block, C Block, and T Block. One notable housing development, built in the early 2000s, is affectionately called “Smartie Town” by the community.
Transport In Bonteheuwel
Golden Arrow buses serve Bonteheuwel with stops along Bonteheuwel Avenue. There’s a Cape Town route as well as an Elsies River/Hanover Park route, which runs on the southern side of the avenue.
For minibus taxis, you’ll find them along both Bonteheuwel and Jakkalsvlei Avenues, picking up and dropping off passengers. Before 8 a.m., there are taxis heading straight to Cape Town via the N2, as well as those traveling through Klipfontein Road. After 8 a.m., the majority of taxis will take the Klipfontein Road route to Cape Town.
Please note, the Metrorail station has been permanently closed.
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Shopping In And Around Bonteheuwel
- Vangate Mall is located about 3 kilometres from Bonteheuwel.
- Epping Industria, an area that’s a short 3 kilometre drive north, has bulk-buy stores.
- The local supermarket, Checkout, is part of what is known as the Centre. The Centre includes spaces for hawkers, a barbershop, a doctor’s office, a bus terminus, the civic centre, a public library, and government offices.
- The area where Bonteheuwel Avenue meets Jakkalsvlei Avenue, known as Kaybees, has a butchery and small convenience stores (spaza shops).
- You’ll also find another butchery on the southern side of Bonteheuwel Avenue.
Schools In Bonteheuwel
- A. Janari Primary School
- Rosewood Primary School
- Arcadia Senior Sekondere Skool
- Bonteheuwel Sekondere Skool
- Modderdam Sekondere Skool
- Protea Primary School
- Klipfontein Primere Skool
- Mimosa Primary School
- Nerina Primary School
- Arcadia Primary School
- Bergsig Primary School
- Bramble Way Primary School
- Boundary Primary School
- Cedar Primary School
- Central Park Primary School
- Disa Primary School
Petrol Stations
- Shell Garage in Jakkalsvlei Avenue
- Engen Garage on the corner of Kiaat and Jakkalsvlei
Notable People
- Ashley Kriel, an anti-apartheid activist
- “Tannie” Koelsoem Kamalie, a beloved TV chef
- PJ Twins (Peter and John Talmarkes), finalists in SA’s Got Talent
Freedom Square
Situated in Bonteheuwel’s Centre, Freedom Square is a site of immense historical value. It was here that freedom fighters gathered to strategise and organise against apartheid. The square, along with the surrounding areas such as the Bonteheuwel Civic and library, played a vital role in the struggle. These spaces allowed activists to come together, exchange ideas and rally the community in the fight for a free South Africa. It is an official Provincial Heritage Site.
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