Explore Westridge With This Complete Neighbourhood Guide
Take a neighbourhood tour through Westridge in Mitchells Plain.
Discott (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Westridge_Gardens_10.jpg), „Westridge Gardens 10“, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/legalcode
Westridge makes up the western pocket of Mitchells Plain, one of nineteen neighbourhoods in this Cape Town suburb. Home to roughly 19,373 residents in 2011, the community is mainly Coloured. English is the first language for most, followed by Afrikaans.
In This Guide:
Getting to Westridge
Westridge is bordered by Jakes Gerwel Drive to the west, Morgenster Road to the north, The Cedars Avenue to the south, and Eisleben Road to the east. These main routes make the area easily accessible from surrounding parts of Mitchells Plain and neighbouring suburbs.
Public Transport
Residents make use of local taxi routes that travel along Weltevreden Road, Jakes Gerwel Drive, Morgenster Road, Westpoort Drive, Dagbreek Avenue, and Eisleben Road. Golden Arrow buses also run through the area, with one of their routes operating along Jakes Gerwel Drive.
Property in Westridge, Mitchells Plain
Westridge has a mix of freestanding houses, maisonettes, and attached homes. Maisonettes are popular double-storey houses that share one or more walls with neighbouring properties. In 2024, the average property price in Westridge stood at around R860,000. This reflects a small dip from the previous year’s R865,000 after several years of steady growth. By comparison, the broader Mitchells Plain area recorded an average of R770,229 in 2024.
Westridge Shopping Centre
Located at the corner of Park Avenue and Simonsig Road, Westridge Shopping Centre serves as the local hub for shopping and errands. Visitors can find Westridge Meats, Westridge Fruit & Vegetables, Brumby’s and SPAR, along with BWS Liquors and a photo shop that converts old tapes to digital format.
Other shops include Clicks, Woolworths, Shoprite, Checkers, Pet Science, Tops @ Spar Liquors, Ackermans, Mr Price, Truworths and Markhams.
Westridge Gardens
Westridge Gardens is the heart of the community. It’s a big, green space where families picnic, kids play, and people come to relax. The garden has open lawns, walking paths, and a skateboard ramp that keeps the local youth busy. There’s even a play area for children with disabilities.
Every year, the park fills up for events like Concerts in the Park and the Mitchells Plain Festival. It’s also a favourite spot for weddings and birthday parties. A rose garden was added in 2011 after the park received funding for upgrades, giving it even more charm.
Wolfgat Nature Reserve
To the west of Westridge is the Wolfgat Nature Reserve, a peaceful spot for walks, picnics, and fishing. The cliffs offer incredible coastal views, and people often come here to unwind. Activities must be done in groups for safety, especially when hiking or paragliding.
The name “Wolfgat” comes from the brown hyena, or strandwolf, once found in the area. A fossil den from roughly 45,000 years ago was discovered in the cliffs back in 1962.
An education officer helps schools plan trips for learners. Groups can take part in coastal hikes, clean-up drives, and other environmental activities. Bookings are needed before visiting.
Westridge Swimming Pool
On hot summer days, the Westridge Swimming Pool is where everyone heads. It has a main pool, a kiddies’ pool, and even a tennis court. Families spend long afternoons here during the peak season when it’s open from 10 in the morning until 6 in the evening. It’s one of those simple community spaces that always draws a crowd when the weather is good.
Westridge Civic Centre
The Civic Centre is one of those places everyone in the community knows. It’s used for weddings, parties, and meetings. The hall has a stage, a kitchen, ablution facilities, and parking for guests. On weekends, it’s often booked out for family gatherings or local events.
Westridge Senior Secondary
Westridge High School opened its doors in 1976, becoming the first high school in Mitchells Plain. It has grown into one of the area’s top schools, known for strong academics and sports achievements.
Many learners have gone on to excel at university and represent the province and country in sports such as rugby, netball, baseball, and softball. The school’s long history and success have made it a source of pride for the community.
Other schools in the area:
- Beacon School for LSEN
- Duneside Primary School
- Westville Primary School
- Ridgeville Primary School
- Mitchell’s Plain Primary School
- Parkhurst Primary School
- Harvester Primary School
Westridge Public Library
The library in Westridge is a quiet escape for anyone who enjoys reading or needs access to information. Residents can borrow books, use computers, and catch up on the daily papers. It also hosts regular educational and fun programmes for both children and adults.
Healthcare in Westridge
Westridge has a range of local doctors and clinics, making it easy for residents to access healthcare without travelling far.
In the area:
- Dr N Theunissen – 130 Park Avenue
- Dr Kathan and Kathan – 2 Silverhurst Close
- Dr MS Saban – 13 Simonsig Avenue
- David and Louise Kathan Inc – 2 Silverhurst Close
- Westridge Clinic – Simonsig Avenue
- Westridge Community Health Centre – Westpoort Drive
Crime in Westridge
Like many areas in Mitchells Plain, Westridge deals with crime, though it’s lower here compared to places like Eastridge, Tafelsig, and Beacon Valley. The main concern is shootings, which affect several parts of the suburb. Even so, many residents describe Westridge as safer and more settled than neighbouring areas, with active policing.
About The Author
