“Hiking trails, to places called Die Hel and De Tronk, reveal dramatic rock formations and an abundance of flora and fauna. Die Hel has one of the largest rock pools in South Africa. The Waterfall Trail leads where waterfalls plummet down towards undulating wheat fields. Also to enjoy is the Tulbagh Cellars with their own unique organically produced wines.”
Geographical Description of Ward 2
Porterville is an unusual find in a magnificent setting at the foot of the Olifants River mountains, 27 km South-east of Piketberg. It is tiny, with wide, tree-lined streets, neat homes and gardens, and some graciously restored Victorian houses. The town was established in 1863 and is classified as a central place. Sound infrastructure has contributed towards the establishment of a Regional Kaap Agri as well as the Voorberg prison. Originally the region was inhibited by the San, also known as “Bushmen” before the arrival of the Dutch Settlers centuries ago. Climatic conditions vary from dry, sizzling summers with powerful thermals followed by the dramatic scenic snow topped mountains during the winter.
The town made history when the yellow Disa uniflora was discovered. The rare Disa flower grows wild here and blooms red and yellow in summer. Porterville serves as an ideal place for camping, hiking and breathing deeply as two rivers run through the beautiful landscape, home to Redfins and Yellowfins (both fish species). Bird life is plentiful and visitors can frolic in rock pools and waterfalls.
The town of 10 000 residents is already well-known abroad among the gliding fraternity as it annually plays host to a number of international and national competitions. The thermals of the mountains
contribute to perfect paragliding conditions. Then there are the tourists looking for somewhere a little different. So, when it comes to wine, Porterville offers two choices which is the barrel fermented wines produced by garagists or do a wine tasting at the Porterville depot of the Tulbagh Wine Cellar. Visitors can smell, taste and buy local produce, available in town and on surrounding farms: pick figs during season; see how pomegranate and the citrus products are processed or sample local olives, honey and almonds. The smell of fynbos can be enjoyed as you drive up the mountain and visit an export cut flowers farm-home to the endemic Protea magnifica (Queen Protea). There is a lot to do and see in and around town even if you don’t fly.
Monte Bertha is a predominantly coloured community. Among the people there is great diversity of talent for such a small community, which also has all the necessary shops and amenities for easy living. You’ll even find Rastafarian herbalists to consult if you choose.
The following is a demarcation map of Ward 2:
EMERGENCY NUMBERS AND OTHER CONTACT DETAILS
Cell 071 0186269
Email duplooya@bergmun.org.za
Office 022 931 3017
SAPS Porterville 022 931 8700
Ambulance Porterville 022 931 2601
Fire brigade 083 272 3714
Municipality Porterville 022 931 2100
For counselling contact ACVV office 022 931 2789 or SAPS
Porterville Primary School 022 931 2505
Clinic 022 931 2711
FIRE EMERGENCY 10177