Caledon, South Africa
Caledon, originally named Swartberg, is a town in the Overberg region in the Western Cape province of South Africa, located about 100 kilometres (62 mi) east of Cape Town next to mineral-rich hot springs. As of 2011 it had a population of 13,020. It is located in, and the seat of, the Theewaterskloof Local Municipality.
Caledon | |
|---|---|
Clockwise from top: Street in Caledon, Bath River Bridge, Holy Trinity Church, Caledon Town Hall, Elim Mill. | |
Caledon Caledon Caledon | |
| Coordinates: 34°13′48″S 19°25′42″E | |
| Country | South Africa |
| Province | Western Cape |
| District | Overberg |
| Municipality | Theewaterskloof |
| First settled | 1797 |
| Established | 1811 |
| Named for | 2nd Earl of Caledon |
| Area | |
| • Total | 18.06 km2 (6.97 sq mi) |
| Population (2011) | |
| • Total | 13,020 |
| • Density | 720/km2 (1,900/sq mi) |
| Racial makeup (2011) | |
| • Black African | 13.7% |
| • Coloured | 69.6% |
| • Indian/Asian | 0.2% |
| • White | 15.6% |
| • Other | 0.8% |
| First languages (2011) | |
| • Afrikaans | 85.3% |
| • Xhosa | 7.1% |
| • English | 2.9% |
| • Sotho | 2.4% |
| • Other | 2.3% |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (SAST) |
| Postal code (street) | 7230 |
| PO box | 7230 |
| Area code | 028 |
The town continues to be inhabited by Khoikhoi communities who, before the arrival of colonizing forces, were the wealthiest on this land.
Caledon is situated on the N2 national route, 113 kilometres (70 mi) by road from central Cape Town. At Caledon the N2 is met by the R316 from Arniston and Bredasdorp, and the R320 from Hermanus. It is also located on the Overberg branch railway line, 141 kilometres (88 mi) by rail from Cape Town station.
The Caledon district is primarily an agricultural region. Most agricultural activities involve grain production with a certain amount of stock farming. The town is locally well known for the Caledon Spa and Casino and for its rolling hills and yellow canola fields in spring.