About Us

Swellendam Municipality is nestled in the Western Cape and forms the central part of the Overberg District. It covers an area of 3,835 square kilometres and comprises the following towns: Swellendam, Barrydale, Suurbraak, Buffeljagsrivier and the two rural areas, Infanta and Malagas.

Swellendam is one of the three oldest settlements in South Africa. In 1743 Swellendam was declaired a magisterial district and was named after Governer Hendrik Swellengrebel. With more than 50 provincial heritage sites, it has become a mecca for history buffs and international visitors.

The pictures village of Suurbraak is a nestled along fresh water streems, sheltered by giant oaks, under the cover of the beautiful Langeberg mountains. It was establsihed as a mission station in early 1812 and still to this day has kept its rich rural vintage character. 

The Swellendam area also boasts with the small town of Buffelgasrivier that is rich in agriculture and the culture of their people. These firtile lands are part of the South Africa's undescovered gems.

Barrydale is situated at the northern foot of the Tradouwpass, on the border of the Overberg and Klein Karoo, along the R62. The community's warm and friendly hearts together with their rich agricultural backround and traditional arts and crafts, is phanominial in all aspects. 

At Swellendam Municipality we strive to provide and maintain a comfortable, safe and flourishing environment for all our residents and visitors in our tranquel and unique area.

Thusong Centres and Thusong Mobiles are hubs where a basket of government services are available. Thusong Centres and Mobiles essentially bring government services to communities often located in remote areas.

Thusong Mobiles:

Thusong Mobiles provide government services on the go and visit specific areas for a day or two where services can be accessed by communities. Details of when Thusong Mobiles are visiting an area will be made available by the local municipality before the scheduled date.

Thusong Centres:

Residents can visit any of the local Thusong Centres to access the following services.

DEPARTMENT OF HOME AFFAIRS

• 1st ID application ( Free)
• ID re-issue ( R140)
• Early and late (14 and younger only) birth registration
• Death registration ( R20)
• Marriage certificates (R20)
• Travel documents

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

• Youth Development
• Bursary Information
• Intake for all social issues
• Referrals;
• Substance Abuse

SASSA

• New applications of all type grants
• Registration of beneficiaries

DEPARTMENT OF LABOUR

• Work seekers  database
• Advice on Labour Legislation
• Labour Complaints
• Information desk

SA POLICE SERVICES

• Statements
• Certification
• Affidavits

GCIS

• Information on all Government Departments

For more information, contact your nearest Thusong Centre.

Contact: Ms Frances Peterson

Tel:  028 514 8592 / 028 514 8592/99

Mobile: 079 831 4533

Email: frances@swellenmun.co.za / jonathan@swellenmun.co.za

Responding and minimising the impact of disasters is the core function of the Disaster Management Centre. The Overberg District Municipality is responsible for providing this service to the entire Central Karoo region.

Our local Disaster Management aims to:

• Prevent or reduce the risk of disasters;
• Mitigate the severity or consequences of disasters;
• Emergency preparedness;
• Rapidly and effectively respond to disasters;
• Provide for Post-disaster recovery and rehabilitation.

Contact the Centre for more information or any queries:

Mr Reinhard Geldenhuys

Head: Disaster Management Centre

Overberg District Municipality

Tel:  028 425 1690

Fax: 086 530 7673

Mobile:  083 273 8234

Email: rgeldenhuys@odm.org.za

Address: 26 Long street, Bredasdorp