Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality, spatially the third largest Local Municipality in the country, is well-positioned as a portal to the mystical Karoo, in a region renowned for its pristine natural environment, rich heritage, diverse peoples and cultures. The vast area (± 28,690 km² in extent) includes the towns of Graaff-Reinet, Willowmore, Aberdeen, Jansenville, Steytlerville, Nieu-Bethesda, Klipplaat and Rietbron; plus a number of smaller settlements and surrounding farms. It boasts several very popular tourist attractions, beautiful landscapes and a healthy climate. The town of Graaff-Reinet, 4th oldest in South-Africa and referred to as the “Gem of the Karoo”, is a hub of agri-tourism activity; it is the political and administrative seat of the Municipality and is the centre where the biggest concentration of the population lives and works.
General Information
Dr Beyers Naudé LM was established as a result of a merger between the former Municipalities of Camdeboo, Ikwezi and Baviaans – on 8 August 2016 – after the Local Government Elections held on 3 August 2016. Geographically the new Municipality makes up 49.19% of the Sarah Baartman District Municipality’s landmass, with a low population density of 2.8 persons per km2, which is much lower than the District average of 7.7 persons per km2. The area is characterised by large tracts of commercial farmlands that are sparsely populated. The most densely populated areas are found in and around the established main towns. There are vast distances between main centres; some of the smaller towns and settlements can only be reached by unsurfaced (gravel) roads, not all of which are being maintained on a regular basis. The most difficult areas to access are situated within the Baviaanskloof.
