Kalk Bay

Kalk Bay
Kalkbaai

Kalk Bay. Simon's Town in the distance.
Kalk Bay
Kalk Bay
Kalk Bay

 Kalk Bay shown within Western Cape

Coordinates: 34°07′40″S 18°26′54″E / 34.12778°S 18.44833°E / -34.12778; 18.44833Coordinates: 34°07′40″S 18°26′54″E / 34.12778°S 18.44833°E / -34.12778; 18.44833
Country South Africa
Province Western Cape
Municipality City of Cape Town
Main Place Cape Town
Established 1742
Government
 • Councillor David Dalton
Area[1]
 • Total 0.32 km2 (0.12 sq mi)
Population (2011)[1]
 • Total 700
 • Density 2,200/km2 (5,700/sq mi)
Racial makeup (2011)[1]
 • Black African 8.1%
 • Coloured 32.3%
 • Indian/Asian 0.1%
 • White 54.6%
 • Other 4.9%
First languages (2011)[1]
 • English 86.2%
 • Afrikaans 10.3%
 • Other 3.5%
Postal code (street) 7975
PO box 7990
Kalk Bay harbour
Kalk Bay

Kalk Bay (Afrikaans: Kalkbaai) is a fishing village on the coast of False Bay, South Africa and is now a suburb of greater Cape Town. It lies between the ocean and sharply rising mountainous heights that are buttressed by crags of grey Table Mountain Sandstone.[2] A literal translation from the Dutch/Afrikaans name "Kalkbaai" is "Lime Bay". This derives from the vast deposits of mussel shells found there, which early settlers burned to make lime for construction. Lime kilns to roast mussel shells are still found along the west coast. The railway from the central business district of Cape Town to Simon's Town passes through Kalk Bay and in some places the line is only metres from the water's edge.

The Foundation Stone for the harbour was laid in 1913.

Several famous caves (with names such as 'Ronan's Well', after the Walter Scott novel Saint Ronan's Well, and 'Free Drinks Saloon') are located in the mountains above the village.[3] They are of importance to spaeleologists because they have formed in sandstone. Large cave systems are not often found in this type of chemically unreactive rock.[4]

Kalk Bay is also home to the tiny but locally famous surf spot named "Kalk Bay Reef". This is renowned for heavy barrels and the associated shallow reef. It is best surfed on a big south-easterly swell or a north west wind. In smaller swells low tide makes for better barrels. Southern right whales come here during whale watching seasons, and are often seen playing or resting very close to surfers or piers.

Coat of arms

Kalk Bay (including Muizenberg and St James) was a municipality from 1895 to 1913. The town council assumed a coat of arms, designed by Frank Newnes, in July 1901.[5]

The shield was divided horizontally. The upper half was divided vertically, depicting a fishing boat (partly obscured by a small shield) and eight fleurs de lis, while the lower half depicted a bunch of grapes. A small shield displaying an arum lily was placed in the centre.[6]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Sub Place Kalk Bay". Census 2011.
  2. ↑ Compton, J.S. (2004).The Rocks and Mountains of Cape Town. p. 24-26, 44-70. Double Storey Books, Cape Town. ISBN 1-919930-70-1.
  3. ↑ http://www.capepointroute.co.za/hiking.php
  4. ↑ http://www.springerlink.com/content/t85242306n401062/
  5. ↑ Western Cape Archives : Kalk Bay Municipal Minutes (23 July 1901).
  6. ↑ http://gosouthonline.co.za/muizenberg-the-golden-years.
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