Four years after the Stellenbosch Trail Fund (STF)’s initial plan was formed, a new walkway opened on the southern bank of the Eerste River. This has been confirmed by Ernst Gouws, STF director.
After four years of planning, the Richard de Villiers Riverway at Suidwal Street was opened for public use last week. PHOTO: Celeste Rabie
The pathway was named the Richard de Villiers Riverway after the founder of the STF. According to its website, STF is a non-profit organisation (NPO) created in 2011, which aims to build and maintain trails in Stellenbosch.
STF initially intended to start construction for the pathway, situated across Paul Roos Gymnasium on Suidwal Street, in the spring of 2023, said Gouws.
However, due to the damage the river banks suffered as a result of the winter floods of 2023, extensive repairs had to be completed by the municipality before construction of the riverway could commence, added Gouws.
Stuart Grobbelaar, Stellenbosch Municipality spokesperson confirmed this.
“The severity of the damage required significant repairs and extensive remedial work to restore the walkway, riverbanks, and surrounding area to ensure that it could once again be safely used by the public,” said Grobbelaar.
The location of the new Richard de Villiers Riverway. PHOTO: Sourced/Apple Maps
Gouws attributed the lengthy waiting period to getting approvals to construct on municipal ground, as well as collecting funds for the project.
The municipality’s repairs and reinforcements made to the riverbanks were completed before the winter of 2025, and “it was good to see that last year’s winter floods did not cause any damage in that area”, said Gouws.
This, along with having approval from the municipality and having sourced the funds, made it possible for construction of the walkway to start in January of this year, said Gouws.
Walkways are constructed typically for aesthetic purposes, said professor Kobus du Plessis, a civil engineering lecturer in the department of engineering at Stellenbosch University (SU).
The riverway is a collaboration with the Stellenbosch Art Mile, exhibiting art installations along the road, reads the plaque at the walkway.
The construction was also a “community-sponsored project”, as local businesses donated funds to allow Stellenbosch residents and students to commute safely on the pathway, according to the plaque.
After the Stellenbosch Municipality finished their repairs to the riverbanks, the Stellenbosch Trail Fund (STF), with the help of the community, as indicated on this plaque, was able to start construction on the Richard de Villiers Riverway earlier this year. PHOTO: Celeste Rabie
“We are pleased to see the completed walkway back in use and serving the community,” said Grobbelaar.
This forms part of the municipality’s “ongoing commitment to restoring and maintaining public infrastructure”, he added.