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 WESTVILLE COMMUNITY POLICING FORUM |
 Westville Community ProfileEach SAPS Station Commissioner is required to produce, on a regular basis, a community profile. The information is used to assist each SAPS Police Station members in executing their duties. The information may also be of use to the residents, businesses, scholars and visitors to Westville. |
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WESTVILLE COMMUNITY PROFILE - As at 14th December 2009 1. DEFINITION OF A COMMUNITY: A Community is a group of people, living and or working in the same geographical area, who share common interests, values and dreams. By its existence, a Community creates a social structure of norms, values and social institutions. DESCRIPTION OF THE WESTVILLE COMMUNITY 2.1. GEOGRAPHY Westville is a residential borough situated in terrain marked by hills and valleys, rivers and natural bush land. The N3 freeway to Johannesburg and the M13 highway to Pinetown and Hillcrest run through the centre of Westville. The borough is situated 16 kilometres from the coast and is roughly 300 metres above sea level. From several vantage points, the coast and horizon over the ocean are clearly visible. There is no zoning for industry or blocks of high rise flats and thus the landscape is uncluttered and green, the horizon is clear and Westville enjoys a semi rural atmosphere of a village. 2.2 HISTORY The area was established in 1848. A London merchant by the name of Jones Bergtheil chartered a ship and brought out 35 German farmers and their families to Westville as cotton Farmers. The road name of Koningkramer is testament to one of the first families who owned land in the area. The venture failed due to various reasons including alleged labour problems and the lack of machinery to process the cotton. The land was sold to general farmers in 1849. The area was named Westville after Martin West, the first Lieutenant Governor of Natal. The first school and store were established in 1877, situated at the intersection of Jan Hofmeyer and Old New Germany roads. The original “Outspan” tree still grows today a short distance away on the corner of Jan Hofmeyer and Outspan roads. A plaque was laid there to commemorate the site. Westville remained a farming area until the early 1920’s when much of the land was divided into plots and sold. In 1942, Westville Township was established. Some of the houses in the Dawncliff area were built for soldiers returning from World War 2 and the title deeds still state that cattle and poultry may be kept on the property. Terence Shultz was one of the first people who built houses in Westville, the first being number 1 Perth Road, built in 1950. His son Warren, still lives and works in Westville In 1956, Westville became a borough. It was populated by the White group, but since 1995, all races reside in the area. As late as the 1960’s Westville North was still undeveloped farmland, (Blair Atholl road was still a dirt track.) PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT 3.1. CLIMATE As Westville is slightly in from the coast, it sometimes escapes the severe humidity of the City although summer days can be extremely hot. Some winters are quite cold and a good number of the older houses in Westville have wood or coal fireplaces, nowadays, few are used. The average rainfall is approximately 800mm per annum. 3.2. TOPOGRAPHY North of Westville is Reservoir Hills, North West is New Germany, West is Pinetown, South West is the Borough of Queensburgh and South is the Township of Chesterville. The Palmiet river runs through and forms a boundary to Westville and the Palmiet Nature Reserve covers an area of 70 hectares, mostly in the river gorge. The Mkumabane River runs along the Municipal boundary. To the South, the Roosfontein Nature reserve forms another boundary. In the reserves and in the residential area, a wide variety of indigenous as well as endangered trees grow. The fauna consists of many species of birds and snakes. Bush buck are seen in the reserves and there is rare spotting of Wild Pig in the river gorges. 3.3. HOUSING There are a wide variety of both old and modern homes in the area. They are well constructed from bricks and have slate or tiled roofs. The housing price fluctuates, but at present, the average home is valued at approximately R1 million, while more luxury homes will sell for upwards of R2 million. The minimum plot size is 1500 square metres and some older properties are somewhat larger. Municipal rates are assessed on house value. Bylaws control building procedures and structural size. Most people living in Westville own their own homes. There are few houses and flats in centres that are let, and those that come available are taken almost immediately. The average number of residents is four per house. All houses have electricity and water supply from the Ethekwini Municipality. Older houses have a sewerage soak pit, but work is currently in action to place all houses onto main line sewerage. The majority of houses have servant’s quarters and these are either resided in by live-in domestic workers, or have been developed into “granny flats” and are let out to rentals. There are over 6500 houses in Westville occupying 462 streets. UTILITY SERVICES 4.1. WATER AND ELECTRICITY Water is obtained from the Ethekwini Water, is clean and fresh and there has been little or no problems experienced with the supply. Water restrictions have only been enforced during periods of drought and the water supply is regularly tested. Electricity is supplied and maintained by The Ethekwini Electricity Department. Metro refuse service operates on a once a week basis. Packs of refuse bags are supplied to each home. Black bags for general house refuse and blue for garden refuse. Westville does not have a dump. As there is no industry in Westville, there is no chemical contamination of ground water or rivers. 4.2. POST There is a postal service which delivers throughout Westville on a daily basis. The local Community Newspaper is the Highway Mail, which is delivered to homes and businesses and covers news from Westville, Pinetown, Kloof and Hillcrest. The paper covers all social functions, school activities, facilities and services available to the community as well as newsworthy items. SPECIAL ECOLOGICAL FEATURES 5.1. AGRICULTURE AND WILDERNESS There is no agricultural development in or around Westville. There are three proclaimed natural areas namely the Palmiet, Westville and Roosfontein Nature Reserves. The reserves provide pleasant walks and picnic sites which can be enjoyed by families. EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES 6.1. UNIVERSITY OF KWA-ZULU NATAL, WESTVILLE CAMPUS The University of Durban Westville, as it was previously known, was opened in 1972. The campus occupies 162 hectares of modern higher education. The faculties include art, education, law, microbiology, science, commerce, administration, health and theology. The University falls under the control of the Kwa-Zulu Natal Education Department. 6.2. HIGH SCHOOLS Westville Boys High School, Wandsbeck Road. Westville Girls High School, Westville Road. Star College, Kinloch Road. The three High Schools both boast extremely good academic and sporting standards and achievements, counting themselves as two of the top schools in the province. Each school has approximately 1200 pupils. 6.3. PRIMARY SCHOOLS Westville Senior Primary, Westville Road. Westville Junior Primary, Westville Road. Berea West Senior Primary, Trent Road. Berea West Junior Primary, Elvira Road. Atholl Heights Primary, Methven Road. Avon Junior Primary, Avon Drive. Pitlochry Senior Primary, Pitlochry Road. Kainon School, (Religious school) Perth Road. 6.4. PRE-PRIMARY SCHOOLS Westville Pre-Primary, Ferndale Road. Berea West Pre-Primary, Constance Cawston Road. Cygnet Pre-Primary, Queen Elizabeth Drrive. St. Elizabeth Pre-Primary, Salisbury Drive. Little Dolphin Pre-Primary, Tullibardine Road. Saturn Pre-Primary, Saturn Road. Avon Pre-Primary, Avon Drrive. 6.5. SPECIAL NEEDS SCHOOLS Wendon Academy, Wendover Road. Westville Special School, Meerut Road. All the schools encourage and enjoy parent involvement in school activities. Sports, fun days and fetes are always well attended. 6.6 CHILD CARE There are a number of schools that provide after care facilities or crèches for children up to the age of 10. Woodside Play School, Jan Hofmeyer Road. Crèche Westville Correctional Services. Westville Primary After Care, Westville Road. Sue’s Play School ,Perth Road. Pitlochry After Care, Pitlochry Road. June’s Play School, Langford Road. Westville hospital Crèche, Spine Road Dawncliffe Playground, Dawncliffe road. Blue Bird Day Care Centre, Cochrane Avenue. Bev’s Play Centre, Tullibardine Road. Avon Adventure, Avon Drive. Atholl Heights After Care, Methven Road. 6.7. VARSITY COLLEGE This tertiary institution is on the grounds of the Westville Country Club and runs several academic faculties from a Technikon and University level. FACILITIES FOR ELDERLY AND DISABLED 7.1. Of the total population of Westville, there are approximately 2100 people over the age of 65. Some residents who have “granny flats” on their property make use of them to house elderly parents or other relatives. There are however two housing complexes in Westville that are dedicated “old age homes”. The first is Kew Gardens situated on a large property on Kew Avenue in Dawncliffe. The second is Dawncliffe Park on Queen Elizabeth Drive. The complexes house between 75 and 100 residents each. Supermarkets in Westville offer discounts on certain days and serve tea to senior citizens shopping on those days. 7.2. All shopping centres in Westville have ramps and wide entrance toilets to accommodate for the use of wheelchairs. All banks and other services such as the Police Station are also fitted with ramps and wide entrances. This is all in terms of current legislation provided for the ease of service delivery to the disabled. LIBRARIES There are two modern public Libraries in Westville that are well stocked and managed, air conditioned with free membership to all. There is ample free parking at both venues. 8.1. The Westville Library is situated behind the Civic Centre on William Lester road. This Library also runs art and craft courses and exhibitions. 8.2. The Westville North Library is at 167 Blair Atholl Road. MUSEUM The Bergtheil Local History Museum is situated on Queens Avenue. It is an original old home owned by the Freese family and opened by Dr. Immo Slabbert, the then Ambassador for Germany on 29th September 1990. The Museum houses many original artefacts and is open to public viewing. Many of the artefacts have been donated by families living in Westville and is a fine exhibition of the history of Westville. The building’s old garage has been converted into a conference centre and is also the meeting place of several social groups. CORRECTIONAL SERVICES The Westville Prison on Syringa Avenue was built in 1986. It currently houses approximately 9000 prisoners with a staff of 1200. There are staff residences in the form of houses and flats on the grounds of the prison housing a further 1300 people. The Prison has sporting facilities and clubs which the public may join. There is also a conference facility which is hired out for public use or has been used for political meetings and conferences. HOSPITAL The Westville Hospital was opened in 1985. It was originally only one storey of wards. Over the years, it has developed into a world class multi storey hospital with state of the art operating theatres, maternity ward, X-Ray department and laboratories. COMMERCIAL FACILITIES 12.1. HOTEL AND HOSPITALITY The Westville hotel in its current location on Jan Hofmeyer road was established around 1850. It was originally a farm school but developed into a boarding house and ultimately a Hotel. It currently also houses an International Hotel School and the Christina Martin School of Food and Wine. The Westville Hotel is owned by the Three Cities Hotel Group and is a three star hotel. There are approximately 40 extremely comfortable Bed and Breakfast style guest houses in the Westville area, most of which belong to the Westville B&B Association. 12.2 SHOPPING CENTRES There are 12 shopping centres in the area ranging from the small to the flagship Westville Pavilion. The Pavilion is the second largest shopping centre in KZN after Gateway and was opened in October 1993. There are a wide variety of over 200 shops from large chain stores to specialty boutiques and restaurants. The Pavilion also has book shops, clothing stores, music stores, toy shops, jewelers, and small business “wagons” that sell costume jewellery, sports memorabilia and do engraving. A banking hall accommodates branches of the major banks and ATMs. For entertainment, the Pavilion houses cinemas, video arcade, a “putt-putt” golf course and ten pin bowling alleys. It has a large open and covered parking area and has recently had more parking areas built. In December 2008, the Westwood Mall was opened on the border of Westville and Sherwood, next to the N2 North bound freeway. There is an attached housing complex of three storey flats. The Westwood mall was built on vacant bush land and has approximately 150 shops, chain stores and boutiques. Westville’s two smaller centres cater for grocery shoppers but also house chemists, liquor stores, hardware stores, pet shops, clothing boutiques and health clubs 12.3. HEALTH AND GYMNASIUMS There are approximately ten Health Spas in Westville which provide treatment to the community in various alternative remedies. Westville has several General Practitioners and dentists operating in the area as well as physiotherapists, chiropractors and Homeopathic Doctors who keep the community healthy. The Virgin Active Gym is situated at the Westville Mall on Buckingham Terrace and the SSS Gym is at the Village Mall on Jan Hofmeyer Road. 12.4. RESTAURANTS Westville has many fine restaurants, cafes and coffee bars dotted around the shopping centres and business area. Speciality restaurants such as Chinese and other Oriental cuisine and take away are firm favourites within the community. There are also several fast food restaurants ranging from Pizza, curries and chicken. 12.5. POST OFFICE The main Westville Post Office is on Westville Road opposite the Girl’s High School. The Wandsbeck Post Office is a satellite office and is situated in the Village Mall on Jan Hofmeyer Road. At various points in Westville there are Post Boxes which mail gets delivered to. A daily delivery service deposits post at homes across the area. A Post Net office, catering for parcel deliveries, fax, e-mail and other related services is situated on Jan Hofmeyer Road, opposite Salisbury Avenue. 12.6. BANKING All major Banks have branches in Westville both in the central business district and in the Pavilion Mall. Automatic Teller Machines are abundant at the Banks and shopping centres. 12.7. RECREATIONAL FACILITIES Westville has a Country Club which has over 2000 members. It is situated on 12 hectares of land and sports tennis and squash courts, bowling greens, soccer and cricket pitches and a snooker room. Westville has an Olympic size swimming pool which is open to the public and is also used by schools in the area for gala events. The Chiltern Park Sports Club is on Pitlochry Road and also has a soccer pitch and tennis courts. The Westville Athletics Club is on the corner of Maryvale and Syringa avenues and the Westville North Athletics club house is on Methven Road. Other social groups in the area include the Horticultural Society, Theatre Club at the Westville Swimming Pool, Westville Cub Scouts, The German Club on Barham road and the M.O.T.H.s on Buckingham Terrace. The “Scout Bowl” at the Civic Centre is a large park surrounded by lush trees where functions such as the annual Westville Fair are held. 12.8. POLICE AND FIRE The S.A.P.S. is an integral part of the community of Westville. The station is on Park Drive, has a well maintained fleet of vehicles, units of uniform and detective members as well as a contingent of civilian support staff. The Westville department of the Durban Metro Police Service came into being in 2000. Before that, the members belonged to the Borough of Westville Protection Services. Their offices are on Acacia Road along with the well equipped, state of the art Fire and Emergency Services. 12.9. BUSINSSES Westville is a prime area for small business. There are a wide variety of businesses of everything from financial advisors and attorneys to cafes, florists and hobby shops. Other large businesses have their regional or even national offices in Westville. The Westway Office Park opposite the Pavilion is home to Pick & Pay, Thompson’s Travel, ABSA and Sony among others. The Derby Downs Office Park on University Drive has Engen regional offices as well as Fedility Guards and other prominent company offices situated there. 12.10. ANIMAL CARE Veterinarian rooms are situated on Blair Atholl Road, Maryvale Road and Jan Hofmeyer Road. The latter also has a full Veterinary Hospital. A mobile clinic also provides free Rabies vaccinations as the need arises. SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT 13.1. POPULATION AND DEMOGRAPHICS The population of Westville, as at 11 December 2009, is 37 519. Broken into various population groups, the Community is made up of the following: Black African: 14631 Coloured: 635 Indian/ Asian: 5747 White: 16506 The age groups per population and total are as follows:
The monthly income of the Community can be broken up as follows:
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