Witzenberg has a interesting history. The area had been inhabited for thousands of years by the indigenous San and Khoi peoples. The area was known to be verdant and in it's natural and unspoiled state, was the home to so many of Africa's wild animals living in what was then their natural habitat. It was only after the Dutch and British Colonial eras when this all changed. There was apparently a flourishing trade in animal skins, meat and elephant tusks etc. until of course the area was denuded of most, if not all the indigenous animals.
The indigenous flora has also suffered from the onslaught of human habitation and certainly not many indigenous trees and natural fynbos exists anymore. Thankfully the flora and fauna is now protected in the areas under the administration of Cape Nature Conservation (mountain reserves). But the influx of humans into the area has also a positive side in that the areas within the Witzenberg Municipal boundaries are now populated with a diverse mixture of diverse backgrounds,cultures, colours and creeds that today make the community of Witzenberg the microcosm of the Rainbow Nation of South Africa that it is today. All these peoples are as one in their love for this beautiful area in which they reside.
Formed by the amalgamation of the towns of Ceres, Nduli, Op Die Berg, Prince Alfred's Hamlet, Tulbagh and Wolseley, this new beginning is a mere chapter in the history of the area and bringing the people together under one administration has yet to be proved to be a success. But no matter, there is a willingness to try to make it work and for Witzenberg to take it's place amongst the proud towns and cities of South Africa but a great deal of work needs to be done before this can happen.