For years, traffic congestion has plagued Stellenbosch, threatening mobility, the quality of life, economic vitality, and the heritage character of this historic town.
Despite years of community input, policy commitments and detailed planning, little meaningful action has been taken. One of the most promising solutions – the Adam Tas Corridor (ATC) – remains stalled in the planning phase. The council must show leadership and prioritise implementing this critical project.
The ATC, first identified as a catalytic project in the 2019 Municipal Spatial Development Framework (MSDF), is a visionary urban development initiative designed to address many of the challenges of urban sprawl and traffic congestion. Stretching along major transport routes (the R44 and R310), the corridor covers over 400 ha and includes areas like Cape Sawmills, Khayamandi, Cloetesville, and Ida’s Valley.
With 13 500 housing opportunities planned for a projected population of over 50 000, the ATC is central to a more compact, sustainable Stellenbosch.
But in the face of mounting traffic woes, one must ask: Why has the ATC not moved beyond vision into visible big-scale implementation? The answer lies in a lack of political will.
Year after year, community members list park-and-ride facilities, reduced vehicle traffic in the Stellenbosch central business district, and public transport improvements as Integrated Development Plan (IDP) priorities – yet there’s little to no follow-through.
The IDP and Comprehensive Integrated Transport Plan both acknowledge the need to curb car dependence. Still, the municipality continues to approve low-density developments on the outskirts, intensifying sprawl and traffic.
The ATC is built on sound urban planning principles. Prioritising higher-density housing close to places of work aims to reduce the number of daily commuters.
A transport link to Stellenbosch University (SU) would improve connectivity and reduce reliance on private vehicles. Most notably, the ATC proposes non-motorised transport infrastructure – walkable, bikeable environments that encourage people to live and work within the same urban fabric.
Yet here we are – still waiting.
Stellenbosch residents deserve clarity and action. The ATC has widespread support from community organisations to academic institutions like SU and the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study as well as multiple tiers of government.
Without visible leadership and a published implementation timeline, the ATC risks becoming just another unfulfilled vision. Meanwhile, congestion worsens, infrastructure strains and community frustration grow.
We are at a crossroads. Stellenbosch can either continue down the path of unmanaged sprawl and worsening congestion with a parking garage behind the Stellenbosch Town Hall or choose a future rooted in sustainable, inclusive urban development.
The ATC is not a silver bullet, but it is a well-planned, community-supported solution waiting to be activated.
It’s time for the council to stop talking about it and make it happen.
Concerned citizen, EMAIL
