The Western Cape’s most iconic road, Chapman’s Peak Drive that connects Hout Bay to Noordhoek, is set to turn 100 years old on May 06 this year. The world-famous drive first opened to the public in 1922 is a vital artery that connects communities in Cape Town and attracts thousands of international and local visitors to the Southern Peninsula every day. To celebrate this momentous achievement, the operators of the drive, along with the Western Cape Government and SANParks invite visitors to participate in a photographic competition with a series of prize giveaways spread out over 100 Days in the lead up to the centenary weekend.
Chapman’s Peak Drive, or Chappies as the drive is affectionately known, was named after an English skipper who rowed to shore in search of provisions while on a journey around the Cape of Good Hope in 1607. Hundreds of years later in 1915, work began to cut a road along a series of ridges to connect Hout Bay to Noordhoek. It was a feat of engineering back then, and when it was officially opened on the 6th of May 1922 it was called Chapman’s Peak Drive.
Mark Jacobs, General Manager of Chapman’s Peak Drive, asserts that, “For Capetonians, Chappies is a bridge that connects communities and allows for life on the Southern Peninsula to thrive. It has opened pathways to new opportunities and even after 100 years, Chappies continues to be an intrinsic route that connects communities, businesses, and people.”
Over 5000 Capetonians are registered as frequent users of the drive, passing over the scenic route daily. However, far more people visit the drive daily to take in the stunning vistas over Hout Bay and Noordhoek’s Long Beach.
For locals, the drive is a source of pride, and businesses and individuals from communities from the area are offering a series of prizes to the general public as part of their support for Chappies. The prizes will be awarded over a 100 Day period to visitors who take a photo of themselves or their group at a specially constructed frame located at a picnic site along the drive. The frame is located before the day pass turnaround on the Hout Bay, sea side of the drive, and visitors will need to upload their photo, taken in the frame, to social media with #CPD100YEARS to stand a chance to win some of the many prizes that are available.
Lizanne van der Spuy, Co-owner of Cape Point Vineyards is proud to partner with Chapman’s Peak Drive. “We could not be more delighted to support Chappies and show our respect for this stunning drive.” Prizes offered by Cape Point Vineyards include several vouchers for lunch for 2 as well as sushi and wine pairings valued at over R1000 each. “Support for Chappies is important,” says Lizanne, “It’s not only a special part of our beautiful city, but it’s vital to business in the Southern Peninsula.”
Following the prize giveaway build up, the centenary will be marked by a series of events over the anniversary weekend. “We have a series of special events planned which will be made public in good time,” says Mark Jacobs, “but we can confirm that a special ceremony will be held with the Provincial Minister of the Department of Transport and Public Works, Daylin Mitchell, and that events in both Noordhoek and Hout Bay will be facilitated by allowing free access to the drive at particular times over the anniversary weekend.
Anyone interested in entering the competition for a chance to win great prizes and giveaways should visit Chapman’s Peak from 26 January and take a photo of themselves or their group at the frame located 300 metres before the day pass turn around. Remember to upload to social media with #CPD100YEARS.
For more information visit www.chapmanspeakdrive.co.za
