Raithby, 1830s
A picturesque little farming community, the small village is situated between Somerset West and Stellenbosch just off the R44. Surrounded by popular wine farms and vineyards, Raithby overlooks the Helderberg Mountains with Table Mountain in the distance. It was originally a missionary community for emancipated slaves established by Barnabas Shaw following the abolition of slavery at the Cape in 1834. This small village has a strong sense of community and has maintained a closeness and quietness of strong church going spirit. The church was built in 1861.
Present day...
Raithby is home to about 600 people. The surrounding farms employs a number of the residents within Raithby. Raithby Methodist Primary School is the main source of education for the surrounding farming community. The community is entertained by the rugby and cricket matches, as well as their events along with the darts sporting club. About 30% of the rugby club's players reside within Raithby. Majority of Raithby Universal's Exco is either currently residents of Raithby or original from the little village. The rugby club is funded by donations from various local businesses and business owners from Raithby, other than the club's operating income means. The first rugby club in Raithby was establish in 1902 which was called Universals RFC. This was the sole rugby club up and till 1978 when a second rugby club Raithby RFC was establish. The two clubs operated individually until 1992 when Raithby Universals RFC was establish. The village have a rich rugby history for more then a century.
