Barrydale tops the daily maverick town rankings as South Africa’s small town of the year 2025, reflecting a growing move toward calmer country living.

The Daily Maverick town rankings for South Africa’s “Small Town of the Year 2025” have crowned Barrydale in the Western Cape as the top spot, highlighting a growing trend of people seeking a more tranquil lifestyle away from bustling cities. This comprehensive ranking process involved extensive reader participation and a rigorous evaluation by Daily Maverick journalists, aiming to identify the towns that truly encapsulate a unique South African spirit and offer an exceptional quality of life. The Daily Maverick town rankings provide valuable insight for those considering a lifestyle change or simply looking for charming places to visit in the country.

Detailed breakdown of the 2025 Daily Maverick town rankings

• Winning Town: Barrydale, located in the Western Cape, was crowned Daily Maverick’s “Small Town of the Year 2025”. It achieved an impressive score of 94%.
• Announcement Date: The winner was announced in December 2025.
• Selection Process: The competition began with 2,069 nominations from Daily Maverick readers across South Africa.
• Journalists Involved: Nine writers, one representing each province, researched and narrowed down the list. These included Biénne Huisman (who wrote about Barrydale), Zani Barrish (White River), Angela Daniels (Jeffreys Bay), Naledi Mashishi (Cullinan), Zukiswa Pikoli (Clarens), Takudzwa Pongweni, Greg Ardé (Howick), Lucas Ledwaba (Hoedspruit), and Reid Donson (Richmond).
• Evaluation Criteria: Towns were assessed across seven categories: cleanliness, municipal performance, community spirit, safety, natural environment, family friendliness, and connectivity. A crucial “M-Factor” or “Maverick Gees” (spirit), described as the unique energy defining a town’s soul, also played a decisive role.
• Final Stage: The provincial winners were personally visited and re-scored by the writers, who then met to compare notes and agree on the national winner.
• Runners-up:
  • Second Place: White River in Mpumalanga, scoring 93%.
  • Third Place: Jeffreys Bay in the Eastern Cape, with a score of 90.3%.
  • Other Finalists: Cullinan (Gauteng – 89.3%), Clarens (Free State – 88%), Bloemhof (North West – 84.6%), Howick (KwaZulu-Natal – 84.5%), Hoedspruit (Limpopo), and Richmond (Northern Cape – 70%).

A full summary of the Daily Maverick’s search for South Africa’s best small town

In a nationwide quest to identify the most liveable small towns in South Africa, the Daily Maverick launched its “Small Town of the Year 2025” competition, culminating in the prestigious crowning of Barrydale in the Western Cape. This initiative not only celebrates the charm and appeal of these smaller communities but also reflects a growing interest among South Africans in “semigration” – the move from larger urban centres to more serene, often rural, settings.

The journey to find the winning town began with a public call for nominations, drawing an impressive 2,069 submissions from engaged Daily Maverick readers across the country. Following this overwhelming response, a dedicated team of nine Daily Maverick writers, each assigned to a different province, embarked on a meticulous research process. They delved into the nominated towns, narrowing down the initial list to the top five per province, and then to a single provincial winner. The evaluation wasn’t just about hard data; it incorporated a unique “M-Factor” or “Maverick Gees” (spirit) – the intangible essence that truly defines a town’s character and makes it special.

The judging criteria were comprehensive, covering key aspects of community life. Towns were scored on their cleanliness, the efficiency and effectiveness of their municipal performance, the vibrancy of their community spirit, levels of safety, the beauty of their natural environment, how family-friendly they are, and their connectivity in terms of infrastructure and services. After the initial research and scoring, the provincial winners underwent a crucial final assessment: each writer personally visited their top town to gain first-hand experience and re-evaluate their scores. These nine journalists then convened to compare their findings and ultimately reach a consensus, proudly naming Barrydale as South Africa’s Small Town of the Year 2025.

Barrydale, situated in the Western Cape along the scenic Route 62, impressed with a remarkable 94% score. It was lauded for its picturesque setting, strong community, and all-around quality of life. Closely following was White River in Mpumalanga, securing the second spot with 93%, praised for its lush vegetation and vibrant community. Jeffreys Bay in the Eastern Cape, known for its surfing, came in third with 90.3%. Other notable finalists included Cullinan (Gauteng), Clarens (Free State), Bloemhof (North West), Howick (KwaZulu-Natal), Hoedspruit (Limpopo), and Richmond (Northern Cape). This Daily Maverick initiative not only highlights hidden gems but also encourages a deeper appreciation for South Africa’s diverse small-town landscapes, offering insights for both prospective residents and tourists alike. You can explore more trending stories and discussions on our student portal.

Common questions about the Daily Maverick town rankings

What is the Daily Maverick “Small Town of the Year” ranking?

It’s an annual competition by Daily Maverick that identifies and ranks the best small towns in South Africa based on various criteria and reader nominations, ultimately crowning one as the “Small Town of the Year.”

Which town won the Daily Maverick Small Town of the Year for 2025?

Barrydale in the Western Cape was crowned the Daily Maverick Small Town of the Year for 2025.

How are the towns selected and ranked?

The process involves nominations from Daily Maverick readers, followed by research and evaluation by nine provincial writers. Towns are scored on factors like cleanliness, municipal performance, community spirit, safety, nature, family friendliness, connectivity, and a unique “M-Factor” (Maverick Gees).

When were the 2025 Daily Maverick town rankings announced?

The Daily Maverick announced the results for the 2025 Small Town of the Year in December 2025.

What were some of the top criteria used for the Daily Maverick town rankings?

Key criteria included cleanliness, municipal performance, community spirit, safety, natural environment, family friendliness, connectivity, and the intangible “M-Factor” or “Maverick Gees,” which captures the unique soul of a town.

Are there other towns that performed well in the 2025 rankings?

Yes, White River (Mpumalanga) came in second, and Jeffreys Bay (Eastern Cape) was third. Other finalists included Cullinan, Clarens, Bloemhof, Howick, Hoedspruit, and Richmond.