Province
North West Province.
Geography
In savannah bushveld in the foothills of the Magaliesburg mountains.
Climate
Sub-tropical with daytime temperatures in June and July about 16 C.
Pro Clubs
Premier: Platinum Stars.
Introduction
Rustenburg is reported to be the fastest-growing city in South Africa. It’s in a region regarded as the platinum capital of the world, much of the land owned by the Royal Bafokeng Nation, making it one of the richest tribes.
History
The town was established in 1851 by Dutch settlers as an administrative centre for a fertile farming area. Among the farmers was Paul Kruger, later to become president of the South African Republic. Several battles were fought between the Boers and the British in the area during the Second Boer War. In 1999 the Bafokeng won a legal battle entitling them to 20 per cent of the profits from platinum mined on their land.
Local Football
Platinum Stars are owned by the Royal Bafokeng Sports Holding.
Things to do
- Paul Kruger Country Museum.
- Sun City Resort, with golf courses, hot air balloon rides, the Valley of the Waves water park and the Palace of the Lost City.
- Pilanesburg game reserve.
- Battlefield sites and ruined forts.
Stadium
The Royal Bafokeng Stadium, opened in 1999 and funded completely by the Bafokeng community, is located in the village of Phokeng, about 10 kilometres from Rustenburg. With a capacity of 42,000, it will stage five first round matches and one second-round game.