Travel Guide
Rustenburg is the third oldest town of the former Transvaal Province and offers numerous places of interest. Its jacaranda tree-lined streets are the hub of a thriving agricultural and mining industry.
Rustenburg operates at an apparently slower pace than the buzzing metropolis of neighbouring Johannesburg. It serves a large and booming platinum mining industry and a farming community that produces grain, tobacco, fruit and vegetables.
Full Name
Rustenburg
Former Name
Government Type
Republic
Time Zone
UTC/GMT +2 hours
Climate
Rustenburg enjoys a sub-tropical climate with temperatures around 16°C during winter and 31°C during summer. The climate is generally ideal for year round outdoor activities.
Geography
Located on the Highveld Plateau with low mountains and grasslands in the north western part of South Africa.
Culture
Being rich in Iron and Stone-Age sites, Rustenburg also has an interesting historical and cultural legacy that includes the many battles fought in the area during the South African (Anglo-Boer) War. The memorial graves and ruined forts can be visited by the public. Visitors interested in Voortrekker history can view Paul Kruger House, while the Rustenburg Museum in the Town Hall has exhibits depicting local history and archaeology. The town is home to many buildings that are now provincial heritage sites including the Anglican Church of 1871, and visitors to the town can also enjoy the Rustenburg Ramble with its interesting curios and gift shops. Many well-known potters and artists often open their doors to the public.
History
The town was established in 1851 as an administrative centre for a fertile farming area producing citrus fruit, tobacco, groundnuts, sunflower seeds, maize, wheat and cattle. On 10 February 1859, the Dutch Reformed Church was founded in Rustenburg. Just north-west of the town, the Transvaal President Paul Kruger bought a 5 square kilometre farm in 1863. Among the first residents of Rustenburg were settlers of Indian origin. One of the first families of Indian origin was the Bhyat family, whose contribution to the City's history was marked by the renaming of a major streetname to "Fatima Bhayat Street". The spelling of the surname on the street name is unfortunately incorrect. Fatima Bhyat and husband Abubakr Ahmed Bhyat, the first residents of Indian origin, owned a hardware store that supplied equipment on credit to Paul Kruger for use during the Anglo-Boer War and for which they were later rewarded with in gold.
Travel Information
The airports of Gauteng serve the North West area. Flights are available from the centre of Gauteng to Mafikeng (Mmabatho) and Sun City.
Getting Around
North West is covered by an efficient network of roads. The N4 runs along the northern area to the Botswana Border in the north and the N12 meets the N14 at Klerksdorp, which in turn runs through Vryburg.
Health & Safety
Travellers arriving in South Africa from infected areas require a yellow fever vaccination certificate; otherwise no vaccination is required. There is a malaria risk in the low-lying areas of the Northern Province and Mpumalanga (including the Kruger National Park) and northeastern KwaZulu Natal. There is a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Tap water is safe in urban areas but sterilisation is advisable elsewhere. Drug-resistant TB has been reported throughout the country. Medical facilities in South Africa are good, but medical insurance is strongly advised as private hospitals expect cash upfront and public hospitals are best avoided. Visitors to South Africa should be aware of the country's high incidence of crime. Although this tends to be concentrated in pockets throughout the country, for example in the township areas, opportunistic crime is fairly widespread. Travellers should always be aware of these risks and exercise the necessary precautions. Doors should be locked when driving and one should not walk alone at night in city streets, isolated beaches or remote areas. Travellers should practice vigilance when using ATMs and not display unnecessary signs of wealth on the streets. It is worthwhile noting that the South African authorities do give high priority to the protection of tourists.
National Holidays
1 Jan - New Year’s Day. 21 Mar - Human Rights Day. 6 Apr - Good Friday. 9 Apr - Family Day. 27 Apr - Freedom Day. 1 May - Workers Day. 16 Jun - Youth Day. 9 Aug - National Women's Day. 24 Sep - Heritage Day. 16 Dec - Day of Reconciliation. 25 Dec - Christmas Day. 26 Dec - Day of Goodwill.
Currency
Rand
Electricity
220/240v AC
Working Hours
Office hours: Mon-Fri 8.30am - 4.30pm.
Emergency Numbers
10177 (Ambulance) 10111 (Fire & Police)
