The city of Rustenburg is situated in the North West Province. Rustenburg is a restful city in the heart of the savannah bushveld, located near the foothills of the magnificent Magaliesberg Mountains. The highveld plateau surrounding Rustenburg exists of low mountains and grasslands. The city enjoys a sub-tropical climate with the average temperatures around 31°C in summer and 16°C during winter. The climate is generally ideal for year round outdoor activities.
The region surrounding Rustenburg is rich in mineral wealth and boasts the most platinum mined in the world making it the platinum capital of the world. Mining, therefore, provides the most employment in the area. Most of the mining activity in the Rustenburg region is centred around platinum on the Merensky Reef which stretches from west of the Pilanesberg Game Reserve towards Marikana and Brits in the east. It is interesting to note that the two largest platinum mines in the world are to be found here, and the area also produces slate, granite, marble, lead, chrome, tin, and asbestos.
The world famous holiday resort of Sun City, incorporating The Palace of the Lost City, is situated only 30 kilometres from Rustenburg. Other attractions at this resort include a 25-hectare jungle, The Valley of the Waves, and hot air balloon rides.
When digging into the history of Rustenburg, it becomes apparent that the Bafokeng people, who are well known in this region, also originate from this region. Bafokeng means “people of the dew”. They are originally from the Bakwena people, and settled near the Rustenburg area more than 200 years ago. The 36th reigning monarch is King Leruo Molotlegi. Rustenburg also has a strong Voortrekker influence and was one of the first cities of importance in their history. In 1851, they named the city Rustenburg, which means “place of rest”.
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