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.

THE ROYAL BAFOKENG NATION OF RUSTENBURG

The Royal Bafokeng comprise a population of 3 million people. The Royal Bafokeng are members of the Setswana-speaking indigenous community and rose to some prominence during the 1980s when they demanded compensation and royalties from mining companies who were mining platinum in the area.

Attractions

Attractions include the Anglican Church (1871); the Dutch Reformed Church (1898 -1903); the statue of the Voortrekker girl; Paul Bodenstein Park; a tour of the Tabacco Research Institute at Kroondal; a visit President Kruger's farm Boekenhoutfontein; a circular game-viewing tour of the Rustenburg Nature Reserve; the Rustenburg Ramble which includes craft galleries, farm stalls and eating venues.

Location

Rustenburg is situated some 112 km northwest of Johannesburg, at the foot of the Magaliesberg.

History

Rustenburg was founded in 1851 by burghers who, with the Voortrekker leader Andries Pretorius, had settled in the area a decade earlier.