Rustenburg

Rustenburg, the South African city is situated on the Highveld Plateau in the north western part of South Africa. The name ‘Rustenburg’ was derived form the Dutch and means ‘place of rest’. The city is located at a height of 1500m and experiences a pleasurable sub-tropical climate with mild winters and moderate summers. The city finds itself at the foothills of the awe-inspiring Magaliesburg Mountains and has been a strategic region for the battles that were fought for land during the beginning of the 19th century. The city is home to the Bafokeng Nation, one of South Africa’s most riches tribes. Rustenburg is also said to be the ‘Platinum capital of the world’ because of the amount of platinum mined here every year. Mining and agriculture are and still continue to remain as the city’s highest revenue earning industries.

A little on the Bafokeng people who have played an extremely important role in the history of Rustenburg – Bafokeng translates to ‘people of the dew’. The Bafokeng first belonged to the Bakwena people and later made the north western part of South Africa home. They settled in this area nearly two centuries ago. The Bafokeng people from then on built on what little they had and went on to thrive in the city of Rustenberg.

The Dutch have had a strong influence on life at Rustenburg, a visit to the city and the fact becomes more than just evident. The city enjoys proximity to South Africa’s ‘numero uno’ holiday resort, the Sun City. Rustenburg and Sun City are separated by a pleasant drive from each other. Sun City is known world over for pleasurable thrills, easy living and fun activities it has on offer. A 25-hectare jungle, the ‘Valley of Waves’ and the ‘Palace of the Lost City’, all await the privileged Sun City guest.

All in all, Rustenburg is a city you’ll want to head to if you desire to get a unique taste of a slow paced and relaxed South African way of life. 

 

The title of the biggest and most famous club at Rustenburg goes to the Platinum Stars, owned and managed by the Royal Bafokeng Sports Holding Company. The team is Rustenburg’s only professional side. 

The Royal Bafokeng Sports Holding Company have been pioneers in purchasing South Africa’s most talented players including the likes of Jabu Pule Mahlangu, former Tottenham Hotspur defender Mbulelo 'Old John' Mabizela and Dillon Sheperd. 

The Royal Bafokeng stadium plays a pivotal role in the matches that include the Moroka Swallows, Orlando Pirates, Silver Stars, Jomo Cosmos and Kaizer Chiefs. These teams have used and continue to use the stadium as an alternative for their home venues.