Platinum-rich Rustenburg is a city with tales to tell and natural wonders to show off to all those who would give her a bit of their time. Many of us have set our dreams on touring iconic and far-off destinations while interesting places within our grasp go unexplored.
This is as true for the residents of Rustenburg as it may be for any sleepy city anywhere in the world. People entering its radius often relocate for occupational purposes with the city being a hotspot for platinum mining. However, there are those that visit the “town of rest” to enjoy its historical monuments and heritage sites.
Some of these historic gems to see when in Rustenburg are churches. The Old Lutheran Church, situated in Kroondal, was the first church built in the area around 1895 and is a national monument while the Dutch Reformed Church, located in Fatima Bhayat Street, was constructed during the Anglo-Boer War and completed in 1903. The Statue of Voortrekker Girl, which represents the introduction of Christianity to the area, is opposite the Hervormde Church in Plein Street and helps draw together a story of an early town characterized by rituals of faith.
The Rustenburg Museum in the Town Hall and the Royal Bafokeng Stadium, one of the official host stadiums for South Africa’s 2010 Fifa World Cup, are other places of interest to see. History boffins may also relish a trip to:
• The statue of Paul Kruger in front of the Town Hall
• The Gandhi Memorial situated at Kedar Heritage Lodge, which commemorates the service and sacrifice of Gandhi, the Indian army and the Natal Indians in the Anglo-Boer War
For those better suited to adrenaline-provoking activities or a brush with nature good options are:
• Hartbeesport Dam Snake and Animal Park
• Aerial Cable way Hartbeespoort
• Monkey Sanctuary Hartbeespoort
• Ann Van Dyk Cheetah Centre
• Elephant Sanctuary Hartbeespoort
• Lion and Safari Park
• Lesedi Cultural Village in Broederstroom
• Pilanesberg National Park and Game Reserve
• Kgaswane Mountain Reserve
• Kareekloof Game Farm
• Mountain Sanctuary Park
• Sun City
• Ten Flags Theme Park
• Magalies Canopy Tours