The beautiful city of Rustenburg lies in the foothills of the Magaliesberg Mountains and is about 100 kilometres to the west of Pretoria. The principal activity in the Rustenburg area is mining, and the area is rich in platinum, tin, chromium as well as granite. The two largest platinum mines in the world are located here. Cotton, tobacco and citrus fruit are the main crops farmed in the Rustenburg region.

Rustenburg has become a very popular weekend holiday venue due to the attractions of the Magaliesbergs with their plentiful resorts and accommodation. Just a few kilometres outside the town is Paul Kruger's restored farmhouse, where you can witness bread being baked every Saturday morning in an old Dutch Oven. There are numerous Nature Reserves in the Rustenburg area with rest camps where you can spend the night. In the Pilansberg National Park to the north there is a 1200 million year old extinct alkaline volcanic crater, one of only three in the entire world. Rustenburg is definitely one of South Africa's more attractive cities. There is plenty to do here and plenty of accommodation.

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

Facts

• Rustenburg is one of the host cities of the 2010 Football World Cup with the 40000 seat Royal Bafokeng Stadium
• Rustenburg is also reported to be the fastest growing city in South Africa
• Rustenburg is home to the two largest platinum mines in the world and the world's largest platinum refinery, PMR (Precious Metal Refiners), which processes around 70% of the world's platinum.
  

Rustenburg being one of the oldest towns in the province is well established with many fine holiday resorts. The temperature is a good four or five degrees warmer than Gauteng.

It is a malaria-free and relatively crime-free area and is only a ninety minute drive from both Johannesburg and Pretoria. No wonder this region is a favourite getaway for Gauteng residents!

Given the natural bushveld vegetation that covers the entire area and with the added attraction of the Magliesberg mountain range, this region has much to offer the ecotourists.

It is a national game area with a number of fine game parks where it is still possible to capture the solitude and stillness associated with nature and the animal kingdom.

The Pilansberg National Game Park which boasts the "Big Five" is situated in the crater of a huge extinct volcano formed over 1300 million years ago. Game viewing, overnight camps, walking trails and hunting trips are are all available.

The Rustenburg Nature reserve offers hiking trails in the Magaliesberg with its abundant bird life and fauna and flora.

The Rustenburg area is also home to the famous Sun City with its Lost City Palace Hotel. It is a dazzling experience in every way.

There is also a large variety of historical and cultural interest to be found in the area such as the German community of Kroondal that dates back to 1857, the indigenous Bafokeng, Bakgatla and Botswana tribes with their totemic and other tribal traditions.

Many past battles have been fought in the districts of Koster, Swartruggens and Rustenburg during the Anglo Boer War and other ethnic wars. Prominent battlefields, memorial graves and ruined forts are scatted throughout, and the area is also an archaeological treasure trove of iron and stone-age sites.

The Rustenburg Ramble which has been well established for quite a few years now has many delightful curios and gift shops to browse through.

Complementing the many fine hotels with their superb conference and banqueting facilities are a number of quaint and secluded guest houses that offer a personal and charming hospitality found throughout the region.

Activities

Rustenburg Museum
The museum, in the Town hall, has exhibits depicting local history and archaeology.

Anglican Church
Originally built in 1871 and relocated in Van Staden Street in 1967, is now a national monument.

Statue of Presidant Paul Kruger
In front of the Town hall and the work of French sculptor Archard, depicts the present during his last days of exile.

Historical Lutheran Church - Kroondal
Built in 1896, this church was restored between 1979 and 1982, at which time it was proclaimed a national monument.

Hervormende Church Square
The historical reconciliation between Andies Hendrik Potieter and Andries Pretorius which, averting a civil war, took place on the square between Plein and Pretorius Streets.

The Dutch Reformed Church
Construction began in 1898 but was only completed in 1903 after the Anglo Boer War, during which it served as a military hospital.

Saulspoort
North of the town, this is one of the old Transvaal's oldest Dutch Reformed mission stations.

Rustenburg Nature Reserve
The northern slope of the Magaliesber are home to a large variety of bird and animal life.

Statue of Voortrekker Girl
Opposite the Hervormde church, this delicate figure symbolises the light of Christianity.

Pilanesberg National Park
Some two hours' drive northwest of Johannesburg, one of the strangest of Southern Africa's geological features rises skywards from the flat Highveld plain.

Sun City Resort
The most remarkable destination in all Africa - Sun City - Africa's kingdom of pleasure!