Klerksdorp Central at a glance
The greater city area of Klerksdorp today incorporates the towns of Orkney, Kanana, Stilfontein, Khuma, Hartebeesfontein and Tigane to give it a population of more than 350,000 inhabitants (Census Statistics South Africa 2001). Klerksdorp is also fondly known as "Matlosane". Together with Rustenburg, Klerksdorp forms the economic heart of North West Province. It is still one of the hubs of the South African gold mining industry, although its importance has been decreasing in recent years. A major earthquake in 2004 caused significant damage to the eastern suburb of Stilfontein and caused widespread damage to the mining activities in that part of the city. In addition, it is also expected to be a large uranium producer in the future. Apart from mining activities, Klerksdorp is also positioned as a notable medical,retail and education centre for North West Province and Northern Free State.
The Klerksdorp district is also a major player in South African agriculture; important crops that are farmed in the district include maize, sorghum, groundnuts and sunflowers. Klerksdorp has the largest maize storage silo in the South Africa as well as the largest agricultural cooperative in the southern hemisphere, the Senwes Cooperative.
The district is also known for its Sussex cattle herds - the city is the headquarters of the South African Sussex Cattle Breeders Association.
Klerksdorp is surrounded by loveliness, despite the fact that it today thrives both on mining and agriculture. The Faan Meintjies Nature Reserve is just 13 kilometres outside of the city and well worth a visit. Ideal is to take the 'ou dorp' (old town) hiking trail that winds its way through the old part of town, taking in all of the sites of historical reference, including Jack Scott House - an original tin house, imported all the way from Britain, although it's been allowed to degenerate somewhat. And there's an original distillery that also makes for an appealing visit.
If it's greener vistas you are after, then visit the city's Plant House, a series of municipal gardens in town, or the Johan Neser Dam, on the Schoonspruit, just northwest of the city.
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