Klerksdorp

Klerksdorp is a mining and agricultural city of 186,000 people (2011) in North West Province. Together with Rustenburg, Klerksdorp forms the economic heart of North West Province. It is one of the hubs of the South African gold mining industry, although its importance has declined. It is expected to be a large uranium producer in the future.

Understand
Klerksdorp dates back to 1837 when the Voortrekkers settled along the Schoonspruit, and is the oldest European settlement north of the Vaal River in South Africa. Like other localities in the former Transvaal, it had its share of engagements between the Brits and the Boers, particularly during the Second Boer War, where the latter struck a decisive victory at Ysterspruit (Iron Stream), but still lost the war. It was the site of concentration camps too.

In 1995, a tragic accident in nearby Vaal Reefs where an elevator plunged down a mine shaft taking 104 lives became the worst elevator accident in history.

Apart from mining, Klerksdorp is positioned as a notable medical, retail and educational centre for North West Province and Northern Free State.

The Klerksdorp district is a major contributor to South African agriculture; maize, sorghum, groundnuts and sunflower are important crops farmed in the district. Klerksdorp has the largest agricultural co-op in the southern hemisphere, named 'Senwes'.

The farming district is also known for its Sussex cattle herds. The city is the headquarters of the South African Sussex Cattle Breeders Association.

By car
Klerksdorp is about 175 km west of Johannesburg via N12.

By rail
Long-distance trains between Johannesburg and Cape Town calls in Klerksdorp.



See

 * The Klerksdorp Dam, 10 km outside Klerksdorp on the road to Ventersdorp.
 * The Klerksdorp Air Show is organised and run by pilots, including South African Aerobatic Championship winner Clifford Lotter, at the PC Pelser Airport annually and remains one of the best air shows in South Africa.
 * The Klerksdorp Dam, 10 km outside Klerksdorp on the road to Ventersdorp.
 * The Klerksdorp Air Show is organised and run by pilots, including South African Aerobatic Championship winner Clifford Lotter, at the PC Pelser Airport annually and remains one of the best air shows in South Africa.
 * The Klerksdorp Dam, 10 km outside Klerksdorp on the road to Ventersdorp.
 * The Klerksdorp Air Show is organised and run by pilots, including South African Aerobatic Championship winner Clifford Lotter, at the PC Pelser Airport annually and remains one of the best air shows in South Africa.

Do

 * The Oudorp hiking trail is a 12-km-long trail that winds its way through the oldest parts of the town.
 * The Oudorp hiking trail is a 12-km-long trail that winds its way through the oldest parts of the town.