Bojanala Platinum District Municipality

Bojanala Platinum District Municipality is a district municipality located in the North West province of South Africa, bordering Gauteng to the east and Limpopo to the north. The municipality is situated near the Magaliesberg mountain range and the Pilanesberg Game Reserve, which is home to the Big Five and is located near the Sun City resort. The municipality is also close to the Hartebeespoort Dam and the Madikwe Game Reserve, which are popular tourist destinations. The municipality is named after the Bojanala region, which is a Tswana word meaning "place of rest".

Geography and Climate

The Bojanala Platinum District Municipality covers an area of approximately 18,333 square kilometers, which includes the Rustenburg Local Municipality, Madibeng Local Municipality, Brits Local Municipality, Moretele Local Municipality, and Kgetlengrivier Local Municipality. The municipality is located in a region of South Africa known for its rich mineral deposits, including platinum, chromium, and vanadium, which are mined in the Bushveld Complex. The municipality's terrain is characterized by the Magaliesberg mountain range, which is one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, and the Highveld grasslands. The climate in the municipality is temperate, with warm summers and mild winters, and is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean.

History and Formation

The Bojanala Platinum District Municipality was established in 2000, after the Local Government Municipal Demarcation Act of 1998, which aimed to reorganize the local government structure in South Africa. The municipality was formed by the merger of several local municipalities, including the Rustenburg Local Municipality and the Brits Local Municipality. The municipality is named after the Bojanala region, which has a rich cultural and historical heritage, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Stone Age. The region is also home to several archaeological sites, including the Mapungubwe site, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Demographics and Population

The Bojanala Platinum District Municipality has a population of approximately 1.5 million people, according to the 2011 South African National Census. The population is diverse, with several language groups, including Afrikaans, English, IsiNdebele, IsiXhosa, IsiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, SiSwati, Tshivenda, and Xitsonga. The municipality is also home to several tribal groups, including the Bakgatla ba Kgafela, Bakwena ba Mmatau, and Bapo ba Mogale. The population is predominantly Christian, with several denominations, including the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, Methodist Church of Southern Africa, and Presbyterian Church of Africa.

Economy and Infrastructure

The Bojanala Platinum District Municipality has a diverse economy, with several industries, including mining, agriculture, and tourism. The municipality is one of the largest producers of platinum in the world, with several mines operating in the area, including the Impala Platinum mine and the Lonmin mine. The municipality is also home to several agricultural farms, which produce a range of crops, including maize, wheat, and sunflowers. The municipality has a well-developed infrastructure, with several roads, including the N4 highway, and railways, including the Sishen–Saldanha railway line. The municipality is also served by several airports, including the Pilanesberg International Airport and the Rustenburg Airport.

Local Government and Administration

The Bojanala Platinum District Municipality is governed by a district council, which is composed of several councilors elected by the population. The municipality is divided into several local municipalities, each with its own council and administration. The municipality is also part of the North West province, which is governed by a provincial government and a premier. The municipality has several partnerships with other municipalities and organizations, including the South African Local Government Association and the African Union's United Cities and Local Governments of Africa. The municipality is also a member of the Southern African Development Community and the Commonwealth Local Government Forum.

Category:District municipalities of North West, South Africa