Mahikeng

Mahikeng
Name	Mahikeng
Settlement type	City
Coordinates	25°51′S 25°38′E
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	South Africa
Subdivision type1	Province
Subdivision name1	North West
Subdivision type2	Municipality
Subdivision name2	Mahikeng Local Municipality
Area total km2	3640
Population total	291765
Population as of	2011
Population density km2	auto
Timezone	SAST
Utc offset	+2

Mahikeng is a city located in the North West province of South Africa, near the Botswana border, and is the capital of the North West province. The city is situated close to the Molopo River and is surrounded by the Vryburg and Klerksdorp regions. Mahikeng is also near the Madikwe Game Reserve, which is one of the largest game reserves in South Africa, and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including lion, leopard, rhinoceros, and elephant. The city is also close to the Pilanesberg Game Reserve, which is located in the Pilanesberg region.

Geography

Mahikeng is situated in the North West province of South Africa, which is known for its diverse geography, including the Magaliesberg mountains, the Pilanesberg region, and the Kalahari Desert. The city is located near the Botswana border, and is close to the Molopo River, which forms part of the border between South Africa and Botswana. The region is also home to several game reserves, including the Madikwe Game Reserve and the Pilanesberg Game Reserve, which are known for their diverse wildlife, including lion, leopard, rhinoceros, and elephant. The city is also near the Vryburg and Klerksdorp regions, which are known for their agricultural production, including maize, wheat, and sunflower.

History

The history of Mahikeng dates back to the 19th century, when the city was a major center for the Barolong people, who were a subgroup of the Tswana people. The city was also an important center for the Boer people, who settled in the region in the late 19th century, and is close to the Bloemhof region, which was the site of the Bloemhof massacre in 1851. The city is also near the Mafikeng region, which was the site of the Siege of Mafikeng during the Second Boer War, which was fought between the Boer people and the British Empire. The city is also close to the Kimberley region, which was an important center for the diamond mining industry, and is home to the Big Hole, which is one of the largest diamond mines in the world.

Demographics

The demographics of Mahikeng are diverse, with a population of over 291,000 people, according to the 2011 South African National Census. The city is home to a wide variety of ethnic groups, including the Tswana people, the Sotho people, and the Xhosa people. The city is also home to a significant number of people who speak Afrikaans, English, and Setswana, which are all official languages of South Africa. The city is also close to the University of North West, which is one of the largest universities in South Africa, and is home to a diverse student body, including students from South Africa, Botswana, and other countries in Southern Africa.

Economy

The economy of Mahikeng is diverse, with a strong focus on agriculture, including the production of maize, wheat, and sunflower. The city is also home to a significant number of mining operations, including the diamond mining industry, which is centered in the nearby Kimberley region. The city is also close to the Platinum mining region, which is one of the largest platinum mining regions in the world, and is home to several major mining companies, including Anglo American Platinum and Impala Platinum. The city is also a major center for the tourism industry, with several game reserves and national parks in the region, including the Madikwe Game Reserve and the Pilanesberg Game Reserve.

Infrastructure

The infrastructure of Mahikeng is well-developed, with a major airport and several major highways, including the N18 highway and the N14 highway. The city is also home to a significant number of hospitals, including the Mahikeng Provincial Hospital, which is one of the largest hospitals in the North West province. The city is also close to the University of North West, which is one of the largest universities in South Africa, and is home to a diverse student body, including students from South Africa, Botswana, and other countries in Southern Africa. The city is also a major center for the transportation industry, with several major bus and taxi companies operating in the region.

Education

The education system in Mahikeng is well-developed, with several major universities and colleges in the region, including the University of North West, which is one of the largest universities in South Africa. The city is also home to several major schools, including the Mahikeng High School, which is one of the oldest schools in the North West province. The city is also close to the Vryburg and Klerksdorp regions, which are home to several major agricultural colleges, including the Vryburg Agricultural College and the Klerksdorp Agricultural College. The city is also a major center for the research industry, with several major research institutions in the region, including the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and the Agricultural Research Council.

Category:Cities in South Africa