Witbank
Afrikaans for White Ridge, Witbank was established in 1890 as early settlers tried to exploit the coal deposits of the area. This was however hampered by logistical restrictions until the Railway from Pretoria reached Witbank in 1894 after which the region’s productivity of coal grew rapidly. It quickly established itself as energy centre of South Africa and the focal point of Africa's largest coalfields, power stations and steel manufacturing. Witbank lies to the East, approximately 120km from Johannesburg and 100km from Pretoria, towards the Maputo Economic corridor. The city has a high quality transport network served by both road and rail to support the coal mining industry. The city has therefore attracted many South Africans from different backgrounds making it very multicultural.
For visitors, various attractions unique to the region will make the “Witbank experience” a memorable one. From the nature reserve (home to rich variety of animal and plant life), industrial coal mine and power station tours, cultural experiences, adventure sport, environmental activities and water sport, the city caters for the different tastes and preferences of its visitors. The city also boasts several top class golf courses, an important addition for the growing number of golf lovers around the world. And like in all important tourist destinations in the country, various options are available when it comes to accommodation, for example, hotels, B&B's, self catering units, lodges, as well as camping and caravanning. For those in love with the water, Witbank boasts the largest municipal dam in the Southern hemisphere. The dam has a catchment area exceeding 3540 square km and is used exclusively for recreational activities ranging from Water Sports to camping sites.
The city is also home to the impressive 500seater civic centre which is under the Witbank Cultural Centre umbrella. Productions and performances are regularly held exposing visitors to the cultural diversity that makes South Africa such a pleasant country. Apart from Witbank being an industrial powerhouse in the country, it is also an important tourist destination. Go and discover all that Witbank has to offer.
