With a population of more than 350 000, Krugersdorp is the industrial
hub of Western Gauteng and was founded in 1887 by MW Pretorius when
gold was discovered on his farm, Paardekraal. The mining industry has
formed an integral part in the development of the town, which has a
rich cultural and historical background.
Krugersdorp was named after President Paul Kruger of the Transvaal. It played an important part in South
African history and came into being because of two important events in
the history of South Africa: the Transvaal War of Independence (1881)
and the discovery of the Witwatersrand Goldfields (1886). These events
had far-reaching political and economic consequences in South Africa's
development.
By the time the town was founded, the existence of the gold
reef along the Witwatersrand was well established and thousands seeking
their fortunes pitched their tents and pegged their claims. In 1888,
Krugersdorp was proclaimed a separate gold field.
Krugersdorp offers visitors all the benefits of a city, with a
modern business centre and shopping malls alongside many smaller shops,
schools, all the necessary amenities, as well as game reserves and a
nearby bird sanctuary.
The nearby 1 400 hectare game reserve in dense bushveld with
plenty of game is one of the town's major tourist attractions. Also in
close proximity are various national monuments and the Cradle of
Humankind with the Sterkfontein Caves and the Wonder Cave.
Krugersdorp offers ultra-modern sport facilities including an ice rink of international standard, gyms and sport stadium |
