A North West provincial town with a varied history, Rustenburg was founded in 1851, and named after Rustenburg (‘town of rest’) in the Cape. For some years it was a frontier post and a resort for hunters, explorers and prospectors who used it as a base from which to venture into the far interior.

Rustenburg lies on the edge of the bushveld igneous complex, one of the most heavily mineralised districts in the world. Mines in the region produce platinum, asbestos, chrome, tin, lead, marble, granite and slate. Despite this being an industrial area the town is green and lush and has a delightful climate. Tranquil, Jacaranda-lined streets makes it difficult to realize that this is one of the most heavily mined areas in the world.

Rustenburg is also a major agricultural centre and not far from the world-renowned Sun City Complex and many amazing National parks (Pilansberg & Magaliesberg) , it has been chosen as one of the host cities for the 2010 World Cup Soccer event.

There is also a large variety of historical and cultural interest to be found in the area such as the German community of Kroondal that dates back to 1857, the indigenous Bafokeng, Bakgatla and Botswana tribes with their totemic and other tribal traditions.

Many past battles have been fought in the districts of Koster, Swartruggens and Rustenburg during the Anglo Boer War and other ethnic wars. Prominent battlefields, memorial graves and ruined forts are scatted throughout, and the area is also an archaeological treasure trove of iron and stone-age sites.

Sources:

http://www.go2africa.com/south-africa/highveld/rustenburg/

http://www.sa2010.gov.za/

http://www.places.co.za/html/rustenburg_districts.html