Rustenburg’s name may translate into ‘Place of Rest’, but it will be anything but come June when the World Cup comes to the city located in South Africa’s North West Province.
Rustenburg was founded in 1851, and it’s grown to be a city of nearly 400,000 inhabitants (as per the 2001 census). The city of Rustenburg is home to many people that belong to the Royal Bafokeng Nation, the owners and namesake of the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in nearby Phokeng, where six World Cup 2010 matches will be held.
Rustenburg might be most notable for the fact that it could well be referred to as the platinum capital of the world. The city is home to the two largest platinum mines in the world, and Precious Metal Refiners, which produces 70% of the world’s platinum, is located in Rustenburg.
Those who come to the area to watch the World Cup action at Royal Bafokeng Stadium will be able to take a variety of activities, whether they’re interested in history, nature, or just relaxing and having a good time.
Rustenburg is home to several game reserves, including the Pilanesberg Game Reserve. The reserve, which is located in the crater of an extinct volcano, is home to Africa’s ‘Big Five’ – lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo. There are also many, many more species of wildlife at the reserve, and those interested in bird watching will more than get their fill with more than 300 recorded species of birds at the reserve.
Also, further outside of Rustenburg is the Sun City Resort, one of Africa’s top vacation destinations and one of the most amazing inland resorts in the world. Whether you’re looking to take in more nature, play golf, eat, drink, dance, gamble, or perhaps just relax in your hotel room, you can do it all and more at the lavish Sun City Resort.
All in all, those who visit Rustenburg will be in for the time of their lives, and that’s not even taking into consideration the world-class football that they’ll get to see as well.
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