Lichtenburg, North West
| Lichtenburg | |
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The main street in Lichtenburg
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 Lichtenburg
Lichtenburg
Lichtenburg
Lichtenburg shown within North West
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| Coordinates: 26°09′S 26°10′E / 26.150°S 26.167°ECoordinates: 26°09′S 26°10′E / 26.150°S 26.167°E | |
| Country | South Africa |
| Province | North West |
| District | Ngaka Modiri Molema |
| Municipality | Ditsobotla |
| Established | 1873 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 108.90 km2 (42.05 sq mi) |
| Population (2011) | |
| • Total | 26,338 |
| • Density | 240/km2 (630/sq mi) |
| Racial makeup (2011) | |
| • Black African | 59.5% |
| • Coloured | 7.9% |
| • Indian/Asian | 1.9% |
| • White | 30.3% |
| • Other | 0.3% |
| First languages (2011) | |
| • Tswana | 52.5% |
| • Afrikaans | 38.1% |
| • English | 4.1% |
| • Sotho | 1.1% |
| • Other | 4.2% |
| Postal code (street) | 2740 |
| PO box | 2740 |
| Area code | 018 |
Lichtenburg is a town situated in North West Province of South Africa. It is the administrative centre of Ditsobotla Local Municipality.
The town was established in 1873 and was named by Transvaal President Thomas François Burgers, Lichtenburg (Town of Light). On the 13 March 1926, Jacobus Voorendyk, discovered a diamond on his family farm and within 12 months there were 108,000 fortune seekers on the scene. The resulting diamond rush lasted ten years.
The main economic activity is the production of maize (corn). Lichtenburg lies in the heart of the maize triangle, which is the main maize growing area in South Africa. Another major economic activity is the production of cement. Within an 80 kilometres (50 mi) radius of Lichtenburg there are three major cement producers, which creates opportunities for long distance transport and related businesses.
Lichtenburg is situated approximately 230 kilometres (140 mi) west of Johannesburg on the main route to Mmabatho. It lies 1,459 metres (4,787 ft) above sea level. The climate is healthy and moderate. Frost occurs in winter but the days are pleasantly sunny. As a result of natural water resources and wide open spaces it has a natural charm and is a true oasis in an otherwise slightly arid North West Province.
Lichtenburg was established in 1873 by Commandant H.A. Greeff. The history of the town is closely associated with the life of General De la Rey, who apart from being the town's representative in the House of Assembly, was also Assistant Commandant General of the Boer forces. After Unification he also became Senator. He was buried in Lichtenburg after a fatal shooting incident at Langlaagte. More and more farmers settled here during the mid to late 1800s.
Several factories manufacturing inter alia liquid fertilizer, animal feed and agricultural implements are established here. Two of the largest cement factories in the Southern Hemisphere namely AfriSam Dudfield (prev. Anglo Alpha) and Lafarge (prev. Blue Circle Cement) as well as the biggest cheese factory in the country namely Clover S.A., are situated here.
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Wikipedia