Volume II - The Northern Cape Provincial Spatial Development ...

Northern Cape PSDF
Volume 2
B.3 DISTINCTIVE MACRO‐REGIONS
December 2011
The vastness, area‐based economic resources, environmental manifestations and unique
cultural groupings of the Northern Cape have, over the ages, given rise to spontaneous
delimitation of what could be referred to as ‘macro‐regions’ (Northern Cape Tourism
Authority, 2011) 1 . The broad informal parameters of these ‘macro‐regions’ will serve as a
layer in the demarcation of the component bioregions of the Province to be undertaken
under Phase 3 and Phase 4 of the PSDF process.
Map B.5: Macro‐bioregions of the Northern Cape (Northern Cape Tourism Authority, 2011).
Diamond Fields
This region is located in the eastern corner of the Province and borders the Free State
and North West Provinces. Its name is derived from the primary diamond rush in the
19th century when hordes of prospectors converged on the area, scouring the river
banks and probing soil in a frantic exploration for wealth. The Diamond Fields include
Kimberley, Barkly West, Harstwater, Jan Kempdorp, Modder River, Warrenton and
Windsorton.
Kalahari
The Kalahari desert in the Northern Cape is part of the huge sand basin that reaches
from the Orange River up to Angola in the west to Namibia and in the east to
Zimbabwe. The Kalahari is known for the unique aesthetic appeal of its red‐dune
1
Northern Cape Tourism Authority, 2011: http://www.inabustours.com/NorthCape.pdf ‐ Inabus Tours.
Office of the Premier &
Department of Rural Development & Land Reform
10
Dennis Moss Partnership