A spatial multi-risk hazard assessment and vulnerability study of ...

needed. Using this information it should be possible for Madibeng Disaster Management
to allocate resources to the priority areas.
1.4 STUDY AREA
Madibeng is situated in the eastern part of the North West Province with Gauteng on its
southern border and the Limpopo Province on its northern border, as is indicated in
Figure 1-2.
• Climate
The North West Province is mostly a dry region, especially in the west, but the eastern
area, where Madibeng is situated, generally has a subtropical, semi-arid climate making it
suitable for subtropical farming.
It is a warm province, and it can be very hot in summer, although frost can occur in the
south and east in winter. Summer rainfall in Madibeng varies from around 500mm in the
north to over 700 mm in the south and southeast, which areas are very suitable for a
variety of agricultural activities (State of the Environment Report, 2002).
• Economy
The area around Brits comprises fertile mixed-crop farming lands, where tobacco, citrus,
paprika, wheat, peppers, cotton and sunflower are produced. There are a number of
game farms and conservation areas in Madibeng, which gives the Municipality potential
for eco-tourism activities. Mining also plays an important role in the economy of the
Municipality as the area around Brits and Rustenburg is the largest single platinum
production area in the World. Marble is also mined in Madibeng and mostly destined for
the export market (Routes Travel Info Portal, 2004).
Industry in the area is centred around Brits and concentrates mostly on manufacturing
and construction, while commercial activities are characterised by small, medium and
micro-enterprises.
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