Opportunity Issue 95

Come and explore the Diamond Fields,
situated in the Frances Baard District,
a place of wide-open spaces and arid
natural beauty. The region is defined by
the diamond rush of the 19th century;
apart from its mining roots, the area
has many more experiences to offer,
including cultural attractions, the
beautiful outdoors and agri-tourism.
Nature lovers will feel at home, as
there are several game farms and
waterways in the region where visitors
can spot endangered game species and
a wonderful variety of endemic birds.
WELCOME TO SOUTH AFRICA’S FABLED DIAMOND FIELDS
SOL PLAATJE LOCAL MUNICIPALITY
This municipality is named after the first secretarygeneral
of the African National Congress, and
writer, Solomon Plaatje. At the heart of Sol Plaatje
Municipality is the bright metropolis of Kimberley,
the capital city of the Northern Cape Province.
Kimberley and its surrounds trigger the interest
of different kinds of tourism enthusiasts, from
leisure to adventure, history and art lovers.
Enjoy an adrenaline-filled skateboarding session
at the Kumba Skate Park, pop in at the Star of
the West restaurant that is full of rich mining
history or visit the Dornfield Nature Reserve
for an ideal weekend getaway filled with birdlife,
wildlife and attractive accommodation.
PHOKWANE LOCAL MUNICIPALITY
Phokwane embraces Hartswater, Pampierstad
and Jan Kempdorp. Hartswater, labelled as an
oasis on the edge of the
Northern Cape, intrigues
those interested in pristine
landscapes, photographs
and frequent stops. The
area is home to Cotton
SA, which offers an
idealistic agri-tourism
experience where visitors
are familiarised with the
production process of
cotton and boasts with a
variety of nuts and local
wines. Phokwane also offers
leisure activities, historical
and natural attractions.
LOCAL
MUNICIPALITIES
& ATTRACTIONS
MAGARENG LOCAL MUNICIPALITY
The name Magareng is a Setswana
word meaning “The Middle” and
is derived from the fact that this
region is literally in the middle
of the country. Warrenton is an
agricultural town located 70km
north of Kimberley on the Vaal
River and is the administrative
centre of the municipality. The
area offers significant historical
value along with pristine natural
landscapes that include the
Spitskop and Vaalharts Dams where
water activities can be enjoyed.
DIKGATLONG LOCAL MUNICIPALITY
Dikgatlong is a Setswana word
meaning “Confluence”, referring
to the place where the Harts
and Vaal Rivers flow into one
another. The area is home to the
site of the first alluvial diamond
diggings in the region and is
renowned for its excellent flyfishing
spots and luxury game
lodges. Visitors can explore the
Barkly-West Museum which
displays local geology, archaeology
and the history of the town, visit
the prehistoric Nooitgedacht
glacial paving, which was forged
250-million years ago and explore
the Gong-Gong Waterfall and
its pristine natural scenery.
Frances Baard District Municipality
Tel: 053 838 0911
www.francesbaard.gov.za