Mokopane

Mokopane
—  Town  —
Mokopane Location of the town in Limpopo province
Coordinates: 24°11′2″S 29°0′46″E
Country	South Africa
Province	Limpopo
District	Waterberg
Municipality	Mogalakwena
Elevation	1,130 m (3,707 ft)
Time zone	SAST (UTC+2)
Area code(s)	+27 (0)15

Mokopane (officially renamed from Potgietersrus to Mokopane in 2003), is a town in the Limpopo province of South Africa. The town was established by the Voortrekkers and named Potgietersrus after the slain Voortrekker leader Piet Potgieter. The name was changed to Mokopane in 2003 in honour of King Mgombane Kekana who resided on the land and ruled the area before he was over-thrown and killed by the Voortrekkers. It is home to the Northern Ndebele speaking people, English, Afrikaans, Northern Sotho, and XiTsonga speakers. Five kingdoms in the vicinity of the town are Kekana (Moshate), Langa (Mapela), Lebelo (Garasvlei) and Langa (Bakenburg).

There is an interest from the Northern Ndebele (SeNdrebele in the language itself) locals to revive their language, many want to read and write their language. The SeNdrebele language is spoken by over half of the community members in Moshate and Mosesetjane Village

Two hours from Gauteng, the town acts as a getaway destination and as a stop-over for travelers en route to Botswana, Zimbabwe and Kruger National Park. The area is typical bushveld with many acacia trees and aloes, which are at their best in June and July.

The Mokopane area is one of South Africa's richest agricultural areas producing wheat, tobacco, cotton, beef, maize, peanuts and citrus. The Zebediela Citrus Estate, 55 km to the southeast, is one of the largest citrus farms in the southern hemisphere. The area is rich in minerals with the mining of platinum, diamonds and granite as chief mineral resources.

Prehistory and history

The historic and archaeologically significant Makapansgat Caves are situated 15 km north of the town. Recovery of Homo habilis habitation has been made at these caves. Remains of Australopithecus africanus have also been found at the caves.

The Arend Dieperink Museum portrays the history of the town, from the ape-man at Makapansgat, bushman drawings and early activities in the area up to the Anglo Boer War and recent times.

Culture

The stunning bushveld environment and influences from Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Tsonga, SeSotho, Afrikaans and English cultures give Mokopane a unique character. There are also ancient caves, the "Big Five", San rock paintings, curios, bushveld food and drinks such as biltong (dried meat) and mampoer (a potent drink), tropical gardens and traditional dancing.

In the adjacent township of Mahwelereng traditional lifestyles, set against the spectacular Waterberg, can be observed. Mokopane also offers a selection of outdoor activities ranging from hiking, camping and 4x4 trails to birding, angling and game viewing.

Economy

The economy of mokopane used to be basically farming, until opening up of Anglo American's platinum mine. Currently the mine is the biggest contributor to the economy. Recently there has been a lot of interest displayed by other mining companies to start up but community resistance around mining remains the biggest reason for slow growth of the mine.

Education

MEPS and MASE , are the schools supported by Anglo American is the only private school in the town providing quality education. These two schools have the mission to provide the best education to all south africans across races and cultures.

See also

• Makapansgat pebble

References

• C. Michael Hogan, Mark L. Cooke and Helen Murray, The Waterberg Biosphere, Lumina Technologies, May 22, 2006. [1]
• Nick Norman and Gavin Whitfield, De Beers Consolidated Mines (2006) Geological Journeys: A Traveller's Guide to South Africa's Rocks and Landforms. Published by Struik, 320 pp. ISBN 1770070621, 9781770070622