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Witbank

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eMalahleni
City
Aerial view over the suburbs
Aerial view over the suburbs
Nickname: 
Witbank
Motto: 
It is the Spirit of the people.
CountrySouth Africa
ProvinceMpumalanga
District MunicipalityNkangala
Local MunicipalityEmalahleni
Population
 • Total500 000 +
Time zoneUTC+2 (SAST)
Area code0136
Websitewww.emalahlenionline.co.za

Witbank (Template:Pron-en) is situated on the Highveld of Mpumalanga, South Africa, within the Emalahleni Local Municipality, Mpumalanga.[1][2][3] The name Witbank is Afrikaans for White Ridge and is named after a white sandstone outcrop where wagon transport drivers rested. Witbank is in the coal mining area with more than 22 collieries in the municipal radius. There are a number of power stations (such as the Duvha Power Station), as well as a steel mill (Highveld Steel and Vanadium Corporation) nearby which all require coal. The farm land surrounding Witbank is fast being bought by Investors, Coal Mines and Real Estate Developers to accommodate the rapid growth of the City which is good for local businesses and residents.

On 3 March 2006[4], Witbank was officially renamed eMalahleni, meaning "place of coal"[5] matching the name of the municipality that contains it.

Witbank was established in 1890 and early attempts to exploit the coal deposits failed until the railway from Pretoria reached the area in 1894. It was proclaimed a town in 1903 and became a municipality in 1914. There are many stories about the City and its origination but the top story would be the arrival of Winston Churchill in the town where he was given the best Hospitality from the residents, him returning home safely and giving Witbank the credits we deserve thus placing us on the World Map and on top of the "must see list" for everyone back home in Europe. The town has grown since then from a farming community into a World-Class International Business Destination where TOP Companies such as ANGLO American, BHP Billiton, EVRAZ, ESKOM, EXXARO, JOY, KOMATSU, RENOVA GROUP, SAB-MILLER, SAMANCOR, SHANDUKA Beverages, XSTRATA, ZENITH INC and many others have found substantial Returns on their Investments. eMalahleni is one of a few Cities that has doubled its population in the last 10 years as a result of the business opportunities, job opportunities and financial stability but more importantly we were one of a few cities where the World-Recession did not do very serious damage. The town prides itself of its rich heritage and we believe that; in order for you to know where you are going, you need to know where you are coming from hence our children are raised with traditional family values. The city still conducts traditional community values where everyone know each other but what stands out most is our cultural diversity and respect for each other which most cities do not practice anymore.

eMalahleni is rapidly growing and advancing with technology and Developments around the city are evidance that this city is indeed The Powerhouse of Africa and the construction of the New Kusile Powerstation is testimony to that. The current completion of the Bankenveld Estate and the planning of the Lahleni lakes with other several housing developments is proof that several business people concur that Witbank eMalahleni is the best place for solid investment. Our city has achieved tremendously since its dark history and has unified us into a multi-cultural, diverse community built on respect for each other and good family values. For more about the city also see: http://www.emalahlenionline.co.za

See also

References

  1. ^ "Emalahleni FAQ". Archived from the original on 2008-06-01. Retrieved 2008-07-04. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  2. ^ "Witbank". Official South African Geographical Names System. Retrieved 2009-06-22.
  3. ^ "Nkangala District Municipality map indicating Witbank within Emalahleni Local Municipality". Nkangala District Municipality. Retrieved 2009-06-22.
  4. ^ South African Geographical Names System
  5. ^ "Witbank may be next in line for name change", Pretoria News, p. 7, September 22, 2005
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