In the 1840s the Voortrekkers under the leadership of Andries Potgieter founded Zoutpansbergdorp 100km north-west of Polokwane, and was later named Schoemansdal. These Voortrekkers met with strong resistance from a Local African tribe (the Ngunis), and this coupled with health related problems forced these pioneers to abandon their new found settlement known for its ivory and game.
They were offered land in the safer southern areas by the ZAR (Zuid Afrikaanshe Republiek) government. The government purchased the eastern half of a big farm called Sterkloop in 1884 and made this land available for settlement on 150 erven (stands) covering 2 200 morgen (term used to measure land surface) This new town was named Pietersburg in honor of the revered Voortrekker leader General Piet Jacobus Joubert and was proclaimed in 1886. This city has enjoyed a hundred and twenty years of prosperity and has grown rapidly due to its geographical location. The city of Pietersburg was one of the first places in South Africa to change its name after the fall of 'Apartheid' to Polokwane, which in the local language translates to 'Place of Safety'.
Polokwane is the capital city of Limpopo, South Africa and is a must see for the tourist as it boasts numerous attractions and activities as well as serving as the economic center for the total area of South Africa north of Gauteng. Polokwane, Limpopo in South Africa has recently been voted as the "Healthiest Place to Live in for Males" by a well known international Magazine. Polokwane now boasts many accommodation establishment to suit every tourist or holiday maker's needs. These range from b&b accommodation, to lodges, chalets, guesthouses, game lodges, game reserves and backpackers
Rich with history Polokwane, Limpopo boasts the first gold crushing plant in South Africa and was site to one of the largest concentration camps in the Anglo Boer War. Things to do in Polokwane, Limpopo include The Bakone Malapa open air museum & Chuene Crocodile farm. The area around Polokwane, Limpopo is also well known for Hunting Safari's, Arts and Crafts and a Game Breeding Centre
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