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Mafikeng, "The City of Goodwill", capital of the North West province, has not always lived up to its nickname. It has seen sieges, battles and bloodshed. Once famous internationally, the town has reverted to its friendly former self. It is situated on the border with Botswana and offers a gateway route to Africa via sophisticated road and rail networks and a world-class airport. Mafikeng is a rapidly growing, modern residential, commercial and administrative town that contrasts with its fascinating history.
Mmabatho The town now incorporates Mmabatho (Mother of the People), formerly the capital of Bophuthatswana.
The Siege of Mafikeng
At the turn of the previous century, Mafeking, as it was then known became the centre of international focus when it was besieged by Boer forces who recognised the strategic importance of the town as a railhead and gateway to the Bechuanaland Protectorate, (Botswana) and Rhodesia, (Zimbabwe).
The Siege was widely reported in colonial times and brought this small, dusty frontier town to prominence. Victorian England avidly followed events in the town and wild celebrations typical of the "Jingoism" of the time followed news of the relief of Mafikeng.
Current thinking however, questions the recorded facts of the siege and considers many of the heroics to have been embellished. Most documents ignored the contribution of the black people of the town and only in recent times have efforts been made to correct this historical anomaly.
Centenary commemorations
On the 100th anniversary of the siege and the outbreak of the Anglo-Boer War, Mafikeng has seized the opportunity to look back on its history and forward to the 21st century.
Other facilities
The town presents five shopping complexes, 11 banks and the head offices of many provincial institutions. Despite its comparative remoteness, Mafikeng hosts some remarkably modern state-of-the-art facilities. Many top local and international artists have used the Rhino Recording studio and 18 adjacent luxury chalets. The recording studio in particular has attracted some big names.
Tourism
Tourism is being targeted as a major growth industry and to this end, developments are underway to attract many more visitors in the new century.
Getting here
Mafikeng is about 300km west of Johannesburg - a comfortable three-hour drive. There are three main ways to reach the town, all of them through vast rolling farmlands and small towns.
1. From Johannesburg via Ventersdorp and Lichtenburg.
2. From Johannesburg via Magaliesburg and Lichtenburg
3. From Pretoria (N4) via Rustenburg, Swartruggens and Zeerust
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