General Info . . . (INFO CENTRE / DIAL-A-INFO : Tel. 018-6320200, Fax. 018-6320100)
ACCOMMODATION and RESTAURANTS
Lichtenburg is situated approximately 230 km west of Johannesburg on the main route to Mmabatho. It lies 1 459 m above sea level. The climate is healthy and moderate. Frost occurs in winter but the days are pleasantly sunny. As a result of natural water resources and wide open spaces it has a natural charm and is a true oasis in an otherwise slightly arid North West Province.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Lichtenburg was established in 1873 by Commandant H.A. Greeff. The history of the town is closely associated with the life of General De la Rey, who apart from being the town's representative in the House of Assembly, was also Assistant Commandant General of the Boer forces. After Unification he also became Senator. He was buried in Lichtenburg after a fatal shooting incident at Langlaagte.
INDUSTRIES
Industrial sites (with or without siding facilities) are available for the establishment of large industries. For the smaller entrepreneur industrial and commercial sites of up to 12 000 sq meter are available with prices from R3,50 per m˛.
Several factories manufacturing inter alia liquid fertilizer, animal feed and agricultural implements are established here. Two of the largest cement factories in the Southern Hemisphere namely Alpha and Blue Circle Cement as well as the biggest cheese factory in the country namely Clover S.A., are situated here.
BUSINESS
The central business area consists of approximately 150 retail undertakings, 20 financial institutions and many other service institutions. Shop and office accommodation is available as well as select business sites adjoining the central business area.
SPORT
The Lichtenburg Sports Car Club is affiliated with the South African Motor Sports body and motor car and motor cycle races - both on the race track and offroad - represented here, attract well-known racingdrivers.
TOURISM
> ACCOMMODATION and RESTAURANTS < . > Back to top of this page < Considering its unique historical background and special places of interest, coupled with its tranquility and moderate climate, Lichtenburg should certainly be included in the itinerary of the tourist.
The town accommodates a Social-historical museum and a Agricultural museum with a big collection of antique tractors and many other interesting objects, and a new Diggers Museum.
A modern public library and an excellent art gallery which is one of the biggest in the country, housing a valuable collection of paintings by well known South African artists are situated in a wing of the Civic centre. Paintings of Gregoir Boonzaaier, Irmin Henkel, Irma Stern, Louis Steyn, Walter Battiss, Dirk Meerkotter, F. Claerhout, Bettie Cilliers-Barnard, Johannes Meintjes and the sculptor Hennie Potgieter form part of the collection.
UNIQUE BREEDING CENTRE (Admittance: R10 adults, R5 children)
Two kilometres north-east of Lichtenburg is a unique game breeding centre, operated by the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa measuring 4 500 ha, where game such as addax, mohrr gazelle and the pygmy hippopotamus of West Africa are bred. White rhino, blue wildebeest, zebra, impala, gemsbok and many other species are to been seen in their natural surroundings.
The area is also ideal for a day trip or a fascinating weekend's viewing and a pair of binoculars always comes in handy. Abundant water in the area creates a paradise for numerous water and other bird species like ducks, coots, herons, secretarybirds and vultures. The Willie Marnewick Birdhide is one of the largest of its kind in the country and it enables enthusiastic birdwatchers to look more closely at the birdlife. Barbecue facilities have also been provided, and special night drives can be arranged (Tariffs: adults R25, children R10).
Animals bred at the Centre are supplied to international as well as local zoos and game farms. Interested people may become members of the Friends of the Zoo Society.
Self catering facilities are available in the Centre (Tariffs per night: adults R95, children R45). For more information - André Matthee, tel. (018) 6322818, cell. 0833 268721, fax. (018) 6321535.
MONUMENTS
a) On General De la Rey Square in front of the Town Hall:
1) A twice life size statue of General De la Rey mounted on his horse Bokkie. This work of art is the creation of sculptor Hennie Potgieter, who grew up in the Lichtenburg district. 2) The Burger Monument engraved with the names of 87 burghers of Lichtenburg and district who fell during the Anglo-Boer War.
3) Memorials erected during the 1938 Symbolic Ox Wagon trek.
4) The Afrikaans Language Monument designed by Hennie Potgieter and erected during the 1975 language centenary festival.
b) The Greeff memorial at Witklip 10 km north east of Lichtenburg in commemoration of the founder of Lichtenburg, H.A. Creeff.
c) The grave of General De la Rey is in the Lichtenburg cementary with a bronze bust of General De la Rey created by Fanie Elof
d) A small Voortrekker monument is erected on Elandsfontein, General De la Rey's farm, in commemoration of the late Boer leader.
e) A historical cattle dip on the farm Elandsputte, 20 km north of Lichtenburg was declared a national monument.
f) The Gruisfontein battle field 24 km east of Lichtenburg, where a monument has been erected in honour of the burghers who fell there.
HISTORICAL BUILDINGS
1) The Dutch Reformed Church in Gerrit Maritz Street erected in 1890 (Declared a National Monument).
2) The old magistrate's building dates from 1895/96.
3) The home where General De la Rey lived, 3 km west of town, was demolished during the Anglo-Boer War. During 1902 it was rebuilt on the original foundations.
4) The home of the founder, H.A. Greeff, built in 1875 on Manana, 10 km east of Lichtenburg, is still standing.
5) An old plantation house, home of the pioneer in dry-land farming, Col. H du Tolt, erected in 1910 south of town is still in use as a welling.
THE DIGGINGS
Approximately 20 km north of Lichtenburg lies the world renowned diamond diggings over an area of more or less 35 km from east to west. The world's largest flawless red diamond was found here and numerous diggers still operate in the area. The greatest diamond claim rush in world history, involving ±25 000 diggers, took place in this area during 1927.
BURNING VLEI
The vlei which separates Lichtenburg from its biggest suburb, Kieserville, is unique in as much as the thick layers of peat (which is the product of millions of years of marsh vegetation and the forerunner of coal) had for decades been burning subterraneousley, creating a great hazard for man and beast. Very few such phenomena occur worldwide. Presently, due to the stemming of the flow of vlei water, the burning has ceased and water sport is being practised on the two resulting dams. During the 1984 drought the vlei again started burning in places.
The Dauth-Roode and Centenary dams provide opportunity for water sport. A nine hole golfcourse is kept in excellent condition and is quite a challenge for the keen golfer.
WONDERGAT
Approximately 40 km on the Mafikeng road lies the Wondergat. It is the deepest sinkhole in South Africa where deep-freshwater diving can be practiced. Diving courses are given here and it is one of the most popular in-land diving places in the country. According to divers, if you have not dived at Wondergat you have not dived at all.
ACCOMMODATION and RESTAURANTS
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