Mafikeng and other Province of North-West, South Africa Things to Do Tips

The original name of the city, Mahikeng, literally means "the place among rocks". The name refers to the volcanic rocks that provided temporary shelter to Stone Age humans in their hunt on animals drinking water in the Molopo River. This name was given to the area in 1852 by early BaRolong chiefs who had settled along the river, near the present day village of Rooigrond, after the upheaval of the "Difequane". The "Difequane" was a period of intertribal war, aggravated by the passage of the exiled Zulu chief, Mzilikazi, through the area.

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Directions: Mafikeng is in the Central Part of the North West Province

Originally named Treurfontein (well of sadness), the name was changed to honour Admiral Gaspard de Coligny, a staunch French Huguenot who was killed in the Massacre of Saint Bartholomew's Day (24 August 1572) in Paris

At first sight, Coligny gives the impression of being just another dusty, windswept village - forgotten in the mists of time and bypassed by modern life. In a way it has retained its "olde worlde" character, but it hides a wealth of history and fascinating character.

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Directions: Coligny is situated in the central part of the North West Province on the road to Lichtenburg

Delareyville is named after the famous General Koos De la Rey and was founded in 1913 (after the Anglo-Boer War). The town is situated in the north western corner of the maize triangle, 96 km from Lichtenburg, 82 km from Vryburg and 114 km from Wolmaransstad.
The town is the centre of a rich and progressive farming community. Saltpans, that can be found all over the district, make a major contribution to the salt production of the country.
Agricultural activities in the area is mainly maize, sunflower, sorghum and groundnuts. Cattle and sheep farming is also practiced in the area.
The Dutch Reformed Church in Maun Street is a national monument and was designed by Gerhard Moerdyk. The Earth Satellite Station was erected in 1998 to improve telecommunications in southern Africa.

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