Rustenburg Area Information

Rustenburg at a glance

Rustenburg is nestled at the foot of the Magaliesburg Mountain Range in the North West province. It is an area boasting a wealth of natural resources, including the world's richest platinum reserves. A home in Rustenburg is an ideal base from which to explore everything that the North West province has to offer, including natural heritage, water sports and historical sites. The area is also home to great schools and a wide array of amenities. For a host of good reasons, Rustenburg is reported to be the fastest-growing city in South Africa.

A brief history of the area

The story of the city of Rustenburg begins more than 1 000 years ago, when the BaFokeng tribe settled in the area, recognising that thanks to the dew that settled at the foot of the Magaliesberg mountains, the area would always be fertile. 

Voortrekker farmers began to settle in the area in the 1840s, and by 1851, the town was officially established as an administrative centre for the growing agricultural concerns in the area. Rustenburg was known as an area that produced citrus fruit, tobacco, peanuts and sunflower seeds, among various other crops. The area was named Rustenburg, meaning "place of rest" because founders perceived it to be an area where they could have a rest from battles.

Platinum mining began in the Rustenburg area in 1929, soon after the area's platinum reef was discovered. As mining operations in the area intensified, the suitability of the land for farming declined, and mining became the main industrial focus of the area.

More recently, Rustenburg was one of the cities that played host to the FIFA 2010 World Cup, with the Royal Bafokeng Stadium being expanded for the occasion.

Infrastructure in the area

Rustenburg is linked to Johannesburg by the N4 and the R511, and also by the R24. Using either route, this trip will take just over two hours in average traffic. Residents of Rustenburg needing to travel to Pretoria can use the N4, and the journey will typically take approximately an hour and a half.

Local weather 

Rustenburg experiences hot summers, during which the mercury regularly rises into the mid-thirties. Summer evenings often see temperatures dropping to the high teens. In the winter months, Rustenburg remains a temperate place to call home, with maximum temperatures typically reaching the low to mid-20s. On a winter's night in Rustenburg, temperatures can drop to as low as 4°C or 5°C. Rustenburg receives its rainfall in the summer months.

Schools in Rustenburg

Rustenburg is home to numerous schools, both public and private, that meet the needs of learners right from preschool to Grade 12. Your little ones can start their journey into their futures at local preschools such as Little Yuppies Preschool, Smiley Kids Rustenburg or Rustenburg Early Learning Centre. Primary schools in the area include Laerskool Rustenburg and Mount Sera Primary and Pre-Primary School. For their high school years, learners can attend Hoërskool Rustenburg or Grenville High School. Private schools in Rustenburg that cater for all grades include Meridian Rustenburg, Sacred Hearts Private School and Lebone II - College of the Royal Bafokeng. 

Hospitals and medical facilities in the area

There are several hospitals and private healthcare facilities in Rustenburg, ready to provide the day-to-day care that you require or to meet your needs in an emergency. Hospitals in the area include Life Peglerae Hospital and Netcare Ferncrest Hospital. Rustenburg's Medicross medical and dental centre is an ideal place to go if you're a Rustenburg resident needing medical help. An array of doctors and dentists practice here and visitors also have access to a range of complementary healthcare services. In and around Rustenburg, a wide array of optometrists, physiotherapists, chiropractors and other medical specialists can be found.

Shopping malls and entertainment

Those looking to shop 'til they drop in Rustenburg will not be disappointed. Waterfall Mall, which opened its doors back in 1998, offers an array of stores selling everything from clothing, accessories and homewares to groceries, beauty products and electronics. Entertainment is also on the menu, with Ster-Kinekor's presence being a well-loved aspect of the Waterfall Mall experience.

Boasting over 130 stores, Rustenburg Mall is the newest kid on Rustenburg's shopping block, having opened its doors on 29 April 2021. Described as "the place of variety", Rustenburg Mall, with its wide range of tenants, will leave you spoilt for choice.

Another option for residents of Rustenburg is to head to The Square Centre, which comprises Lifestyle Square and Rustenburg Square. This is a conveniently located centre at which all your needs can be met.

Restaurants on Rustenburg's menu

The list of restaurants in Rustenburg is sumptuous, and every resident is sure to find something to tantalise their tastebuds. Die Melkstal is a favourite for many Rustenburg residents, offering sumptuous breakfast and lunch options, as well as cakes that make breaking any diet worthwhile. Tandoori Flames is well-loved among Rustenburg residents for its Indian food and an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet on Sundays.

If you're in Rustenburg and in the mood for a fine dining experience, look no further than Excalibur Restaurant, which describes itself as a fusion of modern technology and medieval flavours. The result is a delectable range of grills, pastas, speciality dishes and more. If live music and a relaxed ambience are what you're after, then a Rustenburg local would likely recommend Kenny Gee's Restaurant.

From coffee to comfort food in a stunning setting, look no further than DeKo Bistro at Rainhill. The variety on the menu is subject to what's available in the garden, and the ingredients could not be fresher. The bistro's stunning setting is part of the historic Rainhill Farm.

Close to home, residents of Rustenburg will find a wide array of the restaurants that are well-loved throughout South Africa, including Spur, Ocean Basket, Cape Town Fish Market and Mike's Kitchen. 

Special attractions in and around Rustenburg

Rustenburg's residents can take a step back in time at the Paul Kruger Country House Museum. Prior to becoming renowned for his role in the South African War of 1899 to 1902, "Oom Paul" Kruger was a well-respected farmer in the Rustenburg area. His former property has been restored and offers a fascinating glimpse into life in the 1800s. 

There's never a shortage of things to do in Rustenburg, especially if you're a fan of the great outdoors. Akwaaba Predator Park gives you an opportunity to be introduced to a wide variety of animals, such as Siberian tigers, white lions, jaguars, spotted hyenas, wild dogs, ocelots and many more.

Natural beauty is never far from home for residents of Rustenburg, and the Kgaswane Mountain Reserve offers self-drive routes on tarred roads with a number of picnic sites and viewpoints. The reserve is home to an abundance of birds and antelopes, as well as a small number of predators. There are also hiking trails available, ranging from the 2km Vlei Ramble to the 25km Summit Route.

Slightly further afield, residents of Rustenburg can enjoy everything that Sun City has to offer, such as a casino, watersports and the Valley of Waves. Another great day trip for residents of Rustenburg is a trip to Pilanesberg National Park, where opportunities to view the Big Five await.

Make Rustenburg the next chapter of your family's story.

If you're looking to buy, sell or rent out property in Rustenburg, contact the team from Jawitz Rustenburg today.