Krugersdorp facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Krugersdorp
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Featherbrooke estate in Krugersdorp
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 Krugersdorp
Location in Gauteng
Krugersdorp
Location in South Africa
Krugersdorp
Location in Africa
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| Country | South Africa |
| Province | Gauteng |
| District | West Rand |
| Municipality | Mogale City |
| Established | 1887 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 247.22 km2 (95.45 sq mi) |
| Population
(2011)
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| • Total | 140,643 |
| • Density | 568.898/km2 (1,473.44/sq mi) |
| Racial makeup (2011) | |
| • Black African | 42.3% |
| • Coloured | 1.4% |
| • Indian/Asian | 5.4% |
| • White | 50.2% |
| • Other | 0.8% |
| First languages (2011) | |
| • Afrikaans | 42.0% |
| • English | 19.5% |
| • Tswana | 14.5% |
| • Zulu | 4.8% |
| • Other | 19.2% |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (SAST) |
| Postal code (street) |
1739
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| PO box |
1739
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| Area code | 011 |
Krugersdorp is a city in the Gauteng province of South Africa. Its name means "Kruger's Town" in Afrikaans. It was founded in 1887 by Marthinus Wessel Pretorius and Abner Cohen. The city became important after gold was found nearby on the Witwatersrand. The government bought land and named the new town after Paul Kruger, who was the president of the South African Republic at the time. Today, Krugersdorp is part of the Mogale City Local Municipality. It serves as the main government center for Mogale City.
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History of Krugersdorp
Krugersdorp has a rich history, especially linked to important events in South Africa. In December 1880, over 6,000 men gathered here. They promised to fight for the independence of the Transvaal region. This event was part of the First Boer War, also known as the Transvaal War of Independence (1881).
The city was officially founded in 1887 by Marthinus Pretorius. This happened after gold was discovered on his farm, Paardekraal. The mining industry quickly became very important for the city's growth. The discovery of the Witwatersrand Goldfields in 1886 also played a huge role. These events changed South Africa's politics and economy a lot.
In April 1887, the government bought part of the Paardekraal farm. They wanted to build a town called Krugersdorp. By this time, everyone knew about the gold along the Witwatersrand. Thousands of people came to find their fortune. In 1888, Krugersdorp was declared a separate gold field. The town became a municipality in 1903.
During the Second Boer War (1899-1902), the British army built a camp in a valley. This valley is now home to the Centenary Dam. The camp was near a gold mine shaft. In 1952, the West Rand Consolidated Mine became the first in the world to get uranium from the gold refining process.
Economy and Industry
Krugersdorp is known for its mining. Gold, manganese, iron, asbestos, and lime are all found and mined in the area.
The city has a modern business center with many shops and malls. You can also find schools and other important services here. Krugersdorp is home to game reserves and a bird sanctuary, which are great for visitors.
The city is served by the Jack Taylor Airfield for smaller planes. Larger airports like Lanseria International Airport and O. R. Tambo International Airport are also nearby.
Fun Places to Visit
Krugersdorp has many popular places for tourists and locals to enjoy.
- The Krugersdorp Game Reserve is a large area with lots of wild animals. It's a major attraction for people who love nature.
- The Cradle of Humankind is a special area nearby. It includes the Sterkfontein Caves and the Wonder Cave. These sites are famous for finding very old human fossils.
- The Maropeng Visitor Centre helps you learn about the history of humankind.
- The Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens are beautiful places to see different plants.
The city also hosts the annual Gauteng Beach Party at Coronation Park. Many famous musicians have performed there, like DJ Sbu, DJ Cleo, Winnie Khumalo, TKZee, and Brown Dash. Famous Afropop artists Mafikizolo and Ntando Bangani are from Krugersdorp.
Sports and Recreation
Krugersdorp offers many sports activities. There is an 18-hole golf course for golf lovers. The city also has facilities for various extreme sports.
Schools in Krugersdorp
Krugersdorp has many schools for different ages. Some of the schools include:
- Alma Mater International School
- Krugersdorp High School
- Town View High School
- Thuto-Lefa Secondary School
- Hoërskool Monument
- Hoërskool Jan De Klerk
- HTS Nic Diederichs
- St Ursula's School
- Hoërskool Noordheuwel
- Hoërskool Bastion
- Laerskool Muldersdrif
- Laerskool Kenmare
- Rant en Dal School for learners with Autism and SID
- Hoërskool Pro-Practicum
- Laerskool Millennium
- Laerskool Ebenhaeser
- Curro Krugersdorp Private School
- Laerskool Paardekraal
- Monument Primary School
- Laerskool Krugersdorp Noord
- Ahmed Timol Secondary School
- Azaadville Muslim School
- Silverfields Primary School
- Tina Cowley Reading Centre Krugersdorp
Famous People from Krugersdorp
Many well-known people have come from Krugersdorp, including:
- Brad Binder
- Trevor Blokdyk
- Yusuf Dadoo
- Johannes de Klerk
- Hanno Dirksen
- Jaque Fourie
- Costa Gazi
- Allan Heyl
- Mmusi Maimane
- Nomvula Mokonyane
- Scott Spedding
- Lucien van der Walt
- Cindy Swanepoel
