Vryburg facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vryburg
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Vryburg town hall
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 Vryburg
Location in North West (South African province)
Vryburg
Location in South Africa
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| Country | South Africa |
| Province | North West |
| District | Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati |
| Municipality | Naledi |
| Area | |
| • Total | 64.24 km2 (24.80 sq mi) |
| Population
(2011)
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| • Total | 21,182 |
| • Density | 329.73/km2 (854.00/sq mi) |
| Racial makeup (2011) | |
| • Black African | 40.8% |
| • Coloured | 37.6% |
| • Indian/Asian | 3.2% |
| • White | 17.7% |
| • Other | 0.7% |
| First languages (2011) | |
| • Afrikaans | 56.3% |
| • Tswana | 33.0% |
| • English | 6.4% |
| • Other | 4.3% |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (SAST) |
| Postal code (street) |
8601
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| PO box |
8600
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| Area code | 053 |
Vryburg is a large farming town in South Africa. It has a population of about 63,260 people. Vryburg is in the North West Province. It is an important center for farming and industry in its region.
Contents
Where is Vryburg?
Vryburg is located right in the middle of two important cities. It is halfway between Kimberley and Mahikeng. Kimberley is the capital of the Northern Cape Province. Mahikeng is the capital of the North West Province.
The town is on a major railway line. This line was planned by Cecil Rhodes. It connects Cape Town to places far north, even beyond the Victoria Falls. Vryburg is also where two main roads meet. The N14 road goes from Pretoria to Springbok. The N18 road goes from Warrenton to Botswana.
Just south of Vryburg is a township called Huhudi. In the Tswana language, Huhudi means "running water."
Vryburg's History
The Republic of Stellaland
Vryburg got its name in 1882. It was chosen as the capital of a new country called the Republic of Stellaland. The people who lived there called themselves Vryburgers. This means "free citizens." The word burg means "fortress" or "borough." So, the town was named Vryburg.
The first leader of Stellaland was G.J. van Niekerk. The town was first called Endvogelfontein. But on November 15, 1882, its name was changed to Vryburg. By February 1883, about 400 farms were set up. These farms were given to people who helped a local tribe get back their stolen cattle.
On August 16, 1883, the Republic of Stellaland was officially created. Vryburg was its capital, and Van Niekerk was its President. By 1884, Vryburg had about 20 houses.
Becoming British Bechuanaland
In 1884, an agreement called the London Convention was signed. This made Stellaland a British protectorate. This meant it was protected by the British. In 1885, the British took control of Vryburg. They made it part of British Bechuanaland. Later, in 1895, this area became part of the Cape Colony.
During the Second Boer War, the British built a camp in Vryburg. This camp was for Boer women and children.
Education and Growth
In 1904, the London Missionary Society started the Tiger Kloof Educational Institute south of Vryburg. A special stone for the building was laid in 1905. The stone church at the institute is now a national monument.
By 1910, the Cape Colony became the Cape Province. This was one of the four provinces of the Union of South Africa. Later, it became part of the Republic of South Africa. In 1994, South Africa created nine new provinces. Vryburg then became part of the North West Province.
During the Cold War, Vryburg was an important military base. It housed many aircraft and soldiers from 1971 to 1993.
Vryburg's Economy
Beef Farming
Vryburg is famous for its beef production. It is the biggest beef-producing area in South Africa. The most popular type of cattle raised here is called Bonsmara. Because of its large cattle farms, Vryburg is sometimes called "the Texas of South Africa."
Other Farm Products
Besides beef, farmers in Vryburg also grow important crops. These include Maize (corn) and peanuts. The town also hosts one of South Africa's largest agricultural shows. This show celebrates farming and local products.
Today, Vryburg is a busy center for both industry and farming. Its modern buildings fit well with the older, well-kept historical buildings.
Getting Around Vryburg
Vryburg has good connections to other major cities. You can travel by road, rail, or air. The town is on the main railway line that goes from Cape Town to Botswana and Zimbabwe.
The town also has its own airport, called Vryburg Airport.
Culture and Museums
The Theiler Museum is located near Vryburg. It is about 8 kilometers west of the town. This museum has a collection of tools and equipment. These items were used by Sir Arnold Theiler. He was a famous veterinarian who started a research institute for animal health.
Nature and Wildlife
The Leon Taljaard Nature Reserve is found northwest of Vryburg. Next to it is the Swartfontein resort. The reserve is home to many different animals. You can see Rhinos, Eland, Buffalo, Black Wildebeest, Waterbuck, and Springbuck. The reserve is open every day for visitors to enjoy.
Famous People from Vryburg
- Jamba Ulengo (born 1990), a rugby player for the Tel Aviv Heat.
