Witbank and the ‘Black Gold’ of South Africa, coal, are intimately linked historically and economically. During the mid 1800’s farmers settled on the Highveld and took coal from outcrops in riverbeds for cooking and heating purpose. Witbank Colliery was established by Samuel Stanford and the Neumann Group on the farm Zeraatzfontein (popularly known as Leraats-fontein). The name Witbank was derived from the quartz outcrop, which according to the words of Thomas Baines “loomed like a wagon tent in the distance”. The town was laid out in 1903 and Samuel Stadford erected the first wood and iron building, consisting of a shop and a hotel. Towards the west of Witbank a railway station, called Clewer, was operated by the Nederlandsche Zuid Afrikaansche Spoorweg maatschappij (NZASM) and can still be seen today.

Industrial Development

The first power station in the area came into operation in 1926. Various investments followed of which is more notable are those of Transalloys, Vantra, Highveld Steel, Rand Carbride and Polifin. The abundance of good quality coal also led to growth in exports. The coal mines presently in operation mostly use the opencast mining method, due to the close proximity of coal to the surface. Mining houses such as Amcoal, Ingwe and the JCI are the main operators

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Johannesburg 120 km (east), Middelburg 27 km, Nelspruit 220 km, Pretoria 100 km (east)

Average Rainfall: 300 mm per annum

Banks

Absa, Boland Bank, FNB, NBS, Nedbank, Peoples Bank, Saambou, Standard

NATURE

Witbank Dam

It is the largest municipal dam in the southern hemisphere and Africa. All types of water sport can be enjoyed at the dam. Other recreation facilities includes fishing, putt-putt, supertube, tennis courts, roller-skating, miniature trains and a play park.

Witbank Nature Reserve

Next time you pass the Witbank Nature Reserve sign along the N4, go and see what it is all about. The reserve is situated on the banks of the Groot Olifants River and will be surely worth all the trouble. The reserve boasts a number of hiking trails. There is the existing Kiepersol Trail for the more relaxed hiker, as well as a new trail for the more relaxed hiker, as well as a new trail for the more serious hiker. The reserve is home to a variety of birds, game and diverse is home to a variety of birds, game and diverse vegetation. The bird population includes an impressive 173 species. The birds are a mix between the Middleveld and Highveld species. Recently a breeding pair of Fish Eagle was detected. The more interesting bird species include: Black Eagle, Osprey and Caspian Tern. Game include springbok, blesbok, eland, zebra, grey rhebuck and black wildebeest or gnu. Recently kudu and impala were also introduced. Small game includes duiker and steenbok. The reserve has nearly 50 different tree species and about 150 flower varieties. Amongst these the rare ground rochids and Gladioli types can be found. Both the reserve and recreation resort are situated next to the Witbank Dam

ATTRACTIONS

Banquet Hall

The romantic Banquet Hall provides all the basic needs for special receptions. A fully equipped kitchen and bar are available to caterers. This symbol of excellence is complemented by the largest single crystal chandelier in the southern hemisphere.

Foyer

The dignified foyer welcomes patrons to an atmosphere of social warmth.

The Town Hall

The Town Hall with it’s spring floor serves as a multipurpose hall, catering for a great variety of functions and presentations, from popular music concerts to congresses and seminars. One of the main attractions is the Wurlitzer pipe organ.

ACTIVITIES

Hiking

Cycad Hiking Trail

Offers pictorial views

Accommodation in and around Witbank