Fast Facts

Fast facts

• The municipality forms part of the Cradle of Humankind, a Unesco World Heritage Site where evidence of hominid habitation has been documented stretching back some two‐million years.

• The West Rand district extends 4 066km2 in area
• The population is 744 149 (2001) with a density of 182 people per km2
• Gold mining on the West Rand began in 1933 with the discovery of the carbon leader reef
• Western Deep is the world’s deepest mining shaft, plunging some 3.6km into the earth
• The district is largely rural and in addition to its fascinating geology, features some of the most varied topography in Gauteng
• Lanseria International Airport offers an alternative point of entry to OR Tambo International, while the district is served by a network of paved secondary roads which joins the national highway system to the east.

People and economy

• The West Rand Development Agency is focused on balanced and integrated growth in this mineral‐rich and geographically beautiful region
• Gold and uranium mining are major economic contributors and old mine tailings are reprocessed using modern technology. The district is focused on attracting downstream mining industries like refining and beneficiation.
• Agriculture is a mainstay of the region. Maize yields are excellent, and cattle, vegetables and cut flowers are farmed for both local and export markets. Nearby Lanseria.
• Airport provides an air link for exporting produce.
• Growth in the tourism industry has exceeded expectations and further marketing efforts and amenity development is a priority.

Attractions at a glance

• The Magaliesberg is famous for its hot‐air ballooning, microlighting, the Magalies Express steam train, horse riding, fly fishing and walks, hikes and rock climbing.  Then there are art galleries, restaurants and tea houses and interesting shops in Magaliesburg village and surrounds.
• Authentic cultural experiences offered from taverns, dancers, choirs, performers & crafters in our developing townships.
• Guided tours of two of South Africa’s gold mines at Kromdraai and Magaliesburg are both geologically and historically informative
• The Sterkfontein Caves, within the Cradle of Humankind, are the source of numerous palaeontological treasures. The complex was revamped in 2005 to include a restaurant with outdoor seating suitable for tea or lunch.
• Nearby, the architecturally intriguing Maropeng Visitor’s Centre is an interpretive facility for the 47 000ha Cradle of Humankind site. Maropeng means “returning to the place of origin” in Setswana, and the self guided exhibition will indeed return you to the dawn of time. In addition, visitors can take an underground boat trip, ride into the future and ponder what it means to be human. A luxurious hotel offers on‐site accommodation.
• Muldersdrift area is a hugely popular road route which takes in diverse attractions showcasing the Big Five game viewing, luxury resorts and spas, fine crafters from South Africa and beyond, particularly carving, and a local brewer.
• Accommodation in this district is extensive and varies from game lodges to cute country self catering cottages and mountain resorts.