Brits, South Africa
Region: Gauteng
Geographic Coordinates: -25.634400, 27.781100
Temperature Range: -5.0°C to 30.0°C (23°F to 86°F)
Climate: Seasonal with hot summers and mild winters.
Population: 122497
Language: English
Brits is a town located in the North West Province of South Africa, Around 50km north of Pretoria. It is an active industrial hub with a population exceeding 100, 000 individuals. The town was established in 1924 and named after General Hendrik Brits, Who fought against the British during the Second Boer War. One of Brits’ main attractions is Hartbeespoort Dam, Situated just outside the town. This man-made dam was constructed in 1923 and covers over 20 square kilometers. It provides water to communities throughout Gauteng and serves as a popular recreational destination for locals and tourists alike.
Visitors can partake in activities like fishing, Boating, Hiking, And picnicking while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Another well-known attraction in Brits is De Wildt Cheetah Research Centre – a non-profit organization dedicated to conserving endangered species such as cheetahs, Wild dogs, And vultures through breeding programs and public education initiatives. Tourists can take guided tours through the facility to learn about these animals’ behavior patterns while also supporting this essential conservation work.
Brits also boasts several game reserves within easy driving distance from its center that are worth visiting for wildlife enthusiasts or those looking for an authentic African safari experience. One such reserve is Pilanesberg National Park – home to Africa’s Big Five (lion, Leopard, Elephant rhino & buffalo) – which spans over 550km².
Apart from tourism activities like these mentioned above that draw visitors from across South Africa or even internationally; Brits has become known for its thriving agricultural sector with many farms producing crops like maize (corn), Sunflowers or tobacco; it’s also home to major mining operations that extract platinum-group metals from nearby deposits. The town itself offers plenty of amenities for residents too – including shopping centers like Platinum Square Mall or Madibeng Mall; medical facilities like Brits Provincial Hospital, And a wide range of schools ranging from pre-primary to tertiary institutions.
Brits is a bustling town with much to offer both visitors and residents alike. Its proximity to natural attractions such as the Hartbeespoort Dam and game reserves makes it an ideal destination for those looking for outdoor activities. The De Wildt Cheetah Research Centre is also a must-visit for anyone interested in conservation efforts. With its agricultural sector thriving and mining operations providing employment opportunities; Brits is an excellent place to live or do business in South Africa’s North West Province.
Important Landmarks
- Hartbeespoort Dam
- Elephant Sanctuary
- Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre
- De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Centre
- Lesedi Cultural Village
- The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site
- Sterkfontein Caves
- Magaliesberg Mountains
- Brits Mall
- Brits Museum
Primary Industries
- Mining: Brits is known for its platinum, chrome, and granite mines.
- Agriculture: The town has a large agricultural sector that produces citrus fruits, vegetables, and grains.
- Manufacturing: There are several manufacturing companies in Brits that produce goods such as textiles, plastics, and chemicals.
- Retail: There are numerous retail stores in the town including supermarkets, clothing stores, and hardware stores.
- Services: The service industry is also significant in Brits with businesses such as banks, restaurants, hotels, and healthcare facilities operating in the area.
Noteable History
- The Anglo-Boer War occurred between 1899 and 1902, where the British Empire fought against two Boer states. The conflict ended in the British victory and led to the establishment of the Union of South Africa.
- Nelson Mandela was an anti-apartheid revolutionary from South Africa who spent 27 years in prison before becoming the country’s first black president in 1994.
- Cecil Rhodes, a British businessman, politician, and imperialist played a significant role in colonizing and exploiting Southern Africa.
- Apartheid was an institutionalized racial segregation system enforced by South Africa’s National Party government from 1948 to 1994.
- Jan Smuts served as Prime Minister of South Africa twice during his career while being a military leader, philosopher, and statesman from South Africa.
- Mahatma Gandhi lived in South Africa for over two decades as an Indian independence activist who developed his philosophy of nonviolent resistance there.
- The Soweto Uprising took place in 1976 when black students protested against apartheid-era education policies that resulted in violent clashes with police forces.
- Oliver Tambo co-founded African National Congress Youth League with Nelson Mandela; he served as its president from 1967 to 1991 while being an anti-apartheid activist himself.
- Paul Kruger was a political leader among Boers who served as President of Transvaal Republic during Second Boer War against Britain from1883 to1900.
- Archbishop Desmond Tutu is known for his prominent work towards ending apartheid through peaceful means; he received Nobel Peace Prize for bringing peace to post-apartheid era South Africa through human rights activism.
Museums and Things To See
- The Brits Museum showcases the history and culture of the town and surrounding areas.
- The Crocodile Ramble is a scenic drive through the Magaliesberg Mountains with stops at various art galleries, craft markets, and restaurants.
- Hartbeespoort Dam is a popular recreation area with water sports, hiking trails, and wildlife sanctuaries.
- The Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve is home to over 600 animals including lions, rhinos, cheetahs, and giraffes.
- Lesedi Cultural Village offers an immersive experience of traditional South African cultures including Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi and Basotho.
- Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria commemorates the Voortrekkers who left the Cape Colony between 1835-1854 to find new land for farming further inland.
- Union Buildings in Pretoria houses the offices of South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa.
- Freedom Park in Tshwane is a museum that tells South Africa’s story from pre-colonial times to modern day.
- Maropeng Visitor Centre in Cradle of Humankind showcases one of the world’s richest fossil sites where hominid fossils were found.
- Cradle Nature Reserve offers hiking trails through beautiful scenery including caves where hominids lived millions of years ago.
Sports Teams
- The Springboks Rugby Team has a long and successful history, with two Rugby World Cup titles to their name and many legendary players.
- Kaizer Chiefs Football Club is a highly successful South African football team, known for their passionate supporters and numerous league titles.
- Manchester United Football Club may not be based in South Africa, but they have many fans in the country due to their global appeal and record-breaking success.
- The Proteas Cricket Team has been playing international cricket for over a century and has produced some of the sport’s greatest players.
- The Sharks Rugby Team is one of South Africa’s top rugby teams, with a history dating back over 100 years.
- Arsenal Football Club is another English Premier League team that enjoys a large following in South Africa thanks to their many successes over the years.
- The Stormers Rugby Team is based in Cape Town and competes at Super Rugby level against teams from Australia and New Zealand as well as within South Africa.
- Liverpool Football Club is an English professional football club that has won numerous trophies, including more European titles than any other English club, as well as multiple league cups and FA Cups.
Cultural Events
- Brits Agricultural Show is a popular event that showcases the agricultural industry in the region, with exhibitions and competitions.
- The Madibeng Jazz Festival is an annual music festival that celebrates jazz music and attracts local and international artists.
- Boeremark is a monthly market where farmers sell fresh produce, crafts, and other goods.
- The Magaliesberg Biosphere Night Run takes place at night through the Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve with a focus on conservation awareness.
- Brits Winter Festival is an annual festival featuring live music performances, food stalls, and various activities for all ages.
- The Marula Festival celebrates the harvest of marula fruit with traditional dances, music performances, and cultural displays.
- Hartbeespoort Dam Arts & Crafts Market is a weekly market showcasing local arts and crafts in a scenic location near Hartbeespoort Dam.
- The Annual Mampoerfees is an Afrikaans cultural festival where visitors can taste locally made mampoer (a type of brandy) while enjoying live entertainment from Afrikaans singers and bands.
- Rustenburg Show is an agricultural show held annually in Rustenburg which features livestock exhibitions as well as entertainment such as live band performances, food stalls etc.
- The Brits Motor Show is an annual motor show held to showcase different types of vehicles including vintage cars, trucks, bikes etc.
Cuisine
- Chesa Nyama – a popular chain of fast-food restaurants that serve grilled meat and pap (maize porridge).
- The Lemon Tree Restaurant – a family-friendly restaurant that serves traditional South African dishes like bobotie, potjiekos, and boerewors.
- Die Ou Pastorie – a fine-dining restaurant located in an old church building that serves modern South African cuisine with a European twist.
- The Grillhouse – a steakhouse that offers high-quality cuts of meat cooked to perfection.
- The Shack Pub & Grill – a casual pub-style restaurant that serves burgers, pizzas, and other comfort food.
- Steers – another popular fast-food chain that specializes in flame-grilled burgers and fries.
- Wimpy – a family-friendly restaurant chain known for its breakfasts, burgers, and milkshakes.
- Ocean Basket – a seafood restaurant chain that offers fresh fish dishes like calamari, prawns, and sushi rolls.
- Spur Steak Ranches – another well-known steakhouse chain with locations throughout South Africa.
- Mugg & Bean – A coffee shop franchise offering light meals such as sandwiches or baked goods alongside their coffee offerings.
- Brits Mall Park is a public park located near the Brits Mall that offers picnic areas, playground equipment, and walking trails.
- Olien Park is a popular recreational area in Brits that features sports fields, a swimming pool, and a skate park.
- Elandsrand Holiday Resort is an outdoor resort located on the outskirts of Brits that offers camping facilities, fishing spots, and hiking trails.
- Hartbeespoort Dam is a large dam near Brits that provides opportunities for water sports such as boating and fishing.
- Buffelspoort Valley Nature Reserve is a nature reserve situated just outside of Brits that boasts scenic hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Crocodile Ramble Route is famous for its scenic beauty with various attractions like craft shops, restaurants & accommodation options along the way.
- Hartebeespoort Cableway allows visitors to enjoy breathtaking views from atop Magaliesberg Mountains via cable car ride.
- Elephant Sanctuary offers visitors the opportunity to interact with these gentle giants in Hartbeespoort.
- Ukutula Lion Park is home to over 130 lions including rare white lions.