Polokwane

File:Battles of the nineteenth century (1901) (14595756098).jpg

In the 1840s, Voortrekkers under the leadership of Andries Hendrik Potgieter established Zoutpansbergdorp, a town {{convert|100|km|abbr=on}} to the north. This settlement had to be abandoned because of clashes with the local tribes (Lebelo, Langa & Ledwaba clans), they founded a new town in 1886 and named it "Pietersburg" in honour of Voortrekker leader Petrus Jacobus Joubert. A small number of Indian/Asian and coloured people settled into the region before the end of the 19th century. It was the capital of the Transvaal and the Orange Free State for a short time in 1900 at the time of the Second Boer War from 1899 to 1902.{{Cite web |title=Polokwane {{!}} City, Limpopo, Safari {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Polokwane |access-date=2024-04-22 |website=www.britannica.com }} The British occupied Pietersburg in 1901 and built a concentration camp to incarcerate almost 4,000 Boer women and children.

File:Pietersburg Camp, c.1901. (22473806473).jpg

Like many places in South Africa at the time of apartheid, racial segregation and inequality were fundamentally ingrained into the town,{{Cite journal |last1=Donaldson |first1=S. E. |last2=van der Merwe |first2=I. J. |date=February 1999 |title=Urban transformation and social change in Pietersburg during transition |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10289852.1999.10520169 |journal=Society in Transition |volume=30 |issue=1 |pages=69–83 |doi=10.1080/10289852.1999.10520169 |issn=1028-9852|url-access=subscription }} following the end of the Second Boer War, together with the formation of the Union of South Africa in 1910, institutional laws were in place in terms of divided urban planning which were implemented continuously throughout this era. The commencement of apartheid in 1948 meant that Pietersburg was clearly segregated in both residential regions and for business ventures.

The institutionalization of the notorious Group Areas Act in 1950 and its amendments in 1966 ensured that the spatial development of the Central Business District (CBD) was exclusively for whites and other regions of the CBD being exclusively for other races such as "Indian centre" for Indians/Asians, many regions were designated to only a specific race of people such as the suburbs of Nirvana and Westernburg at the northwest of the town only being occupied by Indian/Asian and Coloured groups respectively, while the suburb of Bendor being reserved for Whites. The townships of Seshego and Mankweng were occupied by the Black population. Removals of minority groups for white residency, whites-only owned industrial sectors and a regular barrier between people of different races were heavily enforced.{{Cite journal |last1=Donaldson |first1=S. E. |last2=Van der Merwe |first2=I. J. |date=June 1999 |title=Residential desegregation and the property market in Pietersburg 1992–1997 |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/bf03036620 |journal=Urban Forum |volume=10 |issue=2 |pages=235–257 |doi=10.1007/bf03036620 |issn=1015-3802|url-access=subscription }}{{Cite web |first= |date=10 April 2014 |title=POLOKWANE City of resilience and middle class 'bling'? |url=https://www.sacities.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Polokwane-final-report.pdf |access-date=22 April 2024 |website=South African Cities Network}}

The town officially became a city on 23 April 1992 and on 27 April 1994, it became the capital of the newly formed Northern Transvaal province (Later changed to "Northern province" and thereafter Limpopo) following the 1994 South African general elections. On 25 February 2005, the government declared the official name of the city as Polokwane, a name that was generally in use by the speakers of Northern Sotho (Sepedi). The city was host to the 52nd national conference of the African National Congress, held in December 2007 at the University of Limpopo and saw Jacob Zuma voted as President of the ANC, beating former president Thabo Mbeki.{{cite news |date=19 December 2007 |url=http://www.economist.com/node/10328276 |title=South Africa: Zuma comes out on top |newspaper=The Economist}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.sahistory.org.za/article/52nd-anc-national-conference-polokwane-2007|title=The 52nd ANC National Conference - Polokwane 2007 {{!}} South African History Online|website=www.sahistory.org.za|access-date=2019-11-18}}

Today the city of Polokwane has seen respectable development in terms of its infrastructure and services as provides a wide variety of shopping venues and malls, restaurants, entertainment venues, religious venues, civic halls, as well as modern housing developments and office buildings.

The Polokwane Municipality is run by the African National Congress (ANC) with a 60% majority obtained in the latest 2021 Municipal Elections. In a by-election held on 24 April 2024, Ward 10 was won by ANC councillor candidate [https://mankwengnews.co.za/mankweng/anc-defeats-eff-in-ward-10-polokwane/ Willie Madikoto] after the arrest and resignation of the previous Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) councillor Jacob Seshokadue due to alleged theft of firearms.

Despite the number developments the city has seen, it has been plagued with persistent issues of poor service delivery, which has led to crucial infrastructure such as electricity, water, and sewage systems to continuously be sought after in the various communities that are constantly effected by their unavailability. Public infrastructure such as traffic and street lights, roads, and sidewalks are also amongst the many problems the city's municipality faces.

The population in 2011 was about 130,000 . Roughly 45.9% of people in the city are Sepedi (Northern Sotho) speakers. A large portion of the white population are Afrikaners, and roughly 10,000 residents (roughly 8%) are English-speaking whites who are primarily South Africans of British descent and White Zimbabweans, the latter of whom primarily moved to the area since 2000. Roughly 6.7% of people are Venda people.{{Cite web|url=https://census2011.adrianfrith.com/place/974044|title = Census 2011: Main Place: Polokwane}}

The city is divided into seven clusters and forty-five wards.{{Cite web|title=City of Polokwane, Naturally Progressive, 2024/25 Integrated Development Plan |publisher=City of Polokwane |page=72 |url=https://www.polokwane.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-25-Final-IDP.pdf }}

1. Mankweng Cluster with wards: 06,07,25,26,27,28,34
2. Moletjie Cluster with wards: 09,10,15,16,18,35,36,38
3. Molepo / Chuene / Maja Cluster with wards: 1,2,3,4,5
4. Sebayeng / Dikgale Cluster with wards: 24,29,32,33,30,31
5. Aganang Cluster with wards: 40,41,42,43,44,45
6. City Cluster with wards: 08;19,20,21,22,23,39
7. Seshego Cluster with wards: 11,12,13,14,17,37

Some suburbs in the city include Nirvana, Westenburg, Bendor, Welgelegen, Moregloed, Annadale, Ivydale, Flora Park, Fauna Park, Greenside, Penina Park, Ivy Park, Hospital Park, Ster Park, Dalmada, Broadlands, Woodlands, Southern Gateway and Thornhill.{{Cite web|url=https://m.property24.com/ForSale/PopularSuburbs?CityName=Polokwane&CityId=703|title=Polokwane Property : All suburbs in Polokwane : Property24.com|website=m.property24.com|access-date=2018-06-16|archive-date=2017-12-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222052605/https://m.property24.com/ForSale/PopularSuburbs?CityName=Polokwane&CityId=703|url-status=dead}}

Besides the above-mentioned suburbs in the city, four of the clusters represent suburbs around the city:{{Cite web|url=https://www.polokwane.gov.za/City-Residents/Pages/Our-City-Our-Townships-and-Suburbs.aspx|title=Our City - Our Townships and Suburbs|website=www.polokwane.gov.za|access-date=2018-06-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617020823/https://www.polokwane.gov.za/City-Residents/Pages/Our-City-Our-Townships-and-Suburbs.aspx|archive-date=2018-06-17|url-status=dead}}

• The Seshego cluster{{Cite web|title=City of Polokwane, Naturally Progressive, 2024/25 Integrated Development Plan |publisher=City of Polokwane |page=441 |url=https://www.polokwane.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-25-Final-IDP.pdf }} - on the north-west outskirts of the city.
• Molepo/Maja/Chuene cluster - 20 km south of the city centre.
• Mankweng cluster{{Cite web|title=City of Polokwane, Naturally Progressive, 2024/25 Integrated Development Plan |publisher=City of Polokwane |page=440 |url=https://www.polokwane.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-25-Final-IDP.pdf }} - 20 km east of the city centre.
• Sebayeng/Dikgale cluster - 30 km northeast of the city centre.

The city features a semiarid climate under the Köppen climate classification. Despite its position on the Tropic of Capricorn,{{cite web|url=http://www.africanexecutive.com/modules/magazine/articles.php?article=2746|work=The African Executive|title=Profiles: History of Polokwane|date=12–19 December 2007|access-date=10 February 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707101033/http://www.africanexecutive.com/modules/magazine/articles.php?article=2746|archive-date=7 July 2011}} the climate is tempered by its position on a plateau 1230 m above sea level.{{cite web|url=http://www.southafricalogue.com/polokwane|title=Polokwane|author=Peter Baxter|work=WhyGo: South Africa|access-date=10 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100412092705/http://www.southafricalogue.com/polokwane|archive-date=2010-04-12|url-status=dead}} Average temperatures reach around {{convert|21|-|22|C|F}} in January and fall to {{convert|11|C|F}} in July. As with much of inland South Africa, Polokwane has experienced notably warmer seasons over the last decade than its long-term average.Average monthly and annual temperatures, Polokwane/Pietersburg 1932{{spaced ndash}}2007, GISS

The city has a dry climate with a summer rainy season and a pronounced dry spell during winter. Average annual rainfall is {{convert|495|mm|in|abbr=on}}, with December or (less often) January the wettest month and July the driest.GHCN monthly rainfall Pietersburg, NGDC, 1932-1992

File:Plkjacaranda.jpg trees line many streets in the city, blooming purple blossoms in October every year.|left|289x289px]]{{Weather box

| width = auto

| location = Polokwane, elevation {{convert|1224|m|ft|abbr=on}}, (1991−2020 normals, extremes 1953–present)

| metric first = yes

| single line = yes

| Jan record high C = 37.1

| Feb record high C = 38.4

| Mar record high C = 34.5

| Apr record high C = 33.9

| May record high C = 32.8

| Jun record high C = 28.6

| Jul record high C = 27.8

| Aug record high C = 32.0

| Sep record high C = 36.8

| Oct record high C = 37.0

| Nov record high C = 37.4

| Dec record high C = 36.8

| year record high C = 38.4

| Jan high C = 28.2

| Feb high C = 28.4

| Mar high C = 27.3

| Apr high C = 25.3

| May high C = 23.5

| Jun high C = 21.1

| Jul high C = 20.8

| Aug high C = 23.4

| Sep high C = 26.5

| Oct high C = 27.3

| Nov high C = 27.4

| Dec high C = 27.8

| year high C = 25.6

| Jan mean C = 22.7

| Feb mean C = 22.6

| Mar mean C = 21.4

| Apr mean C = 18.8

| May mean C = 15.8

| Jun mean C = 13.1

| Jul mean C = 12.7

| Aug mean C = 15.2

| Sep mean C = 18.6

| Oct mean C = 20.4

| Nov mean C = 21.3

| Dec mean C = 22.2

| year mean C = 18.7

| Jan low C = 17.1

| Feb low C = 16.9

| Mar low C = 15.5

| Apr low C = 12.2

| May low C = 8.2

| Jun low C = 5.2

| Jul low C = 4.6

| Aug low C = 7.0

| Sep low C = 10.6

| Oct low C = 13.5

| Nov low C = 15.2

| Dec low C = 16.6

| year low C = 11.9

| Jan record low C = 9.8

| Feb record low C = 10.6

| Mar record low C = 7.9

| Apr record low C = 3.6

| May record low C = 0.2

| Jun record low C = -3.5

| Jul record low C = -3.2

| Aug record low C = -2.4

| Sep record low C = 0.2

| Oct record low C = 5.0

| Nov record low C = 6.9

| Dec record low C = 8.8

| year record low C = -3.5

| precipitation colour = green

| Jan precipitation mm = 84.5

| Feb precipitation mm = 65.8

| Mar precipitation mm = 52.4

| Apr precipitation mm = 30.7

| May precipitation mm = 11.4

| Jun precipitation mm = 2.6

| Jul precipitation mm = 2.1

| Aug precipitation mm = 1.6

| Sep precipitation mm = 4.7

| Oct precipitation mm = 37.2

| Nov precipitation mm = 88.5

| Dec precipitation mm = 93.2

| year precipitation mm = 474.7

| unit precipitation days = 1.0 mm

| Jan precipitation days = 7.0

| Feb precipitation days = 5.5

| Mar precipitation days = 5.3

| Apr precipitation days = 3.1

| May precipitation days = 1.3

| Jun precipitation days = 0.6

| Jul precipitation days = 0.4

| Aug precipitation days = 0.2

| Sep precipitation days = 0.8

| Oct precipitation days = 3.8

| Nov precipitation days = 7.3

| Dec precipitation days = 7.9

| year precipitation days = 43.2

| Jan humidity = 69

| Feb humidity = 70

| Mar humidity = 71

| Apr humidity = 69

| May humidity = 64

| Jun humidity = 61

| Jul humidity = 58

| Aug humidity = 56

| Sep humidity = 55

| Oct humidity = 61

| Nov humidity = 66

| Dec humidity = 69

| year humidity = 64

| Jan sun = 247.1

| Feb sun = 225.0

| Mar sun = 234.8

| Apr sun = 241.3

| May sun = 280.0

| Jun sun = 265.6

| Jul sun = 280.9

| Aug sun = 289.4

| Sep sun = 274.3

| Oct sun = 268.1

| Nov sun = 235.2

| Dec sun = 238.9

| year sun = 3080.5

| source 1 = NOAA (humidity 1961–1990){{cite web

|url = https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/archive/arc0216/0253808/2.2/data/0-data/Region-1-WMO-Normals-9120/SouthAfrica/CSV/PolokwaneWO_68174.csv

|title = World Meteorological Organization Climate Normals for 1991-2020 — Polokwane

|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

|access-date = January 20, 2024}}{{cite web

| url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/pub/data/normals/WMO/1961-1990/RA-I/UA/68174.TXT

| title = Pietersburg Climate Normals 1961−1990

| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

| access-date = November 29, 2013

| archive-date = 20 April 2024

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240420160623/https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/pub/data/normals/WMO/1961-1990/RA-I/UA/68174.TXT

| url-status = dead

}}

| source 2 = Meteo Climat (record highs and lows)

{{cite web

| url = http://meteo-climat-bzh.dyndns.org/index.php?page=stati&id=768

| title = Station Pietersburg (Polokwane)

| publisher = Meteo Climat

|language = fr

| access-date = November 19, 2016}}

| date = August 2010

| source =

}}

File:NelsonMandelaCircle.jpg

The city lies roughly halfway between Gauteng ({{convert|300|km

}}) and the Zimbabwean border ({{convert|200|km}}) on the N1 highway, which connects Zimbabwe with the major cities of South Africa, such as Pretoria, Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, and Cape Town.

The R37 provincial route connects the city with Mbombela. Running east, the R71 connects the city with Tzaneen, Phalaborwa, Bushbuckridge, and the Kruger National Park. To north-east, is the R81 connecting the city with Giyani and Malamulele. The R521 connects the city with Alldays and the R567 via Seshego connects Polokwane with the N11. The R71 is also well known to bikers who ride through the city annually, making it the biggest bike meeting in Africa.

The Nelson Mandela road traffic island is situated on the outskirts of Polokwane when approaching from the direction of Johannesburg. It was built prior to the 2010 FIFA World Cup as part of beautifying the city for the event.

A number of private bus services run in the city and also services connect Polokwane to other major centres in the country.

The city is served by two airports. A public airport, the Polokwane International Airport, {{airport codes|PTG|FAPP}}{{cite web |title=FAPP - Polokwane Intl, ZA - Airport - Great Circle Mapper |url=http://www.gcmap.com/airport/FAPP |access-date=10 February 2010}} which is to the north of the city, while the smaller Pietersburg Civil Aerodrome {{airport codes||FAPI}} is at the south-east of the city.{{Cite web |title=Pietersburg Civil airport, Limpopo, South Africa |url=http://za.geoview.info/pietersburg_civil,6301543 |access-date=2018-06-16 |website=za.geoview.info }}

The city is connected to Johannesburg and other major centres by rail. Agricultural produce in the area, including tomatoes, citrus fruit, sugar cane, peanuts, tea, bananas, and avocados, is also transported by freight rail.{{cite news|url=http://www.observer.co.za/stories/freight-rail-given-boost-limpopo|title=Freight rail given boost in Limpopo|newspaper=Polokwane Observer|date=24 February 2010|access-date=8 October 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111225155424/http://www.observer.co.za/stories/freight-rail-given-boost-limpopo|archive-date=25 December 2011}}

File:Energy FM SA.jpg

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has a branch in the city.[http://www.sabc.co.za/portal/site/sabc/menuitem.6001ff5f1e8babc38b62eb68a24daeb9/ Sabc Corporate] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090918212648/http://www.sabc.co.za/portal/site/sabc/menuitem.6001ff5f1e8babc38b62eb68a24daeb9 |date=2009-09-18 }} The city also hosts a branch of the country's largest independent radio station, Jacaranda RM/FM, which is broadcast from either Pretoria, Nelspruit or Polokwane itself.[http://www.jacarandarmfm.com/ Jacaranda 94.2FM] {{webarchive|url=http://wayback.vefsafn.is/wayback/20120330122703/http%3A//www.jacarandarmfm.com/ |date=2012-03-30 }}

The first commercial radio station in Limpopo, CapricornFM, broadcasts from the city.[http://www.capricornfm.co.za/info/about/ CapricornFM] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430170143/http://www.capricornfm.co.za/info/about/ |date=2011-04-30 }} Two additional radio stations are also situated in Polokwane. These include Energy FM and Munghana Lonene FM.{{Cite web|url=http://www.polokwanecity.co.za/front-page/6141/energy-fm/|title=Energy FM|website=www.polokwanecity.co.za|access-date=2018-06-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617015300/http://www.polokwanecity.co.za/front-page/6141/energy-fm/|archive-date=2018-06-17|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://zocal.co.za/polokwane/munghana-lonene-fm/company|title=Munghana Lonene Fm , Polokwane {{!}} Zocal.co.za|website=zocal.co.za|access-date=2018-06-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617015305/https://zocal.co.za/polokwane/munghana-lonene-fm/company|archive-date=2018-06-17|url-status=dead}}

The city has a selection of locally distributed newspapers. Two notable newspapers include The Review {{Cite web|url=https://reviewonline.co.za/|title=Bosveld Review|website=Review|access-date=2018-06-16}} and The Polokwane Observer.{{Cite web|url=http://www.observer.co.za/|title=Polokwane Observer|website=Polokwane Observer|access-date=2018-06-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615011925/http://www.observer.co.za/|archive-date=2018-06-15|url-status=dead}}

The Sun International casino and hotel is in the city. Meropa Casino and Entertainment World is a Moroccan-style, 24-hour casino with various outdoor entertainment amenities such as go-karts, minigolf, and a wildlife park.{{Cite web|url=https://www.suninternational.com/meropa/|title = Entertainment Destination in Polokwane - Meropa Casino and Hotel}}

• The Bakone Malapa Northern Sotho Open-Air Museum — Depicts the traditional and modern-day lifestyle of the Bakone people. The museum is centred on a traditional village still occupied by members of the tribe, who sell various crafts to tourists. Background information can be obtained in the visitor centre. Within the museum complex are archaeological sites with remains of iron- and copper-smelting installations, as well as rock paintings from around 1000 B.C.{{cite web|url=http://www.planetware.com/pietersburg/bakone-malapa-open-air-museum-saf-np-bak.htm|title=Bakone Malapa Open-Air Museum|work=Planetware|access-date=10 February 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091207073054/http://www.planetware.com/pietersburg/bakone-malapa-open-air-museum-saf-np-bak.htm|archive-date=7 December 2009}}
• Eersteling Monuments — The site of the country's first gold crushing site and its first gold power plant are marked by monuments.{{cite web|url=http://2010.zeuzzo.co.za/sa/sa-places-see-polokwane|title=SA Places To See Polokwane|work=Zeuzzo 2010|access-date=10 February 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100414125930/http://2010.zeuzzo.co.za/sa/sa-places-see-polokwane|archive-date=14 April 2010}}
• The Hugh Exton Photographic Museum — the former Dutch Reformed Church building
• The Irish House — Historic building which functions as a museum.

File:Plkchurch.jpg

The largest Christian gathering in South Africa happens twice a year at Zion City, Moria near Polokwane at Easter and again for the September end of year festival. The Zion Christian Church's headquarters are at Zion City Moria, which is about 25 kilometres east of the city. Moria is the seat of the Zion Christian church - an entirely black denomination with about 16 million members formed in 1924 by Ignatius Lekganyane - an indigenous church to Africa that is one of the churches not established by evangelists from abroad.{{Cite web|title=Zion City at Moria in Polokwane, Limpopo|url=https://www.sa-venues.com/attractionslm/zion-city.php|access-date=2022-02-16|website=www.sa-venues.com}}

The Star of David is the symbol of the ZCC and the two congregations that make up the church are today led by the grandsons of its founder - Barnabas Lekganyane and Saint Engenas Lekganyane. The ZCC is characterised by the emphasis it places on faith healing, purification rites, dancing, night communion, river baptism, the holy spirit, taboos and prophesying. The church celebrated its 100th years of existence during their September pilgrimage in 2024 which was attended by provincial government leadership, Kings, Chiefs, congregates and other dignitaries.

The ZCC has members in every country in Africa, and in most countries of the Middle East.

The first Jewish settlers in Pietersburg arrived between 1890 and 1900 from Lithuania, Russia, and Latvia, and the Pietersburg Hebrew Congregation was founded in 1897. A synagogue was built on Jorissen Street in 1921. The Jewish community grew rapidly in the 1930s and 1940s; a larger synagogue was built in 1953 and the old synagogue was then converted into a communal hall. The number of Jews in Pietersburg began to decline from the late 1950s. In 2003, as the congregation had dwindled, the synagogue was closed and its benches, bimah, and other contents were shipped to Israel, where they were installed in the Mevasser Synagogue in Tel Mond in memory of the Pietersburg synagogue.[http://kehilalinks.jewishgen.org/pietersburg/Synagogue_History.html The History of the Pietersburg (Polokwane) Jewish Congregation]. JewishGen KehilaLinks. Retrieved on October 29, 2015.

Polokwane City and Baroka are soccer clubs based in the city.

The Pietersburg Golf Club along with the golf course was established in the late 1800s. The course comprises a full 18 holes. Retief Goosen (born 3 February 1969) was born in Pietersburg and honed his skills at the Pietersburg Golf Club.{{Cite web |title=Polokwane |url=https://satop100courses.com/course/polokwane/ |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=SA Top 100 Courses |language=en-US}}

The Polokwane Cricket Club is one of the oldest in the country and was established in 1902.{{cite web|url=http://www.observer.co.za/stories/century-old-cricket-club-make-way-2010-f |title=Century old Cricket Club to make way for 2010 Fan Park | Polokwane Observer |access-date=2010-12-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111225154138/http://www.observer.co.za/stories/century-old-cricket-club-make-way-2010-f |archive-date=2011-12-25 }} The first-class Limpopo cricket team are based in Polokwane at the Polokwane Cricket Club Ground.{{cite web |title=Limpopo Impala Cricket |url=http://www.limpopoimpalacricket.co.za/ |website=Limpopo Impala Cricket |access-date=21 November 2022 |archive-date=21 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221121083032/http://www.limpopoimpalacricket.co.za/ |url-status=dead }}

The city's suburb of Nirvana also holds an annual cricket competition called the "Nirvana Premier League" in which teams from all around the city and the province take part in.

The Limpopo Baobabs represents the city as well as the province of Limpopo in the Telkom Netball League. Lenize Potgieter was also born in Polokwane.{{citation needed|date=August 2023}}

Noordelikes Rugby Club is an amateur rugby club based in the city.http://www.polokwane.org.za/index.php?view_page+559{{dead link|date=July 2017}}

From 2013 to 2015, the city hosted a provincial team, the Limpopo Blue Bulls, in the Vodacom Cup, as a feeder team to the Blue Bulls of Pretoria.{{cite news |title=Limpopo set for Vodacom Cup |date=16 January 2012 |publisher=Sport 24 |url=http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/Limpopo-to-get-Vodacom-Cup-side-20120116}} The team broke several unwanted records, including the biggest first class loss in South African rugby history, when they lost 161–3 to the {{Rut|Golden Lions}} on 27 April 2013.{{Cite web |date=2013-04-28 |title=Volmink sets SA record |url=https://rugbyredefined.wordpress.com/2013/04/28/volmink-sets-sa-record/ |access-date=2023-08-03 }}

Springbok rugby captain, Victor Matfield grew up in Pietersburg.

Former Springbok rugby captain John Smit was born in Pietersburg.{{citation needed|date=August 2023}}

The city has a number of swimming clubs. Former Olympic gold-medalist and world-record swimmer Lyndon Ferns is from the city.

A large tennis club is situated in the city, and various local tournaments are held regularly.

In 2017, Gift Ngoepe, born in Pietersburg, became the first African player in the Major League Baseball, playing shortstop and second base for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Ngoepe's mother Maureen managed the baseball clubhouse in Randburg, near Johannesburg. Ngoepe's brother Victor also plays in the Pirates' farm system{{cite news |title=First African to Play in the Major Leagues Is a 'Pinnacle' for Baseball |author=Tyler Kepner |date=8 May 2017 |newspaper=The New York Times |page=D1 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/08/sports/baseball/gift-ngoepe-south-africa-pittsburgh-pirates.html}}

File:Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Limpopo, South Africa (8714600990).jpg

• Peter Mokaba Stadium, constructed for the 2010 FIFA World Cup{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/destination/stadiums/stadium=5007758/index.html |publisher=FIFA |title=Peter Mokaba Stadium: the stadiums for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528122008/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/destination/stadiums/stadium%3D5007758/index.html |archive-date=2010-05-28 }}
• Pietersburg Stadium

The city provides access to various nature and wildlife viewing opportunities for ecotourists. The Polokwane Bird and Reptile Park is home to over 280 species of birds. The Polokwane Game Reserve houses various South African species of wildlife, birdlife, and plants in an unspoiled bushveld environment. The Moletzie Bird Sanctuary protects rare birds like the Cape vulture. The Modjadji Rainforest near Duiwelskloof holds the largest concentration of indigenous cycads in the world, and Cheune Crocodile Farm provides a place to learn about the life of crocodiles.

An extensive art collection is preserved in the city's art gallery, open to the public. The city has more public sculptures per capita in its parks than elsewhere in South Africa. It was also the first city to unveil a bust of the ex-president Nelson Mandela in its City Square (Civic Gardens), and it was authorised by Nelson Mandela personally.{{Cite web |url=http://www.polokwane247.com/about-polokwane/ |title=Polokwane (Pietersburg) the capital of Limpopo |access-date=2017-12-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180122130018/http://www.polokwane247.com/about-polokwane/ |archive-date=2018-01-22 |url-status=dead }}

The city is considered the premier hunting destination in South Africa.{{Cite news|url=http://blog.sa-venues.com/visitorials/love-polokwane-2013/|title=I Heart Polokwane Because - South Africa Travel News|date=2013-07-30|work=South Africa Travel|access-date=2018-06-16}}

The city hosts several major industries such as Coca-Cola,{{Cite news|url=http://www.cocacola.co.za/bottling_profile_coca_cola_fortune.aspx|title=Home|access-date=2018-06-16}} Freshmark (a division of Shoprite Checkers), and South African Breweries.[http://www.sablimited.co.za/sablimited/view/sablimited/en/page400 SAB Limited - Sites and locations] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100115090248/http://www.sablimited.co.za/sablimited/view/sablimited/en/page400 |date=2010-01-15 }} As the capital of the Limpopo province, the city also has a large commercial area with the four largest banks in the country all having at least three branches in the city.

The city was well known for its manufacturing facility in Seshego of Tempest radios and hi-fis, the largest employer in the region.

The Tshwane University of Technology, Capricorn TVET College, and the University of South Africa have satellite campuses in the city.[http://www.tut.ac.za/About%20Us/ About Us] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100429220230/http://www.tut.ac.za/About%20Us/ |date=2010-04-29 }}, Tshwane University of Technology[http://www.unisa.ac.za UNISA] The University of Limpopo's Turfloop campus is situated about 30 km east of Polokwane.

File:Savannah Mall, Polokwane, Limpopo, South Africa (10185861304).jpg

• Mall of the North{{Cite web|url=http://www.mallofthenorth.co.za/|title=Mall of the North {{!}} Welcome to great shopping|website=www.mallofthenorth.co.za|access-date=2018-06-16}}
• Savannah Mall{{Cite web |title=Savannah Mall - where shoppers feel at home and return {{!}} Savannah Mall |url=https://www.savannahmall.co.za/ |access-date=2024-05-12 |website=www.savannahmall.co.za}}

• Cycad Centre{{Cite web |last=Morrison |first=Craig |title=Cycad Centre |url=https://moolmangroup.co.za/portfolio/cycad-centre/ |access-date=2024-05-12 |website=Moolman Group |language=en-ZA}}
• The Greenery{{Cite web |last=Morrison |first=Craig |title=The Greenery |url=https://moolmangroup.co.za/portfolio/the-greenery/ |access-date=2024-05-12 |website=Moolman Group |language=en-ZA}}

Polokwane is a sister city with:

• {{flagicon|Italy}} Reggio Emilia, Italy
• {{flagicon|Zimbabwe}} Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

• Lyndon Ferns, Olympic gold-medalist and former world record swimmer
• Sylvia Glasser, choreographer
• Retief Goosen, professional golfer who was in the top ten in the Official World Golf Ranking for over 250 weeks between 2001 and 2007
• Dawie Groenewald, game farmer and convicted wildlife trafficker
• Lucas Malan, Afrikaans academic and poet
• Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters and former ANC Youth League president
• Isaac Lesiba Maphotho, anti-apartheid activist, African National Congress (ANC) member and Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) veteran
• Victor Matfield, former South African national rugby team captain
• Peter Mokaba, controversial anti-apartheid activist
• Mvzzle, DJ and record producer known for producing "Umlilo" by DJ Zinhle
• Gift Ngoepe, professional baseball player
• Tlou Segolela, professional football player
• Caster Semenya, middle-distance runner and world champion
• John Smit, former South African national rugby team captain
• Marthinus van Schalkwyk, former Minister of Tourism in the Cabinet of South Africa
• Frederik van Zyl Slabbert, political analyst, businessman and politician

By 1931, the Pietersburg municipal council had assumed a pseudo-heraldic "coat of arms". The shield depicted a crossed pick and shovel, two crossed wheatsheaves, and the date 1904 surrounded by a ribbon and bearing the motto {{lang|la|Labor omnia vincit}}. The crest was an ostrich.The arms were depicted on a [http://www.ngw.nl/heraldrywiki/index.php?title=Category:UTC_South_African_town_arms cigarette card] issued in 1931.

File:Pietersburg (Polokwane) Coat of Arms 1931 to 1967.jpg

A proper coat of arms was designed in the 1960s. It was registered with the Transvaal Provincial Administration in August 1967Transvaal Official Gazette 3288 (30 August 1967). and at the Bureau of Heraldry in September 1969.[https://archive.today/20120629122538/http://www.national.archsrch.gov.za/sm300cv/smws/sm300dl]

The arms were : Azure, on a fess Argent, between in chief a lion passant Argent, armed and langued Gules, and in base two chevrons humette, and a horseshoe Argent, placed 2 and 1, two cogwheels Gules. In layman's terms, this was a blue shield displaying, from top to bottom, a silver lion with red tongue and claws, a silver stripe bearing two red cogwheels, and two silver chevrons and a horseshoe.

The crest was a golden eagle, and the motto, once again, was Labor omnia vincit.

File:SADF era Pietersburg Commando emblem.jpg

The Pietersburg municipal council registered a new coat of arms at the Bureau in October 2003.

The arms are: Vert, on a fess Argent, a woven grain basket, between two hoes with blades turned inward proper, their handles towards centre-base counterchanged Or and issuant from a voided cogwheel the inner ring cotised Argent, therein a sun Or; on a chief of the last a short-clawed Lark (Mirafra chuana) perched upon a leaf of the silky thorn tree (Acacia rehmanniana) proper, between two demi-peaks with points embattled Brunatre, issuant from the respective shield flanks. In layman's terms, the shield depicts, from top to bottom, (1) a short-clawed lark perched on an acacia leaf between two stylised peaks, (2) a woven grain basket between two hoes on a silver background, and (3) a silver cogwheel on a green background.

Above the shield is a brown rustic crown. The motto is Unity - Equity - Progress - Prosperity.

File:Polokwane (Pietersburg) Coat of Arms 2003-.jpg

{{Reflist}}

• {{Official website|www.polokwane.gov.za}}
• [http://www.cdm.org.za Capricorn District Municipality website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126064428/https://www.cdm.org.za/ |date=2020-11-26 }}
• {{Wikivoyage inline|Polokwane}}

{{Provincial capitals of South Africa}}

{{Capricorn District Municipality}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Pietersburg}}

Category:Polokwane

Category:1886 establishments in the South African Republic

Category:Populated places established in 1886

Category:Populated places in the Polokwane Local Municipality

Category:Provincial capitals in South Africa

Category:Populated places founded by Afrikaners

Category:Second Boer War concentration camps

Category:Cities in South Africa