History and Culture in Rustenburg

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Visit Maropeng en route to Rustenburg

© South African Tourism

The colourful and fascinating history and culture of Rustenburg includes a discovery significant to all of humanity – the unearthing of a 2 million-year-old fossilised child's skull – at a location known today as the Taung Heritage Site. The discovery of the so-called ‘Taung Skull' filled in another piece in the puzzle of the origin of humankind - adding impetus to existing evidence and theory that Africa is our ancestral birthplace.

When Boer and British came to blows in the South African War (Anglo-Boer War) of 1899, the territory around Rustenburg became a battlefield. The 2 sides clashed famously at nearby Mafikeng where the British garrison found itself under siege for months. These battle sites can be explored from Rustenburg. Today, Rustenburg residents belong to the Royal Bafokeng nation.

Notable historical attractions in Rustenburg include the Anglican Church on Van Staden Street, the Dutch Reformed Church (completed in 1903), the Church Square, the Kruger Monument outside the town hall and the Rustenburg Museum with its incredible archaeological history. According to the history books, Rustenburg was one of the oldest Boer settlements in the north, it was also the home of Paul Kruger. The homestead on his farm, Boekenhoutfontein, is now the Paul Kruger Country Museum.

Cultural villages in the province highlight the traditions of local communities. You'll find an authentic experience at the Mphebatho Cultural Museum, just outside the Pilanesberg Game Reserve. This museum pays tribute to the Bakgatla-ba-Kgafela people.

Remember to pay a visit to the Maropeng Visitors' Centre in the Cradle of Humankind en route to Rustenburg.