Potchefstroom

Potchefstroom is an industrial, academic, sporting and agricultural city founded in 1838. There are five tertiary institutions and 30 schools, as well as numerous research bureaus and training centers. The provincial headquarters of 17 of the most important sports are situated in the city. Steel, food processing and chemical industries thrive there and the chicken industry is of key importance.

The city has numerous museums, monuments and registered heritage sites, being steeped in history.

Since 1997 the town has hosted the annual Aardklop Arts Festival, a (mostly) Afrikaans arts festival held in late September each year.

The headquarters of the North West Command is situated in Potchefstroom and also accentuates the important role which the city plays with regard to the activities of the South African National Defence Force in North West Province.

The city has produced a great number of sportsmen (two Olympians, one who practiced by racing a train) and politicians.