Polokwane is booming! Here's why!

Polokwane is a modern city built on rich history and heritage. The discovery of gold south of the town in the 1880's attracted investors, researchers, and scientists from all parts of the world. The need for a nearby town was soon recognized which led to Pietersburg being established. The town was named after the Boer leader Piet Joubert, and after 1994 it was changed to Polokwane - 'Place of Safety'.

While gold mining has ceased in Polokwane, other avenues of interest prevail dominant in the city. According to www.polokwane.gov.za, community services contribute to about 32% of the local economy, finance 23%, and the trade sector at 22%, amongst other industries. Although at 1%, agriculture also plays a pivotal role in Polokwane's economy. Fresh produce which was originally farmed to feed the local community in the past, is now exported to all corners of South Africa as well as abroad.

Interestingly enough, the economic activity in Polokwane is circular. Companies hire local residents to provide goods and services which are often manufactured in the town itself. Creating jobs for locals, in turn, allow for them to have more buying power and reinvest into the economy of Polokwane by the means of retail, wholesale and trade sectors.

Reasons why investors are targeting Polokwane:
- Good access to Africa's markets and developed trade support facilities;
- Developed infrastructure connecting Limpopo to the rest of the Southern African Development Community region, as well as the world;
- The town has excellent investment opportunities along with a business-friendly environment;
- Top-rate telecommunication systems are in place;
- Transparent and fair-trading practices are abided by;
- Government policies ensure political and economic stability in the country;
- Competitive investment incentives in place;
- Skilled and semi-skilled labour force available;
- Unsurpassed quality of life for residents.

Fun Fact: Limpopo province's landmass of 125 755km accounts for 10.3% of South Africa, and the provincial population of 5.5 million represents 10.4% of the national population.

Reasons why tourists target Polokwane:
Polokwane is popular for its many historical sites, including the site of the Anglo-Boer War concentration camp, along with the museums and art galleries that show-off their extensive collections of the stories about how Polokwane has progressed through the centuries. One such attraction is the Hugh Exton Photographic Museum. The museum showcases an extensive collection of early photographs taken between l892 and 1945. The collection is of great historical value and is housed at the Dutch Reformed Church.

As the temperature in Polokwane is generally warm, it is ideal for sports, recreation and general outdoor living throughout the year. The Polokwane Golf Club was opened in 1863, making this the oldest golf course in South Africa. The club is a predominant social and sporting mecca for the community of Polokwane. The club offers a variety of sporting and leisure activities for all ages.

Polokwane is very popular with eco-tourists as a result of the various nature and wildlife viewing opportunities available, such as the Polokwane Game Reserve. The reserve is made up of 3200 hectares of scenic acacia grassland environment and is a convenient 15-minute drive from the city centre. The reserve houses 52 mammal species, like the rhinos, giraffes and sable antelope. Over 200 bird species have further been recorded at the reserve. Several picnic sites along with hiking and horse trails are also available for visitors. The Polokwane Bird and Reptile Park, Cheune Crocodile Farm, Moletzie Bird Sanctuary, and Modjadji Rainforest near Duiwelskloof are similar attractions in Polokwane which contribute to the tourism sector of the economy.

If you are keen on securing your investment in this thriving city, contact RealNet Polokwane today for more information. Our agents will fill you in on how you can get the best residential or commercial property to suit your needs.