The Southern Region of the North West is a major agricultural centre.The Southern Region borders the Free State in the south and Gauteng to the east and is a major agricultural centre focusing on maize and sunflower farming. Mining also plays a role in the economy.
The major towns in this region are Potchefstroom and Klerksdorp, both of which were founded by the Voortrekkers in the late 1830's, and are situated roughly 100km from Johannesburg.
Potchefstroom is an academic city, best known for being the host of the annual Aardklop Festival, a mostly Afrikaans national arts festival.
The Vredefort Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005, is internationally recognized as the biggest meteorite impact site in the world, with a diameter of over 250km. Although its centre is in the Free State, it extends far into the North West Province.
Location of Southern Region, North West, South Africa.The area has become a popular outdoor adventure destination with excellent hiking and mountain biking trails in hills, as well as canoeing and fishing opportunities on the Vaal River.
