Yes, you did read the caption correctly. Polokwane (formerly Pietersburg) is indeed a city and acquired this status in 1992. For those of you who still don’t know where Polokwane, the capital of Limpopo province is, you will find this young and vibrant city on the N1 north to Zimbabwe, approximately 260 kilometres from Pretoria. Polokwane has different meanings to different people. The most popular meanings are “Place of safety” or “City of peace” or “The protected place” or “Home of peace”. Polokwane is indeed a city of peace with low crime levels where most people live together in harmony.rnrnPolokwane is seen as the gateway to Africa. Situated on the N1 highway with all the rail and air links, advanced and diversified infrastructure, the city is ideally positioned to service all the regional markets to the north of our borders. Polokwane and indeed the entire Limpopo province is regarded as one of the most sought after investment areas in South Africa. The province is currently experiencing enormous economic prosperity with the Agricultural and Mining sectors taking the lead in the province. The city is however not reliant on one or two particular industries only. Its economic investment is widely diversified and also covers commerce, tourism and manufacturing to name a few. Trade and Investment, Limpopo (TIL) is currently offering several incentive programmes which make investment in Limpopo a lot more attractive than elsewhere. Some of the largest employers in the region are Anglo American who also operates a Platinum smelter just outside Polokwane. The largest Silicon smelter in the world is also situated on the outskirts of Polokwane. Other large employers include Eskom, SA Breweries, and SA Bottling to name only a few. Almost every large retailer is represented in Polokwane. The Resilient group together with local and BEE joint venture partners are currently constructing a 75 000 square meter Regional Shopping Mall towards the east of Polokwane. Commerce and Industry is so well balanced that cyclical and seasonal fluctuations and the recent downturn in the economy only had a limited effect on business in general. Coupled with the low crime rate, stable labour force, proximity to markets, excellent infrastructure, rich mineral resources, prospering agricultural sector, mild climate throughout the year and of course the close proximity to the bush veldt and many game farmslodges, Polokwane is fast becoming a destination of choice.rnrnThe city offers some of the best primary and secondary schools, pre schools and crèches, all providing a high quality of education and tuition. Several higher education facilities are also offered such as technical colleges, University of Limpopo and a satellite campus of the University of South Africa. A large variety of churches representing most denominations are also present in Polokwane. Zion City, headquarters of the very well known Zion Christian Church is situated at the nearby town of Moria, where more than 3 million people congregate for Easter celebrations.rnrnThe Gateway International Airport on the outskirts of Polokwane was previously utilised as an Air Force base. A multi million Rand upgrading project saw the old air force base being converted into a modern international airport. The airport mainly serves Sub-Saharan Africa and can accept any kind of aircraft including cargo. Approximately 5 000 aircraft use the airport annually bringing in 38 000 passengers. Freight to the extent of 1.7 million kilograms is also handled every year. rnrnPolokwane is also regarded as the medical capital of the Limpopo province. Excellent facilities are provided via the provincial training hospital, modern and well equipped private hospital, several municipal and government clinics and some of the best general practitioners and specialists catering for virtually every specialised discipline. The full range of other professional services is also available in Polokwane. The legal profession is well represented. The Mater of the High Court of South Africa recently set up offices in Polokwane and planning is currently under way to open a branch of the Deeds Office in Polokwane. Other professional services are in abundance and include architects, town planners, engineers, quantity surveyors, human resources management, accountants, bookkeepers, estate agents, etc.rnrnThe Polokwane City Council and business community are both regarded as progressive and go to great lengths to stimulate the local economy. The aim is to create a dynamic and progressive business environment. Infrastructure development is proceeding at a rapid pace and the council intends maintaining its impressive growth record making Polokwane an attractive choice for sensible investment. The building of the new Peter Mokaba sports complex which will also be a venue for the 2010 soccer world cup provided a much needed economic injection for the city. It is worthy to note that all major banks, financial institutions and chain stores have one or more outlets in Polokwane. rnrnPolokwane also offers a wide range of sporting facilities. It is also a city of arts and culture providing one of the finest art collections of more than 700 pieces to be found outside the major centres in South Africa. Several sculptures can also be found in the many parks and public areas scattered around the city. The proximity to the Kruger National Park and several other attractions continue to attract people from across the globe. Eco and nature lovers will relish and enjoy the many nature and game reserves within easy reach from the city. The natural environment is one of the world’s richest in terms of biodiversity, wildlife and archaeological sites and popular tourist attractions. rnrnThe residential property sector has also prospered over the last few years. At the height of the property boom it was at one stage reported that Polokwane had some of the most expensive properties in the country. Several new developments have seen the light over the last few years and although Polokwane did not fully escape the effects of the global crises demand are already on the increase which will no doubt result in substantial growth in property prices in the near future. The commercial and industrial sectors also reaped the benefits of the many national companies opening branches in Polokwane or expanding their existing infrastructure. Property prices in these sectors remain very competitive. rnrnOther attractions in the Polokwane area include a quality of life equal to the best in the world, outdoor living all year round, excellent sport and recreation facilities, parks, museums, a bird sanctuary featuring some of the rare species in the country, game reserves, hiking trails, social entertainment, cultural villages, the two largest citrus estates in the world, monuments, the Makapan caves,, a Nile crocodile ranch, bird and reptile park and many more. For business owners Polokwane offers excellent conference and team building facilities and a variety of guest houses and hotels for the tourist.rnrnVisiting this naturally progressive city and its surrounds will leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed as you escape the rat race and immense yourself in its comfortable, welcoming and beautiful environment!rn
