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Mafikeng (previously Mafeking), “The City of Goodwill” is situated in the North West Province and is about 25 kilometres south of the Botswana Border. The city was built on the banks of the Upper Molopo River and is within close proximity to The Madibi Goldfields. Mafikeng was originally the capital of the BaRolong people and is a Setswana name meaning "Place of Stones". Its name refers to the volcanic rocks that provided temporary shelter to Stone Age humans during their hunts on animals drinking water from the Molopo River. This name was given to the area in 1852 by early BaRolong chiefs who had settled along the river, near the present-day village of Rooigrond, after the upheaval of the "Difequane". The "Difequane" was a period of inter-tribal war, aggravated by the passage of the exiled Zulu chief, Mzilikazi, through the area. The town was founded in the 1880s by British mercenaries who were granted land by a BaRolong chief. The settlement was originally named Mafikeng; later British settlers spelt this as ‘Mafeking’, by which name it became known.

At the turn of the 20th century, Mafeking became the centre of international focus when it was besieged by Boer forces. This became known as The Siege of Mafeking and lasted 217 days. Mafikeng was a very important strategic location during the war because it was a railhead and gateway to the Bechuanaland Protectorate (now Botswana) and Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe).

For many years the mentality of ‘Empire and Colonialism’ predominated over Mafikeng's place in history and little relevance was placed on the role of black people in the town's history. Since 1995, much has been done to correct this imbalance and the dominant tribe in the area, the BaRolong-Boora-Tshidi, has done much to change these perceptions.

Tourism in very important to the city and it is investing highly in this sector. With its rich history and culture, the city will keep you occupied and entertained. Many tourists are actually surprised at what the town has to offer and that it’s not all Anglo-Boer War-related.

There is a list of great activities for you in the city. Firstly, why not visit the Mafikeng Museum to view the extensive ethnographic and Anglo-Boer War exhibits. Or head south-east of Mafikeng to Kanon Kopje, a defensive fort built during the Warren Expedition of 1885. Nearby is the Kgotla of the BaRolong Boora Tshidi, the tribal meeting place of Chief Montshoia. A monument honouring the BaRolong who died during the Siege of Mafiking stands beside another in recognition of Kgosi Besele Montshoia, head of the BaRolong Regiment during the siege. Also nearby is the Mafikeng Siege Cemetery. For golfing enthusiasts, there are two golf courses: the Leopard Park Golf Club, located in the western suburbs and the Mafikeng Golf Club.

If you would like to include a safari on your Mafekeng trip, you can do so within the 4600 hectare Mafikeng Game Reserve. It hosts a wide variety of game and is one of the principal breeding parks for White Rhino. The Manyane Game Lodge features a lion enclosure and crocodile camp. And just 30 km west of the city, the Botsalano Game Reserve is a popular weekend attraction for game viewing.

Mafikeng has great accommodation on offer including excellent hotels, guesthouses and bed & breakfast establishments. There is a casino located at the Tusk Mmabatho Casino Resort.

Photograph thanks to Chris Wiles Photography