Springbok, Northern Cape

Springbok
A view of Springbok from "Klipkoppie"
Springbok  Springbok shown within Northern Cape
Coordinates: 29°40′S 17°53′E / 29.667°S 17.883°ECoordinates: 29°40′S 17°53′E / 29.667°S 17.883°E
Country	South Africa
Province	Northern Cape
District	Namakwa
Municipality	Nama Khoi
Established	1862
Area[1]
• Total	37.56 km^2 (14.50 sq mi)
Elevation	950 m (3,120 ft)
Population (2011)[1]
• Total	12,790
• Density	340/km^2 (880/sq mi)
Racial makeup (2011)[1]
• Black African	4.1%
• Coloured	79.9%
• Indian/Asian	0.5%
• White	14.7%
• Other	0.7%
First languages (2011)[1]
• Afrikaans	95.1%
• English	1.7%
• Other	3.2%
Postal code (street)	8240
PO box	8240
Area code	027

Springbok is the largest town in the Namaqualand area in the Northern Cape province of South Africa. As of 2001 it had a population of 10,294. Springbok is located on the N7 national road which connects the Cape with Namibia, and at the western end of the N14, which connects it with Upington and Pretoria. It is the main town of the Nama Khoi Local Municipality, which also includes a number of surrounding towns such as Okiep and Nababeep.

The town lies at an elevation of 1,007 metres (3,304 feet) in a narrow valley between the high granite domes of the Klein Koperberge (Small Copper Mountains). This name gives away the reason for the early settlement which gradually turned into a major commercial and administrative centre for copper mining operations in the region. Even though mining activities have dwindled, the town remains an important administrative capital in the region and due to its location a favourite stopover for tourists on their way to Namibia. Today the main income is generated from tourism, mining activities, commerce and farming.

The streets lead off from a central little koppie (hill) which now shows off Namaqualand’s strange flora, such as the almost leafless Quiver tree whose branches were used by San people to hold their arrows. This area is famed for the incredible transformation which occurs every spring, when the near-lifeless scrubland explodes into colour from thousands of flowers hidden in the dry dusty earth, brought to life by winter rains. One of the best places to view this phenomenon is at the Goegap Nature Reserve, a short distance south-east of the town. Apart from its spring flowers and various large antelope species, the reserve is also known for its collection of rare drought resistant succulents.

History

The old Dutch Reformed Church in Springbok, situated in the heart of the town.

The town was founded on the farm Melkboschkuil when the farm was purchased from Kowie Cloete for £750 (£573,000^[2] or ZAR6,705,520^[3] in 2010) in 1852 so as to establish a copper mine. In 1862 the town of Springbokfontein was laid out. The -fontein (fountain) was dropped in later years.^[4]

The "Klipkoppie" was used during the Second Boer War as a fort by the Boers under General Manie Maritz as it provided an excellent vantage point across the valley. Remains of stone walls inside the koppie can still be seen today. Next to the "Klipkoppie" and the Springbok Cafe is the beautiful Klipkerk (Stone Church) which was built in 1921.

Gallery

• 

  Flowering Desert

• 

  Goegap Nature Reserve

• 

  Springbok at dusk

• 

  Springbok from the old cemetery

References

1. "Main Place Springbok". Census 2011.
2. Measuring Worth, Relative Value of a UK Pound Amount - average earnings, retrieved on the 02/07/2010
3. XE.com, Universal Currency Converter, retrieved on the 02/07/2010
4. Namaqualand municipal tourist information, History of Springbok