For the most part, Rustenburg resembles a typical small South African town with none of the frenzy associated with a city. However, the town has big plans under way. The local municipality will build an International Convention Centre (ICC) following in the footsteps of Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town, says Executive Mayor Mpho Khunou.

The R683 million project will be funded through municipal infrastructure grants. In conjunction with two hotels as well as retail outlets and a possible residential development nearby (all excluded from the estimated cost), the convention centre will go a long way to establishing the town as a serious conference destination, especially in the mining sector.

Rei Engels, owner of Sparkling Waters Hotel and Spa in Rustenburg, says the town and surrounds has great potential as a conference and meetings destination. “I don’t foresee any challenges apart from a lack of marketing. Our proximity to Gauteng makes Rustenburg the ideal out-of-town venue,” Engels says.

Willim Bierman, Acting GM of the Orion Group’s Safari Lodge, agrees, saying there is a great deal of potential. “There are already a wide range of facilities that cater for any budget,” he adds. “Rustenburg is mostly known for its mining activities but there are many businesses in the area and mining should not be the only consideration.”

Rustenburg also has a strong government presence. “Many of the North West provincial government offices, such as social development, arts, sports and culture and traditional affairs are located here,” says Bierman.

The town’s leadership believes an ICC will give the town a much-needed boost to expose it to the corporate world. With expressions of interest set to be invited in the next financial year, the project, however, is still a long way off.