North West
- Province: North West
- Population: 4,213,293 (2022 Census)
- Area code: Varies by region within the province, but some key codes include 018 (Mahikeng, Potchefstroom, Klerksdorp), 014 (Rustenburg, Brits), and 053 (Vryburg, also extends into Free State).
- Established: April 27, 1994
- GDP: ZAR 373.181 billion (approximately US$22.887 billion) in 2022.
Municipality
The North West province is divided into four district municipalities:
- Bojanala Platinum District Municipality
- Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality
- Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality
- Dr. Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality
These district municipalities are further subdivided into 18 local municipalities
History
The history of the North West province is deeply shaped by its rich mineral resources, particularly platinum. Historically, the area was inhabited by various Tswana-speaking communities. During the colonial era, the region saw the establishment of Boer republics, notably the South African Republic (Transvaal) and later the independent Republic of Bophuthatswana, an apartheid-era "homeland." Bophuthatswana gained a degree of international recognition due to its casinos and entertainment resorts (like Sun City), even though its independence was largely unrecognized internationally. With the end of apartheid in 1994, the North West province was formed by merging parts of the old Transvaal Province and the entirety of the former Bophuthatswana homeland. The province has significant historical sites related to the struggle against apartheid and the broader history of South Africa.
Education
The North West province has a developing education sector, overseen by the provincial Department of Education. It comprises numerous primary and secondary schools across its urban and rural areas.
For higher education, the province is home to:
North-West University (NWU): A prominent multi-campus university with major campuses in Potchefstroom, Mahikeng, and Vanderbijlpark (the latter being in Gauteng). It offers a wide range of academic programs and is known for its research.
Vuselela TVET College (Klerksdorp, Mahikeng, Brits, Jouberton) and other TVET colleges provide vocational training.
Law and Government
The North West Provincial Government is headquartered in Mahikeng (formerly Mafikeng), which is the provincial capital.
The North West Provincial Legislature is the legislative body responsible for enacting provincial laws and overseeing the executive.
The Premier of the North West, elected by the provincial legislature, leads the Executive Council (provincial cabinet).
The North West Division of the High Court of South Africa has its main seat in Mahikeng, with local seats in other major towns like Klerksdorp and Rustenburg, handling legal matters within the province.
The four district municipalities and their constituent local municipalities are responsible for local governance and service delivery across the North West.
