Lichtenburg is a small town situated at the intersection of the R52 Provincial Route with the R503 and R505 Regional Routes in the North West Province of South Africa.
Lichtenburg falls within the Ditsobotla Local Municipality under the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality of the North West Province. It is the administrative centre and seat of Ditsobotla Local Municipality.
Lichtenburg lies 1,459 metres (4,787 ft) above sea level and is located approximately 226 km west of Johannesburg on the main route to Mmabatho. It is also located about 21.9 km south-east of Bakerville and 99.4 km north-east of Delareyville.
The climate in Lichtenburg is healthy and moderate. Frost occurs in winter but the days are pleasantly sunny. As a result of natural water resources and wide-open spaces it has a natural charm and is a true oasis in an otherwise slightly arid North West Province.
The main economic activity in Lichtenburg is the production of maize (corn) and meat. The town lies in the heart of the maize triangle, which is the main maize growing area in South Africa.
Another major economic activity is the production of cement. Within an 80 km radius of Lichtenburg, there are four major cement producers, which creates opportunities for long-distance transport and related businesses.
History
The town was established in 1873 and was named Lichtenburg (Town of Light) by Transvaal President Thomas François Burgers.
On the 13 March 1926, Jacobus Voorendyk, discovered a diamond on his family farm and within 12 months there were 108,000 fortune seekers on the scene. The resulting diamond rush lasted ten years.
