Lephalale is a town found in the Waterberg area of Limpopo Province. Small in stature and a mere 60 km from the Botswana border near Stockport, Lephalale is known for its coal mining industry as well as for hosting the largest direct dry-cooled power station in the world, Matimba. This explains how the town acquired its affectionate term, The Heartbeat of the Bushveld.
The town’s unique natural beauty such as its picture-perfect scenery, clear streams, bushveld and magnificent mountains are all notable attractions that require mindful sustenance. The development of the dry-cooled power station was encouraged by the area’s reduced water supply. This invention allows for less water usage, thus decreasing its impact on the local environment.
Touted as one of the most rapidly expanding municipalities in South Africa, Lephalale, along with its active coal mining industry, also has a large farming community. Farming in Lephalale includes cattle, tobacco, watermelons, table grapes and vegetables. This range of farming initiatives is a great indicator of the high agricultural potential of the region.
One standout farming avenue is the production of table grapes. Lephalale table grapes have a two-week jumpstart compared to other table grape producers; locally and internationally, Lephalale is head and shoulders above the rest. This, in turn, allows for a notable competitive edge over other grape producers in the industry, making it a profitable investment for commercial farmers in the area.