Springbok
Description
Set in a narrow valley bisecting the granite domes of the Klein Koperberge (small copper mountains), Springbok is the capital of Namakwa and the administrative, commercial, farming and industrial centre. Situated close to the intersection of the N7 and N14 national roads the town is 550km from Cape Town, 1 247km from Johannesburg and 113km from Vioolsdrift on the Namibian border. Springbok's colourful history is closely linked to that of the copper industry and is the site of the first commercial mining operations in the country.
The first copper mine was brought into operation in 1852 by the mining concern of Philips and King and was purchased for 750 pounds from the Cloete family (the farm Melkboschkuil) and in 1862 the town of Springbokfontein was laid out.
In the late 1870s, rich copper deposits were discovered to the north at Okiep and potential miners flocked to the scene of the new discovery, yet because of the continued supply of drinkable water from the spring of Springbok, the rown became a centre for the mining prospectors. Easy access, exellent accommodation and a well-developed commercial infrastructure make Springbok an essential tourist stopover.
Contact Details
Springbok's Regional Tourism Office is situated in the main road which is Voortrekker Street. Tel 027 712 8035/6
Dutch Reformed Church
Springbok town
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