Focus on South Africa’s Northern Cape Province
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Focus on South Africa’s Northern Cape Province
The Northern Cape presents many opportunities despite a range of challenges.
By Leon Louw founder of WhyAfrica and editor of the WhyAfrica magazine
During the first 14 days of WhyAfrica’ s 2025 Road Trip, our focus will shift to the Northern Cape Province of South Africa where embattled iron ore and manganese miners are fighting an uphill battle against a slate of challenges.
We’ll follow the manganese and iron ore export trail to the west coast of South Africa through the harsh beauty of the Kalahari before heading north to where the Orange River deposited its load of Kimberlite diamonds on the Atlantic coastline of Namibia and South Africa thousands of years ago.
Mining and conservation in focus
On our way, we’ll visit several exploration and mining operations in the iron ore, manganese, zinc/lead, copper and diamond sectors. We’ll also have a look at an agricultural project or two, a few quarries and the abundant energy projects in the province.
Most importantly we’ll find out more about the fantastic initiatives underway at South African National Park’s spectacular parks across the region.
Exploration and illegal mining
The Northern Cape has been in the news lately for several reasons. Amongst other controversial issues illegal diamond mining and the proposed oil and gas exploration in South Africa and Namibia have drawn attention.
Inland in Namibia and close to the border of South Africa, a Canadian company is doing exploration work on what could be Namibia’s next huge copper deposit, while the development of the proposed Boegoebaai Port at Port Nolloth in South Africa aims to connect mining and agricultural areas in the region while at the same time becoming a green hydrogen hub.
Northern Cape faces high unemployment
The Northern Cape is South Africa’s largest province, covering 372,889 km², yet it has the smallest population with about 1.3 million people.
The province faces high unemployment, with rates hovering above 30%, reflecting limited economic opportunities in many areas. Its economy relies mainly on mining, agriculture, and tourism.
Mining is dominant and agriculture contributes through sheep farming and vineyards along the Orange River. Tourism is growing, supported by attractions such as the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and the Namaqualand wildflower region. Despite challenges, the province remains vital for South Africa’s mineral output.
WhyAfrica will be on the ground
You can read some of these stories in WhyAfrica 119th newsletter that was sent out last week. WhyAfrica Newsletter – Issue 119
And remember to follow Leg 1 of the 2025 WhyAfrica Road Trip through South Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho and southern Namibia as we bring you up to speed about what is happening on the ground.
Image: Through the Kalahari. Image credit: Juan Smith
Focus on South Africa’s Northern Cape Province
