Ganyesa

The massive North West Province of South Africa is home to Ganyesa, which is formally part of the Kagisano / Molopo Municipality. This is a rural village that is part of the traditional territory of the local Tswana folk. Years ago, it was part of what was known as Bophuthatswana. It was once colonised by the British, who established it as a reserve for the local black inhabitants (known as a native community) in the 1800’s. Prior to this, the locals had been farmers and hunters, living off the produce of the land and creating a life of self-subsidy. This village occupies an area of some 21.5 square kilometres and is home to almost 20 000 people, of which the vast majority speaks Tswana. It is 70 kilometres from Vryburg and 450 kilometres from the urban metropolis of Johannesburg and its international airport, OR Tambo.

Ganyesa is the administrative hub of the north-west part of the province, and is home to a number of provincial and national governments.

 

It is hot and dry in this province, and Ganyesa is no exception. Summer midday averages are at around 33 degrees Celsius, while winter nights can drop to freezing point. While this is not a frequented tourist destination, visitors are advised to come during moderate times of the year (with May and September being most temperate).