Founded in 1838, Potchefstroom was the capital of the "Zuid Afrikaanse Republiek" before it was moved to Pretoria. It is a bustling city that attracts many international tourists, athletes, students and business people. Situated on the banks of the Mooirivier (Afrikaans for "pretty river"), Potchefstroom is roughly 120km from Johannesburg and 45km from Klerksdorp. The water from the river ensures a lush green city for most of the year and it is home to the longest oak avenue in Southern Africa.
Potchefstroom is the home of the PUK campus of the newly established North West University and as an educational and sport centre it is rivalled by few in South Africa and for the greater part of the year it is bustling with students from all over Southern Africa. As such, flats and houses to rent in Potchefstroom are in high demand. If you’re looking for an investment, just letting in Potchefstroom may be of interest to you. Houses for sale in Potch are popular amongst families looking to offer their children an excellent advantage in terms of their education and vary from smaller apartments and houses to large, multi-bedroomed homes with fantastic gardens. Find out more about the houses and flats for rent and sale in Potchefstroom below.
Explore Potchefstroom
![The Vredefort Dome]()
The Vredefort Dome
The Vredefort Dome had its origin roughly 2000 million years ago when a giant meteorite struck the earth about 20 km from Potchefstroom. The site has come to be known as the oldest and largest meteorite impact site on earth measuring about 200 km in diameter. Archaeological findings point to the fact that the area was inhabited more than 20 000 years ago and there are many unique areas of interest for history buffs to explore.
![History]()
History
The first Government Gazette was printed and published here and the Dutch Reformed Church in Transvaal (at the time) was founded here in 1842 so there really is a historic point of interest for everyone.
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Nature
The O P M Prozescy bird Sanctuary and the Highveld National Park will keep nature lovers entertained for hours on end. There are also many walking trails around Potchefstroom that allow you to experience the city from a different perspective.
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Culture
For the lovers of fine art there are various gallery, theatre, music and dance venues where cultural activities are performed throughout the year. Buying or renting a house in Potchefstroom also makes it far easier to witness the amazing performing artists being trained at the university. There is always something on the go here, so get your diary out.
Living in Potchefstroom
Areas near to Potchefstroom
Carltonville, Hartbeespoort, Rustenburg,
Schools
Potchefstroom boast 74 schools including Potchefstroom Gimnasium, Volkskool, Potchefstroom Boys High and Potchefstroom Girls High. The fact that many of the students of these institutions come from all over South Africa is testament of the high level of secondary and tertiary education being on offer in Potchefstroom.
Tertiary education
Potchefstroom is the home of the PUK campus of the newly established North West University. Other tertiary institutions are the Technical College, the Agricultural College, the Cronje Lemmer Fashion Designing Institute and the Potchefstroom Academy for Beauty Therapy.
Sport
Potchefstroom - referred to as the home of North West sport. Home to a golf course that hosted the South African Open twice, an astro hockey field, internationally recognised cricket, rugby & soccer stadiums & an athletic oval - rated as one of the best in the country. Excellent training facilities & a mild climate are just two of the reasons that Potchefstroom is favourite summer training venue for athletes from the northern hemisphere.
Travel
Known as the Gateway to the North West Province, Potchefstroom is an hour’s drive from Gauteng and a 90-minute drive from O.R. Tambo International Airport. Main rail and road links in all directions keeps the city in touch with visitors.