About Middelburg
Middelburg is a large farming and industrial town in the South African province of Mpumalanga.
Middelburg in Mpumalanga is a big surprise to a visitor. Being home to Columbus Stainless Steel and other industries, one would never dream that it is an outdoor enthusiast’s gem. The setting is enhanced by a moderate climate of warm summers and cool winters, and an amazing average of nine hours of sun a day.
With the Olifants and Selon Rivers carving out gorges in malaria free eco zones, that include sub-tropical and highveld vegetation, the range of plant and tree species is immense. These habits in turn provide shelter to over 85 bird species, and offers a stunning landscape that makes hiking, 4×4 trails and horse trails a real quality experience.
Nearby, the Middelburg Nature Reserve incorporates the 38km Loskop Dam, the longest in South Africa. The Dam has become a top spot for freshwater fishing enthusiasts and a venue for fishing competitions. The Forever Resorts on the banks of the dam provide accommodation and plenty of activities for the family. Not only is the dam the preserve of fisherman, but also of water sport lovers.
For golfers, there is the Middelburg Golf Course and a host of other courses from which to choose in the area.
A well maintained country club also provides facilities for tennis, bowls, swimming pools, and has a bar, hotel, dining and function rooms.
See all the courses in the area
See all the attractions in Middelburg
History also has its place in this Ndebele heartland. The town was first developed as a midway point between Pretoria and Lydenburg. The citizens then constructed a church in 1890 which was used by British soldiers during the second Anglo Boer War. Luckily it was not destroyed by the war as it is interesting to visit.
The Meyer’s Bridge, built in 1896, has remained standing for over a century, surviving numerous floods. This national monument was created as a road link between Lydenburg and Middelburg at the turn of the century to facilitate gold mining.
The British built a large concentration camp in Middelburg during the Second Boer War. The Memorial Museum was built at the site next to the 1,381 graves of women and children who died there.
On a brighter note, Middelburg is also the birthplace of celebrated South African playwright Athol Fugard and the municipality is named after Steve Tshwete of sporting fame.
Today, Middelburg, en route to the Kruger National Park, is one of the growth points of the province. It boasts a number of good restaurants and pubs and a the new Middelburg Mall, with more than 130 shops offering quality goods and services.
There’s a strong sense of community, with numerous, well-established interest groups for activities such as photography, bird watching, community development and active charity groups like Rotary, Lions and Round Table.
Known as the ‘Stainless Steel Capital of Africa – Columbus Stainless, a large stainless steel plant, constructed in 1965, and Thos Begbie, a company established more than 120 years ago by Scotsman Thomas Begbie, are both situated here. For many years, the industrial activities of the steel plant and its peripheral activities, such as coal and transport, provided much of the employment and largely drove the economy of the town, although other sectors, such as agriculture and tourism have gradually grown to be important. Today the population stands at about 85,000.
The town has a government (public) hospital and clinic, as well as a private hospital, and several public schools.
Middelburg is 170 km from Johannesburg, 140km from Pretoria and 200km from Nelspruit.
