Mafikeng To Mmabatho: Village To Capital City

Abstract

This article examines the growth and development of Mafikeng from the precolonial village settlement (from which the name is obtained) to the present day. During this period, the town and the inhabitants have faced a number of challenges, the most recent being the incorporation into Bophuthatswana (a South African province). The changing cultural influences and political contexts have brought about a number of changes to the social, economic and urban structure of the town. While some of these changes have undoubtedly benefited the town and some inhabitants, several problems and difficulties have arisen which pose certain threats to the future growth and development of the place as well as creating challenges for the future.