From residential areas to the financial and business district, one sees how peaceful the city of Polokwane is. It isn’t evident that there is a struggle from within to provide all the basic services at the same rate that the city is growing. But kudos to the people of Polokwane for managing to work and succeed in restructuring the city so that basic needs are being met.
Sports Clubs
After work and on weekends, the people of Polokwane have their individual interests. This has resulted in a variety of clubs that have been established. Some of these clubs are the Polokwane Cricket Club, the Noordelikes Rugby Club, Winners Park FC which is a football club, tennis and swimming clubs.
Stadiums
Polokwane has easy access to two large stadiums. These are the Peter Mokaba Stadium which was used for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and the multi-purpose Pietersburg Stadium. Pietersburg Stadium seats about 15,000 and was constructed in 1976. Not being big enough for the FIFA games, the Peter Mokaba Stadium was build to the east of the older stadium.
Shopping Centers
Polokwane has not one but four shopping malls (!) with another one currently being constructed. Three of these malls are the Savannah Mall which has a 3D theater and 6 other theaters, Limpopo Mall, and the Mall of the North. Between the malls, all of your basic and luxury needs will be taken care of: you can buy a computer, groceries and luxury jewellery all in one outing.
Meropa Casino
It’s just one structure and certainly nowhere close to a Las Vegas type of gaming facility, but it does have almost everything a resident or visitor would need or want. Part of their gaming tables are for blackjack and roulette, and they have more than 300 slot machines, a snake and bird sanctuary, and an open mini golf course and go kart track. At any weekend, night or day expect to see your favorite neighbors or friends enjoying themselves at Meropa.
Farmyard Trading Post
Aside from function rooms in restaurants or hotels, this is the place where special events are held. It has the wonderful blend of “past meets present.” One can go there for coffee, breakfast, gourmet food products, Market Day, crafts and treats, and a large tent for weddings, parties, anniversaries or special business functions.
The Ranch Hotel
Although this is a facility being offered to tourists and visitors, it’s a wonderful place residents like to visit. One reason would be the guests who stay there, many of whom are world-famous celebrities. Many special events like weddings are also held here. If not the ceremony itself, then the reception and party after the wedding rituals.
Also known as the Protea Ranch, this family-owned business has the following facilities to offer: 12 hole golf course, gym, swimming pools, tennis court, wildlife conservatory, bar and restaurant, and 50 years of being in the hospitality business.
Others
Other activities and places that residents frequent are the Nature’s Way Safari, Barnyard Theatre, Ysterberg Range, Makapan’s Cave, and Polokwane’s pride, Golden Goose. Golden Goose is a local farm that has more than 650 geese. They produce the softest bed sheets, pillow cases, duvets, cushions, and all kinds of beddings which are fast becoming a world-class product and international fame. This is the perfect example of a home-grown medium scale enterprise that has remained true to the South African way of life which is living in harmony with your environment. It is also one of the reasons Polokwane has been called the Aladdin’s Cave of South Africa.
Another attraction is Tzaneen, situated just to the east of Polokwane. The population of Tzaneen is responsible for the upkeep of the Vervet Monkey Sanctuary. The Sanctuary was built in 1993 with the mandate to protect South African monkeys. If you are in the area and are attracted by its lure, feel free to research the property for sale in Tzaneen.