Orkney
Province: North West
Region: Southern Region
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Description:Orkney lies on the banks of the Vaal River, approximately 180km from Johannesburg. The town was proclaimed in 1940 on the farm Witkoppen, where the owner, Simon Fraser, had first started gold mining. Fraser hailed from the Orkney Islands, off the coast of Scottland, hence the name of the town. "Orkn" is the ancient Islandic word for sea lion, and "Ey" a Nordic word meaning island. The sea lion is the emblem of the town. Orkney is a mining town with a laid-back ambience. Tourist attractions include a Bird sanctuary (situated on the banks of the Vaal River, this peaceful sanctuary is home to many different bird species); Likkewaan hiking trails (the trails on this large farm on the banks of the Vaal River offer a wealth of geological and historical interest); Orkney Vaal Resort (this resort is a perfect picnic venue, popular with anglers and water sports enthusiasts); Vaal Reef Gold Mine (tours through the largest gold mine in South Africa can be arranged on request); Ground Nut Factory (the biggest nut-shelling factory in the Southern Hemisphere).
Ottosdal
Province: North West
Region: Central Region
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Description:Ottosdal was established as a Dutch Reformed Church Parish on the farm Korannafontein in 1913 and named after its owner, GP Otto. Ottosdal is situated in the centre of the North West Province. The main routes to and from Gauteng (Pretoria, Johannesburg, Vereeniging), the economic centre of South Africa, passes through the town to the neighbouring countries of Namibia and Botswana. Ottosdal is the only place in South Africa where the unique "Wonderstone" or Pyrophyllite, is found and mined. The annual agricultural show in Ottosdal is one of the oldest in the Province. Attractions include the British Fort, Trenches and Cemetries (dating from the Anglo-Boer War, 1899 to 1902, to be found on the farms Gestoptefontein and Driekuil); San Rock Engravings, Stone Age Implements and Structures (found on farms such as Gestoptefontein, Driekuil, Witpoort and Korannafontein); Garden of Remembrance (contains graves of solddiers killed during the Anglo-Boer War); Old Farmhouse (built in 1910 and now houses a unique African collection); Old Water Mill (built around 1860, now a national monument).