Rustenburg, South Africa

Capital City

Rustenburg is a mining town propped up by the wealth of the platinum industry, but life here is not all glitter. With a population of over 626,000 and growing rapidly, the city suffers from high crime rates - murders increased by 20.3% in 2022 alone. Bureaucracy is also a persistent headache, as the municipal infrastructure is frequently targeted by vandals and thieves. The city's GDP reached ZAR 63.8 billion in 2017, but the majority of residents still live in abject poverty despite the bounty. While Rustenburg offers natural beauty and outdoor attractions, those seeking a tranquil, well-governed city may want to look elsewhere.