Kathu, Kathu

Located in the Kalahari region of the Northern Cape

Province of South Africa, the picturesque little town of Kathu owes its existence to one of the largest open-cast iron ore mining operations in the world.

The name Kathu means "town under the trees", which is derived from the Camel Thorn forest Kathu is situated in. The Camel Thorn forest is one of only two in the world with the other being between Mariental and Rehoboth in Namibia. Its uniqueness was recognized in the early 1920s when it was declared a State Forest. In 1995 it was registered as a Natural Heritage Site.

The phrase "the town under the trees" was coined by an engineer working in the town in the early 1990 as part of a tourist marketing drive. It was intended to be a marketing slogan. The meaning of the word "Kathu" has anecdotally been attributed to a porridge brewed by the local population from the powder found in the pods of the Camel Thorn trees.

As mentioned previously, Kathu owes its existence to the Sishen Mine. Opened in 1947, Sishen mine is Kumba’s flagship operation and one of the largest open-pit mines in the world. All mining is done by open-cast methods, with ore transported to the beneficiation plant where it is crushed, screened and beneficiated. Kumba is the only haematite ore producer in the world to fully beneficiate its product, made possible through dense medium separation (DMS) and jig technology. The longest and heaviest train carried ore from Sishen mine to Saldanha Bay, a 7,5km train of 660 wagons carried 68 640 tonnes of ore. Normally, trains to Saldanha comprise 342 wagons transporting 100 tonnes each.

Residents and visitors to Kathu can also enjoy a game of golf at what is considered by many to be one of the most scenic golf courses in the country. Currently ranked in the top 30 Golf courses in South Africa, this is truly a unique setting in which to play a round of golf - the course winds its way through a 500 hectare Camelthorn forest on the edge of the Kalahari Desert.

Built and maintained by Sishen Iron Ore mine and officially opened in 1979, this is the last course designed by Robert (Bob) Grimsdell, which he unfortunately could not see completed. Considering its surroundings, its lush green fairways and greens have surprised many a visitor to this arid region.

SEEFF Properties in KATHU

Kathu has numerous spacious residential stands. It has older houses, which was initially built and funded by the mine for its employees, as well as newly built and modern houses to meet every need.

Adjacent to Kathu are numerous sheep, cattle and game farms which are well established. This area is exceptionally suited for game - particularly springbuck, blesbuck and Kudu..

The services that we offer at Seeff Kathu and able to provide to prospective buyers and sellers are:

• • General information about the political and economic situation of Kathu
• • Specific information about the infrastructure of the area such as schools, medical facilities, sporting facilities, road networks and security in Kathu
• • Property values and valuations on properties, etc.

Seeff Kathu can assist you with all your property needs, be it residential properties such as vacant stands, family homes or commercial properties. Seeff Kathu has specialist agents who can provide buyers and sellers with all the information they require to make an informed decision regarding any property in Kathu or immediate surrounds.

Call or email a friendly Seeff agent today for more information on properties in Kathu