Stilfontein

Stilfontein (Afrikaans for quiet spring) is a former mining town which is located on the N12 (National Road) with 17,942 inhabitants, situated between Klerksdorp and Potchefstroom in North West Province of South Africa. It was incorporated into the City of Matlosana and some municipality administration is located in Matlosana (Klerksdorp).

History
Stilfontein was established in 1949 as a residential centre for three large gold mines: the Hartebeesfontein, Buffelsfontein, and Stilfontein mines.

In May 1949, two shafts (Charles and Margaret) were sunk and it was this success at Stilfontein that inspired the opening up of the Hartebeesfontein and Buffelsfontein mines.

The Margaret shaft at the Stilfontein mine was the first concrete headgear ever to be erected in South Africa and was designed locally and completely constructed form local materials. The tower mounted on this headgear was the first-ever multi-rope Koepoe hoist in South Africa.

Demographics
According to the 2011 Census, the population of Stilfontein was 17,942. The population density was 1,717 persons per km2 (663 persons per mi2).

Tourist attractions

 * Hartebeesfontein Gold Mine
 * Annual Rose Festival in spring
 * Matlosana Mall
 * Ngwenya Hotel & Conference
 * Stilfontein People's Hall (Gentle Breezers Hall)

Earthquakes
Stilfontein was struck by a mining-related earthquake on 9 March 2005, which damaged buildings in the town, which was followed by the closure of the Hartebeesfontein and Buffelsfontein mines when the Stilfontein Gold Mining was handed over into liquidation. The Simmer and Jack Mines took over the mines but disaster struck again on 23 March 2006 when a fire trapped 8 miners underground at the Buffelsfontein mine.