Kathu, Kathu

Kathu at a glance

Kathu is a vibrant mining town located in the heart of the Northern Cape, South Africa. Known as the "town under the trees," Kathu is distinguished by its vast camel thorn forest, a unique natural feature that contributes to the town's distinct character. Life in Kathu revolves around the mining industry, but the town also offers a surprising array of recreational activities and a growing sense of community. The town's location in the arid Kalahari region provides a unique blend of industrial activity and natural beauty.

Lifestyle

Despite its industrial roots, Kathu offers a relaxed and welcoming lifestyle. The community is diverse, comprising mining professionals, families, and entrepreneurs. The town provides essential amenities, including shopping centers, restaurants, and recreational facilities, ensuring a comfortable living experience.

The town with 27 536 economically active individuals, is experiencing growth, leading to ongoing development and infrastructure improvements.

The unique camel thorn forest surrounding the town offers opportunities for nature walks and outdoor activities. The arid climate and open spaces provide a sense of tranquility, contributing to the town's laid-back atmosphere. The Kathu Golf Club, known for its challenging course and lush greens, is a popular recreational hub.

History of Kathu

Kathu's history is closely tied to the discovery and exploitation of iron ore deposits in the region. The town was officially established in the 1970s to support the development of the Sishen iron ore mine, one of the largest open-pit mines in the world.

The name "Kathu" is derived from a Tswana word meaning "town under the trees," reflecting the town's unique natural setting. The camel thorn forest has been a defining feature of the area for centuries, providing shelter and resources to indigenous communities.

The growth of the mining industry has driven the town's development, transforming it from a small settlement into a bustling industrial center. The Sishen mine has played a crucial role in the town's economy and infrastructure development.

Location - Accessibility

Kathu is located in the Northern Cape province, approximately 300 kilometers west of Kimberley. The town is accessible via the N14 highway, which connects it to major cities in South Africa.

The closest airport is the Kimberley Airport, providing connections to major cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town. Road transport is the primary means of access, with regular bus services connecting Kathu to other towns and cities.

Kathu is situated in the Kalahari region, characterized by its arid climate and vast open spaces. The town's location in the Northern Cape places it within a region rich in natural resources and mining activities.

Climate

Kathu experiences a semi-arid climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters. The region receives limited rainfall, primarily during the summer months.

Summer temperatures can soar, with daytime highs often exceeding 35°C. Winters are mild, with daytime temperatures averaging around 20°C. Nighttime temperatures can drop significantly, especially during winter.

The arid climate and clear skies make Kathu an ideal location for stargazing. The region's low humidity and minimal light pollution contribute to excellent viewing conditions.

Schools

Kathu offers a range of educational facilities, including primary and secondary schools. The town has both public and private schools, catering to the needs of its growing population.

Notable schools include Kathu Primary School, Kathu High School, Curro Kathu Preschool, Curro Kathu Primary School, Curro Kathu High School and  various private institutions. The town's schools provide quality education, ensuring access to learning opportunities for residents.

The Northern Cape Rural TVET College (NCR TVET College) has a campus in Kathu. It offers a variety of certificate and diploma courses in fields like Business and Engineering. SIVOS technical training facility, owned and operated by Sishen Mine, is recognized as one of the first training institutions fully accredited by the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) in South Africa. Other Tertiary education is available in nearby towns and cities, with institutions offering a range of vocational and academic programs.

Healthcare Availability

Kathu has healthcare facilities to serve its community, including clinics and private medical practices. Pharmacies like Clicks and Dis-chem also have clinics within them. The town's healthcare infrastructure is continuously improving to meet the growing demand.

The Kathu Private Hospital provides comprehensive medical services, including emergency care and specialized treatments. State hospitals are accessible in nearby larger towns like Upington, Kuruman & Kimberley.

Emergency medical services are available including Netcare 911, Emer-G-Med (Pty) Ltd, Rocket Air Rescue ensuring prompt response to medical emergencies.

Shopping Convenience

Kathu offers a variety of shopping options, including supermarkets, retail stores, and local markets. The town's shopping centers provide access to essential goods and services.

The Kathu Village Mall & Heritage Mall are major shopping destinations, featuring a range of national retailers and local businesses. Kathu Village Mall is the main shopping hub and houses a range of stores, including:

• Major retail chains (e.g. Clicks, Dis-Chem, Game, Mr Price stores, Woolworths).
• Clothing and fashion outlets (e.g. Cape Union, Edgars, Exact, Foschini, Markham, Old Khaki, Overland, Queenspark, Refinery, Sportscene, Tekkie Town, Totalsport)
• Grocery stores (e.g. Food Lovers Market, Super Spar & Tops).
• Banks and ATMs (e.g. Standard Bank, Nedbank, Absa Bank, African Bank, Capitec Bank, FNB)
• Restaurants and fast-food outlets (e.g. Colorado Spur, KFC, Romans Pizza, Smashing Beans, The Fish & Chip Co)

Heritage Mall Kathu features the following stores: Pick n Pay, Pick n Pay Liquor, Pick n Pay Clothing, McDonald’s, Mugg & Bean, Nando’s, Buco Hardware, Crazy Plastics, Santy's Indian Cuisine, Kathu Chinese & Sushi Restaurant & The Local Choice Dinuwi Pharmacy.

The town also has standalone grocery stores, such as Checkers, and convenience stores at fuel stations, catering to daily needs.

For added shopping convenience, Kathu residents can utilize grocery delivery services such as Checkers Sixty60 and Pick n Pay ASAP.

Restaurants + Coffee Shops

Kathu has a diverse culinary scene, with restaurants and cafes offering a range of cuisines. The town's eateries provide options for casual dining, family meals, and social gatherings.

A variety of restaurants include Katexas Steakhouse, Colorado Spur, The Deck & The Craft Bar and Cafe.  Coffee shops like Mugg and Bean, Platō Coffee and Smashing Beans provide spaces for relaxation and social interaction.

The list of other popular eateries comprises Steers, Debonairs, Fishaways, KFC, McDonald’s, Nando’s, Santy's Indian Cuisine, Kathu Chinese & Sushi Restaurant, Romans Pizza and The Fish & Chip Co.

The town's hospitality sector is growing, with new restaurants and cafes opening to cater to the increasing demand.

Things To Do – Kathu Attractions

1. Camel Thorn Forest: Explore the unique camel thorn forest surrounding the town, offering opportunities for nature walks and birdwatching.
2. Sishen Golf Club: Enjoy a round of golf at the challenging Sishen Golf Club, known for its lush greens and scenic views. Sishen Golf Club is ranked as number 9 in South Africa's top golf courses.
3. Kalahari Country Club: Catering for people who enjoy an active lifestyle, families and friends spending quality time together, and those seeking a unique venue for a conference or luxury function – there’s a diverse selection of amenities available like:

• Sports Hub features a unique cluster of exceptional sporting facilities that include disciplines such as: CrossFit, Wattbikes, Conditioning Classes, Pilates, Dancing, Gymnastics, and EMS.
• The Fitness Factory includes a fully equipped gym with a free weights area, machine circuit, cardio equipment, studio, various classes, heated pool and squash courts.
• Kathu Tennis Club designed to host fun, social and competitive events. Kathu Tennis Club has six beautifully maintained tennis courts. We have a very active tennis community – and social games are played every Wednesday and Friday afternoon. You can also book lessons with the Gericke Tennis Academy.
• Kathu Cricket Club situated at the SIVOS Sports Fields, our club welcomes anyone who loves the game of cricket and wants to learn how to play, hone their skills or compete in the region.
• Kathu Rugby Club is located at the SIVOS Sports Fields. This is a superb setting for the game of rugby, at all levels.
• Kathu Bowling Club our verdant and expertly maintained bowling green is open to everyone aged 8 years and older.
• Kalahari Aquatics Swimming pool is a sparkling 50 metre pool, the perfect place to cool off after a long day in the Kalahari sun, learn to swim, train for swimming season and host competitive galas.

4. Sishen Mine Tours: Experience the scale of the Sishen iron ore mine through guided tours, providing insights into the mining industry.
5. Kalahari Activities: Engage in outdoor activities such as hiking, 4x4 trails, and stargazing in the vast Kalahari region.
6. Game Reserves: Travel to nearby game reserves to experience wildlife, nature and hunting.

Residential Property Market

Kathu's residential property market is diverse, offering a range of housing options to suit different needs and budgets. The town's growth has led to increased demand for residential properties.

The 4 804 properties in Kathu range from family homes and apartments to vacant plots for development. The town's residential areas are well-maintained, providing a comfortable living environment. There are 1 209 freehold (own title) properties in estates, only 8 sectional title properties and 3 587

The real estate market in Kathu is influenced by the mining industry, with demand fluctuating based on economic conditions as most buyers are reliant on the mines for work, either directly or as contractors. Property sales have remained relatively constant between 200 and 290 unit sales per annum over the past nine years, since 2016. The exception was 2016, when a global drop in iron ore market demand resulted in only 77 sales for the year, leading to job layoffs in Kathu and a subsequent decrease in residential property demand.

The biggest demand (2024/5) is for houses priced below R1 600 000. Properties for sale in Kathu ranges from vacant plots (priced from R450 000), and full title 2-bedroom townhouses priced from about R700,000 to freestanding 3-bedroom homes for sale priced from about R 900 000. Larger 4-bedroom homes start at about R1 600 000 and 5 bedrooms and more homes start at just below R3 million.