Building a Better Phokwane Together

The Vaalharts Irrigation Scheme is one of the largest irrigation systems in South Africa, drawing water from the Vaal and Harts Rivers to sustain the farmland that surrounds Hartswater and Jan Kempdorp.

History: Established in the 1930s as a job-creation and land settlement project, the scheme has grown into a cornerstone of agricultural production in the region.

Importance to agriculture: The canal network supplies water to thousands of hectares of farmland, supporting crops such as maize, wheat, cotton, pecan nuts and vegetables.

Contribution to the local economy: Agriculture linked to the scheme underpins employment, agro-processing and trade throughout Phokwane, making it central to the municipality's economic base.

Water distribution: Water is distributed through a gravity-fed network of canals to individual farms, managed in coordination with the relevant irrigation board and the Department of Water and Sanitation.

Significance to Phokwane Local Municipality: The scheme shapes the municipality's economic identity and land-use planning, and its continued maintenance is a municipal and regional priority.

Hartswater is the administrative centre of Phokwane Local Municipality and lies in the heart of the renowned Vaalharts Irrigation Scheme. Established to support one of the world's largest irrigation projects, the town has grown into a thriving agricultural hub known for its fertile farmland and welcoming community.

Jan Kempdorp is a peaceful farming town situated within the Vaalharts Irrigation Scheme. Founded in 1938, it has become an important agricultural centre where modern farming, history and rural hospitality come together.

Pampierstad is one of the vibrant towns within Phokwane Local Municipality, known for its rich cultural heritage, resilient community and strategic location near the Vaalharts agricultural region. The town continues to grow through education, agriculture, local enterprise and community development.

Overview: Phokwane Local Municipality is a local municipality within the ZF Mgcawu / Frances Baard region of the Northern Cape, serving the towns of Hartswater, Jan Kempdorp, Pampierstad and surrounding areas.

Vision: To be a municipality that delivers quality, sustainable services and creates opportunity for every resident.

Mission: To provide accountable, responsive and efficient local government through sound financial management and community participation.

Core Values: Transparency, Public Participation, Efficiency, Integrity and Accountability.

Geographic Location: Phokwane is centred on the Vaalharts irrigation area in the Northern Cape province, bordering North West province.

Main Towns: Hartswater, Jan Kempdorp and Pampierstad, along with surrounding rural and farming areas.

Population: The municipality serves a diverse population of urban residents, farmworkers and agricultural communities across its towns and rural wards.

Key Economic Sectors: Agriculture (irrigation farming), agro-processing, retail and trade, and public administration.

Municipal Services: Water, electricity, sanitation, refuse removal, roads and stormwater, and community facilities.

Contact Information: Tel: 053 474 9700 · Email: info@phokwane.gov.za