WELCOME TO GATEWAY EMALAHLENI

Emalahleni (Witbank) is a popular stopover to the world-famous Kruger National Park, but it also boasts a host of its own wildlife making it a popular holiday destination on its own right.

Emalahleni (Witbank) was established in 1890 and early attempts to exploit the coal deposits failed until the railway from Pretoria reached the area in 1894.  It was proclaimed a town in 1903.

The name Witbank is Afrikaans for White Ridge and named after a rocky outcrop of white sandstone where wagon transport drivers rested many years ago.  Early travelers discovered coal in this area.  Of course, once the coal was discovered, numerous farmers arrived with their wagons to cart away the coal.  Once Paul Krugers railway line reached this area in 1894, it solved all transport problems and the first coal mines started to operate.

Emalahleni (Witbank) soon developed into a town in 1903 and today it has developed into a rather large and bustling town where dairy, potatoes, maize, sheep and sweet potatoes are farmed.  Interestingly, Winston Churchill hid a colliery near Emalahleni (Witbank) during the Second Boer War after his escape from Pretoria.

Majority of SAs coal deposits is found in the Emalahleni (Witbank) area. Also favored by business people for conferences, seminars and teambuilding exercises, accommodation is suitably varied.

Emalahleni (Witbank) boasts plenty of recreation to suit all preferences.  The area is bustling with fantastic coffee shops, inviting farm stalls and fascinating cultural villages selling arts and crafts.  Emalahleni (Witbank) is home to the well known Witbank Dam.  This dam is known as the largest municipal dam in the southern hemisphere and boasts a catchment area of more than 3 540 square kilometers!
Witbank also known as Emalahleni (meaning: place of coal) is a city situated on the Highveld of Mpumalanga.  Majority of SAs coal deposits is found in the Emalahleni (Witbank) area.