About Lephalale

Lephalale, formerly known as Ellisras, sits on the Limpopo River in the Waterberg district and has been transformed since the 2000s by Eskom's Medupi Power Station, the largest dry-cooled coal-fired power station in the world, built alongside the older Matimba station and fed by the vast Grootegeluk coal mine on the town's doorstep. That construction boom turned a quiet farming and hunting district into one of Limpopo's fastest-growing towns, drawing workers and contractors from across the country and reshaping suburbs like Marapong, which was built to house mine and power station employees. Beyond the coal and power infrastructure, Lephalale remains a gateway to Waterberg bushveld game farms and safari lodges, with the Mokolo Dam supplying both the power stations and local irrigation. The tension between its industrial coal economy and its wildlife-tourism surroundings defines the town's character today.

Lephalale's calendar late August through September mixes markets, sport, and outdoor events. The long-running Lephalale Square Flea Market returns regularly at Pick n Pay Family Lephalale Square and other spots around town, while the 1st Annual Tinny's Groove Party brings a festival night to Sabatho Joint Shisanyama on 29 August. Sport fans can look ahead to RAINBOW RUN 2026 at Mogol Club in September, alongside the Lephalale Spring Soul Picnic 1st Annual at Mogol Golf Club. Families can catch LEMPITSE NETBALL TOURNAMENT #26 at Sabatho Outer Field in late September, rounding out a busy few weeks of local events.