About Middelburg

Middelburg is one of Mpumalanga's major industrial centres, built on a foundation of coal mining and metals processing, with Columbus Stainless and the historic Highveld Steel and Vanadium works anchoring the local economy and making the town a significant producer of ferrochrome and stainless steel. Founded in the 1860s and named for its position roughly midway between Lydenburg and Pretoria, it retains an agricultural hinterland of maize and cattle farms typical of the Highveld, alongside landmarks like its Dutch Reformed Church. The town falls within the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, named after the anti-apartheid activist and later government minister who grew up in the area. Its position on the N4 and N11 corridors has made it an important stop for freight moving between Gauteng and Mozambique's Maputo port.

Middelburg's calendar kicks off with the Cross the Line Half Marathon Middelburg 2026 taking runners through town in late August. Combat sports fans gather for Bokke & Boxing Fight Night at Event City the same week, followed by a celebration of local talent at NkAMA - Nkangala Arts & Music Awards in September. Later that month the ANCESTARAL CANVAS FESTIVAL 1.1 brings art and culture to the fore, and outdoor enthusiasts can look ahead to November's Alzu Tour de Farm MTB & Festival at Alzu N4 Petroport.