Polokwane Local Municipality is the capital and largest city of Limpopo province, and the seat of the Capricorn District. It had 843,459 people at the 2022 census, up from 728,633 in 2011, over 5,053.7 km². The seat is Polokwane city itself.
Towns and Villages in Polokwane
| Place | Type | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Polokwane | City | seat, provincial capital, CBD |
| Seshego | Township | major residential township |
| Mankweng | Township | university township, home to Univen’s sister campus area |
| Sebayeng | Village | rural ward |
| Ga-Dikgale | Village | traditional authority area |
| Marabastad | Village | rural ward |
Polokwane’s GeoNames pack lists 125 named places, including:
- Annadale
- Bergnek
- Bloedrivier
- Blood River
- Boyne
- Broadlands
- Dalmada
- Dikgale
- Dikgaleslokasie
- Ditenteng
- Dithupaneng
- Doornhoek
- Eerstegoud
- Enkelbosch
- Ga-Dikgale
- Ga-Hlahla
- Ga-Kgole
- Ga-Kobo
- Ga-Kololo
- Ga-Komape
- Ga-Mabitsela
- Ga-Mabotsa
- Ga-Maidula
- Ga-Maja
- Ga-Makanye
- Ga-Makgobathe
- Ga-Makibelo
- Ga-Mamadila
- Ga-Mankoeng
- Ga-Mapangula
- Ga-Maphoto
- Ga-Matabanyane
- Ga-Mathiba
- Ga-Mogano
- Ga-Mokgokong
- Ga-Mokgopo
- Ga-Mokgwane
- Ga-Molepo
- Ga-Mothapo
- Ga-Mothiba
- Ga-Papo
- Ga-Ramongwana
- Ga-Ramphere
- Ga-Semenya
- Ga-Thaba
- Ga-Tshwene
- Gladdeklipkop
- Hoog-en-Droog
- Hospital Park
- Houtbosdorp
- Ivydale
- Jack
- Kgohlwane
- Kgokong
- Kgoroshi
- Kgotia
- Klein Dikgale
- Koloti
- Komaneng
- Kuschke
- Laaste Hoop
- Leshoane
- Locatie van Chune
- Locatie van Malietzie
- Mabul’s Location
- Madiga
- Mahwibitswane
- Makatiane
- Makgwadibeng
- Makweya
- Mamotintane
- Manamela
- Mankoeng
- Mankweng
- Mankweng Unit E
- Mantheding
- Manthorwane
- Marabastad
- Maribie
- Maripathekong
- Marobala
- Masekwameng
- Masobohleng
- Megoring
- Mehlakong
- Mmadigorong
- Mmankgaile
- Molautse
- Molepos Location
- Monywaneng
- Moria
- Moshate
- Mphalong
- New Pietersburg
- Non-Pareil
- Noute
- Perskebult
- Polokwane
- Polokwane Central
- Portugal
- Ramakgaphola
- Regenoeg
- Sebaeng
- Sebayeng
- Segwasi
- Sekwala
- Sengatane
- Seshego
- Seshego-A
- Seshego-C
- Seshego-H
- Setotolwane
- Thabakgone
- Thakgalang
- Tholongwe
- Thune
- Titibe
- Toroponje Ntsho
- Tshebeng
- Tshware
- Uitval
- Uniepark
- Waterval
- Westenburg
- Wolkberg
Geography
Polokwane sits on the high, bushveld plateau of central Limpopo, at the foot of the Wolkberg range, at an elevation of about 1,230 metres. It is the province’s largest urban centre and the gateway between the industrial north (via the N1) and the eastern Lowveld. The city itself is compact, ringed by rural wards to the east and south that stretch toward Mankweng and Sebayeng, and by commercial farmland to the north around Molemole. Within Capricorn District it borders Lepelle-Nkumpi, Blouberg and Molemole.
Demographics
The population grew from 728,633 at the 2011 census to 843,459 in 2022, a rise of about 16% — steady growth reflecting Polokwane’s pull as the provincial capital. Seshego township and the university area around Mankweng carry the largest concentrations of residents outside the central business district, with newer suburbs also expanding along the Bendor and Fauna Park corridors.
Economy and Local Life
Polokwane functions as Limpopo’s economic hub: government administration, retail, banking and light industry are concentrated in the city centre and Seshego’s industrial area, which hosts vehicle assembly and food-processing plants. The University of Limpopo, based at Mankweng-Turfloop, is a major employer and drives student housing demand in the surrounding wards. Mining-services companies supplying Sekhukhune’s platinum belt and Mopani’s copper and fruit industries also base their regional offices in Polokwane, reinforcing its role as the province’s logistics and services centre.
Getting There
The N1 national highway passes through Polokwane, linking Johannesburg to the north and Zimbabwe border posts. Polokwane International Airport, on the city’s outskirts, runs scheduled domestic flights to Johannesburg and Cape Town.
FAQ
What is the seat of Polokwane?
Polokwane city itself, also the capital of Limpopo province.
How many towns and villages are in Polokwane?
GeoNames records list 125 named places.
What is the population?
843,459 at the 2022 census, up from 728,633 in 2011.
Which district and province is it in?
Capricorn District, Limpopo province.
What is the main industry?
Provincial government, retail and services, with education centred on the University of Limpopo.
Was Polokwane always called that?
No, the city was known as Pietersburg until it was renamed Polokwane in 2005.
Is there an airport?
Yes, Polokwane International Airport, on the city’s outskirts, with scheduled domestic flights.