Greater Taung Local Municipality lies in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District of North West province, on the Northern Cape border. The 2022 census counted 202,009 people across 5,636.5 km², up from 177,642 in 2011. The seat is Taung.
Greater Taung is the second-most populous of the district’s five local municipalities after Naledi, though — like Ratlou in the neighbouring district — most of its population lives in traditional villages rather than a single proclaimed town. The municipality’s name reflects its historic association with the Taung area and the Batswana chiefdoms that have long inhabited it.
Towns and Villages in Greater Taung
| Place | Type |
|---|---|
| Taung | Seat |
| Reivilo | Village |
| Boipelo (5,010) | Village |
Other named places recorded across the municipality:
- Bathlaping Ba Ga Mothibi
- Bosdam
- Buxton
- Dikhuting
- Diretsaneng
- Dryharts
- Ga-Mokake
- Heavyrest Mission
- Itireleng
- Kgobadi
- Khaukhwe
- Khibitswane
- Kokomeng
- Lethola
- Lokammona
- Longaneng
- Losasaneno
- Lower Majeakgoro
- Lower Mayeakgoro
- Madipelesa
- Magagaaphiri
- Magobeng
- Magogong
- Makgori
- Mammutla
- Manoko
- Manokwane
- Manthestad
- Maphoitsile
- Marotaneng
- Marubiseng
- Matlhatlhale
- Matolong
- Mayeakgoro
- Meganeng
- Mokasa I
- Mokasa II
- Mokgareng
- Molale
- Mololema
- Mookaothupa
- Morokweng
- Moshoso
- Mothanthanyaneng
- Motsweding
- Norlim
- Ntswanahatshe
- Pholofolo
- Pholoholo
- Pitsong
- Pudumong
- Riet Vley
- Rietfontein
- Rooiwal
- Saracen
- Sedu Kung
- Sekhing
- Seoding
- Shaleng
- Stella
- Takaneng
- Tamasikwa
- Thomeng
- Thota va tau
- Tswedintlhe
- Tweelingspan
- Vaalboschhoek
Geography
Greater Taung sits in the south-west of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, bordering Naledi, Mamusa, Lekwa-Teemane and Kagisano–Molopo local municipalities, as well as the Northern Cape. The largest populated place, Batlhaping Ba Ga Phuduhutswana, straddles several villages near Taung town.
Demographics
Population rose from 177,642 in the 2011 census to 202,009 in the 2022 census, growth of about 14%. Tswana is the first language of roughly 90% of residents — one of the highest shares in the district, reflecting the area’s history as part of the former Bophuthatswana homeland’s Taung district.
At around 36 people per km², Greater Taung is more densely settled than most of its neighbours, with population concentrated in a belt of villages around Taung town rather than spread thinly across the whole municipality.
Economy and Local Life
Greater Taung’s economy is agricultural, centred on irrigation farming along the Harts and Vaal-Harts scheme near Taung, alongside cattle farming across the surrounding villages. The Taung Skull, a significant hominin fossil discovery, was found in the area, giving the municipality a modest heritage-tourism profile alongside its farming base. Cotton, wheat and vegetables are grown under the Taung irrigation scheme, one of the older such schemes in the province, supplying local and regional markets, and the scheme has supported farming households in the district for decades.
Getting There
Taung sits on the R47, roughly 100 km south of Vryburg and 70 km north of Kuruman. The nearest city and airport is Kimberley, about 150 km south, reached via the N18 and R31.
FAQ
What is the seat of Greater Taung Local Municipality?
Taung.
What is the population of Greater Taung?
202,009 people at the 2022 census, up from 177,642 in 2011.
Which district is Greater Taung in?
Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, North West province.
How big is Greater Taung Local Municipality?
5,636.5 km².
Which municipalities border Greater Taung?
Naledi, Mamusa, Lekwa-Teemane and Kagisano–Molopo, all within Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, plus the Northern Cape.
What was found near Taung?
The Taung Skull, a hominin fossil discovered near Buxton in the municipality, giving the area a heritage-tourism angle alongside farming.
What irrigation scheme supports farming in Greater Taung?
The Taung irrigation scheme, drawing on the Harts and Vaal-Harts water systems.
What language is most spoken in Greater Taung?
Tswana, spoken by about 90% of residents — one of the highest shares in the district.
Is Greater Taung growing?
Yes — population rose about 14% between the 2011 and 2022 censuses.