Klerksdorp, South Africa

Capital City

This once-bustling mining town is a shadow of its former self, with a crumbling infrastructure and a heavy bureaucratic burden. Klerksdorp was founded in 1837 and was the first European settlement north of the Vaal River, later becoming an important trading hub. The discovery of gold in 1885 brought a boom, but the industry's decline led to a near-collapse. Today, the city remains a center of mining, agriculture, and medical services, with 350,000 inhabitants in the greater metro area. However, the road network has deteriorated markedly, with widespread potholes that have become a tongue-in-cheek hazard for drivers. For those seeking a quieter, more affordable life in South Africa's heartland, Klerksdorp may be worth a look, but the bureaucratic headaches and infrastructure challenges are persistent.