The Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace is one of the stadiums for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. The stadium is named after the Bafokeng people who live in the area. In 1999, the Bafokeng won a legal battle, which entitled them to 20% on the platinum which is mined on their historical land. Hence, they have shares in platinum mining in the area. Upon completion, the stadium will seat 42,000.The South African national team played a FIFA World Cup qualifying game against Bakino Faso in 2001, and won 2-1. It has been host to many Premier Soccer League games despite Rustenburg not having its own team.The stadium is only a 25 minute drive to Sun City and 30 minutes to the Pilansberg. It is 12 kilometers from the Rustenburg city centre.

Rustenburg in the heart of the savannah bushveld is a restful city. The city is in the North West Province, nestled at the foothills of the breathtaking Magaliesburg Mountains. The highest point in this mountain range is 1,852m above sea level and has been a tactical region for many battles for land during the early 1800s.

The region is rich in mineral wealth and boasts the most platinum mined in the world making it the platinum capital of the world. Mining, therefore, provides the most employment in the area.

Rustenburg is also 30 kilometres from the sensational Sun City, incorporating The Palace of the Lost City. Attractions at this resort include hot air balloon rides, The Valley of Waves and a 25-hectare jungle.

The Hartebeesport Dam, only 40 minutes from Rustenburg, is a getaway for many people, and the easy pace of life at the dam is a great place to unwind.

History
The Bafokeng people originate from this area. Bafokeng means 'people of the dew'. They are originally from the Bakwena people, and settled near in the area more than 200 years ago. The 36 th reigning monarch is King Leruo Molotlegi.

It has a strong Voortrekker (Dutch farming settlers) influence and was one of the first cities of importance in their history. In 1851, they named the city Rustenburg, which means 'place of rest'.

Football
Professional football is a novelty in the Rustenburg area. Garankuwa United play in the Mvela First Division and their home stadium is in Mabopane in North West Province. However, the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace and the Olympia stadium have been used by the national team and clubs to host matches.

Kaizer Chiefs, Moroka Swallows, Orlando Pirates, Silver Stars and Jomo Cosmos have all used the stadiums as alternate home grounds. In 1999, the South African League Cup final was played at the stadium for the first time with Mamelodi Sundowns beating Free Sate Stars 2-0.

In 2000, South Africa were victorious 4-0 against Mauritius in a COSAFA Cup game held in Rustenburg.