Springbok is a town situated at the intersection of the N7, N14, and R355 roads in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa.
It is the largest town in the Namaqualand area and was called Springbokfontein until 1911, when it was shortened to Springbok.
Springbok falls within Nama Khoi Local Municipality under the Namakwa District Municipality of the Northern Cape Province. It is the main town, as well as administrative centre/seat of both the Local Municipality and District.
Springbok is located along the N7 National Route which connects Cape Town with Namibia, and at the western end of the N14, which connects it with Upington and Pretoria.
The town lies at an elevation of 1,007 metres (3,304 feet) in a narrow valley between the high granite domes of the Klein Koperberge (Small Copper Mountains). This name gives away the reason for the early settlement which gradually turned into a major commercial and administrative centre for copper mining operations in the region.
While the town initially developed rapidly, this slowed when rich copper deposits were discovered in Okiep.
As the main source of water, Springbok continued to develop as the commercial and administrative centre for different mines in the area.
Even though mining activities have dwindled, Springbok remains an important town in the region and due to its location a favourite stopover for tourists on their way to Namibia. Today the main income is generated from tourism, mining activities, commerce and farming.
History
The town was founded on the farm Melkboschkuil when the farm was purchased from Kowie Cloete in 1852 so as to establish a copper mine.
In 1862, the town of Springbokfontein was laid out. The -fontein (fountain) was dropped in later years.
The “Klipkoppie” was used during the Second Boer War as a fort by the Boers under General Manie Maritz as it provided an excellent vantage point across the valley. Remains of stone walls inside the koppie can still be seen today.
Next to the “Klipkoppie” is the beautiful Klipkerk (Stone Church) which was built in 1921.