Musina

Musina means 'spoiler', which refers to copper.

Attractions

Also see the neighbouring towns

Musina (population 17'000) is just under 20Km from the Limpopo River and the Beitbridge border post with Zimbabwe.

The Limpopo River is a dry river bank which flows on average only once about every seven years.

Musina lies within the Bushveld ecoregion (WWF AT0717).

Musina is not the most northern spot in South Africa, but the most northern municipal town. Beitbridge (population about 5000) is also not the most northern tip.

Musina Nature Reserve

The Musina Nature Reserve is south and southeast of Musina and is home to a large baobab forest.

Mapungubwe National Park

The Mapungubwe National Park is about 70Km west of Musina. Mapungubwe had a flourishing community in the 1300s.

Execution Rocks

The Dingola Execution Rocks is about 20Km west of Musina. Chiefs had offenders executed here.

For smaller offenses, executions took place at Bulai, on the opposite side of the road.

History

Early African miners mined copper here, and hence the name Musina. Colonisers adopted the spelling Messina, which was how the town was known since 1905. In 2002 the name was officially changed to Musina.

The last known survivor of the Musina tribe was Magushi, who served as a guide in 1901 to prospectors.

Climate

Today's Weather Report for Musina
Temperatures are very hot. The average annual temperature is about 30°C/86°F.

Ecosystem

This is baobab country. Tropical trees.

Economy

Musina is the largest producer of copper in South Africa. Other mining in this are is: semi-precious stones, diamonds, magnetite, graphite, coal, iron ore, asbestos.

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