Town of the year: North West gem claims kykNET’s top honour for 2026
Town of the year honours for 2026 went to Hartbeespoort after strong public support. Discover why the town captured South Africa’s vote.
South Africans enjoy backing places that make them proud, and 2026 kykNET Kwêla town of the year winner Harties proved that local spirit still counts. Hartbeespoort won the competition after attracting enough SMS votes to secure the national title.
The victory also places the town in the spotlight and promises benefits that could last well beyond the celebrations.
HOW DID TOWN OF THE YEAR GO TO HARTIES?
Hartbeespoort, known to many simply as Harties, competed against regional finalists from South Africa and Namibia before claiming the overall title.
Residents, businesses and visitors united behind the campaign, while community groups encouraged thousands of SMS votes during the final voting period.
The competition rewards more than popularity. The winning town receives R1 million in advertising value from kykNET, including a 45-second television commercial.
Lottoland also contributes R1 million for community projects, provided the town submits a development plan for the prize.
The result reflects sustained community involvement because every vote carried the same value. Supporters could cast up to 30 SMS votes, each costing R1.50, and businesses across Harties encouraged visitors to participate.
WHY DOES HARTIES ATTRACT SO MANY VISITORS?
Hartbeespoort, in the North West province, sits near Johannesburg and Pretoria, at Hartbeespoort Dam, making it one of Gauteng’s favourite weekend escapes. The Magaliesberg creates a striking backdrop for its outdoor activities.
Visitors enjoy the Hartbeespoort Aerial Cableway, boat cruises, markets, hiking trails, mountain biking routes and hot air balloon flights.
Wildlife sanctuaries and family attractions also draw day visitors throughout the year, so tourism remains central to the local economy.
The town blends adventure with relaxation. Many people arrive for a single day, but restaurants, guest houses and local producers encourage longer stays.
That balance has helped Harties build a loyal following among families and travellers from across Southern Africa.
WHAT MAKES THE TOWN OF THE YEAR COMPETITION IMPORTANT?
The annual Kwêla competition celebrates towns with fewer than 500 000 residents. Communities first nominate their favourite towns, regional finalists then compete for public support, and the overall winner is announced after a national vote.
Winning delivers more than a trophy because national television exposure can boost tourism and attract new investment. The additional prize funding also allows towns to improve facilities or support community projects that benefit residents.
For Harties, the title confirms what many visitors already believe. The town combines natural beauty, accessible adventures and community pride, and those qualities captured the imagination of voters across the country.
The victory ensures that Hartbeespoort will welcome even more curious travellers eager to discover why this lakeside destination won South Africa’s heart.