Harties steam train to bring luxury and romance to Hartbeespoort

HARTBEESPOORT – On 14 October 2025, Madibeng Local Municipality’s department of Local Economic Development (LED) was one of the stakeholders invited to the pre-launch event of the Harties Steam Train, “a heritage tourism initiative set to revive the magic of rail travel in the Hartbeespoort region.”

The concept launch, which was hosted aboard The Alba on the Harbeespoort Dam, brought together traditional leaders, investors, stakeholders from the tourism private sector in the North West Province, including local businesses, as well as relevant stakeholders from government.

At the event, Dion and Natasha Mostert, owners of the Harties Boat Company, shared not only their vision for the Harties Steam Train, but their heart for tourism in Hartbeespoort.

“Our vision is to reimagine tourism for our province and our town,” said Natasha.

CMO for the North West Parks and Tourism Board, Ms Deborah Sebaka Moeketsi lauded this initiative and noted its significance to the North West Province.

She said, “This project is not just about tracks and steel. It’s about connection. It’s about heritage. And it’s about unlocking new stories for Harties – stories that invite both local and international travelers to rediscover the charm of slow travel and the beauty that lies in the heart of our province.”

Director for Local Economic Development at Madibeng Local Municipality, Ms Seithati Monyake, who made the welcoming address, remarked on how this initiative, and others by tourism entrepreneurs, move the province and country forward in addressing the triple challenge of unemployment, poverty and inequality.

She noted, “This initiative, among the other tourism initiatives, will increase the geographic spread and the length of stay of our visitors, improving seasonal arrival patterns and working to transform the business industries so that historically disadvantaged stakeholders in our communities may benefit from the opportunities. This is why we are indeed excited to have this initiative in our municipality.”