Polokwane, previously known as Pietersburg, is the capital city of Limpopo  province. It is the largest city in the north and a major economic centre. Wide streets, Jacaranda trees, colourful parks and sparkling fountains characterise the city.
Polokwane falls under the Polokwane Municipality. The municipality's area accounts for 3% of Limpopo province's total surface area and about 10% of the Limpopo's population resides here.
Polokwane, which means "a place of safety'", is situated 60 km south of the Tropic of Capricorn and is home to just over 500 000 people. It encompasses the vibrant communities of Seshego, Mankweng and other surrounding townships.
Polokwane frequently hosts top international athletes at its world-class facilities. Polokwane has played host to the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations Cup semi-final match between South Africa's national team Bafana Bafana and Swaziland.
The city has also hosted a Group D qualifying game for the Africa Cup of Nations (scheduled for Tunisia in 2004) between Bafana Bafana and Ivory Coast. Both matches were played at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.