Saldanha

Saldanha is situated at the northern corner of the largest natural bay in South Africa. Its location makes it a paradise for the watersport enthusiast, and its local economy being strongly dependant on fishing, mussels, seafood processing, the steel industry and the harbour. Furthermore its sheltered harbour plays an important part in the Sishen-Saldanha iron-ore project at which Saldanha Steel takes center stage. With strong historic military links Saldanha is also host to a Naval training base and the South African Military Academy. The SAS Saldanha Nature Reserve offers a display of wildflowers during late winter and spring while Southern Right Whales also visit the waters in and around the nature reserve. Saldanha was incorporated with five other towns into the new municipality of Saldanha Bay in 2000. The current population of the town is estimated at 27 000.