Langebaanweg is a town on the southwest coast of South Africa, in Western Cape Province.

Langebaanweg
Langebaanweg is located in Western Cape
Langebaanweg
Langebaanweg
Langebaanweg is located in South Africa
Langebaanweg
Langebaanweg
Coordinates: 32°58′S 18°9′E / 32.967°S 18.150°E / -32.967; 18.150
CountrySouth Africa
ProvinceWestern Cape
DistrictWest Coast
MunicipalitySaldanha Bay
Area
 • Total7.09 km2 (2.74 sq mi)
Population
 (2011)[1]
 • Total952
 • Density130/km2 (350/sq mi)
Racial makeup (2011)
 • Black African20.9%
 • Coloured42.8%
 • Indian/Asian0.6%
 • White35.1%
 • Other0.6%
First languages (2011)
 • Afrikaans65.0%
 • English18.3%
 • Xhosa5.8%
 • Tswana2.5%
 • Other8.4%
Time zoneUTC+2 (SAST)
PO box
7375

It is the location of the air force base AFB Langebaanweg.

Langebaanweg has been an important mining center, with its main minerals consisting of phosphorites, primarily calcium phosphate. The mining uncovered fossils dating from the late Miocene and early Pliocene, approximately 5 million years ago. Fossil species found there include invertebrates and also a type of rhinoceros, as well as a mousebird and a diving petrel. The West Coast Fossil Park includes displays of fossils found in a former phosphate mine.[2] Brett Hendey, formally of the Iziko South African Museum, documented the significance of the Langebaanweg fossil sites.[3]

Langebaanweg is also notable as the birthplace of former England cricketer Allan Lamb, who played 79 Tests for his adopted country as well as in the 1987 and 1992 Cricket World Cup Finals.

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d "Main Place Langebaanweg". Census 2011.
  2. ^ "West Coast Fossil Park website". Iziko Museums of Cape Town. Retrieved 2009-12-06.
  3. ^ Hendey, Q. B. (1982). Langebaanweg: A Record of Past Life. Cape Town: South African Museum. p. 72.