Matjhabeng Local Municipality came into existence on 05 December 2000 after the amalgamation and emergence of the former six Transitional Local Council into one financially viable and economically sustainable municipality. Matjhabeng Municipality incorporates the city of Welkom and the towns of Odendelsrus, Virginia, Hennenman, Allanridge and Ventersburg with a combined population of more than 500 000 people. The economy of the Matjhabeng Municipality area centered on mining activities located in and around Allanridge, Odendelsrus, Welkom and Virginia.