I took the opportunity of the break in Burgersdorp to complete the bit of work that I have been struggling to finish.  It's not the worst town in which to be stuck.  So many rural towns (the South African term is platteland towns) have declined markedly during my lifetime but Burgersdorp is holding its own.  I suspect a combination of successful farmers in the area that the town services and the quality of its local authority are the key requirements.