| Lejweleputswa
: formally known as the Free State Goldfields |
It
is being said that one could come to Lejweleputswa
for a hundred holidays and have a totally different
experience each time! The proud history and heritage
of the region will take you on a journey to a
variety of landscapes, richly endowded with diverse
cultures and peoples. Situated in the heartland
of South Africa’s agricultural belt, mine
shafts now guard the horizon where once antelope
roamed. Escape to the unforgettable experience
of descending into the depths of Mother Earth
in a local gold mine, or explore the countryside
from a steam train. Enjoy a taste of rich wildlife
of Africa at a local game reserve with the comforts
of a modern, vibrant city close at hand.
The
history of gold prospecting and mining in the
Free State goes back to the late 19th century
when gold was discovered and mined near Vredefort,
but it took a considerable time before any substantial
gold deposits were found under the open, desolate
plains of the north-western Free State. In April
1948, a borehole sunk in search for water on the
farm St Helena struck lava, not sub-terranean
water. Those who inhabited the farm remained thirsty,
but the lava was that of a deep-flowing source
of gold ore linked to the famous Witwatersrand.
Foreigners and their mines came overnight, people
from the rest of the Free State, prospectors from
South Africa, fortune-seekers from the world.
It
eventuated into the establishing of Welkom as
one of the few cities in the world to have been
planned to completion before so much as a brick
was layed. The planning of Welkom was undertaken
by Sir Ernest Oppenheimer, the then Anglo American
Chairman, and has resulted in the residential,
mining and industrial areas of the city being
harmoniously blended to form what has become known
as the 'Garden City.' Be sure not to miss out
on a trip to the worlds deepest wine cellar at
the St Helena Mine which is 857m below the earth’s
surface!
Mine
shafts sprang up like strange flowers, their workforce
establishing one of South Africa's most advanced
infrastructures. A million people found their
home on the Free State Goldfields,. with Welkom
being the principal city. Today the Free State
Goldfields are rivalled only by those of the West
Rand (Gauteng) in production and reserves. The
region's attractions, like its economy, centre
around the mining of gold and agriculture, although
with the declining gold price in the nineties
manufacturing industry is being promoted as a
means to support the local economy. In Welkom
as well as in nearby Virginia and Theunissen one
can take a mine tour of some of the deepest mines
in the world. A highly notable feature lately
added to the Goldfields scene, is the ultra-modern
multi-million Phakisa Racetrack for motorcycles
and racing cars situated between Welkom and Odendaalsrus,
venue for many an international event and drawing
considerable global media coverage.
Apart
from its gold, this region encompasses several
districts forming the heart of the county’s
maize triangle, stretching from horizon to horizon.
To keep in balance with nature the region is blessed
with a game reserve and two nature reserves. For
flora and fauna viewing visit three nature reserves
- Willem Pretorius Game Reserve, and the Sandveld
and Soetdoring Nature Reserves.
The
Economy of this region depends on Gold Mining,
Agriculture, Small Industries and to a lesser
degree Diamond Mining in Theunissen.
The
population of this region is approximately 500
000, with the Majority concentrated in the Areas
of Welkom, Odendaalsrus and Virginia (Matjhabeng
Local Municipality).
Predominant
Languages spoken locally are English, South Sotho,
Afrikaans, and to a lesser degree Xhosa, Tswana,
Portugeese.
Cities/Towns:
Allanridge, Boshof, Bothaville, Brandfort. Bultfontein,
Dealesville, Hennenman, Hertzogville, Hoopstad,
Odendaalsrus, Theunissen, Ventersburg, Virginia,
Welkom, Wesselsbron, Winburg.
Bothaville
serves one of the richest agricultural communities
in the country and is regarded as the centre of
the Free State Maize Route. The world renowned
NAMPO Harvest farm and Festival attracts more
than 20 000 visitors each year and is the second
largest private agricultural show centre in the
world. Bothaville is also the host of the anual
Food and Witblits Festival drawing visitors from
all over South Africa.
Despite
the rapid growth of many of the towns following
the discovery of gold, most have maintained the
picturesque beauty and splendour of the wild which
existed there before them. Virginia - with the
Sand River flowing through the centre of the town
and a game farm on the outskirts - is known as
the Goldfields' Nature Paradise and a must for
lovers of the outdoors.
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Matjhabeng
Local Municipality
Tel Numbers (057) 391 3911
Welkom, Thabong, Bronville Odendaalsrus, Kutloanong
Virginia, Meloding Venter burg, Mmamahabane Hennenman,
Phomolong Allanridge, Nyakallong
Nala
Local Municipality
Tel Numbers (056) 514 9200
Bothaville, Kgotsong Wesselsbron, Monyakeng
Masilonyana
Local Municipality
Tel Numbers (057) 733 0106
Theunissen, Masilo Brandfort, Majwemasoeu Windburg,
Makeleketla Soutpan, Ikgomotseng Verkeerdevlei,
Tshepong
Tswelopele
Local Municipality
Tel Numbers (051) 853 1111
Bultfontein, Phahameng Hoops tad, Tikwane
Tokologo
Local Municipality
Tel Numbers (053) 541 0014
Boshof, Seretse
Hertzogville, Malebogo
Dealesville, Tshwaraganang
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