Bloemfontein
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| Bloemfontein | |
|---|---|
| Name | Bloemfontein |
| Settlement type | City |
| Nickname | The City of Roses |
| Motto | In Sapientia Progressus (Progress in Wisdom) |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | South Africa |
| Subdivision type1 | Province |
| Subdivision name1 | Free State |
| Subdivision type2 | Municipality |
| Subdivision name2 | Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1846 |
| Founder | Major Henry Douglas Warden |
| Government type | Metropolitan municipality |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Gregory Nthatisi |
| Area total km2 | 236.17 |
| Elevation m | 1395 |
| Population total | 256,185 |
| Population as of | 2011 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Timezone | South African Standard Time |
| Utc offset | +2 |
| Coordinates | 29, 06, S, 26... |
| Postal code type | Postal code (street) |
| Postal code | 9300 |
| Area code | 051 |
| Website | www.mangaung.co.za |
Bloemfontein. It is the judicial capital of South Africa, serving as the seat of the Supreme Court of Appeal. The city is also the provincial capital of the Free State and forms part of the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality. Known as the "City of Roses" for its annual festival, it is a major administrative, educational, and cultural hub in the heart of the country.
History
The area was originally inhabited by Sotho and Tswana groups before European settlement. Founded in 1846 by British Army Major Henry Douglas Warden as a fort, it became the capital of the Orange River Sovereignty. Following the Orange River Convention, it was the capital of the independent Orange Free State from 1854, a Boer republic under President J.H. Brand. The city was besieged and captured by British forces under Lord Roberts during the Second Boer War, a conflict marked by the nearby Battle of Paardeberg and the establishment of concentration camps. In 1910, it became the judicial capital upon the formation of the Union of South Africa. The city was the birthplace of the African National Congress in 1912 and later saw significant anti-apartheid activism, including the influence of Bram Fischer.
Geography and climate
Located on the dry central plateau of South Africa at an elevation of approximately 1,395 meters, the city lies near the source of the Modder River. The landscape is characterized by flat to gently rolling plains, part of the Highveld region. It experiences a semi-arid climate, with hot summers, cold, dry winters, and occasional frost. The region is prone to thunderstorms in summer and is situated within the Upper Karoo botanical zone, featuring hardy vegetation like Acacia trees.
Demographics
According to the 2011 census, the city had a population of over 250,000. The primary languages spoken are Sesotho, Afrikaans, and isiXhosa. Major population groups include the Black African, Coloured, and White communities. The city is a center for the Afrikaner cultural community and is part of the larger Mangaung metropolitan area, which includes townships such as Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu.
Economy
The economy is centered on public administration and government services, housing the Supreme Court of Appeal and numerous provincial departments. Other key sectors include education, with institutions like the University of the Free State, and financial services from companies like Vodacom and Absa Group Limited. The city hosts the Tempe manufacturing area and is a retail and distribution hub for the central region, supported by the Bloemfontein Airport and major road links like the N1 highway.
Culture and landmarks
Known as the "City of Roses," it hosts the annual Bloemfontein Rose Festival. Key cultural institutions include the National Museum, the Oliewenhuis Art Museum, and the Free State Stadium, a venue for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Landmarks include the Fourth Raadsaal, the Anglican Church of St. George and St. Mary, and the Women's Monument. The city is home to the Free State Cheetahs rugby team and the Mangaung Oval cricket ground.
Government
The city is governed by the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, a Category B municipality led by Executive Mayor Gregory Nthatisi. It is divided into 34 wards and operates under a mayor-council system. As the provincial capital, it hosts the Free State Provincial Legislature and the official residence of the Premier of the Free State. It also houses various national government departments and foreign consulates.
Education and research
It is a major educational center, anchored by the University of the Free State, which includes the South Campus and the Qwaqwa Campus. Other institutions include the Central University of Technology, Free State, and numerous private colleges. The city is home to the Boyden Observatory, the Universitas Academic Hospital, and several research units focused on agriculture, law, and health sciences linked to the university.