Bultfontein

Location

Bultfontein is situated 80 km from Welkom and 100 km from Bloemfontein. It comprises of two main areas, namely Bultfontein and Phahameng. The town is situated at the joining of the R708, R700, R710 and R719, and is close to Stillerus and Protespan, as well as Theunissen.

History

Its history began in the year 1874. The town had its origin from a strong fountain that sprout on a hill. It was first part of the farm Kameeldoorns. Bushmen, settlers and wild animals came to drink from the fountain. Die farm Bultfontein was first owned by Andrew Murray, before it became a town. The earliest township was called Marantha, and because of apartheid it was moved to a distant location and was called Phahameng.

Economy

Bultfontein is in a mainly farming district that gets its water from the Sand-Vet irrigation system. Several farmers in the district breed pedigree cattle; Herefords, Limousins and Fries/Holsteins. Other interesting farming activities include the cultivation of cut flowers on the farm Rondepan, 10 km east of the town on the Theunissen Road.

Hoopstad

Location

The key town of Hoopstad is situated on the R700 Highway between Bloemfontein and the North West Province. The town is located near the Bloemhof Dam which is situated on the Vaal River.

History

The town of Hoopstad was initially founded in 1876 and named Hauptstad after Mr. Haupt, a surveyor. The translation of Haupstad into Afrikaans means Capital, which it clearly wasn’t and the town was therefore renamed Hoopstad. The town, who name means “Hope City” in Afrikaans, was established on the one side of the large farm Kameeldoorns, with Bultfontein on the other side of the farm.

Economy

This area is considered to be the richest maize-producing district in South Africa.