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FREE STATE
Free State Province
Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality Fezile Dabi District Municipality Lejweleputswa District Municipality Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality Xhariep District Municipality 24 25 26 27 28
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Capital: Bloemfontein Largest City: BloemfonteinProvince Area: 129 480km2 Area % of RSA: 10.6%
Premier, Ms Sefora Hixsonia Ntombela Free State
Perfectly located at centre of the country, the Free State represents 10.6% of the total land area of South Africa. It boasts majestic horizons, angelic blue skies and sprawling mountains. The province ingeniously borders most of the other provinces, the exceptions being Limpopo and the Western Cape. To the east, it has an international boundary with Lesotho nestling magically in the hollow of its beanlike shape, and the escarpment separates it from the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
AGRICULTURE
The agricultural sector remains one of the mainstays of the provincial economy. The irresistible fertile landscape of the province is a home to a variety of agricultural produce that combine all colours to green. The province is still the major contributor to food security for the entire country. Notably, this sector contributed about 8% to the country’s agricultural output.
MINING
The province is endowed with the grandeur of mineral resources, the most dominant being the glittering gold. South Africa is the world’s largest gold producer and the largest of the provinces, 12 gold mines are Free State Consolidated Goldfields, with an area of 330km2. Uranium as a by-product from gold and Bituminous coal is mined and converted to petrochemicals at Sasolburg.
MANUFACTURING
The manufacturing sector makes up 14% of the provincial economic output. The petro-chemicals sector constitutes more than 85% of the economic output for manufacturing. This sector also accounts for more than 85% of manufacturing output and 29% of the sector’s employment. Metsimaholo (Sasolburg) is the leading locality with high petro-chemical manufacturing production. This also includes immeasurable down and up-stream activities linked to this sub-sector. Mangaung metro also features as a prominent manufacturing area of fuel, petroleum, rubber and chemicals. Linkages between agriculture and manufacturing through agro-processing are also being strengthened. Innovation and experimentation are also pivotal drivers of manufacturing through Research and Development (R&D).
TOURISM
With its breath taking beauty and captivating scenery, tourists into the province will also be left with magnificent memories of the Free State.
Provincial Website
www.freestateonline.fs.gov.za Physical address:
41 Charlotte Maxeke street, Bloemfontein Postal address:
Private Bag X 20561, Bloemfontein, 9300 Government Office Contact
Telephone: 051 407 1177 Facsimile: 051 430 51 87
Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality
Demographics
Mayor Cllr Lebohang Masoetsa BLOEMFONTEIN, Free State
Bloemfontein Statue of Nelson Mandela on Naval Hill
The Mangaung metropolitan municipality is a category A municipality centrally located within the Free State and is accessible via National infrastructure, including the N1 (which links Gauteng with the Southern and Western Cape), the N6 (which links Bloemfontein to the Eastern Cape), and the N8 (which links Lesotho in the east and with the Northern Cape in the west via Bloemfontein).
Agriculture
The agricultural sector in the province is characterised by large-scale and small-scale commercial agriculture as well as subsistence agriculture. The two major poles of agriculture are subsistence and large-scale commercial farms. The historical evolution of agriculture has seen the progressive decline of small-scale commercial agriculture, which has been stifled by lack of access to credit, and limited access to markets and transport.
Mining
Historically, mining has played a small role in the economy of Mangaung metropolitan municipality. The contribution of the mining sector to South Africa’s economy has decreased drastically in the past 20 years. However, the mining sector still plays a very important role in the South African economy. According to the National Development Plan, about 60% of South Africa’s export revenue comes from mining, minerals and secondary beneficiated products. Manufacturing The overall growth in the manufacturing industry in the Free State is closely linked to the fuel, petroleum and chemicals sub-sector in Sasolburg. Although this sector is largely linked to Gauteng, effective support for this sector remains a priority as significant linkages would exist within the province.
Tourism
Tourism nodal areas include N8 Airport Node, the Maloti R26, Thaba Nchu’ s Maria Moroka National Park and the surroundings the CBD and the nature based activities around Soutpan area . Mangaung is well position to capitalise on its strength on business tourism opportunities such busy social calendar of events and conferences. Development and promotion of Tourist Routes such Maloti Route, the Friendly N6 Route , Batho Route and the 4x4 routes remains one of the catalysts to stimulate employment creation , skills development and community participation.
Main economic sectors
Community services, finance, trade, transport, mining, agriculture and manufacturing
CONTACT DETAILS
Postal – Po Box 3704, Bloemfontein, 9300 Physical – Bram Fischer Building, Nelson Mandela drive & Markgraaf street, Bloemfontein Tel – 051 405 8911 Fax – 051 405 8707 Web – www.mangaung.co.za
Fezile Dabi District Municipality
Demographics
Mayor Cllr Moeketsi Moshodi SASOLBURG, Free State
LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES
MUNICIPALITY TOWN
Mafube Frankfort
Metsimaholo Sasolburg Moqhaka Kroonstad Ngwathe Parys
Free State
The Fezile Dabi District Municipality is a Category C municipality, formerly known as the Northern Free State District Municipality, situated in the north of the Free State. It is bordered by the North West, Gauteng and Mpumalanga province to the north, Thabo Mofutsanyana district to the south, and Lejweleputswa district to the west.
Tourism
Fezile Dabi district municipality, in close proximity to Gauteng and Johannesburg International Airport is perfect for weekend getaway. The Vaal River forms the northern bother and with the Vaal Dam, is one of the main features of the area. Many excellent resorts line the banks and makes this a popular venue for angling, wind surfing, water-skiing, paragliding and river rafting. Bird and animal life abounds in game and nature reserves or one may visit a game farm where controlled hunting has become available. The flat plains of this region were thrown into turmoil when a giant meteor struck the earth some 2000 million years ago forcing the earth into deep gorges and ridges. The Dome, known as Vredefort Structure, has numerous streams winding through the gorges and there are excellent opportunities for fly fishing while hiking and mountain biking provide recreation for the more active. From Sasolburg, chemical giant and hub of industry, to the peaceful rural areas, Fezile Dabi has a wealth of historical, cultural and leisure pursuits to offer.
Economy
The Fezile Dabi district is a highly productive district, particularly in the agricultural production and manufacturing activities, which are directly related to the chemical productions in Sasol industries. It is estimated that the economic growth in the Fezile Dabi district municipality has grown by approximately 2.1% per annum between 1996 and 2004 and it is expected that due to increased production capacities and new economic ventures within the district, this growth rate may have been well sustained and even exceeded in recent times. This growth rate is more that the economic growth rate of 0.7% per annum for the Free State Province for the same period. In 2004, the district had a proportional contribution of 31.8% to the Free State’s economy, as compared to 12.6% in 1996, showing a growth of 19.2% since 1996 to 2004.
Main Economic Sectors
Trade, community services, tourism, mining, agriculture, finance, SMME development, construction and transport
CONTACT DETAILS
Postal – Po Box 10, Sasolburg, 1947 Physical – John Vorster road, Sasolburg Tel – 016 970 8600 Fax – 016 970 8733 Web – www.feziledabi.gov.za
Lejweleputswa District Municipality
Demographics
Mayor Cllr Sebenzile Ngangelizwe WELKOM, Free State
LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES
MUNICIPALITY TOWN
Masilonyana Theunissen Matjhabeng Welkom Nala Bothaville
Tswelopele Bultfontein Tokologo Boshof
Welkom City
The Lejweleputswa district municipality is a category C municipality situated in the North West part of the Free State.
Economy structure
The main economic activities in the Lejweleputswa District happens in the primary sector and the tertiary sector. The primary sector in Lejweleputswa is driven by agriculture and mining. Matjhabeng is the largest municipality in the District and it contains most of the mining activities, especially gold mining, followed by Masilonyana with some of the gold mining and diamond mining. Recently the mining sector has been on a downward trend as a result of closure of many of the shafts as a result of high costs of production among others and the need for deep mining. The Free State is considered the bread-basket of South Africa supplying a significant portion of the agricultural produce. Maize is the main product of Lejweleputswa and the region is also known as the maize capital of South Africa although the municipality is diverse in farming activities. The agriculture industry is important for a number of reasons namely, food security, employment opportunities, the economy, and provides a good foundation for rural development and it is therefore important to protect agricultural land from being transformed into urban related areas. An advantage of this industry is the snowball effect it creates by way of agro-processing and tourism. Irrigation schemes play an important role in agriculture as they prove to yield more compared to crops harvested on dry land. The Free State is mostly characterised by subsistence and large scale commercial farming.
Tourism
Lejweleputswa’s tourism is mainly dominated by business tourism and nature-based tourism. This is followed by a range of historical and cultural tourism products. Another of Lejweleputswa’s tourism advantages relates to the district municipalities central location in South Africa. The municipality is well integrated with the rest of South Africa through its road and rail networks and serves as a popular tourist stopover destination. Tourism is considered to be sustainable as a result of the continuous demand and consumption of the product without diminishing natural resources.
Main economic sectors
Mining, construction, transport, electricity and trade
CONTACT DETAILS
Postal – Po Box 2163, Welkom, 9460 Physical – Corner Jan Hofmeyer and Tempest street, Welkom Tel – 057 353 3094 Fax – 057 353 3382 Web – www.lejwe.co.za
Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality
Demographics
Mayor Cllr Malefu Vilakazi PHUTHADITJHABA, Free State
Mountainous area in the East
LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES
MUNICIPALITY TOWN
Dihlabeng Bethlehem Maluti-a- Phofung Phuthaditjhaba
Mantsopa Ladybrand Nketoana Reitz
Phumelela Vrede
Setsoto Ficksburg
The Thabo Mofutsanyana district municipality is a category C municipality situated in the eastern Free State province and borders on Lesotho to the south east.
Tourism
Every bit as majestic as the eagles that glide over the Northern Drakensberg peaks, the Eagle Route is a little piece of heaven for tourists. Whether you’re in the mood for a quiet retreat in the countryside or an invigorating taste of local life and culture, you’ll find the Eagle Route in the Thabo Mofutsanyane district, a true feast for the senses.
Spanning the Free State’s southern border with Lesotho, the route runs from Ficksburg to Harrismith through some of the most picturesque landscape in the country - including the famous ‘Cherry Region’. Along the way it takes in majestic mountain views, interesting historical monuments, pristine nature reserves and fascinating towns. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or a culture vulture, there’s plenty to see and do: from dinosaur fossils, rock paintings and arts & crafts to ski slopes, horse trails, hot air ballooning and 4X4 trips.
Transport
Thabo Mofutsanyana district municipality enjoys high levels of connectivity to other districts, provinces within South Africa, as well as to airports and 12 harbours. The N3 that links the Gauteng province with the Kwazulu Natal province, passes Warden and Harrismith in the north eastern part of the district. The N1 road borders the west of the district for a small section within Setsoto local municipality. The N5 road traverses the central part of the district from west to east, linking the N1 (at Winburg in Lejweleputswa district) with Harrismith via Senekal, Paul Roux, Bethlehem and Kestell.
Main economic sectors
Agriculture and tourism
CONTACT DETAILS
Postal – Private Bag X 810, Witsieshoek, 9870 Physical – 1 Mampoi street, Old Parliament Building, Phuthaditjhaba Tel – 058 718 1089 Fax – 058 718 1034 Web – www.thabomofutsanyana.gov.za
Xhariep District Municipality
Demographics
Mayor Cllr Motseoa Sehanka TROMPSBURG, Free State
LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES
MUNICIPALITY TOWN
Kopanong Trompsburg Letsemeng Koffiefontein
Mohokare Zastron
Bethelinn Resort
The Xhariep district municipality is a category C municipality situated in the southern part of the Free State. It borders on Mangaung metro and Lejweleputswa district to the north. The Xhariep district municipality administrative headquarters is in Trompsburg which lies 125km south of Bloemfontein. There are 20 towns in this district, which boasts abundant natural resources such as water and agricultural land. The Gariep Dam, which is the largest dam in South Africa, is situated at the southern tip of the Xhariep District. Moreover, 3 National roads (N1-Gauteng to Cape Town, N6- Eastern Cape to Bloemfontein and N8- Bloemfontein to Kimberly) passes through this.
The Xhariep district, houses one of the tourist attractions in the Gariep Dam with accommodation and leisure facilities mainly around water spots. The district is the smallest compared to the other districts with about 5.2% share of the total provincial population. Most of economic activity in the district is in the agricultural sector (sheep farming) followed by mining, especially of diamonds in the Letsemeng municipal area. Some of the well known towns in the district include Jagersfontein, Koffiefontein, Reddersburg Trompsburg, Edenburg, Zadtron and Philipollis.
Vision
To realize a district municipality that is financially viable with political and administrative sound capacity and be able to provide sustainable, efficient, effective and affordable service delivery in relation to developmental and governance principles. To have EPWP as a delivery strategy in the implementation of all municipal projects and to lead in the implementation of EPWP in the district.
Mission
Xhariep District Municipality aims to significantly improve growth, and reduce unemployment and poverty. We will do this through working with all stakeholders to develop an effective infrastructure to encourage businesses to establish and grow , using and adding value to local products and services, by marketing Xhariep nationally and internationally.
Main economic sectors
Agriculture, construction, mining, transport and communication
CONTACT DETAILS
Postal – Private Bag X 136, Trompsburg, 9913 Physical – 20 Louw street, Trompsburg Tel – 051 713 9300 fax – 051 713 0461 Web – www.xhariep.gov.za
