Background
Mangaung is situated in the Free State Province, in the central interior of South Africa. The Free State is bordered by Gauteng, the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and North West provinces, as well as the neighbouring country of Lesotho. The Mangaung Local Municipality was formed at the end of 2000 by amalgamating the Transitional Local Councils of Bloemfontein, Botshabelo, Thaba Nchu and two Rural Councils. Being the sixth largest city in the country, the Mangaung municipal area covers more than 6 300 square kilometres and hosts a population of about 850 000 people. The languages spoken in the area are mainly Sesotho, Afrikaans, English and Setswana. The name “Mangaung” (meaning “Place of the Cheetahs”) accentuates the vibrant, dynamic and energetic character of the tourism industry in the “city on the move”.
Bloemfontein
Bloemfontein is the provincial capital of the Free State, as well as the judicial capital of South Africa. The city, founded by Dutch and English settlers in the middle 1800s, is a true blend of the past, present and future. Its majestic and stately sandstone buildings are a celebration of the city’s architecture. Bloemfontein’s rich cultural and historical heritage is reflected in its museums, art galleries and cultural festivals. The city also offers excellent recreational, shopping and entertainment facilities.
Botshabelo
Botshabelo, (meaning “a place of refuge”) is situated 45km from Bloemfontein on the national N8 road that links with Lesotho. It is believed to be the largest township settlement in the Free State and the second largest in the country after Soweto. Botshabelo has developed into the industrial hub of Mangaung and houses more than 140 fully operational factories. High-quality products from predominantly textile related factories are marketed throughout South Africa and exported worldwide.
Thaba Nchu
Thaba Nchu is located 12km east of Botshabelo on the N8 road to Lesotho. This settlement lies at the foot of the well-known Thaba Nchu mountain, also known in the local Sesotho language as “black mountain”. Chief Moroka with a number of the Barolong tribe settled here in the early 1830s. In the late 1800s it became home to Chief Moshoeshoe and the Basotho nation. Apart from being a prominent cultural centre, Thaba Nchu offers luxurious accommodation and a variety of entertainment opportunities.
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