Botshabelo is about 55 km’s from Bloemfontein and has a number of industrial and commercial business properties located in it, several of which are textile concerns. Although the textile and apparel sector has been under tremendous pressure in recent times, the towns of Botshabelo, Qwa Qwa and Thaba Nchu have factories employing several thousand people. Thaba Nchu lies still further to the east of the provincial capital and is popular with tourists.

The capital city of the Free State, Bloemfontein, has excellent infrastructure and hosts South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal. Collectively, the towns of Botshabelo, Thaba ’Nchu and Bloemfontein make up the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality.

Botshabelo Creation Co-op in Botshabelo manufactures materials and articles such as traditional African dresses, weaving, silk painting and beadwork.

Botshabelo Regional Office
Tel: +27 51 533 0500

Tourism Botshabelo

Botshabelo is part of the Cheetah Route in the Free State that takes you through the Mangaung District – the cultural and political heart of the Free State. Abundant historical, cultural and natural attractions make the region a top business and recreational destination.

Towns on the Cheetah Route are:

• Bloemfontein
• Botshabelo
• Thaba-Nchu

A visit to the Free State is not complete without experiencing “Kasie” (lokasie/location) tourism and a visit to a “Chisa Nyama” (traditional barbeque) or “shebeen” (bar). While you are in Botshabelo, pay a visit to the Moroka Chiefs Monument and some places of entertainment in the area. A number of buildings still stand as a reminder of the township’s role in the struggle against apartheid, and there is a connection between facilities in Botshabelo, Thaba Nchu and Bloemfontein. Some of these connections are found in places such as:

• The Free State Youth Martyrs’ Monument.
• The house of Me Moipone Mohlakoana (Free State President of the ANC Women’s League and a member of the 1952 Defiance Campaign).
• Ramkraal Prison (where many freedom fighters were incarcerated).
• Paradise Hall (the gathering place for the 1952 Defiance Campaign).
• Mapikela House (Ulundi Khaya).
• Experience local culture in with a visit to a local “Chisa Nyama” (barbecue) or “shebeen” (bar) in the townships ofManguang and  Botshabelo

Tourism Contact: – 051 405 8328

Rustfontein Dam Nature Reserve

No accommodation. 30 km’s away.
Tel: 051 528 2926

Onverwacht Farm House

The farmhouse was the first settlement in Botshabelo. The farmhouse is still utilised today. Location: next to Interstate Busline depot.

Botshabelo Public Library

Offering a traditional Sotho art exhibition including pottery and thatched carpets. Video material on the history of Botshabelo can also be viewed here. Next to municipal offices.

Free State Cheetah Route website HERE

BOTSABELO ART & CRAFT CENTRE

A variety of African arts and crafts are on sale at this centre. Approach the Tourist Centre (051- 405 8489/90) for contact details on numerous smaller art galleries and studios in the Bloemfontein area

Shopping

Re a Hola Centre (Botshabelo)
The Centre is located on the Main Road in Botshabelo. There are 150 open parking bays available.
Anchor tenants include Score, OK Furnitures, Pep Stores, Clicks, ABC Group, ABSA, JBG Trading
and Snip.

Return to the Free State Town/Cities page or go back to the main Free State page.

Key Statistics 2011