Botshabelo, Motheo Region
Botshabelo is a large township, a hangover from the apartheid era that lies close to Thaba Nchu, just east of Bloemfontein. People originally moved there in search of work, when they left their rural homes in the Free State to move closer to Thaba'Nchu (a homeland). Botshabelo was reserved exclusively, at the time, for the Tswana people (interestingly the largest group of people originally from Botswana to live in South Africa, whose language is Tswana).
Thaba Nachu, which was settled as early as the 1830s, was something of an enclave of Bophutatswana as a result of apartheid and today remains governed by His Majesty Chief Albert Moroka, responsible for civil matters and judge of the tribal court.
Botshabelo, which means 'place of refuge', is the largest township in the Free State and, after Soweto, the largest in the country. Botshabelo and Thaba'Nchu are known collectively as the Thabelo Area.
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Primavera Guest House
Primavera Guest House is situated in the well known restful neighbourhood of Waverley in Bloemfontein, easily accessible from the N1. It is nearb...
Haldon Estates
Haldon Estates offers comfortable accommodation in a tranquil, serene setting in Kwaggafontein, Bloemfontein. Accommodation is offered individual...
@ The Villa
At the Villa, is an up market, Guesthouse situated in the quiet Northern suburb of Bayswater, Bloemfontein. When entering our premises, a lusciou...
Greanleaf Guest Lodge
Nestled within the charming leafy suburb of Universitas, we offer comfortable accommodation in our tranquil gardens and charming interiors. Sip o...
Reizis Classic Penthouse
Reizis Classic Penthouse offers self-catering apartment accommodation in a secure complex which is centrally located in Bloemfontein. The Penthou...
@ Mamma's Guesthouse
At Mamma's Guesthouse offers bed and breakfast accommodation in Bloemfontein in the leafy and tranquil suburb of Brandwag. The Guesthouse is the ...
Villa Vredenrust
Warm hospitality awaits you at Villa Vredenrust. The guest house is conveniently situated in Fichardtpark, an upmarket suburb in Bloemfontein, an...
A Summer Place Guest House
A Summer Place Boutique Guest House, offers accommodation for the discerning guest, and is centrally located in Bloemfontein. The Boutique Guest ...
De Dane Guest Rooms
Situated in Bloemfontein, De Dane Guest Rooms offer a choice of two self catering rooms each fitted with a private bathroom. Each unit is furnish...
Noteworthy attractions
Loftus Versfeld Stadium
Home to the Sundowns Football Club and the Blue Bulls rugby team, Loftus Versfeld received a welcomed revamp and renovation in preparation for th...
Soetdoring Dam Nature Reserve
Soetdoring Nature Reserve has two entrances. The eastern entrance is at the Modder River on the Bloemfontein / Bultfontein road (R700). Here visi...
Bloemfontein Golf Club
The Bloemfontein Golf Club is situated about 6 kilometres from the city centre just off Maselspoort Road - more commonly known as the Airport Roa...
Schoeman Park Golf Club
Schoeman Park Golf Club, as it is known today, had its origin in 1904 when a few Scottish members of the old Bloemfontein Railway Institute start...
Free State National Botanical Garden
On the north western fringes of Bloemfontein lie 70 hectares of botanical garden, in a valley peppered with dolerite koppies, tall grassland and ...
Bloemfontein Zoo
The Bloemfontein Zoo was established in 1906, and has continued to grow and develop since then to be one of the most popular animal sanctuaries i...
Franklin Nature Reserve
Named after Sir John Stuart Franklin, the mayor of Bloemfontein during the 1920s, Franklin Game Reserve lies right in the heart of Bloemfontein. ...
Sand du Plessis Theatre
Completed in 1985 at a cost of over R60 million, the Sand du Plessis complex is one of the most modern theatres in the world. The facade features...
National Museum Bloemfontein
Notable for its large collection of fossils, cultural historical exhibits and archaeological displays, including the Florisbad skull which was di...
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