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This city has seen it all. It was part of an independent Boer Republic (which was founded by Afrikaners of Dutch descent), was colonised by the Brits and was considered the heartland of the old South Africa. Nevertheless, it has become remarkably compliant with the realities of the new South Africa. Bloemfontein serves as the judicial capital of the country and major lawsuits are resolved in the august wood-panelled halls of its historical buildings.
Instead of overdosing on a dozen monuments and
historic buildings that hark back to the time of the Anglo-Boer War, you can visit the top sites. These would include the impressive twin-spire Dutch reformed church; the Oliewenhuis Art Museum – a stunning example of typical Dutch gable architecture; and finally, the street that is the historic heart of the city. In the early morning take a stroll along President Brand Street and admire its majestic sandstone buildings and groomed gardens that date back to the Colonial era – they look magnificent.
The indigenous population of the area – the Basotho or South Sotho people – has a proud and tenacious history. To them, Bloemfontein is Manguang (place of leopards). They are part of the greater Sotho people of South Africa who number an estimated seven million in all. The Basotho live in the Free State and neighbouring Lesotho, once a British protectorate before independence in 1966.The Qwaqwa National Park houses a Basotho Cultural Village.
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