Bethulie is a small cattle and sheep farming town located in the Xhariep region of the Free State province of South Africa.
Overview
| Country: | South Africa |
| Province: | Free State |
| District: | Xhariep |
| Municipality: | Kopanong |
| Established: | 1863 |
| Total Area: | 37 km² (14.3 sq mi) |
| Population: | 16,000 (2011) |
| Population Density: | 430/km² (1,100/sq mi) |
| Time Zone: | UTC+2 (SAST) |
| Postal Code (street): | 9992 |
| PO Box: | 9992 |
| Area Code: | 051 |
About Bethulie
Bethulie is situated on the banks of Lake Gariep, approximately 178 km southwest of Bloemfontein (the Provincial Capital).
The town’s name Bethulie means “chosen by God”, it was given by directors of a mission station in 1829 which the town formed around. The mission building is the oldest settler built building still standing in the Free State province.
Bethulie was also home to one of the largest concentration camps run by the British during the Second Boer War. The Dutch Reformed Church was built in 1862.
Bethulie is well-known for its sheep and cattle-farming, with a semi-desert temperature. There are great fluctuations in temperature between the heat of the day and coolness of night.
The town has a lot of history attached to it, with many monuments and museums telling their own stories.
Bethulie has much to offer in the way of activities to keep the whole family entertained. Some of the things to do are as follows:-
- Dutch Reformed Church
- Pellisier House Museum
- Horse Memorial
- The Klaversfontein Rabbit Farm
- Grave of J J Venter
- Tussen die Riviere Nature Reserve
- Ox-wagon Monument
