Hoopstad, Free State

Hoopstad is a town situated at the intersection of the R34, R59 and R700 roads in the Free State province of South Africa.

Overview

Country:South Africa
Province:Free State
District:Lejweleputswa
Municipality:Tswelopele
Established:1873
Total Area:27.8 km² (10.7 sq mi)
Population:89,917 (2011)
Population Density:3,230/km² (8,380/sq mi)
Time Zone:UTC+2 (SAST)
Postal Code (street):9479
PO Box:9479
Area Code:053

Geography and history

Hoopstad is located in the Tswelopele Local Municipality, approximately 159 km north-west of Bloemfontein (the Provincial Capital) in Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, and about 91 km west of Welkom.

Hoopstad, meaning ‘town of hope’, was established in 1873 on one side of the large farm Kameeldoorns, with another town Bultfontein established on the other side.

Hoopstad should not be confused with Hopetown, a town in the Northern Cape province of South Africa. These two are two different towns.

Hoopstad is situated near the Bloemhof Dam which is situated on the Vaal River. The Sandveld Nature Reserve is positioned alongside the Bloemhof Dam.

Therefore, Hoopstad is an important link to and from Bloemhof Dam and the Sandveld Nature Reserve, as well as Welkom and the North West province.

The Vet River, a westward-flowing tributary of the Vaal River, forms Hoopstad’s southern boundary.

Hoopstad is situated in the middle of South Africa’s richest maize-producing region.

Hoopstad offers visitors and tourists the chance to experience the beautiful nature that this area offers. The Sandveld Nature Reserve is situated just a few kilometres from town. Its picturesque savannah and wetlands are perfect for anglers, game viewers and nature lovers. Some of the wildlife that can be viewed here includes buffalo, wildebeest, gemsbok, giraffe, kudu, and rhino.

Other attractions in Hoopstad include:

  • Dutch Reformed Church
  • Loorika Estate (Hereford and game farming)
  • Hiking and biking
  • Bird Collection
  • Kruithuis (19th Century powder magazine)