Brandfort is located 13 km’s from the magical Amanzi Private Game Reserve, 50 km’s from Soetdoring Nature Reserve and 46 km’s from Florisbad holiday resort. The town is situated 60 km north-east of Bloemfontein and 80 km’s south-west of Winburg. It was established on the farm Keerom on the 30 October 1866 by Jacobus van Zilj and after he established a church, he invited President J.H. Brand, the fourth President of The Republic to visit the community, shortly afterwards the town was named in his honour. The town was proclaimed in 1874 and municipal status was achieved in 1884. It is sometime claimed that the town was so called because a fort on the nearby Keeromkoppie was burnt down by San or Basotho. The British built a concentration camp here during the Boer War to house women and children.

Distances from surrounding towns and cities:

Bloemfontein 60 km’s R30 – N1

Winburg 65 km’s R703

Welkom 100 km’s R30 (now ZR Mahabane Road)

Brandfort is part of the the Masilonyana Local Municipality.

Brandfort Tourism

Amanzi Private Game Reserve

We endeavour to create an expectant environment at Amanzi, where dreams are born for many people and where nations of the world can be ministered through body, soul and spirit. We commit ourselves to offer every client the highest standard of service and warm hospitality.

Mobile: +2783 631 6538

Email: amanzigame@telkomsa.net

Florisbad holiday resort

Holiday Resort and Conference Center
Situated in the Soutpan area, in the Free State, only 46km from Bloemfontein and 50 km’s from Brandfort, this outdoor destination, was planned and built with the idea of offering visitors a tranquil, and safe outdoor environment designed to bring about rest, relaxation and recuperation.

BOOKING ESSENTIAL
Bookings: +27 82 4999 155

Soetdoring Nature Reserve

Soetdoring Nature Reserve, Resort and Predator Park– 45km from Bloemfontein.

Tel: 051 433 1167

Tel: 051 433 9002

Brandfort is part of the Flamingo Route in the Free State.

The Flamingo Route runs through the Lejweleputswa District, an important agricultural and gold-producing area. This combination makes for a variety of leisure activities – exploring a local gold mine, game viewing and visiting key historical sites. And for lovers of the fast lane, the Free State’s own Phakisa Freeway Race Track is a must-see.

The route includes the following towns:

• Bothaville
• Welkom
• Ventersburg
• Virginia
• Winburg
• Brandfort

Tourism Contact:  – 057 391 8995

History

Winnie Mandela’s home

The home and place to which Winnie Mandela was banished during the Apartheid era. The government at the time thought that this move would minimise her influence on the disgruntled Africans in the townships on the Rand. Her home subsequently became a tourist attraction.

Dewersdorp Concentration Camp

Dewersdorp Concentration Camp, outside the town, was named after Captain Dwyer, a humane man, who showed mercy towards the Boer women and children incarcerated here, he helped wherever he could. A beautiful statue of an angel, all in white, resting against an upright cross, in front of the Dutch Reformed Church, honours the many women and children who died here. The Monument erected at the Concentration Camp cemetery on the Lovain farm lists all the names of the dead.

Vice-Admiral Weston Home

The first aeroplane ever built in Africa saw the light of day on the property of Vice-Admiral Weston, who lived in Brandfort. His home is now a popular tourist attraction.

Voortrekker Memorial Wall

The memorial wall located in front of the Dutch Reformed Church, honours the early Voortrekker settlers.

Brandfort Personalities

It was established on the farm Keerom on the 30 October 1866 by Jacobus van Zilj and after he established a church, he invited President J.H. Brand, the fourth President of The Republic to visit the community, shortly afterwards the town was named in his honour.

Return to the main Free State page or the Free State Towns/Cities page.

Key Statistics 2011