Geography, History & Economy
Kopanong Local Municipality is part of Xhariep District Municipality.
MDB code: FS162
Description: The Kopanong Local Municipality is a Category B municipality situated within the Xhariep District of the Free State Province. It is the largest of the three municipalities in the district, making up almost half of its geographical area.
Basic agricultural products are exported from the area for processing and re-imported into the area as consumer products. Historical events that took place in the municipality, aspects of the natural and man-made environment and local activities may form the basis for promoting tourism as a significant economic activity.
Some of these events, and man-made and natural environment aspects are: ‘Lake Gariep’ and the Gariep Water Festival; the game reserve at Lake Gariep; Jagersfontein Mine; the ‘Tiger Project’ in Philippolis; the Orange River Ravine from the Gariep Dam wall to the PK le Roux Dam wall; battlefields of significant battles conducted during the Anglo-Boer War, e.g. Mostert’s Hoek; Philippolis ‘Witblits’ Festival; historical buildings in Philippolis, e.g. the Dutch Reformed Church, library, old jail, the house where Lourens van der Post was born, Adam Kok’s house (the Griqua leader) and a kraal and structure where gunpowder was kept; and Fauresmith horse endurance run.
The name is a Sesotho word meaning ‘meeting place or where people are invited’. The name earmarks unity and seeks to encourage cooperation.
Area: 15 645km²
Cities/Towns: Bethulie, Edenburg, Fauresmith, Gariep Dam, Jagersfontein, Philippolis, Reddersburg, Springfontein, Trompsburg, Waterkloof
Main Economic Sectors: Agriculture (38%), general government (23%), finance (13.3%), trade (10.2%)