Geography, History & Economy
Mantsopa Local Municipality is part of Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality.
MDB code: FS196
Description: The Mantsopa Local Municipality is a Category B municipality situated within the Thabo Mofutsanyana District in the eastern Free State Province. It borders Masilonyana and Setsoto to the north, the Kingdom of Lesotho to the east, and Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality to the west. It is the smallest of six municipalities in the district, making up 13% of its geographical area.
The area is accessible via the N8 and R26 roads, which transverse the area. A railway line that runs along these routes services the area. The municipality incorporates five small towns, which accommodate a large proportion of the total population of Mantsopa. These small towns serve the surrounding rural community.
Area: 4 291km²
Cities/Towns: Excelsior, Hobhouse, Ladybrand, Thaba Patchoa, Tweespruit
Main Economic Sectors: Commercial farming, private sector, public sector, tourism