To a large extent the diversity within the Orange Free State can be attributed to the summer
rainfall, which is lower in the east than the west. The west, with its rich, fertile soil and
sweet grasses is ideal for cattle and sheep and contrasts with the picturesque settings of the
east, with the weathered sandstone hills and miles of wheat and grain fields. In the 1940s gold
was discovered resulting in the development of towns such as Welkom, which has grown into a
bustling industrial city. The Free State, with both its agricultural potential and mineral
resources, is one of the wealthiest territories of the subcontinent.
Various game reserves are scattered throughout the province. In the Goldfields area there is the
scenic Willem Pretorius Game Reserve and in the Eastern Highlands, the Golden Gate National Park which is home to springbok, eland, red hartebeest
and the rare black eagle.
The Vaal River and Vaal Dam are situated along the northern border and are popular with anglers,
keen water sportsmen and holiday-makers.
South Africa's largest reservoir, the Hendrik Verwoerd Dam can be found in the southern Free
State.
Bloemfontein or the 'City of Roses', is noted for its parks and gardens. An annual Rose Festival
is held in October to celebrate the start of summer. The city is characterised by many impressive
buildings such as the Old Raadsaal or parliament which is a mixture of Renaissance form and
Classic-revival detail. Bloemfontein is both the provincial capital of the Free State and the
entire country's judicial capital. There's also a large army camp and university. The city has
several museums, as well as the National Women's Monument, which commemorates the women and
children who died in the British concentration camps during the Anglo-Boer War. Emily Hobhouse,
who campaigned against the camps, is also buried here.
|
