Places | the capital

Bloemfontein

Bloemfontein, the Capital City of the Free State Province in South Africa, is centrally situated roughly in the middle of the Province, as well as in South Africa. The "City of Roses", as it had become known locally, is placed with more pivotal importance than any other city in the country. The Judicial Capital, sixth largest city in South Africa, lies on the main road, rail and air links between north and south, east and west.

Bloemfontein offers its residents a quality of life with which few other cities are able to compete. With its picturesque rural tranquility and vibrant, dynamic central business district, this modern city prides itself on being luxuriously steeped in rich traditions – and yet also on embracing other cultures, new ideas and a rapidly changing technology.

This city is home to a rich cultural lifestyle and is a recognised melting pot of creative ideas and expression. All residents are afforded exciting opportunities to enrich their lives, while various development programmes ensure the prospect of a higher standard of living for all. While Bloemfontein’s educational institutions have long received praise for their educational excellence, the ability the city has exhibited to successfully maintain a steady rate of growth and stability is indeed an indication of the city’s expertly developed physical, social and economic infrastructure.

Its municipal rates, taxes and tariffs are affordable, while its many recreational, entertainment and sporting facilities rank as some of the most modern in the country. One of the most unusual and unique aspects of Bloemfontein is the Naval Hill Game Reserve located in the heart of the city. It is indeed a treat to be able to observe the springbok, blesbok, giraffe and various other species roam Naval Hill totally unaware of the hustle and bustle of city life around them.

Yet perhaps the most impressive aspect of Bloemfontein, as with the rest of the Free State Province, is its people. The prodigious expansiveness of the Free State is excellently epitomised by its people, who are warm, ingenuous, open and quietly dignified.

The atmosphere one experiences in Bloemfontein is based on an appreciation of family values, where quality of life is as important as life itself. Business and family interests are effortlessly combined, while cultures naturally intermingle to make Bloemfontein peaceful and unspoiled.