Heilbron
| Heilbron | |
|---|---|
 Heilbron
Heilbron
Heilbron
Heilbron shown within Free State
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| Coordinates: 27°17′1″S 27°58′15″E / 27.28361°S 27.97083°ECoordinates: 27°17′1″S 27°58′15″E / 27.28361°S 27.97083°E | |
| Country | South Africa |
| Province | Free State |
| District | Fezile Dabi |
| Municipality | Ngwathe |
| Established | 1872 |
| • Councillor | (ANC) |
| Area | |
| • Total | 17.7 km2 (6.8 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 1,540 m (5,050 ft) |
| Population (2011) | |
| • Total | 27,407 |
| • Density | 1,500/km2 (4,000/sq mi) |
| Racial makeup (2011) | |
| • Black African | 88.2% |
| • Coloured | 5.5% |
| • Indian/Asian | 0.3% |
| • White | 5.6% |
| • Other | 0.3% |
| First languages (2011) | |
| • Sotho | 74.9% |
| • Afrikaans | 12.2% |
| • Zulu | 7.2% |
| • Xhosa | 1.6% |
| • Other | 4.1% |
| Postal code (street) | 9650 |
| PO box | 9650 |
| Area code | +27 (0) 58 |
| Website | http://www.heilbron.info/ |
Heilbron is a small farming town in the Free State province of South Africa which services the cattle, dairy, sorghum, sunflower and maize industries. Raw stock beneficiation occurs in leisure foods, dairy products and stock feeds. It also serves as a dormitory town for the Gauteng metropolis.
Game farming in the district grew to the extent that it is believed that game numbers reached an all-time high, evident in visiting tourist numbers. Due to its close proximity to Gauteng (60 km) the town became ever more popular to weekend tourists and city dwellers in need of a relaxing weekend filled with peace and quiet with lots of fresh air. Popular activities are horse riding, off road cycling, fishing, game drives, utilizing both motor vehicles and quad bikes, historical tours and affordable sporting facilities.
Heilbron was officially established in 1873. The town was founded at the site of a perennial natural fountain, thus the name 'Heilbron' (Afrikaans for 'Spring of Bliss'). The fountain is the source of a small stream which runs through the town. Various small groups of people have lived on the banks of the stream for centuries.
In 1836, the Voortrekkers fought off the local people of Ndebele Chief Mzilikazi at Vegkop near here. This historical site boasts a monument and a contemporary museum which are both popular stops for battlefield tourists.
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Wikipedia