Botshabelo

Botshabelo

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Botshabelo lies 45 km east of Bloemfontein. It started out as a squatter camp but developed into a large township. Today it is the second largest township in South Africa.

The name means 'place of refuge' and has attracted displaced people either through the Apartheid laws or those who weren't from the Tswana tribe when the area fell under the homeland of Bophuthatswana.

Botshabelo weather

BOTSHABELO WEATHER

Today it has a large industrial park producing food, clothing, chicken products and others. Those who can't find jobs in the town have to travel to Bloemfontein by rail or bus.

Above - Country side near Botshabelo

Photo © Johan van Zyl

References and further reading

On Route - A region by region guide to South Africa - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 1995 - Page: 270

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