Hoopstad

The town of Hoopstad is situated at the intersection of the R34, R59 & R700 in the Free State Province. This area is considered to be the richest maize-producing district in South Africa. The town is located near the Bloemhof Dam which is situated on the Vaal River. The Sandveld Nature Reserve is positioned alongside the Bloemhof Dam. Hopetown and Hoopstad are two different towns and are often confused.

Hoopstad
Hoopstad Church
Hoopstad Church
Hoopstad is located in Free State (South African province)
Hoopstad
Hoopstad
Hoopstad is located in South Africa
Hoopstad
Hoopstad
Coordinates: 27°50′S 25°55′E
CountrySouth Africa
ProvinceFree State
DistrictLejweleputswa
MunicipalityTswelopele
Established1873[1]
Area
  Total27.8 km2 (10.7 sq mi)
Population
 (2011)[2]
  Total1,295
  Density47/km2 (120/sq mi)
Racial makeup (2011)
  Black African30%
  Coloured1.9%
  Indian/Asian1.2%
  White66%
  Other1.7%
First languages (2011)
  Sotho3.7%
  English3.1%
  Tswana1.6%
  Afrikaans86.8%
  Other4.8%
Time zoneUTC+2 (SAST)
Postal code (street)
9479
PO box
9479
Area code053

History and activities

The town of Hoopstad was initially founded in 1876 and named Hauptstad after Mr Haupt, a surveyor. The translation of Hauptstad into Afrikaans means Capital, which it clearly wasn't and the town was therefore renamed Hoopstad. The town, whose name means "Hope City" in Afrikaans, was established on the one side of the large farm Kameeldoorns, with another town Bultfontein on the other side.

References

  1. Robson, Linda Gillian (2011). "Annexure A" (PDF). The Royal Engineers and settlement planning in the Cape Colony 1806–1872: Approach, methodology and impact (PhD thesis). University of Pretoria. pp. xlv–lii. hdl:2263/26503.
  2. Main Place Hoopstad from Census 2011.
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