Brandfort Property | Free State

Brandfort means ‘burning fort’ and forms part of the Freestate province in South Africa.  The name comes either from a small fortification that was burnt down by a Sotho tribe during the Boer skirmishes with the local tribesmen or after President Brand of the Orange Free State Republic.  It also happens to have been the home of the very first aeroplane builder in the country.

Located about 40 kilometres north of Bloemfontein, Brandfort has the areas of Winburg and Erfenis Dam about 65 kilometres to the east and the mineral baths at Florisbad less than 30 kilometres to the west.  There is a garden of remembrance here that commemorates the Dwyersdorp concentration camp where thousands of women and children were held during the Anglo Boer War.

The country home of President Swart is found near Brandfort and has been restored to its former glory.  It has since been declared a national monument, as he was the first state president of the Republic of South Africa.  Winnie Madikizela-Mandela was banished here during Apartheid, but despite the fact her mother tongue was not seSotho, she was able to mobilize the local community and focus on the empowerment of women.  If you are looking for property in the Free State then Brandfort could have just what you need.