Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality

Geography, History & Economy

Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality comprises:

• Dihlabeng Local Municipality
• Maluti-A-Phofung Local Municipality
• Mantsopa Local Municipality
• Nketoana Local Municipality
• Phumelela Local Municipality
• Setsoto Local Municipality

MDB code: DC19

Description: The Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality is a Category C municipality located in the eastern Free State Province, and borders on Lesotho and the provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.
The district makes up almost a third of the geographical area of the province. It comprises six local municipalities: Setsoto, Dihlabeng, Nketoana, Maluti-A-Phofung, Phumelela and Mantsopa. It is named after Edwin Thabo Mofutsanyana, a stalwart of the communist party.
Despite all the socio-economic challenges facing this district, the area has huge potential for tourism development because of its scenic beauty and its rich cultural heritage. The N3 and N5 National Roads pass through the district, and the famous Golden Gate is found in the area on the slopes of the Drakensberg Mountains.

Area: 32 730km²

Cities/Towns: Arlington, Bethlehem, Clarens, Clocolan, Excelsior, Ficksburg, Fouriesburg, Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Harrismith, Hobhouse, Kestell, Ladybrand, Lindley, Marquard, Memel, Paul Roux, Petrus Steyn, Phuthaditjhaba, Reitz, Rosendal, Senekal, Thaba Patchoa, Tweespruit, Vrede, Warden

Main Economic Sectors: Agriculture, tourism