Koffiefontein
Koffiefontein | ||
---|---|---|
PO box 9986 | ||
Area code | 053 |
Koffiefontein is a small farming town in the
History
In the 1800s, Koffiefontein was a stopover spot for transport riders traveling between the coast and the diamond fields and gold mines to the north. "Coffee fountain" is a reference to the strong coffee brew transport riders made during their stopover. "Coffee fountain" involved transport riders grinding their own coffee beans (often with a spoon) and using the water of a natural spring to boil for the brew. Upon the discovery of diamonds near the natural spring in 1870, a town quickly developed at the Koffiefontein stopover spot, as prospectors began to mine the area in search of high quality diamonds.
Koffiefontein's proximity to Mafikeng and Kimberley meant that it became involved in the Second Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902). Blockhouses, which served as defensive fortresses, were erected by the British in 1900 and are still standing in the twenty-first century.
Second Anglo-Boer War
The Koffiefontein district saw much military action during the Second
Second World War
During the Second World War a large internment camp was opened in the town, with 2,000 Italian
Local industry
Farming in the district focuses on
Diamonds
The area was a coffee stop for many transport riders in the 19th century until one of the riders discovered a diamond, and a town grew rapidly. The diamonds of Koffiefontein were known to be of the "first water"; meaning of very good clarity.[7] The diamond mine established by De Beers in 1870 was closed down in 2006.[8] The mine was then acquired by Petra Diamonds in 2007 and is currently still in operation.[9] Although the mine and supporting businesses have employed a large number of the local population, the area is still characterised by poverty. Census data indicate that 57% of the Koffiefontein population are below the poverty line.
Places of interest
Apart from diamonds the town is best known as having been the home of Etienne Leroux, a famous Afrikaans novelist whose homestead and grave can be visited. There are also many
A First World War Monument is situated opposite the golf course in the town, on a tiny hill behind the school. There is a cannon next to the monument. To date the wall murals by Fascio, an Italian inmate of the concentration camp are still on display.
References
- hdl:2263/26503.
- ^ a b c d "Main Place Koffiefontein". Census 2011.
- ^ Free State Department of Tourism, 'Free State' (pdf), undated 200-?; Henderson, Zoe. Leaving his mark, an otherwise invisible man, p1
- ^ a b Erasmus, On Route in South Africa, p. 385
- ^ a b "Routes Travel Info Portal: Koffiefontein". routes.co.za. Archived from the original on 2014-06-26.
- ^ Free State Department of Tourism, 'Free State' (pdf), undated 200-?.
- ^ Koffiefontein mine
- ^ "De Beers Consolidated Mines to Close Koffiefontein Mine" Archived 2011-05-24 at the Wayback Machine, De Beers press release, 20 January 2006
- ^ "Petra wraps up Koffiefontein acquisition, ready to start gem sales".