Welkom, South Africa

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Welkom, South Africa

Region: Free State

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Geographic Coordinates: -27.983100, 26.720800

Climate: Dry and sunny with occasional thunderstorms in summer, and cool and dry in winter.

Population: 431944

Language: English

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Welkom is a lively city situated in the Free State province of South Africa. It was established as a mining town in 1947 and has since transformed into a thriving metropolis with a population exceeding 200, 000 people. The name Welkom is derived from the Afrikaans word for welcome, Which reflects the friendly nature of its inhabitants. One of the primary attractions in Welkom is its rich history. The city was built around Harmony Gold Mine, Which was one of the world’s largest gold mines during its peak.

Tourists can explore several museums and historical sites that provide insight into Welkom’s mining past, Including Gold Museum and Old Indaba Bluegum Reserve. Apart from its historical significance, Welkom also boasts an array of natural wonders. The city is surrounded by rolling hills and open grasslands that are home to various wildlife such as antelopes, Zebras, And wildebeests. Birdwatchers will appreciate the diverse birdlife found throughout Welkom’s parks and nature reserves. For adventure enthusiasts, There are plenty of outdoor activities to indulge in while visiting Welkom.

Phakisa Freeway offers high-speed thrills for motorsport fans while nearby hiking trails offer scenic views for those who prefer a more relaxed pace. Golfers will appreciate both Oppenheimer Park Golf Club and Goldfields West Golf Course – two championship golf courses offering challenging layouts set against beautiful backdrops. Welkom also boasts an active entertainment scene with numerous bars, Nightclubs, And restaurants serving up delicious cuisine from all over South Africa. Visitors can sample local delicacies such as biltong (dried meat) or pap (maize meal) while enjoying live music performances or comedy shows.

Overall, If you’re looking for an authentic South African experience filled with history, Culture, Nature adventures & entertainment – then look no further than a visit to vibrant Welkom!

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1. Goldfields Mall: This shopping center is one of the largest in Welkom and offers a range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
2. Ernest Oppenheimer Theater: This theater hosts various shows throughout the year including plays, musicals, and concerts.
3. Phakisa Freeway: A world-class racetrack that hosts various motorsport events throughout the year.
4. The Gold Museum: Located on Stateway Road in Welkom’s CBD (Central Business District), this museum showcases South Africa’s gold mining history.
5. Erfenis Dam Nature Reserve: This nature reserve is located just outside Welkom city and offers hiking trails and picnic areas for visitors to enjoy while spotting local wildlife like antelopes and birds.
6. Flamingo Pan Bird Sanctuary: Home to over 200 species of birds including flamingos; this bird sanctuary is situated near Virginia Lake on the outskirts of Welkom.
7. Sandveld Nature Reserve: Located approximately 20 kilometers from Welkom city center along R34 road towards Hoopstad town; it covers an area approximately 2000 hectares which include game viewing routes for tourists who love watching wild animals such as giraffes among others.

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• Welkom, South Africa is primarily known for its gold mining industry.
• The city has several large gold mines, including the Harmony Gold Mine and the Free State Geduld Mine.
• Other major industries in Welkom include agriculture and retail.
• There are also a number of small businesses in the city, ranging from restaurants and cafes to manufacturing companies and service providers.

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Noteable History

1. Discovery of Gold: Welkom was founded in 1947 after the discovery of gold in the area, which led to a gold rush and the establishment of mines.
2. Apartheid Era: During apartheid, Welkom was a segregated city with separate residential areas for different racial groups.
3. Nelson Mandela: The former South African president visited Welkom during his campaign for democracy and equality in the country.
4. Free State Stadium: The stadium hosted several matches during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, including one between Germany and Australia.
5. Allan Donald: The former South African cricketer hails from Welkom and is considered one of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history.
6. Sechaba Brewery Holdings Limited: One of South Africa’s largest breweries is located in Welkom, producing popular beer brands such as Castle Lager and Black Label.
7. Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited: This mining company has its headquarters in Welkom and operates several mines across South Africa.
8. Sibanye-Stillwater Mining Company Limited: Another major mining company that operates mines near Welkom, producing gold, platinum group metals, and other minerals.
9. Chris van der Walt: A notable Afrikaans poet who was born and raised in Welkom before moving to Johannesburg to pursue his career as a writer.
10. Johan Botha: A former opera singer who grew up in Welkom before becoming an internationally renowned tenor with performances at prestigious venues such as La Scala Opera House in Milan, Italy.

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Museums and Things To See

1. Ernest Oppenheimer Memorial Gardens is a beautiful park that features a statue of Ernest Oppenheimer, the founder of Anglo American Corporation.
2. The Welkom Museum showcases the history of Welkom and the Free State goldfields.
3. Goldfields Casino offers gaming, entertainment, and dining options for visitors to enjoy.
4. The Goudveld Railway Station is an old railway station that has been converted into a museum showcasing the history of railways in South Africa.
5. President Brand Cemetery is home to many historic graves including those of early pioneers and prominent citizens.
6. The Sand River Dam Nature Reserve is an ideal spot for picnics, hiking, bird watching, and fishing activities.
7. Phakisa Freeway is a popular motorsports venue that hosts national and international events throughout the year.
8. The Flamingo Pan Game Reserve serves as a wildlife sanctuary where visitors can see various species such as flamingos, zebras, wildebeest etc
9. The Welkom Art Gallery showcases local artists’ work for art enthusiasts to appreciate and purchase.
10. The Thabong Cultural Village serves as an open-air museum showcasing Sotho culture for tourists to learn about their heritage and traditions.

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Sports Teams

1. Free State Stars FC: Founded in 1977 and based in Welkom, this football club plays their home matches at Goble Park Stadium. They have won major trophies over the years, including the Nedbank Cup in 1994.
2. Griffons Rugby Union: Representing Welkom and surrounding areas, this professional rugby team competes in the Currie Cup competition and has produced several notable players over time.
3. Welkom Eagles Basketball Club: Since their formation in 1985, The Eagles are one of South Africa’s most successful basketball clubs with multiple national championships under their belt.
4. Harmony Gold Mine Athletics Club: Originally established by Harmony Gold Mine for its employees but now one of South Africa’s most prominent athletics clubs.
5. Welkom United Cricket Club: Formed in 1960 as a cricket club that has been producing many talented players who represent Free State at provincial level ever since.

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Cultural Events

1. Free State Arts Festival – This festival features a variety of art forms including theatre productions, music performances, visual arts exhibitions and more.
2. Welkom Show – This annual agricultural show showcases the best of livestock farming in the region with competitions for cattle, sheep and goats.
3. Phakisa Freeway Festival – This event is a celebration of motorsports with races featuring cars and motorcycles taking place at the Phakisa Raceway.
4. Welkom Jazz Festival – This festival brings together some of South Africa’s top jazz musicians for a weekend of live music performances.
5. National Braai Day – Held annually on September 24th (Heritage Day), this event celebrates South African culture through food with barbecues (braais) taking place all over the country including in Welkom.
6. Mampoerfees – A festival celebrating mampoer which is a traditional Afrikaans fruit brandy that is distilled from fruits such as apricots or peaches.

Please note that these events may not be taking place currently or may have been cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions or other reasons beyond our control.

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Cuisine

• The Golden Nugget – a steakhouse that serves traditional South African dishes like biltong and boerewors.
• The Windmill Restaurant – known for its seafood dishes and grilled meats.
• The Royal Hotel Restaurant – offers a variety of international and local cuisine, including traditional Afrikaans dishes like bobotie and potjiekos.
• Mugg & Bean – a popular coffee shop chain with an extensive menu serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• KFC Welkom CBD – for those who enjoy fast food, KFC is a popular choice in the area.
• Ocean Basket Welkom Square – another seafood restaurant that serves fresh fish dishes with Mediterranean flavors.
• Spur Steak Ranches Goldfields Mall – part of the famous Spur franchise, this restaurant offers burgers, steaks, ribs, and other classic South African foods.
• Taste of Asia Welkom Square- for those looking for Asian-inspired cuisine such as sushi or stir-fry options.
• Wimpy Goldfields Mall- another fast-food chain serving burgers etc.

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Parks and Recreation

1. Ernest Oppenheimer Park is a spacious public park that offers walking paths, playgrounds, and picnic areas for visitors to enjoy.
2. Goldfields Casino is a well-known entertainment destination that features slot machines, table games, and several restaurants.
3. Welkom Golf Course is an 18-hole championship golf course that welcomes the general public to play.
4. Flamingo Pan Nature Reserve is a nature reserve with hiking trails and birdwatching opportunities available.
5. Welkom Dam Nature Reserve provides a picturesque setting for fishing, boating, and picnicking.
6. Phakisa Freeway Raceway hosts various motorsports events throughout the year at its facility.
7. Goldfields Mall houses several stores and restaurants for shoppers to explore in one central location.
8. The Goldfields Casino Bowling Alley offers ten-pin bowling lanes for all ages to enjoy as part of the Goldfields Casino complex facilities.
9. Welkom Aquatic Centre serves as a public swimming pool where visitors can take swimming lessons or engage in recreational swimming activities without any hassle.

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