Thaba Nchu
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Thaba Nchu is a black largely Tswana dominated town just 60km east of Bloemfontein. It was a result of the 1913 land act that steted it as a homeland for Tswana people. The Tswana people migrated to this place in the 1830's and they were frequently attacked during the difaqane (tribal wars) thus they choose the Voortrekkers as allies. It then became a safe meeting place for the great trekkers, great leaders like Hendrik Potgieter, Piet Uys and Gerrit Maritz all camped there one time.
During the apartheid era it was ruled by the then President Mangope. It was then a trading centre. It is also one of the biggest tourist attractions in the free state as it is home to Sun International's Thaba-Nchu Sun and Naledi Sun, which were the only casinos on the Free State until recently.
Geographical features include the tips of the mountains from Lesotho, giving it an advantage for large lands with lots of game, thus they have been able to maintain a game reserve the Maria Moroka game reserve. Various wildlife and bird species, hiking trail, traditional Tswana site, various activities and adventures are plenty in the reserve. Some of the wildlife in the area: Black Footed Cat, Black Wildebeest, Blesbok, Burchells Zebra, Cape Fox, Cape Ground Squirrel, Cape Hare, Eland, Gemsbok, Jackal, Klipspringer, Mountain Reedbuck, Red Hartebeest, Rhebuck, Rock Dassie, Scrub Hare, Small Grey Mongoose, Small-Spotted Genet, Springbok, Steenbok, Striped Polecat, Suricate, White-Tailed Mongoose.
The reserve has been named after the political town hero Dr Maria Moroka. A geat deal of the land surrounding is arable which has made it convenient for large scale farming both commercially and domestically. The town is also known for the Aran hand knitted woollen garments made by the local craftsman.
The town is still closely governed by His Majesty Chief Albert Moroka. He is still responsible for most civil matters and he is still the judge at the tribal court, so the town is still has a very traditional feel despite having a proper court of law and falling under the Mangaung local municipality. It has a very dry and cold winter with periodically wet summers.
