| Koffiefontein | |
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Koffiefontein
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| Coordinates: | |
| Country | South Africa |
| Province | Free State |
| Time zone | SAST (UTC+2) |
| Postal code | |
Koffiefontein is a small farming town in the Free State province of South Africa. Farming in the district focuses on cattle and sheep farming with lucerne, potatoes and ground nuts being the main crops sown. There are also a cheese factory and vineyards in the town. The Kalkfontein Dam on the Riet river provides water for the towns of Jacobsdal and Koffiefontein.[1]
The name means coffee fountain in Afrikaans. 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.[2] The diamond mine established by De Beers in 1870 was closed down in 2006.[3] The mine was then acquired by Petra Diamonds in 2007 and is currently still in operation.[4] 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.
The Koffiefontein district saw lots of military action during the Second Anglo-Boer War of 1899-1902 because it was close to the two strategic towns of Kimberley and Mafeking. After Boer forces under the command of General Brand and Commandant Hertzog attacked the town and its mine, several blockhouses were erected by the British in October 1900. The blockhouses were involved in actions in the subsequent months and at one point the town was looted by the Boers and the people of the town took refuge in the mine.[5]
During the Second World War a large internment camp was opened in the town, with 2000 Italian prisoners of war, some German prisoners of war, and some 800 South African internees, who were suspected of being pro-Nazi. Among the internees was John Vorster who became prime minister of South Africa in 1966 and was president of SA from 1978 to 1979.[6] The remains of murals painted by the Italian POWs can still be viewed in the town as can the barracks in which they were held.[7]
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 Bushman (San) paintings in the district.[8] To commemorate the allusion to the coffee drinking tradition of the transport riders in the name of the town, there is a fountain that resembles a coffee pot pouring out a drink.[7]