Welkom

Welkom
Welkom's city center
Nickname(s): Circle City
Welkom  Welkom shown within South Africa
Coordinates: 27°58′59″S 26°43′15″E / 27.98306°S 26.72083°E / -27.98306; 26.72083Coordinates: 27°58′59″S 26°43′15″E / 27.98306°S 26.72083°E / -27.98306; 26.72083
Country	South Africa
Province	Free State
District	Lejweleputswa
Municipality	Matjhabeng
Area[1]
• Total	212.7 km2 (82.1 sq mi)
Population (2011)[1]
• Total	211,011
• Density	990/km2 (2,600/sq mi)
Racial makeup (2011)[1]
• Black African	84.9%
• Coloured	3.7%
• Indian/Asian	0.4%
• White	10.8%
• Other	0.2%
First languages (2011)[1]
• Sotho	58.3%
• Afrikaans	14.6%
• Xhosa	13.6%
• English	5.0%
• Other	8.5%
Postal code (street)	9459
PO box	9460
Area code	057

Welkom (Afrikaans pronunciation: [Velkom]) is a large mining city in the Free State province of South Africa, located about 140 kilometres (90 mi) northeast of Bloemfontein, the provincial capital. A settlement was laid out on a farm named "Welkom" (which is Afrikaans and Dutch for "welcome") after gold was discovered in the region, and officially proclaimed a town 1948; it became a municipality in 1961.^[2] It now falls in the Matjhabeng Municipality, part of the Lejweleputswa District.

The city's Sesotho name is Matjhabeng meaning 'where nations meet' derived from the migrant labour system where people from various countries like Lesotho, Mozambique etc. meet to work in the mines of goldfields

Government

Executive

Welkom hosts the offices of the mayors and councils of the Matjhabeng Municipality and the Lejweleputswa District.

Judiciary

Welkom also hosts offices of the district and regional magistrate's courts.

Administrative

Notable regional offices of provincial and national government departments include the Department of Labour and the South African Revenue Services. Due to the exspansive mining in the Goldfields area, a regional office for the National Department of Mineral Resources is situated in Welkom. This Department is responsible for overseeing the mining industry and exploitation of mineral resources.

Demographics

Population Makeup

According to the 2011 census, Welkom (including Bronville, Riebeeckstad and Thabong) had a population of 211,011 people in an area of 212.7 square kilometres (82.1 sq mi), a population density of 992.1 inhabitants per square kilometre (2,570 /sq mi).^[1] 84.9% of the inhabitants described themselves as "Black African", 10.8% as "White", 3.7% as "Coloured" and 0.4% as "Indian or Asian".^[1]

Languages

Of those asked about their first language, 58.3% spoke Sotho, 14.6% spoke Afrikaans, 13.6% spoke Xhosa, 5.0% spoke English, 2.2% spoke Zulu, 1.9% spoke Tswana and 1.2% spoke Tsonga.^[1]

History and City Design

Gold

On the 16th of April 1946, a rich gold find was made, on the farm, Welkom. Between 1937 and 1947, an early mining community existed in the area, consisting of about 500 people who lived at the Uitzig Camp. The only visible remaining indication of Uitzig Camp today is utilized and maintained by the Moths Club.

The Planned City

Welkom officially came into being on 15 April 1947, six years after the first mining lease in the area was awarded to the St Helena Gold Mining Company, and was proclaimed a town on 23 July 1948.

Welkom is the realization of an ideal held by Sir Ernest Oppenheimer, at that time Chairman of the Anglo American Corporation. This is one of very few cities in the world which has been completely pre-planned. Oppenheimer’s instructions to Mr. William Backhouse, a town planner was that Welkom should be a town of which its occupants could be justly proud. The parks and gardens were designed by Miss Joan Pim who laid the foundation of Welkom’s reputation as a “city within a garden”.

In 14 February 1955, on Welkom’s 21st birthday, Welkom received city status, and celebrated this event with the opening of the Civic Centre. This building complex consists of an administrative block, a banquet hall, the Ernest Oppenheimer Theatre, and Clock Tower, which has subsequently been transformed into a tourist attraction hosting the Welkom Publicity Association.

Traffic Circles

Welkom is well known for its efficient road traffic design mainly through the use of traffic circles, which has been the basis of world-wide studies. This is encouraged by flow design, the minimum of stop streets and the total absence of traffic lights and parking meters in the Central Business District.

Welkom has 19 residential suburbs

Each suburb has its own shopping centre, parks, schools, and churches.

In the years of segregation, the township of Thabong was established for black people and the township of Bronville for coloured people.

Industrial Areas

Industrial areas are situated at Voorspoed and Voorspoed East.

Sub-Division of Welkom

• Welkom
• Riebeeckstad
• Thabong
• Bronville

Each sub-division has its own shopping centres, Schools, Medical cares, Churches and Police Stations

Monuments

Welkom has several monuments including:

• Aandek Monument
• Afrikaans Language Monument

• Joanne Pim Monument
• WWII Monument
• Voortrekker Memorial
• Dog Monument
• Old Indaba Bluegum Tree
• MOTH Memorial
• Gold Museum - A complete history of gold and its mining and production is on display. St Helena Gold Mine is a working mine. It is possible to visit the mine and its wine cellar at 857m below surface.
• Museum of Welkom - The public library houses a display of the discovery of gold in Welkom, the town's history and bird and animal life indigenous to this region.
• Local Liberation Memorial - commemorating local citizen’s contribution to the Struggle in the Apartheid years.

Economy and Industry

Gold and Uranium

Welkom’s economy centres on the mining of gold and uranium as well as other industries such as agriculture, although with the declining gold price in the nineties, the manufacturing industry is being promoted as a further means to support the local economy.

Economic Powerhouse of the Free State

Welkom is the hub of the Free State gold fields, serving several gold and uranium mines. Welkom has contributed 21% to the free world’s gold sales.

Coal

Welkom also has significant reserves of coal.

Heavy machinery support for mining can be found in the Voorspoed area. Various other maintenance industries and services are well founded in Welkom which include food and beverages, shopping, retail, legal, engineering, mechanical, architectural, and medical practices. In addition to mineral ore,

Other Industries

Welkom also produces goods such as steel, lumber, and beef.

The key economic challenges for Welkom and Matjhabeng is to absorb the jolt of the changing mining sector, maintain the existing contribution of agriculture, increase global linkages, and address inherent inequities in the economy.

The mining of gold does not only cover the Welkom area, as gold is still being prospected in Virginia and Allanridge, Frankfort, north of Bothaville and east of Hennenman.

Agriculture

The Welkom region forms part of the Maize Triangle, which stretches over three of South Africa's provinces.

The region is also a major producer of sunflower and beef.

Unique Geology

Welkom is located on the south-western corner of the Witwatersrand Basin. This basin situated on the Kaapvaal Craton, is filled by a 6-kilometre thick succession of sedimentary rocks, which extends laterally for hundreds of kilometres.

The De Bron Fault

The Free State Goldfields is divided into two sections, cut by the north-south striking De Bron Fault. This major structure has a vertical displacement of about 1500m as well as a lateral shift of 4km. A number of other major faults lie parallel to the De Bron Fault. Dips occur mostly towards the east, averaging 30 degrees but this becomes steeper approaching the De Bron Fault. To the east of the fault, a dip occurs towards the west at 20 degrees, although structurally complex dips of up to 40 degrees have also been measured. Between these two blocks, lies the uplifted horst block of the West Rand Group of sediments with no reef preserved.

The western margin area is bound by synclines and reverse thrusts faults and is structurally complex. Towards the south and east, reefs sub-crop against overlying strata, eventually cutting out against the Karoo to the east of the area. Most of the ore resource tends to be concentrated in reef bands located on one or two distinct unconformities.

Mining has taken place as mostly deep-level underground, exploiting the narrow, generally shallow dipping tabular reefs.

Basal Reef

The Basal Reef, is the most common reef horizon. It varies from a single pebble lag to channels of more than 2m thick. It is commonly overlain by shale, which thickens northwards.

Leader Reef

The second major reef is the Leader Reef, located 15-20m above the Basal Reef. This is mostly mined at shafts to the south. Further north, it becomes poorly developed with erratic grades. The reef consists of multiple conglomerate units, separated by thin quartzitic zones, often totalling up to 4 metres thick.

A selected mining cut on the most economic horizon is often undertaken. The B Reef is a highly channelized ore-body located 140m stratigraphically above the Basal Reef. Within the channels, grades are excellent, but this falls away to nothing, outside of the channels. The A Reef is also a highly channelized reef, located some 40m above the B Reef. It consists of multiple conglomerate bands of up to 4m thick and a selected mining cut is usually required to optimise the ore-body.

Natural Disasters

Earthquakes

Welkom lies on the Dagbreek faultline. On the 08/12/1976, at 10H38, Welkom experienced a seismic event with a magnitude of 5.2. The most significant damage caused, was the total collapse of a six storey block of flats, about 75 minutes after the event. Widespread damage to many other buildings and broken windows was experienced throughout the city. Despite extensive damage to surface and underground mining structures, only four deaths occurred.

On the 26/09/1990, Welkom experienced another seismic event with a magnitude of 4.2, which resulted in two deaths and five injuries.

Tornado

On the 20/03/1990, Welkom was struck by a multi-vortex tornado which scowered through the suburbs. This tornado was part of a 240 km long storm front and had a width of up to 1.7 km. This weather event proved to be the most devastating recorded (financially/insurance) in South Africa to date, destroying 4000 homes.

Sustainability

The economy of Welkom is in the process of diversification relying more on other economic sectors for sustainability. One of these sectors is tourism, which, however, within the extensive and diverse geographical area of Matjhabeng constitutes a multi-faceted industry.

The tourism sector forms part of a five sector development strategy for the district:

• A distribution hub for South Africa, which would include a cargo airport, the upgrading of the R30 Welkom-Bloemfontein road and improved rail connections
• A gold jewellery hub to add value to gold, precious and semi-precious stones
• A unique brand of tourism applications, including events tourism, mining-orientated tourism, game farms,
• Alternative local agricultural products to be processed before being exported to world markets
• Development of training structures customized to meet local needs
• Bio-fuel processing plant planned for Bothaville
• Investigations are underway into a 75MW photovoltaic (PV) solar facility on the properties remaining extent of Farm Onverwag 728 and Portion 2 of Farm Vaalkranz 220 near Welkom. The Lebone Solar Farm development area will constitute a total laydown footprint of approximately 194ha which will include associated infrastructure such as an on-site substation, wiring between the PV mirror and the substation, internal access roads, security infrastructure and a storage area.

Education

Welkom has a well established education system with some schools reaching their 60 years anniversary. Some prominent schools include:

Primary Schools

Secondary and High Schools

Special-needs Schools

• Amari for mentally handicapped and
• TransOranje for the deaf

On Tertiary level

• Welkom Technical College
• Welkom Technological Institute
• FET College Goldfields - geared towards employment opportunities
• Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) satellite campus - is also situated in Welkom. CUT’s core competencies are in science, engineering, and technology.

Transportation

Road

Welkom is connected to Kroonstad and the N1 north via the R34, a dual carraigeway.

Rail

There is a goods rail link with Hennenman to the main Johannesburg – Bloemfontein line and a direct train to Johannesburg.

Air

Welkom is served by a small airport and a branch of the main railway between Johannesburg and Cape Town. Magnum Airlines and Comair have flights daily between Welkom and Johannesburg.

Sport

Motor-sports

Welkom’s most notable sport feature is the ultra-modern multi-million Rand Phakisa Racetrack situated between Welkom and Odendaalsrus, which has been a venue for many international events and draws global media coverage. Phakisa is an international standard, multi-purpose motor sport facility. The track boasts a 4,24km road course as well as a 1,5 mile banked oval track similar to the highly acclaimed Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Nevada and is considered to be 3rd best in the world.

Soccer

Harmony F.C.'s homeground is the Zuka Baloyi Stadium, a multi-sport facility, that is currently mostly used for soccer.

Rugby

The Griffons Rugby Union was formed in 1968 when the late Dr Danie Craven, then the President of SA Rugby spread the game to rural areas in South Africa, Welkom was one of four new provinces formed and called North-Free State.

Hang gliding

Welkom's airport is also used on a regular basis for hang gliding championships on a National and International basis.

Sports facilities

The city also has excellent facilities and clubs for Tennis, Cricket, Hockey, Squash, Bowls, Archery, Swimming and Golf .

Golf

Oppenheimer golf course

Shopping and Retail

• Goldfields mall
• Welkom Square
• Liberty centre

Recreation and Tourism

Welkom has a diverse entertainment and recreation industry. The following is available:

• A variety of restaurants
• The Civic Theatre (Ernest Oppenheimer Theatre) puts on numerous shows throughout the year
• The Goldfields Casino complex
• The Goldfields Mall, Welkom Square, and the Liberty Centre for shopping and retail

• Rovers Club - A municipal sport centre offering rugby, soccer, netball, tennis, hockey, cricket, bowling and snooker facilities
• The Arts & Crafts Route and Tavern Tours in Thabong
• Nature reserves, such as Sandveld, Rustfontein, Erfenis Dam
• Numerous B&B's, hotels
• Events such as festivals, flea markets
• Oppenheimer Golf Course
• Western Holding Golf Course
• Flamingo Golf Course

Nature

Veldtypes

Welkom is situated on two vegetation units, the Western Free State Clay Grassland and Vaal-Vet Sandy Grassland, these are differentiated by soil types, rainfall and frost.

Grassland with sporadic bush

The dominant grass species are Hyparrhenia hirta, Themeda triandra, Sporobolus pyramidalis, Eragrostis sp, Aristida sp, and other grasses and herbs. Trees and shrubs are infrequent due to heavy frost in the winter months.

The largest water catchment is the Sand River to the south-east of Welkom in Virginia’s direction, while Flamingo Pan and Theronia Pan are situated to the south-west of Welkom.

Birds of Welkom

There are over 200 bird species listed. These include lesser Flamingos, White-faced Whistling Duck, Spur-winged Goose, Egyptian Goose, Cattle Egret, Black Kite, Guineafowl, Black-bellied Bustard, Hadada Ibis, various Herons, Blacksmith Plover, Crowned Plover, Rock Dove, Speckled Pigeon, Red-eyed Turtle Dove, Ring-necked Dove, Laughing Dove, Barn Owl, Grass Owl, White-backed Mousebird, Red-faced Mousebird, White Helmet-shrike, Scaly-fronted Weaver, African Masked Weaver, Yellow-crowned Bishop, Southern Red Bishop, Fan-tailed Widowbird, Red-collared Widowbird, Long-tailed Widowbird, and surprisingly, Gulls.

Mammals of Welkom

The grasslands surrounding Welkom also include small mammal communities of Yellow Mongoose, Ground Squirrel, Cape Porcupine, African Mole-rat, Pouched Mouse, Large-eared Mouse, Four-stripe Grass Mouse, and Multimammate Mouse.

Insects of Welkom

Insect life is varied, grassland butterflies include the African Monarch, African Migrant, the Brown-veined White, the Citrus Swallowtail, the Common Diadem, the Garden Acraea, the African Leopard, the Joker, Blue and Yellow Pansies, Painted Lady, the Common Black-eye, the Zebra Blue, the Zebra White, Orange-Tip, African Veined White, Clouded Yellow, and the Broad-bordered Grass Yellow.

Nature Reserves

The De Rust Private Nature Reserve is situated about 25km from Welkom on the Kroonstad road and is registered with the Free State Department of Nature Conservation.

Hospitals and Medical Care

Welkom hosts a number of public and private hospitals as well as several specialised clinics:

• Bongani Regional Hospital (Public)
• Ernest Oppenheimer Hospital (Semi-private)
• Goudveld Regional Hospital
• Mediclinic Welkom (Private)
• St Helena Hospital (Private)

Various hospices also exist. Thabong and Bronville also host various primary care clinics.

Print Media

The most notable local print media include weekly newspapers such as the;

• Vista
• Forum
• Enthooz, a monthly magazine

Notable people

• Jan Hendrik de Beer - Rugby Union player, flyhalf for South Africa 13 tests
• Gerard Louis Brophy - First class Cricketer, Ireland, Free State, Northamptonshire and Transvaal
• CJ van der Linde - Rugby Union player, prop for South Africa 11 tests
• Brian Mervin McMillan - First class Cricketer, South Africa 38 Tests and 78 One day Internationals
• Wynand Olivier - Rugby Union player, center for South Africa
• Mark Richard Shuttleworth - Entrepreneur, Cosmonaut, and founder of Canonical Ltd.
• Thandi Tshabalala - First class cricketer, specialist off spinner South Africa Twenty20 International
• Lieschen Botes - International model
• Lehlohonolo Motseke - Rugby Union player
• Lerato Manzini - Professional footballer who plays for Bloemfontein Celtic in the Premier Soccer League
• Mosa Lebusa -Professional footballer who plays for Ajax Cape Town in the Premier Soccer League

10 Facts about Welkom

• Welkom is one of the few cities in the world that has been completely Pre-planned
• The city has the most notable sport feature, Phakisa Race Track which is considered to be the 3rd best in the world
• Welkom is called Circle city because of clever use of traffic circles
• Welkom, together with Virginia and Odendaalsrus form the nucleus of an emerging metropolitan area
• The city is reputed to have grown with perhaps the same rate as the metropolis of Johannesburg
• Vital producer of Gold and Uranium
• The city has Oppenheimer theatre which is considered to be the 6th best in South africa
• The city is home for Mark Richard Shuttleworth,the 1st Afican in space, Entreprenuer,Cosmonaut and Founder of Canonical Ltd
• Welkom is the Economic Powerhouse of the Free State Province
• The city is named after the farm 'Welkom' where Gold was found

References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Sum of the following Main Places from Census 2011: Hani Park, Riebeeckstad, Thabong, Welkom.
2. ↑ Raper, P. E. (0947042067). Dictionary of South African Place Names. Lowry Publishers. p. 470.  Check date values in: |date= (help)