Bethal

Bethal
Bethal

 Bethal shown within South Africa

Coordinates: 26°27′S 29°27′E / 26.450°S 29.450°ECoordinates: 26°27′S 29°27′E / 26.450°S 29.450°E
Country South Africa
Province Mpumalanga
District Gert Sibande
Municipality Govan Mbeki
Established 1898[1]
Area[2]
 • Total 51.94 km2 (20.05 sq mi)
Population (2011)[2]
 • Total 60,779
 • Density 1,200/km2 (3,000/sq mi)
Racial makeup (2011)[2]
 • Black African 84.7%
 • Coloured 0.9%
 • Indian/Asian 0.8%
 • White 13.2%
 • Other 0.4%
First languages (2011)[2]
 • Zulu 66.7%
 • Afrikaans 13.1%
 • S. Ndebele 6.8%
 • English 3.5%
 • Other 10.0%
Postal code (street) 2310
PO box 2310
Area code 017

Bethal is a farming town in Mpumalanga, South Africa. The farms in the region produce maize, sunflower seeds, sorghum, rye and potatoes. The town, established in 1880,[3] was named after the combined names of the wives of the owners of the farm Blesbokspruit, Elizabeth du Plooy and Alida Naude.

Bethal is famous for its former potato industry, and the annual National Potato Festival was held there in early May, but discontinued in 2007.

The Olifants River has its origin near Bethal.[4]

References

  1. ↑ "Chronological order of town establishment in South Africa based on Floyd (1960:20-26)". pp. xlv–lii.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Main Place Bethal". Census 2011.
  3. ↑ http://www.routes.co.za/mp/bethal/index.html
  4. ↑ Major rivers and streams within the Limpopo River Basin

External links