Belfast, Mpumalanga
| Belfast eMakhazeni | |
|---|---|
  Belfast
| |
| Coordinates: 25°41′S 30°1′E / 25.683°S 30.017°ECoordinates: 25°41′S 30°1′E / 25.683°S 30.017°E | |
| Country | South Africa |
| Province | Mpumalanga |
| District | Nkangala |
| Municipality | Emakhazeni |
| Established | 1890 |
| Area[1] | |
| • Total | 35.82 km2 (13.83 sq mi) |
| Population (2011)[1] | |
| • Total | 4,466 |
| • Density | 120/km2 (320/sq mi) |
| Racial makeup (2011)[1] | |
| • Black African | 39.9% |
| • Coloured | 4.4% |
| • Indian/Asian | 2.6% |
| • White | 52.6% |
| • Other | 0.5% |
| First languages (2011)[1] | |
| • Afrikaans | 57.1% |
| • Zulu | 12.3% |
| • Swazi | 7.6% |
| • English | 6.9% |
| • Other | 16.0% |
| Postal code (street) | 1100 |
| PO box | 1100 |
| Area code | 013 |
Belfast (officially eMakhazeni) is a small town in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. It should not be confused with Belfast in Limpopo, South Africa.
The town is renowned for its excellent trout fishing conditions. Sheep and dairy farming take place here as well as maize, potatoes and timber are produced. Coal and a black granite are mined around Belfast. Around 6 million tulip bulbs are produced here annually for export; the flowers are discarded. Belfast is 2,025 m above sea level and one of the coldest and highest towns in South Africa.
It was named after Richard Charles O'Neill from Belfast, Northern Ireland, who owned the farm on which the town was built.
History
Anglo-Boer War
During the Anglo-Boer War several battles and skirmishes took place in and around the town. The Battle of Leliefontein took place 30 km south of here at the Komati river, an engagement for which several Victoria Crosses were awarded to Canadian soldiers. The British built a concentration camp here during the Boer War to house Boer women and children. Several Victoria Crosses were awarded for action at Monument Hill which is on the edge of the town.[2]
Name change
In October 2009 the town of Belfast was officially renamed to eMakhazeni[3] when Arts and Culture Minister, Lulu Xingwana, approved the name change of over 42 locations across northern South Africa, with major other towns affected including Nelspruit (now Mbombela) and Waterval Boven (now Emgwenya).
Geography
Climate
Belfast has a subtropical highland climate (Cwb, according to the Köppen climate classification), with mild summers and chilly, dry winters. The average annual precipitation is 674 mm (27 in), with most rainfall occurring mainly during summer.
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See also
References
- 1 2 3 4 "Sub Place Belfast". Census 2011.
- ↑ The Great Boer War by Arthur Conan Doyle, Chapter 33
- ↑ http://www.citizen.co.za/index/article.aspx?pDesc=108100,1,22
External links
Media related to Belfast, Mpumalanga at Wikimedia Commons- Belfast, Mpumalanga
- Belfast Information
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