Free State
- Population: 2,961,864 (2022 Census)
- Municipality: The Free State province is divided into one metropolitan municipality (Mangaung) and four district municipalities (Thabo Mofutsanyana, Fezile Dabi, Lejweleputswa, and Xhariep). These district municipalities are further subdivided into 18 local municipalities.
- Province: Free State
- Area code: Varies by region within the province, but some key codes include 051 (Bloemfontein), 053 (Kimberley, which extends into the Free State), 056 (Kroonstad), 057 (Welkom), and 058 (Eastern Free State towns like Bethlehem).
- Established: April 27, 1994 (as a province of the new South Africa, formerly Orange Free State)
- GDP: ZAR 326.929 billion (approximately US$20.041 billion) in 2022.
History
The history of the Free State province is deeply intertwined with the settlement of European Voortrekkers and their interactions with indigenous Sotho, Tswana, and San communities. The region was established as the Orange Free State Republic in 1854 after the British relinquished control of the Orange River Sovereignty. This Boer republic maintained its independence until it was defeated by the British in the Second Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902) and became the Orange River Colony. In 1910, it joined the Union of South Africa as the Orange Free State Province. Following the end of apartheid in 1994, the province was officially renamed the Free State. The province has a rich history of agriculture, particularly maize and sunflower production, and significant mining activities, especially gold.
Education
The Free State boasts a robust education system, from basic education to higher learning institutions. The provincial Department of Education oversees primary and secondary schools across the province.
Key higher education institutions in the Free State include:
- University of the Free State (UFS): Based in Bloemfontein, with satellite campuses, it's a major comprehensive university.
- Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT): With campuses in Bloemfontein and Welkom, it focuses on vocational and technological education.
- Several TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) colleges provide practical skills and vocational qualifications.
Law and Government
As a province within South Africa, the Free State operates under its own provincial government, which is responsible for administering provincial laws and services.
The Free State Provincial Legislature, located in Bloemfontein, is the legislative body that passes provincial laws, facilitates public debate, and oversees the provincial executive.
The Premier is the head of the provincial government, elected by the provincial legislature, and leads the Executive Council (cabinet).
Bloemfontein, as the provincial capital, is also the judicial capital of South Africa, hosting the Supreme Court of Appeal, the highest court for non-constitutional matters.
The province is divided into a metropolitan municipality (Mangaung) and four district municipalities, which, in turn, are subdivided into local municipalities. These local governments are responsible for delivering essential services to residents.
