Boshof

Boshof
The Dutch Reformed Church in Boshof, c. 1917
Boshof Show map of Free State (South African province) Boshof Show map of South Africa
Coordinates: 28°33′S25°14′E / 28.550°S 25.233°E / -28.550; 25.233
Country	South Africa
Province	Free State
District	Lejweleputswa
Municipality	Tokologo
Established	1856 [1]
Area [2]
• Total	91.7 km2 (35.4 sq mi)
Population  (2011) [2]
• Total	8,509
• Density	92.8/km2 (240/sq mi)
Racial makeup (2011) [2]
•  Black African	78.5%
•  Coloured	10.5%
•  Indian/Asian	0.4%
•  White	10.1%
• Other	0.5%
First languages (2011) [2]
•  Tswana	57.9%
•  Afrikaans	28.7%
•  Sotho	4.4%
•  Xhosa	3.8%
• Other	5.1%
Time zone	UTC+2 (SAST)
Postal code (street)	8340
PO box	8340
Area code	053

Boshof is a small rural farming town located in the western part of the Free State province, South Africa.

The town is approximately 55 km north-east of Kimberley along the R64 road. It serves as the administrative centre of the Tokologo Local Municipality within the Lejweleputswa District and is known for mixed farming activities, including livestock and crop production.

History

Early Settlement

The area that would become Boshof was originally part of territories inhabited by Griqua and other indigenous groups. Historical records from the mid-19th century indicate that Dutch farmers began crossing the Orange River into the region around 1816–1820, initially for seasonal grazing during droughts in the Cape Colony. By the 1830s, larger groups of immigrants, including Voortrekkers from the Great Trek who settled permanently. One such group purchased land from a Griqua chief named Dautzeo, establishing farms in what is now the Boshof district. This purchase formed the basis for early European presence in the area, as documented in contemporary sketches of the Orange Free State. ^{[3] [4]}

Etymology

Boshof was established in March 1856 on the farm Vanwyksvlei, and named after Jacobus Nicolaas Boshof (1808-1881), second President of the Orange Free State (1855–59) and founder of its civil service. ^[5]

Early Development

During its early years, Boshof functioned as a district centre in the Orange Free State, with a focus on agriculture and grazing. The Modder River skirted the district, providing water resources essential for farming. By 1872, it had achieved municipal status, indicating growth in local governance and infrastructure. The town's development was supported by the Dutch Reformed Church, which played a key role in community organization, education, and religious life. ^[6]

Second Anglo-Boer War

During the 2nd Anglo-Boer War the local commando was involved in the siege of Kimberley, notably to disrupt the city’s water supply at Riverton. The Battle of Boshof, which resulted in the death of the Comte de Villebois-Mareuil, was fought nearby on 5 April 1900. ^[7]

20th Century and Modern Era

In the post-war period, Boshof remained a quiet agricultural hub, benefiting from its proximity to Kimberley's diamond mining industry, though it never became a major mining centre itself. The town experienced demographic shifts over the 20th century, influenced by rural-urban migration. By the 2011 cencus, Boshof had a diverse racial population of about 8,509. ^[8]

References

1. Robson, Linda Gillian (2011). "Annexure A" (PDF). The Royal Engineers and settlement planning in the Cape Colony 1806–1872: Approach, methodology and impact (PhD thesis). University of Pretoria. pp. xlv–lii. hdl:2263/26503.
2. Sum of the Main Places Boshof and Seretse from Census 2011.
3. "History & attractions". Boshof Tuisblad. Community portal for Boshof. Retrieved December 29, 2025.
4. Sketch of the Orange Free State of South Africa. Bloemfontein: Orange Free State Commission. 1875. Retrieved December 29, 2025.
5. Raper, Peter E. (1987). Dictionary of Southern African Place Names. Internet Archive. p. 89. Retrieved 28 August 2013.
6. "Boshof". Rural Exploration. Retrieved December 30, 2025. Personal travel account of a visit to Boshof in November 2024
7. "Boshof - Towns and Cities in the Free State". The Wildebeest. Steven Herbert Projects. Retrieved December 29, 2025.
8. "Boshof Home Page". boshof.co.za. Retrieved December 30, 2025.