Bloemfontein, known as the “City of Roses,” is a hidden gem filled with natural beauty and historical significance. It is one of South Africa’s three capitals and serves as the judicial capital, with the Supreme Court of Appeal located within its bounds. The city boasts a diverse cultural heritage, including being the birthplace of J.R.R. Tolkien, and celebrates its emblematic flower every October with an impressive rose festival. Bloemfontein’s connection to nature is evident in its lush spaces and nature reserves, and it played a pivotal role in the AngloBoer War through its War Museum of the Boer Republics. Its railway station, one of the oldest in South Africa, is a crucial link in the country’s transportation history.
Explore South Africa’s vibrant art scene through visits to the diverse and dynamic galleries of BKhz Gallery in Johannesburg, KZNSA Gallery in Durban, Christopher Moller Gallery in Cape Town, and Oliewenhuis Art Museum in Bloemfontein. These galleries showcase contemporary African art and foster meaningful conversations around social justice, identity, and belonging, while supporting emerging artists and preserving South Africa’s visual heritage. Each gallery offers a unique perspective on the country’s artistic landscape, blending tradition with modernity, and promoting inclusivity and cultural change.
The funeral of Katlego Bereng, a young man whose charred body was used as a decoy in a convicted murderer and rapist’s plot to escape prison, occurred at Bloemfontein’s South Park cemetery last Sunday. The funeral was attended by Bereng’s family, friends, and community members, who were all filled with sadness and confusion due to the many unanswered questions surrounding his death.