Odendaalsrus, Free State

Having been established in 1912, this is the oldest gold mining Town in the District. The Town was a group of Farms with one central Church. However, when gold was found in 1946, Odendaalsrus earned its place on the map, attracting a number of settlers who wanted to be a part of the Gold Rush. This is where the richest Gold Reef in the World, was discovered. In 2000, it was incorporated into the Matjhabeng Local Municipality, with the City of Welkom. There are a number of gold Mines in and around Odendaalsrus. The farming Community continues to grow and develop, making for beautiful Landscapes, at 1,344 M Above Sea Level. Although it only obtained Municipal Status in 1912, Odendaalsrus remained little more than a Village until 1946, when the highly profitable goldfield was discovered 3 km away, North West of Odendaalsrus. It is bounded to the East by Jeanette Gold Mines, Limited. The former Riebeeck Gold Mining Company, Limited, was amalgamated with Loraine in 1958 and forms the Southern portion of the property. Since the discovery of the World's richest golf reef on the Farm; 'Geduld' in 1946, the local Economy has revolved around mining activities! Odendaalsrus gives artists and art lovers the opportunity to express themselves freely. It is a Town where Culture and Religion plays an important role in everyday life!