Bloemhof in the North West has been crowned South Africa’s Town of the Year for 2025, beating eight other contenders in the Kwêla Dorp van die Jaar competition.
The tranquil town on the banks of the Vaal River, about 120 km northwest of Johannesburg, triumphed ahead of Rehoboth (Namibia) in second place, Wilderness (Western Cape) in third, and Pennington (KwaZulu-Natal) in fourth.
Founded in 1864 during a diamond rush on the farm Klipfontein, Bloemhof-meaning “flower court” in Dutch-today thrives on maize and cattle farming, while its riverside setting draws outdoor enthusiasts.
According to Lightstone Property, Bloemhof ranks near the bottom in terms of property values and income levels, with most homes valued below R500,000. By contrast, Wilderness, Pennington, and Port Alfred lead in value and transaction volumes, thanks to strong tourism and retirement markets.
Bloemhof’s average bond value is around R380,000, with Standard Bank and Absa the main lenders. Despite modest figures, experts say the title could raise the town’s profile and attract new residents and investors.
“Winning Town of the Year puts a community on the map,” said Hayley Ivins-Downes of Lightstone. “It can boost confidence and draw long-term growth.”
For Bloemhof, the victory is not just about numbers- it’s a celebration of small-town charm and community pride.
