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About Smithfield
Smithfield is a small town in the Southern Free State located on the N6 national road, 135km South of Bloemfontein. Founded in 1848 is the third oldest town in the Free-State and has a population of about 4500 inhabitants.
The town is tucked into a horseshoe of hills, some 132 km southeast of Bloemfontein along the N6 national road to East London, Eastern Cape and is an ideal stop-over to anywhere in South Africa.
Establishment
Waterval farm was the original site chosen in 1848 for settlement as a Dutch Reformed church centre. However, when plots were offered for sale, there were no takers. Farmers were dissatisfied with the site (24 km west of present-day Smithfield). They then opted for Rietpoort, where there was abundant water. The new town was named New Smithfield (the "New" soon fell away), apparently named after Sir Harry Smith, former governor of the Cape Colony (from 1847-1852). ...Read More.
GPS -30°12'27.00" S 26°31'31.79" E
Population 2011 Census
Area Square Kilometres
Age of Town Established in 1848
Nearest City (km) Bloemfontein
FOS | VVS
Friends of Smithfield
Friends of Smithfield is an initiative that was started in 2023 by concerned citizens of Smithfield to uplift the town an it's community.
In March 2025 the submission for funding from LOTTOLAND was successful, the funding received is being used to do road maintainance, painting the buildings, prettifying the entrances to the town, the renovatation the historical Graveyard and the opening of a "Smithfield" information centre / shop.
Visit our FACEBOOK page to read more about the us.
Rubbish Bins
In 2024 oil-drums were purchased and transported from Bloemfontein to Smithfield. the drums were painted and a Friends of Smithfield sticker stuck onto the drum. These serve as rubbish bins and have been placed in the main street and around town.
Repainting The Town Name
Early on a summers morning in January 2025 a group of community members ascended the hill North of town, to repaint the rocks that form name of the town. Close to 40 litres of paint was used.
Writing Competition
In September 2024 a creative writing competition was held for the three schools. The subject of the competition was the negative effects that littering has on their surroundings. Prize winners: 1st Lurica Coetzee, 2nd Nthabeleng Lebona, Joint 3rd Khanyisile Tsehlona and Kananelo Lebojoa.
Renovating the Historic Graveyard
Members of the community got together to help with the renovating of the old graveyard. Overgrown trees and grass were cut back, the railings of the graves sanded and painted gravel place on some of the graves and a new entrance built. The maintaning of the grave yard is an ongoing project.
Clothing and Food Stall
Giving back to the community. Friends of Smithfield setup on the OVKs verandah and gave clothing and food to any person passing by. The clothing and food were donated by the community.
Cleanups
Residents get together on occasion to pickup and dispose of litter in the town.
Places to Stay & Eat
Accommodation
5 ON WESSELS
Guesthouse
Wessels Street
+27 82 432 1355
5onwesselsguesthouse@gmail.com
BUCKLEYS
Guesthouse | Bar & Restaurant
c/o Voortrekker & Church Streets
+27 51 683 0021
lekkeslaap.co.za
COTTAGE ON ROUX
Self Catering
Roux Street
+27 83 714 0527
cottageonroux@gmail.com
NICKS PLACE
Guesthouse | SC | Restaurant
c/o Brand & General Hertzog streets
+27 84 600 0321
nicksplace.guesthouse@gmail.com
PURPLE HOUSE
Bed & Breakfast | Self Catering
c/o Brand & Butler Streets
+27 72 245 4833
purplehouse-smithfield.co.za
SMITHFIELD HOUSE
Guesthouse
Brand Street
+27 82 457 1299
amfit@yebo.co.za
WHEELS PUB
Pub / Take-Aways
c/o Church & Brand Streets
+27 79 318 5110
+27 82 803 0894
Wilgers Padstal
Take-aways
c/o Voortrekker & Church Streets
+27 51 683 1199
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Historic Sites & Families
History