Welcome to Kopanong Local Municipality, Free State
- Our Name and Vision
“Kopanong is a Sesotho word meaning “meeting place” or “where people are invited.” True to our name, we are a municipality built on unity, cooperation, and dedicated service to our people.
- Our Towns and Location
Situated in the southern Free State, Kopanong is the largest local municipality in the Xhariep District, covering over 15,000 km². We are proud to be home to nine historic towns — from the waters and recreational opportunities of Gariep Dam, to the heritage-rich streets of Bethulie, the cultural traditions of Philippolis, and the agricultural landscapes that sustain our communities.
- Our Mission and Commitment
Our municipality thrives on diversity, bringing together urban centres, townships, and rural settlements under a single vision: progress through service and participation. We are committed to improving infrastructure, access to water and electricity, roads, and waste management, while fostering local economic growth, youth empowerment, and social development programs.
- Welcome to Kopanong
Kopanong is not just a geographic space — it is a meeting place of history, culture, and opportunity, where residents, visitors, and stakeholders are invited to join hands in building a brighter, more sustainable future.
Welcome to Kopanong — where people, heritage, and progress meet.”
Our Commitment
Kopanong Local Municipality is committed to delivering transparent and accountable governance, ensuring that all decisions are made in the best interests of our communities. We strive to provide reliable, high-quality basic services that improve the daily lives of our residents and promote dignity and equality for all.
Through responsible financial management, sound planning, and meaningful community participation, we aim to drive sustainable economic growth, protect our natural environment, and create opportunities for employment and skills development.
Working together with our citizens, businesses, and stakeholders, we are building a municipality that is responsive, inclusive, and forward-looking — a true meeting place of progress, development, and opportunity for present and future generations.
Message from the Mayor
Together we can build a municipality that is transparent, sustainable, and focused on creating opportunities for all.
Executive Mayor
Xolani Tseletsele
Explore Kopanong
- Tourism: Visit Gariep Dam, South Africa’s largest inland waterbody, or explore the history of Anglo-Boer War sites in Bethulie and Springfontein.
- Heritage: Discover the homes of Adam Kok and Lourens van der Post in Philippolis.
- Festivals: Join us for the Gariep Water Festival, Witblits Festival, and the Fauresmith Horse Endurance Race.