Bapsfontein

Bapsfontein is a town in Ekhuruleni, South Africa, and falls into the Elandsvlei Conservancy area. The area is known for its variety of birds as it is directly on the International Bird Route, also known for Tornados. The surrounding areas are made up of pristine grasslands and many pans are found in the area. Wetlands are protected in this area. Bapsfontein forms part of the catchment area for many essential rivers and dams.

Bapsfontein
Bapsfontein Bapsfontein
Coordinates: 26°0′0″S 28°26′0″E
Country	South Africa
Province	Gauteng
Municipality	Ekurhuleni
Area [1]
• Total	4.28 km^2 (1.65 sq mi)
Population  (2011)[1]
• Total	707
• Density	170/km^2 (430/sq mi)
Racial makeup (2011) [1]
• Black African	38.5%
• Coloured	1.6%
• Indian/Asian	0.4%
• White	59.3%
• Other	0.3%
First languages (2011) [1]
• Afrikaans	43.7%
• English	17.4%
• Zulu	10.9%
• Northern Sotho	6.1%
• Other	21.9%
Time zone	UTC+2 (SAST)
Postal code (street)	1510
PO box	1510

Bapsfontein is approximately 16 km (10 mi) north east of Kempton Park and approximately 25 km (16 mi) from Benoni. It is zoned as an agricultural area, with a small peri-urban town. Nest Park falls within the Bapsfontein border. Nest Park is made up of approx 255 small farms and is a small village with friendly residents . Village life is although very peaceful also very active and there are annual potjiekos competitions, garden walks and other community events on the go during the year.

During first half of 2004 various sinkholes appeared, as a result of too much groundwater being pumped out by vegetable farmers in the area.

Found in the area are approximated 18 sinkholes. The soil is dolomitic and high in lime, which makes it very fertile for crop farming. There are many horse owners in the area as there are many outrides and trails to explore.

References

1. "Main Place Bapsfontein". Census 2011.