The oldest town in the Free State and the birthplace of actress Brümilda van Rensburg is set to become more popular

Philippolis, the oldest town in the Free State, is poised for strong growth following the upgrade of the former Gariep Airport, now known as Big Water Aero.

The London Missionary Society founded Philippolis in 1823 as a mission station serving the local Griqua people.

The area was initially referred to as Southern Transorangia. However, it was renamed Philippolis after John Philip, a superintendent of the Society.

In the 1820s and 1830s, Philippolis became the capital of the Griqua state under Adam Kok II and Adam Kok III.

Two original naval cannons presented to Adam Kok III by the Cape colonial government in 1840 still sit on a hill overlooking the town.

Following the Anglo-Boer War, British activist Emily Hobhouse established a spinning and weaving school in Philippolis in 1905 to assist local women.

A memorial was erected in the town to commemorate Hobhouse’s contribution and her work during the war.

Another landmark in Philippolis is the town jail, which was built in 1872 and served as a jail for 70 years.

It was subsequently converted into a police station, and several changes were made, including repurposing jail cells as charge offices.

The South African Defence Force used the jail in the town as an army barracks from 1972 to 1982.

The jail was abandoned from 1982 until 1998, when it was restored and turned into a bed-and-breakfast guesthouse.

The town is associated with many notable figures and was the birthplace of the author and philosopher Laurens van der Post.

Actress Brümilda van Rensburg and former Springbok rugby captain Adriaan Strauss were also born in Philippolis.

Philippolis attracting new residents

Philippolis is located 50 kilometres from the Gariep Dam where the Karoo grasslands meet the Free State grasslands.

The historic village is characterised by wide, tree-lined streets, Victorian and Karoo architecture and expansive surrounding landscapes.

Its isolation has helped preserve much of its historic character, with many of the original streets and homes remaining largely intact.

The quiet atmosphere, night skies and sense of space are increasingly attractive to buyers looking for an alternative to conventional suburban living.

Juliette Whelpton, the Pam Golding Properties agent in the town, said it offers residents a relaxed lifestyle.

Philippolis is also developing as a tourism and weekend destination, with restaurants, cultural activities and annual events contributing to its appeal.

The annual Witblitsfees incorporates traditional distilling, agricultural activities, equestrian events, music and community festivities.

The Philippolis Saddlebred Show is another prominent regional horse show held annually in the town.

Whelpton said that the Free State town attracts a mix of mature, middle-aged, and younger residents.

“Its good connectivity also lends itself to remote workers, creatives and those seeking a slower pace of life,” she said.

Airport upgrade will serve the region

The expansion of Big Water Aero, formerly Gariep Airport, is set to drive tourism, leisure and residential property appeal in nearby towns.

Now owned by aviation group RSA.aero, the airfield is already an established gliding and regional aviation destination.

Its favourable flying conditions, reliable thermal winds and proximity to the Gariep Dam have long attracted aviation enthusiasts.

Its ability to accommodate small aircraft and charter operations provides a foundation for its evolution into a broader regional aviation hub.

The facility is being repositioned as Big Water Aero, with plans to develop the precinct as a sustainable aviation and regional hub.

Additional adventure aviation activities, including microlight flights and hot-air ballooning, are envisaged.

According to Wayne Rubidge, area principal for Pam Golding Properties Karoo, the investment has the potential to deliver broader benefits to the surrounding area.

He said that it will increase visitor numbers and bring greater exposure to towns in the area, including Philippolis.

“For home buyers, greater exposure could introduce new audiences to these towns, each with its own characteristics,” he said.

Photos by registered local tour guide, Juliette Whelpton.

Philippolis photos

---