 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (December 2009) |
Bekkersdal | |
|---|---|
 Mounted police in Bekkersdal, ahead of the 2014 election | |
  Bekkersdal  Bekkersdal | |
| Coordinates: 26°16′S 27°42′E / 26.267°S 27.700°E | |
| Country | South Africa |
| Province | Gauteng |
| District | West Rand |
| Municipality | Rand West City |
| Area | |
| • Total | 27.90 km2 (10.77 sq mi) |
| Population (2011)[1] | |
| • Total | 47,213 |
| • Density | 1,700/km2 (4,400/sq mi) |
| Racial makeup (2011) | |
| • Black African | 98.2% |
| • Coloured | 0.4% |
| • Indian/Asian | 0.2% |
| • White | 0.1% |
| • Other | 1.1% |
| First languages (2011) | |
| • Xhosa | 30.5% |
| • Sotho | 19.3% |
| • Tswana | 16.0% |
| • Tsonga | 13.9% |
| • Other | 20.3% |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (SAST) |
| Postal code (street) | 1779 |
| PO box | 1772 |
Bekkersdal is a township situated 7 km east of Westonaria and 14 km south of Randfontein in the Gauteng province. It was established in 1945,[2] to house Africans who worked in town and at the surrounding gold mines. In 1983 the township was granted municipal status. The township was the site of violent protests ahead of the general elections on 7 May 2014.[3][4]
- ^ a b c d "Main Place Bekkersdal". Census 2011.
- ^ "History of Council". Westonaria Local Municipality. Retrieved 27 January 2014.
- ^ "Bekkersdal votes under heavy police presence". News 24. 7 May 2014. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
- ^ "Violence in Bekkersdal on eve of election". News 24. 6 May 2014. Retrieved 28 July 2014.