Belfast, Mpumalanga facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Belfast
eMakhazeni
Battle of Berg-en-dal Memorial south of Belfast.
Belfast Location in Mpumalanga Show map of Mpumalanga Belfast Location in South Africa Show map of South Africa
Country	South Africa
Province	Mpumalanga
District	Nkangala
Municipality	Emakhazeni
Area
• Total	35.82 km2 (13.83 sq mi)
Population  (2011)
• Total	4,466
• Density	124.679/km2 (322.92/sq mi)
Racial makeup (2011)
• Black African	39.9%
• Coloured	4.4%
• Indian/Asian	2.6%
• White	52.6%
• Other	0.5%
First languages (2011)
• Afrikaans	57.1%
• Zulu	12.3%
• Swazi	7.6%
• English	6.9%
• Other	16.0%
Time zone	UTC+2 (SAST)
Postal code (street)	1100
PO box	1100
Area code	013

Belfast, also known as eMakhazeni, is a small town in the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa. It is part of the eMakhazeni Local Municipality.

This town is famous for its great trout fishing. Farmers here raise sheep and produce dairy products. They also grow crops like maize, potatoes, and timber. The area around Belfast has mines for coal and black granite. About 6 million tulip bulbs are grown here each year and sent to other countries. Belfast is very high up, at 2,025 meters (6,644 feet) above sea level. This makes it one of the coldest and highest towns in South Africa.

Discovering Belfast's Name

The town was named after Richard Charles O'Neil. He came from Belfast, Northern Ireland. Richard O'Neil owned the farm where the town was later built.

A Look at History

Belfast and the Anglo-Boer War

During the Second Boer War, a train with people likely seeking safety at a British Army camp in Belfast.

During the Anglo-Boer War, many battles and small fights happened in and around Belfast. One important fight was the Battle of Leliefontein. It took place about 30 kilometers (19 miles) south of the town. Canadian soldiers received special awards called Victoria Crosses for their bravery there.

The British army also built a camp in Belfast during the war. This camp housed Boer women and children. Another important event happened at Monument Hill, near the town. Several more Victoria Crosses were given for actions there.

The Battle of Bergendal

The Battle of Bergendal was a major fight during the war. It happened along the railway line east of Belfast. This battle lasted from August 21 to August 27, 1900. About 7,000 Boer soldiers fought under General Louis Botha. Their main camp was at a railway station called Dalmanutha.

The British forces had about 19,000 soldiers. They were led by Lord Roberts. General Sir Redvers Buller led the final attack. This attack was against the Boer position on a farm called Berg-en-dal, which means "Hill-and-dale."

Exploring Belfast's Geography

Belfast's Climate

Belfast has a climate known as a subtropical highland climate. This means it has mild summers and cold, dry winters. On average, the town gets about 674 millimeters (26.5 inches) of rain each year. Most of this rain falls during the summer months.

Town Infrastructure

Belfast has a railway station. This station is used to load and unload both people and goods. It is part of the Pretoria–Maputo railway line.