The city of Welkom in the Free State province of South Africa is still known by its original name as of March 2025. Although a number of South African municipalities have recently had their official names changed, such as Somerset East in the Eastern Cape becoming KwaNojoli and Fort Beaufort becoming KwaMaqoma, Welkom has not.
It’s worth noting that Welkom is known by several nicknames, including “Circle City,” “City Within A Garden,” “Mvela,” and “Matjhabeng.” The Sesotho name “Matjhabeng” translates to “where nations meet,” reflecting the city’s historical role as a melting pot for migrant laborers from countries like Lesotho, Malawi, and Mozambique who came to work in its gold mines.
Established in 1947 and officially declared a city in 1968, Welkom was meticulously planned around a horseshoe-shaped shopping and administrative area encompassing a central park. This thoughtful urban design, along with its numerous traffic circles, has earned it the moniker “Circle City.”
While the city embraces its rich history and diverse cultural heritage, there have been no official announcements or indications of a forthcoming name change for Welkom. Residents and visitors can continue to appreciate the city’s unique character under its longstanding name.