Senwabarwana
Senwabarwana, formerly Bochum, is the seat of the Blouberg Local Municipality, about 93 km north-west of Polokwane. It serves many surrounding villages and chieftaincies, including Ga-Manthata, Ga-Matlala, Ga-Mmalebogo, Makgababeng and Moletši. The 2011 census counted about 12,300 residents, most of them Northern Sotho speakers.
History
German missionary Carl Franz and his wife Helene founded a Berlin Mission station here in 1890 and named it Bochum. The name may come from the German city or from the biblical Bochim. They also started a leprosy hospital, which became today's Helene Franz Hospital. The local name Senwabarwana is linked to a story about Khoi (Barwa) travellers who drank from a pond here. Mamphela Ramphele and actor Clement Maosa are among the people from the area.
Getting there
From Polokwane, take the R521 to Mogwadi (about 61 km), then go about 18 km west on the Mogwadi–Senwabarwana road. The total is about 93 km.
Weather & climate
Hot semi-arid bushveld climate. Summers are hot with thunderstorm rain, and winters are dry and mild with cool nights.
Things to do
Nothing listed yet. Know a great activity in Senwabarwana? Tell us.
Things to see
- Bochum Mission & Leper ChurchHeritage site of the 1890 Berlin Mission station. It includes the old leper church, a Lutheran church next to Helene Franz Hospital, and white rondavels on the farm Bochum. The leper church is in poor repair.
- Makgabeng Plateau Rock ArtSandstone plateau in Blouberg municipality with about 400 rock art sites and Iron Age sites. It is best visited with a local guide.
Businesses in Senwabarwana
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Blouberg Local Municipality
Main office of the Blouberg Local Municipality, which has its seat in Senwabarwana. It also has satellite offices in Al…
Municipalities
Senwabarwana, Limpopo
Capricorn TVET College – Senwabarwana Campus
Senwabarwana campus of the public Capricorn TVET College, which offers vocational training.
Universities & Colleges
Senwabarwana, Limpopo
Helena Franz Special School
Public special-needs school in Senwabarwana. Capricorn District Municipality held a back-to-school campaign there in 20…
Schools
Senwabarwana, Limpopo
Helene Franz Hospital
Public hospital that grew out of the leprosy hospital founded by Lutheran missionaries Carl and Helene Franz at the Boc…
Hospitals & Clinics
Senwabarwana, Limpopo
Makgabeng Farm Lodge
Farm lodge with an outdoor pool and a meeting room for up to 80 people. It is on Werden Farm outside Senwabarwana, towa…
Lodges & Game Lodges
Senwabarwana, Limpopo
Rethabile Guesthouse
Small guesthouse in Bochum Extension 5 with free Wi-Fi, private parking and a garden.
Guest Houses & B&Bs
Senwabarwana, Limpopo
Property in Senwabarwana
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