About Clocolan

Clocolan, Thabo Mofutsanyana

The town of Clocolan is situated along the R26 about 34 kilometres from Ficksburg in the North-east and 37 kilometres from Ladybrand to the South.

Clocolan is perched on grassland at the foot of the Hlohlowane Mountain from which Clocolan derives its name - an incorrect pronunciation of the Sotho word "Hlohlowane". The Hlohlowane Mountain (1,820 metres above sea level) dominates the town of Clocolan. Owing to the mountain air, the climate is crisp and due to the abundance of water in the area, ideal farming conditions exist. Clocolan lies in one of the main sunflower producing belts of South Africa.

Clocolan is an important farming area specialising in asparagus, wheat, maize, grain, potatoes, wheat and cattle. Visitors to Clocolan can visit the Deemsters Asparagus Factory and learn about the history of this important local crop.

At Nebo and Die Hoek visitors can view San rock art and paintings. Then just outside of Clocolan (about 25 kilometres) history-buffs will enjoy visiting the Stone Fort, an Anglo-Boer War fort and on the farm Evening Star you can view the old monastery and chapel which have been authentically restored.

A highlight of Clocolan is a visit to Lethoteng Weavers - a community project involving the weaving of articles by local craftswomen. All products produced are the result of years of experimentation using only the best fibres, while honing Southern Sotho skills. They produce soft jerseys, scarves and other items from Angora Rabbit, Mohair and wool as well as rugs and carpets from Mohair.