Geography
Communities
Thabong consists of 49 suburbs of which can classified as follow *High-income suburbs *Middle-income suburbs *Low-income suburbs The number of middle-class black South Africans or so called ''Black Diamonds'' in the township has risen dramatically with suburbs like Oppenheimer Park, Jerusalem Park, Mshongoville, Soweto and Las Vegas.Demographics
Population distribution
Today the townships of Thabong and Bronville have a population of approximately 200,000 residents. Usually Thabong is referred to the combination of both Thabong and Bronville (former Coloured township) though Bronville is classified as an independent township of Welkom.Economy
Mining
The majority of the people work in the richest mines of the Goldfields since the township was formed originally to accommodate people who worked in the mines.Retail
People from both Thabong and Bronville do their shopping in Welkom, however, at the rate at which the township of Thabong is growing a new shopping mall, "Boitumelo Junction" has been opened. At 25,500 m2, it is anchored by Shoprite, Boxer and the usual others. The most fashionable and lovely place of interest especially during December Holidays is Shopong Tsa Kgale meaning 'Old shops' That's where ''Thabong Kids'' figuratively or 'Black Diamonds' meet to enjoy themselves especially the ones who have moved out of Thabong to places like Johannesburg, Sandton, Randburg, Roodepoort, Pretoria, etc. * Fun Park Shopping complex * Shoprite centre * Boitumelo Junction * Numerous Petrol Stations * ATMs * Post OfficeOther prominent places include
*Black Joint Pub *Afro-vibe *The Zone *Georgies Lodge *The Side Bar *Tiamos restaurant and bar *Motsorotso Tavern *Tilo TavernCulture and contemporary life
Community Service Centres
*Thabong Police Station *Multi-purpose Thabong Community Centre *Public LibrariesMusic
O'yaba is a musical group from Thabong.Sport
Indoor Sport Centre - A municipal sport centre offering boxing, rugby, soccer, netball, tennis, hockey, cricket, bowling, swimming and snooker facilities. StadiumLaw and Government
Government
Informal settlements are being transformed into formal settlements especially the one of Hani Park near the coloured township of Bronville and multiple Extensions have been formed from Hani park all the way to Straighting near the Bridge (Ext 15 to Ext 21)Education
Schools and libraries
Primary schools *Iketsetseng *Tsakani Primary *Tseolopele Primary *Dirisanang Primary *Mojaho Primary *Seabo Primary *Bofihla Primary *Daluvuyo Primary *Lehakwe *Mokgwabong *Lemotso *Dr. Mgoma *Dirisanang *Moramaphofu *Embonisweni *Thabong school *Tswelopele *Setshabelo *Hlolohelo *Lenyora *Thembekile *Bronville primary *Mantshebo Secondary schools *Leseding Technical school *Lenakeng Comprehensive school *Lebogang secondary school *Lephola secondary school *Teto secondary school *Thotagauta secondary school *Lekgarietse secondary school *Letsete secondary school *Nanabolela secondary school *Welkom secondary school *Bronville HighColleges and universities
Tertiary level Tosa F.E.T college situated near the suburb of Jerusalem Park is geared towards employment opportunities with Engineering been the main focus *Mechanical *Electrical *Mining *CivilInfrastructure
Health systems
Thabong hosts Bongani Regional Hospital and together with Bronville host various primary care clinics, some are open 24 hours per day.Bongani Regional Hospital
Bongani is a state hospital which provides specialized secondary services and admits patients referred by Primary Health Care Institutions from surrounding towns and District Hospitals. Services include: * 24-hour casualty service * Emergency care * Level 2 adult and child care * Maternity * Gynaecology * Paediatrics * Theatre * Neonatal ICU and ICU * Radiography * Medical and Surgical ward * Othopaedics * Septic ward * Burns unit * Obstetrics and Gynaecology * Dispensary * Physiotherapy * Social Worker * Speech and Hearing therapy * Oncology * Ophthalmology * Psychology (public) * Renal unit * Dental * Occupational Health * Tsoanelo (ARV Treatment) If a patient is transported by an ambulance, they receive immediate care. However, if a patient arrives with his own transport and is not in critical condition which includes trauma, one requests a docket by the receptionist and queues all day for a doctor at casualties. Many patients and staff are frustrated due to the lack of staff and resources. Therefore there are private hospitals available: * Welkom MediClinic * St Helena Hospital * Goldfields clinic/hospital * Mathjabeng hospital Local clinic available with a good doctor: * Naledi Clinic (Stateway, Welkom)Other facilities
* Academic Health Complex * Welkom Satellite * Pilot project site for academic medical training registrars in conjunction with the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the Free State.Notable people
*References
{{Lejweleputswa District Municipality Townships in the Free State (South African province) Populated places in the Matjhabeng Local Municipality