Beaufort West
[key], town and local municipality, Western Cape prov., S South Africa, in
the Great Karroo. The town,
which is the seat of the local municipality, has some light industry and is
the trade and distribution center for nearby farms where sheep, grain, and
fruit are raised. It is also a resort. Beaufort West was founded in 1818 and
in 1837 became the first municipality in South Africa. The local
municipality also includes the township of KwaMandlenkosi and village of
Merweville.
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