Brandwag is a semi affluent residential neighbourhood of leafy streets lined with low-rise houses. It is situated in the central western part of Bloemfontein with easy access immediately off the N1 offramp towards Nelson Mandela drive. Mid- to upper-range hotels, as well as offices and shopping malls, cluster along busy Nelson Mandela Drive, while low-key guesthouses cater to visitors to the nearby University of the Free State and Mediclinic hospital to the east.

Development started in the 1960’s on grounds close to the historic ’Dam van Trane’ and Concentration (or Refuge) camps as it was known during the Anglo Boer War. Brandwag became a fully-fledged neighbourhood next to Tempe military base by the 1970’s when two major schools, St Michael’s School for girls and Brandwag Primary School, were built. Originally situated just outside the main areas of Bloemfontein, constant development of the city westward means the neighbourhood is now surrounded by almost all sides and flanked by the military base to the north and west.

Today the neighbourhood includes a mall, two shopping centers, two fuel stations, student accommodation as well as several business parks towards the south. With more development and bus routes still being planned by the Mangaung Metro Municipality, Brandwag is still growing with its roughly 8000 residents.

As is the norm all over the country, municipalities suffer to provide the services once taken for granted. Brandwag Neighbourhood Association hopes to pick up the slack and maintain a safe, clean, prosperous neighbourhood deep into the 21st century, with the help of its business partners and residents.