The town is strategically situated in the heart of the picturesque north-eastern Free State and originally developed as a service centre.

Growth is stimulated by the strategic location of the area that serves as a central regional centre, situated adjacent to the N5 between Bloemfontein and Durban.

The scenic town of Clarens, often referred to the “Switzerland” of South Africa is situated ± 34 km south-east of Bethlehem.

The significance of the Lesotho Highlands Water and the Bethlehem Hydro Electricity projects are also relevant in this regard.

Considering small scale processing industries and intensive farming activities will result in future economic growth in the Agriculture sector.

Effective productive grazing and small scale farming programmes on the existing and identified land for commonage have future growth potential.

In the election of 1 November 2021 the African National Congress (ANC) won a majority of twenty-three seats on the council.