In the 1800s, Koffiefontein was a stopover spot for transport riders traveling between the coast and the diamond fields and gold mines to the north.

The Koffiefontein district saw much military action during the Second Anglo-Boer War of 1899-1902 because it was close to the two strategic towns of Kimberley and Mafeking.

Among the internees was Frans Erasmus and John Vorster who became prime minister of South Africa in 1966 and was president of the country from 1978 to 1979.

[9] Although the mine and supporting businesses have employed a large number of the local population, the area is still characterised by poverty.

Apart from diamonds the town is best known as having been the home of Etienne Leroux, a famous Afrikaans novelist whose homestead and grave can be visited.