It encompassed a very small region of 655 square kilometres (253 sq mi) in the east of the former South African province of Orange Free State, bordering Lesotho.

The frequent snow on the Maloti mountain peaks led the San to call the region "QwaQwa" (whiter than white).

[clarification needed] On 1 November 1974, QwaQwa was granted self-government, with Tsiame Kenneth Mopeli as Chief Minister.

After 27 April 1994, QwaQwa was dissolved, following the first South African democratic election, and reunited with Orange Free State.

It is now part of the Free State province, with Witsieshoek serving as the seat of Maluti a Phofung Local Municipality.