Stella, South Africa

Stella
Stella Stella
Coordinates: 26°33′S 24°52′E
Country	South Africa
Province	North West
District	Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati
Municipality	Naledi
Area
• Total	9.06 km2 (3.50 sq mi)
Population  (2011)
• Total	890
• Density	98/km2 (250/sq mi)
Racial makeup (2011)
• Black African	32.4%
• Coloured	2.7%
• Indian/Asian	1.1%
• White	62.5%
• Other	1.2%
First languages (2011)
• Afrikaans	75.3%
• Tswana	17.5%
• English	3.6%
• Other	3.6%
Time zone	UTC+2 (SAST)
Postal code (street)	8650
PO box	8650
Area code	053

Stella is a cattle farming town situated in North West Province of South Africa between Vryburg and Mafikeng.

The large salt pan on the outskirts of town, especially well known for the number of lions in the area, was visited by a number of early European travellers, including David Livingstone and Robert Moffat.

The first white people settled in the area in 1882, and the following year a fight broke out between the baTlhaping and the Korana under David Mossweu. A large number of white mercenaries fought on both sides of the conflict, and when the war ended they were given land to farm in return for their services. Under their leader, Van Niekerk, they proclaimed their area the Republic of Stellaland, after a comet which had been visible while the fighting was going on. Electricity was introduced only in 1973.

The Stella Beesfees (Cattle Festival) is held every year during October. The town has a high school, but this also houses the nursery and primary pupils.