Motheo (Sesotho, meaning "foundation" or "cornerstone") was, until the municipal elections of 18 May 2011, a district of the Free State province of South Africa. At the time of the 2011 elections it was disestablished as a consequence of Mangaung Local Municipality being upgraded to a metropolitan municipality. The Motheo District Municipality Head Office was based in Bloemfontein, which also serves as the capital of the Free State Province and as the judicial capital of South Africa. Disestablishment The Motheo District was disestablished on 18 May 2011. When this happened, of its three constituent local municipalities, Mangaung was upgraded to become an autonomous metropolitan municipality, Naledi became part of Xhariep, and Mantsopa became part of Thabo Mofutsanyane. Geography Neighbours Motheo was surrounded by: Lejweleputswa District (DC18) to the north Thabo Mofutsanyane District (DC19) to the northeast The kingdom of Lesotho to the east Xhariep District (DC16) to the southwest Local municipalities The district was divided into three local municipalities: Mangaung, Mantsopa, and Naledi. Of these, Mangaung Local Municipality — now Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality — is the most densely populated; it features the greatest concentration of well-developed infrastructure and services in the Bloemfontein area, which offers a wide range of amenities to the surrounding rural communities. As of 2007, Mangaung Municipality had a population of 752,906 (roughly 90% of Motheo's total population). Mantsopa Local Municipality, located to the east of Mangaung, is a mixed agricultural area, with a population of 59,028 (7% of the total). Naledi Local Municipality, located to the southeast of Mangaung, is largely characterized by livestock-oriented farming, and has a population of 25,445 (3% of the total). Settlements In Mangaung Local Municipality: Bloemfontein — Motheo's seat and most prominent urban node; also the capital of the Free State province. Botshabelo — A typical dormitory town created under apartheid legislation to accommodate future urbanisation of the Basotho people. Thaba Nchu — A traditional settlement that serves as a home for the Barolong; it is surrounded by 37 rural villages. In Mantsopa Local Municipality: Tweespruit — A small rural town approximately 35 km east of Thaba Nchu. Ladybrand — The most eastern urban area in Motheo. Excelsior — A rural town located 35 km north of Tweespruit, along the R709 road. Hobhouse — A rural town located 45 km south of Tweespruit, along the R709 road. Thaba Patchoa — A rural village planned during the apartheid era as a Coloured