coffee stop for many transport riders in the 19th century until one of the riders discovered a diamond, and a town grew rapidly. The diamonds of Koffiefontein were known to be of the "first water"; meaning of very good clarity. The diamond mine established by De Beers in 1870 was closed down in 2006. The mine was then acquired by Petra Diamonds in 2007 and is currently still in operation. Although the mine and supporting businesses have employed a large number of the local population, the area is still characterised by poverty. Census data indicate that 57% of the Koffiefontein population are below the poverty line. Places of interest 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. There are also many Bushman (San) paintings in the district. To commemorate the allusion to the coffee drinking tradition of the transport riders in the name of the town, there is a fountain that resembles a coffee pot pouring out a drink. A First World War Monument is situated opposite the golf course in the town, on a tiny hill behind the school. There is a cannon next to the monument. To date the wall murals by Fascio, an Italian inmate of the concentration camp are still on display. References Populated places in the Letsemeng Local Municipality Karoo Populated places established in 1892