Mission Station Town
The town’s history dates back to 1875, when a mission station was built and named Pofadder. The original Koranna people (offshoots of the Khoikhoi) were the first people to inhabit the area, but settlers were attracted to the area due to freshwater springs dotted around the arid landscape.
A town was established in 1918 and it was named Theronsville, but the name Pofadder - from the mission station - stuck and became official. These days it is very much a rural community based on small-stock farming.
The first plots surveyed were sold in 1917. Pofadder has several old buildings, one being the Roman Catholic Church. Built by the mission, it runs a block-making enterprise, a chicken farm and a dairy, giving employment to the local community.
Although there is seemingly very little enticing you to visit the town other than a quick stop-over en route to Upington or Springbok, there is something special about the minimalist surroundings. The coming of spring, with its bountiful wildflower bloom, may just be the reason you need.
Did You Know? The town was not named for the reptilian puff adder, but rather for a Koranna chief from the area by the same name.