Delmas is a small farming town located east of Johannesburg in Mpumalanga, South Africa, founded in 1907 on the farm Witklip by the Frenchman Frank Campbell Dumat, who named it after his grandfather’s farm in France. The name “Delmas” is derived from the French “de la mas,” meaning “small farm,” reflecting the town’s agricultural roots[5][7].
Initially laid out with 192 residential stands, 48 small holdings, and 138 hectares of common land, Delmas quickly grew, with an additional 5,500 hectares added by 1909 to accommodate more small holdings[7]. Agricultural activity—especially the production of maize, chicken, potato, and wheat—remains central to the local economy[5].
The farming heritage has fostered economic and infrastructural growth throughout the 20th century, with the development of local industries like coal mining and grain handling, as well as improved transport networks[4]. Delmas comprises a diverse population and serves as a hub for both agriculture and regional industry[5].
The story of Delmas also interlinks with notable agricultural enterprises—such as the formation of the Delmas Cooperation by local farmers, later evolving into AFGRI, to combat monopolistic practices and ensure fair crop pricing[1].
The town’s historical significance is complemented by its mix of Afrikaans, Southern Ndebele, Zulu, and English speakers, with a population that reflects both its European settler and local South African heritage[5].