Founded in 1889, Bethal lies at an important road junction, with 7 roads radiating in all directions. Bethal lies east of Standerton along the R23 on the Mpumalanga highveld.
The name of the town is a combination of the names of sisters Elizabeth and Alida, the wives of the farmers who donated the two farms on which Bethal was laid out. It was founded on 12 October 1880 on the farm Blesbokspruit and was granted municipal status in 1921. The area is today an important agricultural centre with the focus of its production on maize, potatoes, oats and barley. It is also home to numerous cattle ranches.
The sculpture that stands in front of the National Potato Co-operative was created by Coert Steynberg the well-known sculptor who grew up in Bethal.
The town is also home to three gold mines and numerous coal mines which send coal to Sasol's plant in Secunda.
Bethal is renowned for its Potato Festival that is held in April or May each year. One of the more interesting attractions is the 3km potato sausage, a mixture of meat and potato, which is cut up into chunks and sold. Another popular activity is the Potato Express steam train, which takes passengers to and from Johannesburg.
Eskom's giant power stations are located in the Bethal district.
