Pomfret, South Africa, has a history linked to both asbestos mining and the South African Border War, with its most prominent connection to the 32 Battalion, also known as the Buffalo Battalion. The town was originally established as an asbestos mine camp in the 1960s, and later repurposed by the South African Defense Force (SADF) as a military base.

Asbestos Mining: Pomfret was initially established as an asbestos mine camp in the 1960s. The abandoned mine remains on the outskirts of the town. 

Military Base: During the South African Border War, the SADF used Pomfret as a base, housing and training the 32 Battalion, a unit composed largely of former guerrillas from Angola.

32 Battalion: The 32 Battalion was a South African military unit, primarily composed of Portuguese-speaking Angolans who fought for the SADF during the Angolan Civil War and Border War.

Cultural Identity: Pomfret’s residents, many of whom are descendants of 32 Battalion soldiers, have a strong sense of community and cultural identity, with Portuguese being their primary language. They have also argued that their isolation has given them strength, with some fearing that they will struggle if dispersed.