Braamfontein is the oldest recognised suburb of the city of Johannesburg. Following the gold rush of the 1850s, Braamfontein became a central hub for business, sport and leisure. With the establishment of the South African School of Mining in 1895 (later to become the University of the Witwatersrand), Braamfontein cemented its status as a bustling inner city suburb. Today, "Braam" as it is affectionately known, is one of the city's top destinations for entertainment, retail, dining and loft-style living. From its many contemporary restaurants to its fabulous night life, Braamfontein offers an array of exciting activities. It is also undoubtedly the underground fashion hub of Johannesburg, often referred to as "sneaker town". You never quite know what you might find in this eclectic part of the city.
What Are You Looking For?
Shopping
Entertainment
Restaurants
Hotels and Accommodation
Schools
Municipal Services
Conference Venues
Jobs
Property
Shopping
Braamfontein is quite unlike any other shopping destination in the city. There few malls and shopping centres here, but rather a collection of independent fashion stores, curio shops and artisanal markets. Braam is the ultimate shopping hub for fashion fundis, collectors and organic food lovers. 70 Juta Street is one of the area's top retail precincts. Here, you will find an ever-expanding number of pop-up shops and local fashion boutiques. If you're not one to follow the crowd, this is the place to do your fashion buying. The Neighbourgoods Market is also a favourite for farm fresh goods and handmade crafts. Overall, Braamfontein offers a truly unique shopping experience well worth exploring.
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70 Juta. Photo credit: Max Marx.
Entertainment
Braamfontein boasts an equally vibrant daytime and nighttime entertainment scene. Whether you prefer a casual stroll around a weekend market or epic adventures under the cover of darkness, Braam offers an assortment of fun hangouts and entertainment activities. The suburb is also lauded for its arts and culture scene. Catch a theatre show at the magnificent Joburg Theatre or visit Constitution Hill to learn about our country's past. Braamfontein is a hive of activity over weekends, bringing a diverse mix of people together to celebrate life in all its glories. If you've ever imagined what a South African utopia looks like, Braam on a Saturday night would be it. People of all creeds, colours and orientations gather here to eat, drink and be merry. So, what are you waiting for? Get in on the Braamfontein party scene or you'll be missing out!
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The Nelson Mandela Stage at Joburg Theatre.
Restaurants
From early morning coffee to the midnight munchies, Braamfontein's restaurant scene has got you covered. Thanks to its large student population and nearby business districts, the eateries here offer a wide variety of cuisines. Come and tuck into traditional South African shisanyama, Mediterranean fare or gourmet hot dogs at Braamfontein's top class restaurants. The area is also favoured as one of the best places to grab brunch on a Sunday morning. Think classic eggs Benedict, maple glazed bacon on sweet French toast and some of the best coffee in Joburg. Eating out in Braamfontein is a taste adventure you don't want to skip out on. Come hungry!
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Grab a gourmet hotdog from Great Dane in Braamfontein.
Hotels & Accommodation
Braamfontein is a verified backpackers town. Come and find the best budget accommodation at one of its hotels, lodges or hostels. Once in Joburg offers you all three in one - as Joburg's only 'poshtel' it welcomes in students, tourists and adventurers of all kinds. You can share a room with friends or bunk with total strangers for the night. It's all about sparing your pocket money for great adventures around the city. Braam is also home to the great Bannister Hotel. After a long night of partying, this is the ideal inexpensive stay over. Plus there's free breakfast to be had in the morning! If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind travel experience, book yourself into a Braamfontein hotel or self-catering accommodation. There is no better way to soak up all that this corner of the city has to offer than by getting right into the thick of it.
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Book yourself an overnight stay in the Spacious King size room at the Bannister Hotel.
Schools
In spite of its relatively small size, Braamfontein suburb is home to many schools, universities and colleges. Located right in the centre of Braamfontein is the University of the Witwatersrand. This elite tertiary institution is one of the suburb's greatest landmarks and draw cards for students from around the country. There are also a number of private colleges located in the area, specialising in media studies, graphic design and marketing. The National School of the Arts is situated in the area as well, directly opposite the Joburg Theatre complex. The school offers a disciplined curriculum, combining practical arts studies with the national syllabus. Many talented visual artists, dancers, musicians and theatre makers have graduated from this top co-educational high school.
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Municipal Services
The City Council of Johannesburg offices are situated in Braamfontein, as is the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality. Visit the various city government departments here for assistance with your water and electricity rates, service delivery, waste removal and road works. The Gauteng Department of Labour and the Provincial office for the Department of Home Affairs are also located in the area. The Provincial Head Office of the South African Police Service is located on Empire road, on the border between Braamfontein and Parktown.
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The City of Johannesburg Council Chamber. Photo credit: Tristan McLaren.
Conference Venues
Thanks to its central city location, Braamfontein is the ideal meeting place for large conferences and events. Thankfully, there are a few conference venues in the area, suited to hosting both small and large gatherings. Constitution Hill plays host to many corporate events, private functions and outdoor music festivals. Whether you’ are hosting a meeting, a seminar or talk, a cocktail reception or a banquet, there should be a space suited to your needs at Con Hill. Similarly, the Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Parktonian All-Suite offers event rooms with a seating capacity of up to 450 people. So, if you're looking to hold an event in Joburg, look no further than Braamfontein's best conference venues.
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Jobs
Many of South Africa's major corporations have office spaces situated in Braamfontein, including Liberty Holdings Limited, JD Group, Sappi, Bidvest Bank and Hollard. The suburb offers a multitude of work opportunities across a range of fields. Being situated just north of the city centre makes its job market incredibly lucrative. There are numerous means of transport in and out of Braamfontein as well, meaning that workers can easily commute in from areas around the city. The Gautrain at Park Station brings in people from Sandton, Rosebank and Johannesburg East each day to work in Braamfontein.
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Property
Over recent years, Braamfontein has seen massive regeneration. As such, it has regained some of its former glory in terms of property and rentals. If you're on the lookout for a designer loft, this is the place to go house hunting. Many of the suburb's old buildings have been renovated into lush apartment complexes, perfect for young professionals. New Braamfontein Lofts is an urban development making big waves on the property scene. Offering an escape from the hustle and bustle of the inner city, this artisanal residential complex combines the best of industrial-style architecture with contemporary comfort. But don't imagine that only 'cool kids' or artists call Braamfontein home. All are welcome here, so come and find your forever home.
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Every now and then, we need to sort out a bit of admin. New drivers licenses, tax returns, filing an accident report, paying your water and electricity bills, the works. Luckily, the suburb of Randburg offers all of these municipal services all within close proximity of each other. Most of which can be found near the Randburg CBD.
What Are You Looking For?
SARS
Licensing Department
SAPS
Home Affairs Department
City Of Johannesburg
SARS
In the centre of Randburg CBD, you'll find the South African Revenue Service building. They are the country's tax collecting authority and are responsible for administering the South African tax system and customs service. They play an integral role in the taxation in nation-building and deem the tax system as an asset that belongs to the nation. They are guided by the code of conduct and the principles of SARS values of accountability, fairness, honesty, integrity, respect, transparency and trust. This building is also nearby the municipal services provided by the Licensing Department.
Licensing Department
Need to obtain or renew your drivers license? Then be sure to visit the Randburg Licensing Department also located within the Randburg CBD. Please note that you need to renew your driver's license at the licensing department four weeks before your original license is due to expire. If you renew your license after the expiry date, you will need to apply for a temporary driving licence at an additional cost. All Gauteng licensing appointment bookings must be done online. Don't forget to take the following documentation along with you to your booked appointment: your ID, letter of notice of your appointment, four black and white ID photos, proof of residential address, and your application fee. You will undergo eye testing and your fingerprints will be taken during your appointment.
Visit the Randburg Licensing Department.
SAPS
There are four SAPS stations in Randburg, namely the Parkview Police Station, Honeydew Police Station, the Randburg Police Station, and Linden Police Station. The South African Police Service does not just investigate criminal cases and do crime prevention, but they also provide a range of security and safety services and resources to their collection of partners as well as the general public.
Home Affairs Department
For all of your personal documentation ranging from ID booklets/cards and birth certificates to passports, visas and more, you'll need to visit the Department of Home Affairs on Malibongwe Drive in Randburg. You can also visit their website and get all of your documentation and applications filled out using their eHomeAffairs service that allows for the process to be easy, efficient and secure.
City Of Johannesburg
The City of Johannesburg assists with your amenities and levies for water and electricity, as well as building plans, Metro Police, Metro Bus, and traffic fines. To find out more about the City of Johannesburg and their services, be sure to visit their website at www.joburg.org.za. Should you have any enquiries, you can also contact them on 0860 56 28 74 or visit their social media platforms on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
