Established in 1887, Boksburg was originally a mining town. Now a mishmash of old and new establishments, the suburb is well worth visiting. Not only is there great entertainment here, but Northrand Road is famed for its variety of cuisine options. However, if you want something a little more laid back and cultured, go on a tour of the centre of town. Here, you can find some true hidden heritage gems.
Old Boksburg Post Office
The Old Post Office on Market Street, designed by Sytze Wierda (the chief architect of the South African Public Works Department) in 1898, still stands today. With its brick facade and red tiled roof, the building stands out as an icon of history. Now used as a community centre and theatre space, the Old Boksburg Post Office continues its life. Declared a national monument in 1996, this old building is worth taking a moment to admire.
Law Courts
The government of 1887 established Boksburg to service the housing and recreational needs of nearby gold mine workers. What started out as nothing more than a few roads and small houses, soon became a vibrant suburb. Of course, with the start of a new community, there needs to be space for regulation and law to be ironed out. That's where the Boksburg Law Courts come into the picture. Also designed by Sytze Wierda, the law courts were completed in 1891.
The building is just a skip away from the Old Post Office, so you need not travel far to see its colonial-style pillars and stark white finishing. Originally used by magistrates and staff, the Boksburg Municipality commissioned the court in 1958. Declared a national monument in 1963, to preserve the court architecture and allow the building to remain a part of the community as a centre for social and municipal gatherings.
The Chris Hani House
While it hasn't been declared a Boksburg heritage site yet, Chris Hani's home in Dawn Park is earmarked to be turned into a museum. Honouring the life of the struggle stalwart, this museum will offer visitors greater insight into his work. Hani was assassinated in the driveway of this very home in 1993. You can visit the house to see a memorial outline of his body on the driveway, which includes quotes from a speech Hani presented shortly before his untimely passing.
From here, make your way to South Park Cemetery. The South African Heritage Resource Agency declared Hani's grave, as well as the Chris Hani Memorial and Remembrance Walk, as national heritage sites in 2017. The memorial takes the shape of a circle, symbolising unity, equality and inclusion. The Remembrance Walk similarly takes you on a contemplative journey, all the way back to the memorial site. There is also a Wall of Remembrance at the cemetery. Celebrating the lives of martyrs who died fighting for freedom.
While this walk may seem slightly sombre, there is worth in remembering how far our country has come. Visit this lesser known Boksburg heritage site to engage with the past and to find a greater appreciation for our democracy.
Have you visited any of these Boksburg heritage sites before? Let us know about your experience!
Vilakazi Street
Soweto is undoubtedly one of the most culturally diverse and historic spaces in Johannesburg. If you have never taken a trip down the iconic Vilakazi Street, there is no better time than now. Littered with heritage, Vilakazi Street played home to former president Nelson Mandela and struggle stalwart Winnie Madikizela Mandela, as well as Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Pop into the Mandela House museum or visit the Hector Petersen Memorial to learn more about the rich history of Soweto and its people.
What's the best way to get around Soweto? Bicycle of course! Join Soweto Backpackers for a bicycle tour around Soweto. Their knowledgeable tour guides will guide you through the busy streets, stopping at the most important sites along the way. Click here for more information.
Hector Peterson Memorial
Ditsong National Museum of Military History
If you have ever visited the Johannesburg Zoo, we can bet that you have seen the signs directing towards the Museum of Military History. However, many of us rarely stop to explore their range of military memorabilia. Featuring 44,000 items related to South Africa's military history, this museum is a must-visit. Originally established to acknowledge South Africa's contribution to the First World War (1914 - 1918), the Museum of Military History is now the symbolic home for all veterans in South Africa. All soldiers are recognised here for their efforts - from WW2 generals through to guerrilla fighters in the Angolan War and Umkhonto weSizwe soldiers.
Come and celebrate our country's expansive, yet often overlooked military heritage. The museum is child-friendly, so you can bring the whole gang along.
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Kensington Scottish War Memorial
The Kensington War Memorial once stood in homage to the Scottish Horse regiment which fought in the South African War (1899 - 1902), as well as both World Wars. Overlooking what was once one of the largest camps of the South African War, this statue on a hill has come to take on new meaning. It now stands as a multi-cultural heritage monument, reflecting on the lessons learnt from a dark period in history. The War Memorial has recently undergone much-needed restoration and is again open to visitors. From the peak of Caledonia Hill, where it is built, you can take in the fantastic view of the suburb below.
Lesedi Cultural Village
Lesedi Cultural Village is nestled within the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. Showcasing five traditional homesteads inhabited by Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Basotho and Ndebele tribes. Stop by here on your way back from a visit to the Sterkfontein Caves or Maropeng Visitors Centre. While it may be slightly 'touristy', Lesedi Cultural Village is nonetheless a wonderful place to celebrate your heritage. Join in on a song or dance performed by village residents, or pick up a memento from the market. Or, tuck into some authentic South African cuisine at their restaurant. Either way, you are sure to have a great time!
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Heidelberg Heritage Museum
Heidelberg borders Gauteng and Mpumalanga. One of Gauteng's oldest established towns, Heidelberg has played an important role in South African history. The Victorian style of this quaint dorpie will have you travelling back in time to when ox wagons roamed the streets. Visit the Heidelberg Heritage Museum to discover all the town has to offer. Check out the Old Station Building - a National Monument completed in 1896. Or, sit down for a meal inside a restored locomotive dining coach. The museum also showcases some of Heidelberg's most famous visitors, including Winston Churchill, Former President Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Ghandi.
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The Pioneer Museum
Finally, we have the Pioneer Museum. Situated in Pretoria East, this national museum features typical pioneer furniture, original homesteads and super cool interactive activities. Churn your own butter or make a candle out of animal lard. Alternatively, you can sit back and relax while the kids have turns feeding the farm animals. We guarantee that you will leave with a greater appreciation for modern technology.
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Do you know of any other great heritage sites in Joburg worth visiting? Let us know about them!