| From the majestic Magaliesberg Mountain Range in the north, to the Vaal River in the south, and along the meandering Crocodile River, a tapestry of resorts and activities awaits, where tranquility restores the soul and the adventurer can stretch the limits... | This region is gaining increasing popularity and, as ever more discoveries are made, prepares to welcome the world to the Gateway to the Cradle of Humankind! Here, strangers become friends and visits result in lasting memories. From near and far, people are coming to learn of the golden spectacles of The West Rand. | As with the dramatic golden sunset, the area simultaneously reflects the warmth of its natural wonders and the charm of its friendly and diverse cultures. This land, proud of its history and natural heritage, beckons the visitor to share the joy of discovering new experiences, to gather new tales and to linger longer. This kaleidoscope of experience will become golden memories. |
| Western Gauteng is less than 45 minutes' drive along excellent highways from Sandton, (N1), Pretoria (R28), and Johannesburg, as well as international and local airports. |
| The region's golden threads weave a tapestry of natural beauty and peacefulness which begins and ends with the people - their beaming smiles and friendliness hiding their steely grit and resourcefulness, and this is where the magic begins - from the heart! |
The Land before Time… |
|---|
|
|
The Geological Threads |
|
The Witwatersrand Sequence is also a combination of gold bearing quartzite and shale. Before the Main Reef was discovered, panning for gold was practiced in many of the local rivers. Two of the earliest gold mines in South Africa can be visited at Kromdraai or Magaliesburg, where guided tours impress, revealing the lives of these early pioneers in museums and displays. Gold mining is the backbone of the South African economy, with most mining centered in Gauteng. Another important geological feature in this region is the presence of the soft dolomite, which, has led to the earliest evidence of the discovery of man, and to the declaration of The Cradle of Humankind as a World Heritage Site. In a water poor country, dolomite formations are an important source of groundwater and the water of the massive Sterkfontein underground lake is of such purity that it is being bottled as 'still' mineral water by several companies in the area. |
The Cradle Of Humankind
|
|
The fossil Hominid Sites of Sterkfontein, Swartkrans, Kromdraai and environs were declared a World Heritage Site (WHS) along with Robben Island and the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park in December 1999 in Morocco. The over 47 000 ha Cradle of Humankind WHS straddles the provincial border between Gauteng and the Northwest Province. Embedded in rocks inside numerous dolomitic limestone caves are fossilized remains of hominids; their lithicultural remains as well as fossils of other plants, animals and pollen, paint a complete picture of the hominids and their surroundings, dating back 3, 3 million years. The excellent preservation, richness and variety of these deposits, and the age of the specimens, give this area global significance. The scientific value of the area opens a window to the past to when our earliest ancestors were evolving and changing, around 5-6 million years ago. Studies and research have shown that the oldest group of hominids, Australopithecus, walked upright for the first time despite a small brain, giving rise to members of our own genus, Homo. It was at this site that the discovery of the most complete pre-human skull was found, affectionately known as Mrs. Ples. Another "gold mine", the Sterkfontein Caves, yield fossil upon fossil of immense importance to studies about the origin of man. Visitors will be overawed when anthropologists reveal how many millions of years ago these hominids lived and died. These sites have also provided insight into early man's cultural behaviour, through discoveries of stone tools and other artifacts. Studies of fossils, wood and the remains of many animal species show how vegetation changed over time as well as animals that coexisted with early man. A fascinating story unfolds when the various pieces of the ancient puzzle fall into place - the dolomite rocks were coral reefs in a warm, shallow sea about 2,3 billion years ago; millions of years later the rock was dissolved by slightly acidic water to form underground caverns; much later still, exposure to the air, erosion of the surface and more dissolution of the dolomite, formed deep shafts to the caverns below. Bones, stones and plants, along with animals and hominids, fell into the caves, became fossilised and were cemented in a hard breccia mixture. Of the 13 explored sites within the Cradle of Humankind area, at least seven have yielded hominid remains and are considered the world's richest concentration of fossil hominid-bearing sites. More sites, dating back to the Early, Middle, and Late Stone Age, the Early and Late Iron Age and also to recent history such as the Boer War relics, exist. Around these discoveries, the World Heritage Site has some interesting related developments; a Show Cave dating back 2,2 million years as well as the first gold mine on the Witwatersrand. Other popular attractions include game reserves, conference centres, up-market lodges and trout fishing for those with a passion for casting a line. The area also boasts numerous restaurants of international standards. Future development of this site includes a new Interpretation Centre Complex (ICC), which will be the flagship for the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. The Complex will consist of a state-of-the-art interpretation facility that will provide visitors with unique educational and entertainment experiences. |
The Vredefort Dome
|
|
Much older than the Sterkfontein Caves and the rest of the cave system, and even more crucial to the formation of the entire Witwatersrand's gold-bearing geological rock formations, is the gigantic Vredefort Dome. Billions of years ago, a massive meteorite (thought to have been between 10 to 15 kilometres in diameter) struck the earth in the Vredefort area, smashing the subterranean strata and rock reefs, forcing them upwards above the earth's surface. Scientists link this incident to the development of oxygen and multi-cellular life on earth. It is the oldest and largest recognised impact structure known.
The Vredefort Dome lies 110 km south west of Johannesburg around the towns of Vredefort and Parys. In an arc to the north and west of the towns is a partial ring of hills, some 70 km in diameter. The ring of hills and the area within them were originally around 250 - 300 km across. The impact would have vaporised over 70 km3 of rock and caused a devastating earthquake that would have been felt worldwide. The impact was the cause of the greatest gold bearing reefs in the world - the Witwatersrand - and the origin of alluvial diamonds. Although the entire event must have lasted only a few seconds, the consequences determined the evolution of the region, and earth, for billions of years afterwards. Today the Vredefort Dome area is an outdoor adventure paradise offering hiking and mountain-biking trails, canoeing, white water rafting, abseiling, etc. |
The Magaliesberge |
|
The Magaliesberge Mountain Range, rated amongst the most ancient in the world, has an intriguing geological history. A majestic backdrop to the Hartbeespoort dam, which is used for irrigation and water sports, the range cuts across nearly half of Gauteng from east to west and has a major impact on local weather.
The mountains are home to a wide and interesting variety of birds, including the endangered Cape Vulture. An area steeped in history, from fossil sites to significant South African War battlefields, it holds diversity and enjoyment for visitors. |
|
|
The Indigenous Tribes
|
|
Much of this history is already known, starting with the southern migration from Central Africa, which saw the Tswana nation eventually settling in the Western region and nearby Free State province while the South Sotho nation ventured to the Lesotho and Eastern Free State. The tribes north of Zululand suffered greatly during the Difekane, when Mzilikaze, one of Shaka's generals, fled from him, devastating all in his path.
Mzilikaze later settled in the foothills of the Swartberg, near Krugersdorp, where the remains of his kraal, or village - Lepalong - can still be seen today. Lepalong was declared a national heritage site. |
The Arrival of Diverse Cultures |
|
Bloody battles ensued with the Boer settlers, led by among others, Paul Kruger, who would later become President of the Boer Republic. Once again Mzilikaze had to flee and eventually reached the present Zimbabwe, where he founded the Matabele nation.
Chief Mogale left his footprint in the far western areas of Zeerust and Hotazel before finally building his imperial kraal, or domain, in the confluence of the Crocodile and Magalies Rivers. Many of the ruins of these early settlements and villages, dating back some 200 years, have been discovered and are now being subjected to intense studies. Evidence of the Iron Age Period has also been found showing that early tribes were not only excellent iron smelters and smiths, but also kept huge cattle herds. Ruins also exist in the suburb of Northcliff, Johannesburg, Ruins also exist in the suburb of Northcliff, Johannesburg, and around the present Mogale City, particularly on the farm Uitkoms near Magaliesburg. |
The European Conflict
|
|
Friendly as they are, the people of the West Rand have always enjoyed respect for their bravery in battle.
The Anglo-Boer War of 1899 to 1902 brought untold suffering to the people of the two Boer Republics. According to traditional historic accounts, the war was only fought by the Afrikaners (Boers) and the English - hence the name Anglo-Boer War. Recent, more holistic accounts reflect the involvement of the African and coloured people and their suffering in concentration camps. This new approach brought a new name - the South African War. The Krugersdorp Commando, later part of the Boer Army, led by General de la Rey, consisted of a number of armed burghers or citizens on horseback, and was formed in the spring of 1898 during the Magato War, as part of a punitive expedition against Chief Mphephu in the Northern Province. The commando slammed the door on the gold mining Randlords' plans to take over the gold mines and Johannesburg by force, when their ill-fated Jameson Raid was snuffed out. During the South African War, the commandos, renowned for their dogged resistance, were always in the thick of battle and even took a young Winston Churchill prisoner in an armoured train engagement. Greatly outgunned, outnumbered and almost starving, the commando stood firm for seven days of hell against three Irish regiments but were eventually overwhelmed by the massive forces. The battle of Nooitgedacht near Krugersdorp in December 1900 was a notable victory and later, with General Jan Kemp, they stood their ground in numerous battles before their eventual defeat at Roodewal in April 1902. The first concentration camps started when Lord Roberts, the British Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief, launched the "scorched earth policy". With farms destroyed, Boer commandos could not obtain supplies and were without the vital information normally provided by their folk and farm workers. The concentration camp policy brought enormous bitterness and suffering to white, African and coloured people in South Africa. African farm workers, whose kraals, or villages, were burnt and ravished by the British Army, were moved to concentration camps - initially called "laagers" but later renamed "Native Refugee camps". One of the 80 concentration camps for Africans was at Krugersdorp, originally on the farm Roodekrans, bordering the farm Paardekraal where the Boer concentration camp was situated. The British Army employed labourers to work for the Army which was strung out along the railway system of the former Transvaal as well as on the mines. Eventually the concentration camps held more than 53 000 African people and almost 6% of this population of the Transvaal and Orange Free State was incarcerated in camps. In 1901 African men, their women and children cultivated derelict Boer farms to provide food for the concentration camps. Although promised the produce and harvests, they had no claim to the land and also lost more than one-third of the crop to the British Army. Also, drought brought crop failures, causing more famine and hardship. Conditions deteriorated even further and deaths escalated due to extreme overcrowding and exposure to the elements. But the world never knew about their plight because a conspiracy of silence surrounded African concentration camps. |
Striking it Rich |
|
Visitors have always marvelled at the Reef's mine dumps and the Western region is no exception. The enormous dumps of "golden sand" bear witness to the significant impact of mining on the environment of Gauteng that changed the face of areas in the Witwatersrand. As mines became deeper, dumps became higher and these even-sided, flat-topped, man-made mountains broke the naturally flat skyline.
Equally prominent on the West Rand are the towering mining headgear structures. Less noticeable than the mine dumps, they are as much a part of the Reef's skyline as any other structure. Suspended from a gantry constructed over the opening of the mineshaft, these structures were used for lowering and raising equipment, mined rock, and personnel. Modern, more durable concrete structures have now replaced these dinosaurs. Gold and the Rapid Growth of Communities |
| The Gold Rush resulted in the need for towns and cities and gave birth to Johannesburg, and to the west, Roodepoort and Krugersdorp, with the smaller towns of Westonaria, Carletonville and Fochville being established to fill the needs of these mining communities and provide them with the daily comforts they seeked. |
Towns & Townships |
| Driving through the area, modern suburbs and residential areas eventually make way for semi-rural smallholdings and farms, interspersed with many informal and semi-formal settlements and typical rural housing estates. |
Mogale City |
| Situated at the western end of the sprawling Witwatersrand urban development is the newly named Mogale City (Krugersdorp, Magaliesburg and Magaliesberg), incorporating several smaller towns - Munsieville, Kagiso, Azaadville and the smallholding communities of Muldersdrift. Mogale City remains the largest local municipality and derived its name from Chief Mogale wa Mogale of the Po, one of the Sotho/Tswana tribes. |
Krugersdorp
|
| With a population of more than 350 000, it is the industrial hub of Western Gauteng and was founded in 1887 by MW Pretorius when gold was discovered on his farm, Paardekraal. The mining industry has formed an integral part in the development of the town, which has a rich cultural and historical background. Krugersdorp, named after the famous President Paul Kruger of the old Boer state, the "Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek", played an important part in South African history and came into being because of two important events in the history of South Africa: The Transvaal War of Independence (1881) and the discovery of the Witwatersrand Goldfields (1886), events that had far-reaching political and economic consequences in the country's development. |
The Birth of a Great People |
| By the time the town was founded, the existence of the gold reef along the Witwatersrand was well established and thousands seeking their fortunes, pitched their tents and pegged their claims, and in 1888 Krugersdorp was duly proclaimed a separate gold field. Krugersdorp offers visitors all the benefits of a city, with a modern business centre and shopping malls alongside a multitude of smaller shops, schools, all necessary amenities, as well as game reserves and a nearby bird sanctuary. Krugersdorp has the Jack Taylor Airfield and is easily accessible from Pretoria, the R28/N14 Highway, Johannesburg and the Johannesburg International Airport, the N1 Highway (65 km), and Lanseria Airport on the R511 (20 km). The nearby 1 400 ha game reserve in dense bushveld with plenty of game is one of the town's major tourist attractions. Also in close proximity are various national monuments, and the Cradle of Humankind with the Sterkfontein Caves and the Wonder Cave. Krugersdorp offers ultra modern sport facilities including an ice rink of international standard, gymnasiums and a sport stadium. |
Munsieville |
|
The townships of Munsieville and Kagiso, with Munsieville the older of the two, flank Krugersdorp. With the founding of Krugersdorp, African workers established a squatter camp, the 'Old Location', just outside the new town. During the war years, more land was set aside for Munsieville, named after James Munsie, chief health inspector for 41 years.
It is the hometown of world famous Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, the former Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu, whose family settled in Munsieville when he was a mere five years old. His father was headmaster of St Paul's Anglican Mission School where young Desmond began his education, later becoming a schoolteacher in Munsieville School before joining the priesthood. Archbishop Tutu and his wife Leah married in a Roman Catholic Church in Munsieville. He recalls: "That church was razed to the ground along with many residential buildings because Munsieville was doomed to be demolished. |
It was an aberration, a black spot in what should have been a lily-white area. Munsieville was reprieved only by the intervention of Leon Wessels, the Nationalist MP for Krugersdorp, who later apologised handsomely for apartheid. He was to become Deputy Chair of the Constituent Assembly that gave us our wonderful constitution."
Munsieville has always had a vibrant social culture and was on the forefront of political activism during the struggle against apartheid. Today the residents enjoy better facilities and modern services. One of the remaining traditions is the culture of children playing in the streets, originating when there were no sport and recreational facilities. Apart from the ever-popular soccer, one can also witness the traditional African games. The townspeople are friendly, eager to please and hospitable, with bright smiles greeting visitors. Most of the residents work in the commercial sector and are also employed as civil servants. |
Kagiso |
| Residents go about their daily business as in any other town - but give them half a chance and they break into song! Cheer and laughter, mixed with a laid-back approach to life, appeal to most visitors. Kagiso, larger than Munsieville, was officially proclaimed in 1920 when ex-miners and squatters on smallholdings on the outskirts of Luipaardsvlei erected the first corrugated iron houses. By 1950, there were some 3 436 people in the Luipaardsvlei Township, an area of only 47 morgen, until another new township, Lewisham, was laid out to the south-east of Krugersdorp. For the most part, Kagiso consisted of Tswana-speaking people who had migrated to the area from the old Western Transvaal, with a smattering of Xhosa, Zulu and North and South Sotho speakers, who originated from the old homelands, the Transkei and Ciskei. Kagiso produced many outstanding men and women, one of them being the Reverend Dr Frank Chikane, the former Secretary General of the South African Council of Churches, and now Director General in the President's Office | He was appointed to Kagiso in late 1975 to organise a new congregation for the Apostolic Faith. Rev. Chikane first became involved in Kagiso politics when he started teaching Mathematics at Mosupatsela High School and introduced what was called "Political Mathematics", expounding the concept that any political problem could be solved mathematically. That, in a way, created space for constructive debate instead of emotional name-calling. "Political Mathematics" forced us to apply mathematical solutions to everyday problems, which could not be solved through emotional or irrational outbursts. Rev. Chikane was eventually expelled in early 1976 but the lectures simply continued after school and on weekends at Chikane's house and church, which became an important political and social centre, the "people's house" and "people's church". Students helped to establish the Kagiso Self-Help Scheme. Dr. Rev. Chikane played a crucial role in the political development of Krugersdorp and his determination is more proof of the true grit driving the western communities, while also showing humanity and warm hearts towards compatriots. |
Azaadville |
|
A colourful and affluent suburb, south of Krugersdorp, where Indian residents enjoy a peaceful existence, but it took many years before they achieved their Nirvana. The lively community has succeeded admirably in preserving their typical South African Indian culture and owes its suburb to no less an international figure than Mahatma Ghandi, the world's most famous passive resistance leader. After the Anglo-Boer/South African War, the small Indian community of Krugersdorp lived in a 'Location' and from 1904, efforts were made to remove them from the town. With Mahatma Gandhi's legal assistance, they resisted removal, but were finally moved from the old 'Location' to a new site east of the African location in 1913.
The majority of Indians in Krugersdorp made a living as hawkers, traders or in the service trades catering for the mining industry. Gradually a distinct Indian trading area developed adjacent to the town hall. Proclaimed in 1963 during the height of the apartheid era, Azaadville today houses more than 7 000 residents. And further west lie Randfontein, Westonaria and Merafong City that capture the mining town vibes of yesteryear and are steeped in gold mining history. Museums, monuments, memorials and original gold mining shafts bear silent witness to mining achievements, accidents, culture and way of life of mining communities that thrived here more than a century ago. Today, certain of these areas still actively mine gold but other activities have sprung up around the mining communities. One of the main examples is tourism, which is a direct result of the flow of South Africa's much sought-after yellow metal. |
Randfontein |
|
Incorporating Mohlakeng and Toekomsrus, with a population of 181 940 is a thriving town, situated next to Krugersdorp, about 46 km from Johannesburg. It owes its existence to the various mines close by, mainly the Randfontein Estates Gold Mine. Once the world's deepest gold mine, its enormous mine dump reputed to be the highest and largest in the world, brought fame to the town. Nearby Harmony Gold Mine also contributed to a prosperous town that still blossoms.
Apart from its bustling business and industrial areas, the town has a rustic and peaceful atmosphere and, that residents enjoy their sport, is evident from the golf club, which has hosted several world-class tournaments. Three international boxers; Peter Mathebula, Jan Bergman and Simon Ramoni as well as the soccer great; Ace Ntsoelengoe, hail from Randfontein, further evidence of this town's sporting abilities. |
Merafong City |
|
Merafong, derived from the Sesotho language meaning "The place where the gold is!" is one of the latest new consolidated municipalities in Gauteng. Situated in the heart of the richest gold mining belt in South Africa, only 75 km from Johannesburg, Merafong City includes the towns of Carletonville, Fochville and Wedela, with seven gold mines situated within a radius of 10 km, providing jobs for almost 100 000 skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled labourers.
The "Hub of the Golden West" spreads over 1631,07 ha and the total population conservatively adds up to 310 000 people with some 38 381 people accommodated by their employers in gold mine hostels. Merafong City is rich in tourism and cultural attractions with no less than three game reserves. The Western Deep Levels Gold Mine - recently renamed Tautona - is the deepest mine in the world with the No 2 Shaft at a depth of 3 582 m and an ambient rock temperature at this level recorded at 131 degrees F or 55 degrees C. The Merafong Rock and Mineral Heritage Museum in Fochville is a current project to capture the conserved South Africa's rock and mineral heritages. Merafong City glitters with gold as well as diamonds - Rysmierbult Diamond Digging, situated 15 km west of Merafong City, is well known for its diamond diggings and guided tours. Tourists can choose from a variety of very high quality guesthouses and other accommodation as well as a number of excellent restaurants. |
Westonaria |
|
Greater Westonaria tells a story of hope, frustration, defeat, spectacular engineering achievements and ultimate success.
In 1910, Western Rand Estates Limited made the first attempt at opening the gold-bearing reefs of the far West Rand with the sinking of the Pullinger Shaft, named after the originator of the enterprise. Work had to be abandoned due to the inrush of large volumes of subterranean water and difficulties with correlation between the gold-bearing reefs and the Main Reef Series.
In 1926, Colonel Donaldson and Mr Carlis, who sold the mineral rights to New Consolidated Goldfields Ltd, purchased the farms Venterspost #27, Gemsbokfontein, Libanon and Uitval. In 1930, a German geophysicist proved initial, adverse geological reports wrong and new investigations led to the establishment of Venterspost and Libanon Gold Mines in 1934 and 1936 respectively. Venterspost was proclaimed in 1937, renamed Bekkersdal in 1967 after former Mayor of Westonaria, Mr MPC Bekker, and in 1987 became an independent Town Committee. Today, Bekkersdal incorporates a formal and a number of informal residential areas: Tambo Village, Winnie Section, Mandela View, Spook Town, Silver City, X-Section and Ghana. In 1994 Westonaria Town Council and Bekkersdal Town Committee amalgamated, forming a council to serve the greater Westonaria communities. A vision of the amalgamated councils, Simunye, situated next to the R28 motorway, is a development that will cover more than 393,21 ha. The development consists of some 4 434 stands with 3 000 stands fully serviced and 1 400 houses already built. Sixty years later, this municipal area is a success story encompassing 61 618 ha, with 11 383 erven, three high- and nine primary schools, a vast number of nursery schools and 21 churches, serving a population of 153 614 (Census 1996). |
Social Changes |
|
Stokvels - Many have been intrigued by the Stokvel System, the low-income and even middle-class African workers' answer to the so-called credit squeeze…
Stokvels are clubs or syndicates serving as rotating credit unions where members contribute fixed sums of money to a central fund on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis. Each month a different member receives the money in the fund, which was collected during that period, with no one ever defaulting on contributions. Foreigners are often amazed that the system works so well while failing miserably when tried elsewhere. During the early 1920s, Tswana-speaking women became active in creating the Stokvel society, much like their Manyano Christian sisterhood organisations. Women held parties on Sunday afternoons, setting the social scene a-buzz with group names like the 'Transvaalians', 'Black Lions', 'Victory Ladies' and the 'Double up 6Bs'. They often wore uniforms, sang initiation and popular songs as well as hymns. During the 1930s burial societies were also established to assist community members with high funeral costs. Stokvels had a significant impact on the development of Shebeens, or tap-houses, and true to rural tradition, women brewed beer, invited friends and relatives to parties ('itimiti') where food and liquor were sold and, during the Marabi era, musicians would also perform. |
|
In 1995 some 24 000 Stokvels with almost R200-million in monthly circulation, were in operation in the urban areas and almost 40% of the African community, 60% of whom are female, participated in Stokvels.
The Taxi Industry - During the 1950s, apartheid forced most African commuters in Gauteng to live far from their places of work. Bus and train commuting services were unreliable, expensive, long and tedious and, not surprisingly, commuters increasingly began to rely on taxis. Consequently, the formal transport industry lost a third of its passengers.
This fledgling industry initially used large, second-hand American cars but gradually mini-buses or kombis, with larger passenger capacity, became popular. The new industry faced many problems; a lack of proper facilities in the cities, towns and townships, longer queues, and increasingly dangerous taxi conditions. By early 1980, taxi routes became over-serviced not only with registered 'legal' taxis, but also with unregistered 'pirate' taxis. As competition and tension between operators increased, violent clashes or 'taxi wars' broke out, often resulting in loss of passengers' and drivers' lives and, in the early 1990s, taxi owners formed the South African Taxi Drivers' Union (SATDU). Violence has since all but disappeared thanks to commuter insistence, tough negotiations initiated by the government and strict regulatory actions. Taxis are now a well-regulated and highly competitive industry with well-structured routes, infrastructure and centrally located taxi ranks. Shebeen Culture - The Shebeen, that mainstay of African social life, has made a huge comeback, moving out of the townships to the suburbs. Shebeen tours, offering a taste of township life, have become increasingly popular tourist attractions. Shebeens are a uniquely African form of cultural expression, changing with the times and filling a need among the township people. A custom in the African community, which will be passed from one generation to the next, Shebeens will continue to change in order to fit new lifestyles. In earliest In earliest times, village women made potent home brews but as the workers moved into towns and cities, the tap houses or pubs, acquired a new image. When the people were barred from formal economic activity, township 'mamas' used to sell a variety of home-brewed concoctions, which patrons would guzzle from outsized jam tins. But that changed, as Shebeens became a popular social rendezvous among township dwellers. Many people turned their four-roomed houses into places where one could stop for a drink, a date, a chat or beautiful music. Shebeens provide the ideal forum to catch up on local gossip and to hear the latest popular music where no one can ignore Kwaito's local-flavoured lyrics and irresistible dance beats. Spaza Shops - Townships have suffered enormous shortage of supermarkets and shops and wide-awake entrepreneurs have pounced on the opportunity to operate informal shops from their homes. As demand grew, these conveniently located home industries became known as Spaza shops where normal household items and food are sold. These shops, often operating out of makeshift shacks or huge shipping containers adapted for the purpose, make a substantial contribution to entrepreneurial growth. The informal Spaza shop sector's annual turnover runs into billions of Rand thanks to loyal customers who enjoy the best of both worlds - a convenience-type store close to home and a favourite place to meet and swap the latest gossip. |
Preserving our Heritage |
Picking up the Golden Thread of Life in the Townships |
|
Wander off the beaten track to take an intimate look at daily living in one of the region's townships with excellent guided tours, a welcome recent development bringing more understanding and cross-cultural benefits than ever before. Township folk are hospitable and warm-hearted by nature and no visitor will ever leave disappointed. Indeed, this is where one can experience, safely and comfortably, day-by-day life in townships, or spend a night in one of the accredited bed and breakfast establishments to share a meal and exchange tales of different cultures!
See the popular street games, hear the chatter and laughter, smell the food being prepared and chat to the people for a personal understanding and appreciation of South Africa's Rainbow Nation. Enjoy a sumptuous meal in a unique township restaurant or eatery where traditional African delights are dished up. Healthy, earthy African aromas have the ability to wake even the most jaded appetite, so forget about diets for a while! Perhaps the tour guide will suggest a visit to one or more of the many Shebeens, or traditional pubs, in the townships. This is where it really happens and the word 'vibrant' attains an entirely new meaning! On a hot day, a cool beer or soothing refreshment in the company of jovial locals can perform wonders for the most stressed-out businessman or tired tourist. Be enthralled by the sounds of 'township jazz' and some of the 'mainstream jazz' made world famous by legendary musicians like Hugh Masekela, as well as Miriam Makeba's indigenous music known as mbaqanga, developed from kwela and blended African melodies, marabi and American jazz. The foreign visitor can only come to one conclusion - mixing with and meeting South Africa's wonderful people provide an enduring golden thread of friendship seldom encountered anywhere else in the world. Yesteryear's life-style is beautifully portrayed in numerous western museums, with exhibits, dating as far back as the previous century, depicting the history, culture, archaeology and the role played by mining in the establishment and development of the areas. Exhibits are based on the cultures and history of the town, the archaeology and the role played by mining in the establishment and development of the area. With a history so abundant with heroes and dramatic events, it is little wonder that this region has numerous monuments: Krugersdorp - Paardekraal Monument, the old Boer Republic railway system (NZASM Station), several British Army-built blockhouses, or forts, (Voortrekker Square). The Krugersdorp Town Hall has been declared a National Monument. Danie Theron Monument - Danie Theron was a real hero of the South African War and emerged as one of the world's original reconnaissance scouts. The Memorable Order of The Tin Hats, commonly known as the M.O.T.H.S., have seen to the needs of thousands of the South African soldiers returning from various battlefronts. Many of their buildings have become landmarks in towns in the Western region. |
Game Reserves |
|
The Big Five - Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Rhino and Elephant - can be viewed amongst the rolling hills and grasslands, unspoiled thornveld and rocky outcrops of Western Gauteng. Wildlife abounds with more than 700 head of game including Cheetah, Wild Dog, Giraffe, Hippo, Zebra, Hyena, White Rhino, Warthog and the largest variety of antelope in South Africa.
Visit one of the many game reserves and view game from the comfort of an open vehicle, 4x4, horseback or take a guided walk with one of the specialist guides and learn of the ancient herbal remedies and look for the Big 5 of the Insect World... The region's diversity of habitat provides the breeding ground for an astonishing variety of bird species including the rare Cape White-backed vulture, the Cape Griffon, the Secretary Bird as well as the beautiful Black Eagle. The region is blessed with the best climate in Southern Africa, with warm to hot summer weather and windless, sunny, cloudless skies in winter. The onset of winter brings the luxury of leisurely evenings in front of crackling log fires. The climate is ideal for local and international athletes training for major world events, including the Olympic Games. |
The Wonders of Nature & Clime |
Bird Sanctuaries |
|
Krugersdorp boasts the largest indigenous walk-in bird aviary in Africa, in a nearby game reserve, with more than 1 200 birds of around 100 species.
Apart from the more common birds, the aviary also keeps a variety of scarce and endangered birds. These birds provide a splendid spectacle of sight and song. A relatively new establishment, the aviary has already enjoyed a successful breeding cycle. |
Botanical Gardens |
|
The Witwatersrand National Botanical Gardens are set in an incredibly beautiful area in Roodepoort. The Witpoortjie Waterfall, on the Crocodile River, is the central attraction and tumbles down 60 m high cliffs, providing the garden with abundant water and unique ambience.
The Gardens cover almost 300 ha, with approximately 30 ha under intensive indigenous cultivation, including a water garden, wetland area and a newly developed water-wise demonstration garden. There are many short walks and trails as well as a geological trail. |
|
|
|
On the road to Hartbeespoort Dam, a series of cultural villages, built as they have been for generations, must be explored for a look at the traditional villages of the Zulu, Ndebele, Sotho, Pedi and Xhosa people. Browse through the craft market or saunter to the African theatre for daily or evening shows when dancers take visitors to the heartbeat of Africa with lovely songs and throbbing rhythms.
When visitors think everything has been seen, felt and absorbed, they will sit down for the "Nyama Choma", said to be the greatest African feast offering traditional dishes from around the African continent. Many of the towns in the region offer entertainment by youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds. Entertainment in various languages (even Japanese!) and, even, on request, a white Afrikaans girl in one theatre, dressed in traditional Xhosa attire, will perform with the group. Closer still is an authentic Zulu village, built with material brought all the way from Zululand, with traditional Zulu crafts, customs and clothing handed down through the generations from before King Shaka's time. Many of these customs are still practised in rural Zululand and it is unforgettable to see how these proud and noble people have maintained their traditions. A traditional African welcome by maidens and warriors awaits guests. Torches line the route and, weather permitting, a bonfire is lit for warmth and excitement. Visit and hear the tales of the traditional huts and visit the handicraft centre where one can purchase items one sees being crafted. During the dancing, Zulu maidens serve guests with traditional Zulu beer, "Tshwala", from calabashes, followed by mealies served from big black pots hanging over open fires. Guests eat from wooden plates while the Zulus sing and clap hands in the background - an experience lasting about two and a half-hours - but one might wish that it would last forever! Guests can also be accommodated over-night in traditional Zulu huts. |
Cultural Expressions |
| Few can resist the pulsing rhythms of Africa and, whether one has one or more days to visit the Western region, experiencing the authentically traditional songs and dance of different nations is an absolute MUST. A visit to South Africa is incomplete without having been personally touched by the rhythm and sound of South Africa's Rainbow Nation in a festive mood. |
Shopping Experiences |
| Businessmen, tourists and local visitors with a day or two at their disposal can unwind by exploring some of the unique outlets in the area to shop with a difference. Original items that will be the envy of friends back home, from cheese to jewellery, art to cottage furniture, re-cycled cast glass to antique Steinway pianos and more… |
|
|
|
A mere half-hour drive from Johannesburg, Pretoria and Sandton, lies one of the secret treasures of Gauteng, in some of the most beautiful countryside South Africa has to offer. It is here that all mankind can trace their roots, and it is this that has caused the region to be declared a World Heritage Site known as the Cradle of Humankind. The Crocodile Ramble has been established to provide the visitor a choice of six clearly marked routes, along graded and tarred roads, with the sites all clearly marked by distinctive "Ramble" signs, affording the opportunity of travelling throughout the area with great ease.
If every spot is to be visited, the experience could take several weekends, and a wide choice of accommodation options allows the visitor to enjoy a leisurely experience in this picturesque area. A diverse mix of venues and activities will complete the experience. Every weekend is "Ramble" weekend, (as are most public holidays), but most Ramble venues are open daily! Information about all venues, events and activities are available on the website, www.theramble.co.za as well as in The Ramble Brochure, published annually. The Ramble takes its name from the Crocodile River, which meanders through the region from The Witwatersrand Botanical Gardens in the south, to Hartbeespoort Dam, Thabazimbi and beyond. The region is distinctly divided into two main areas, The Crocodile Ramble in the Cradle of Humankind and The Ramble around the Hartbeespoort Dam. The Ramble draws visitors from near and far, be it for a wedding in one of the unique venues, a function, conference, game lodge and wildlife experience, or simply a short break. Original arts, crafts and other products, a wide choice of restaurants, picnic spots, accommodation options, superior game lodges, wildlife reserves, adventure experiences and activities, including horse and hiking trails, white water rafting, mountain biking and hot air ballooning, supported by indigenous and other nurseries as well as health spas and holistic healing centres, assure something to please even the most discerning visitor and ensure that all age groups and tastes will find something to enjoy. The Ramble, on behalf of its members, sponsors its own social responsibility programme under the banner of "Cradling Our Future". This initiative has led to the launch of a successful neo-natal project and an education programme for the local community. An Annual Ball at one of the outstanding venues is the major fund raising event for this project. Employment opportunities and training are a natural result of the development of this tourism initiative and range from arts, crafts, growing of fresh produce, through to the hospitality and construction industries. The Ramble is a "must" visit destination in Gauteng, and in years to come promises to offer the tourist a greater choice of opportunities to make the visit even more exciting. |
The Magalies Meander |
|
Named after the majestic Magaliesberge Mountain Range separating the hustle and bustle of city life from the serenity of the African bushveld, the Magalies Meander offers another browsing and buying trail.
To the south of the mountains, one revels in the indigenous beauty of a region that has escaped over-development, where numerous luxury and more modest lodges, hotels and retreats beckon the weary traveller. Camping sites, picnic spots, adventure experiences and outdoor life abound. For wildlife lovers and even for those who thought they had seen it all, there is even a chance to live and sleep next to the elephants!
|
Take a Walk on the Wild Side |
|
Outdoor-loving sportsmen and women from all over the world are lured year-round to experience a wide range of sporting adventures. The countryside offers a vast array of natural attractions, with the added advantage of a hospitable climate.
No need to be an athlete to join in the fun! Up, up and away in a hot air balloon - a rather elegant adventure in space and time, hot air ballooning over Western Gauteng remains a unique adventure for people of all ages, whether 8 or 80 years old. Drop to treetop height and have a chat, wave to a farmer or other folk, or sip a glass of cold champagne while enjoying the "720 degree" wrap-around panorama. Feel more adventurous and need an adrenaline rush? Go paragliding! The sky is the limit with local expert training, international standards, and safety ratings. Or take to the river for an unforgettable river-rafting experience on the Crocodile River, where professional guides will take visitors down some of the most beautiful and scenic rivers. A new way of discovering the wide plains and hills of the Golden West is the now very popular sport of microlighting, a personal and affordable way of seeking out the beautiful scenery and unspoiled areas. Global speleologists (specialist explorers of caves) have been coming to the West's famous cave region for decades to chart and map the enormous underground caverns. These hitherto unknown cave adventures are now available to other visitors. Both the Bats Cave and the Wonder Cave in the Cradle of Humankind area, offer cave adventures par excellence. The 2 200 million years old Wonder Cave is a natural wonder with 15 m high stalactites! The choice of accommodation is as wide as the western skies, catering to every taste, from luxury modern hotels, to rustic lodges and game ranches, cosy, affordable bed & breakfasts, to sleeping under the stars in well-appointed tented camps. The Golden Wild West has it all and more! |
|
|
Top Of Page |