Upcoming Tours
Broadcasting Brixton
Name of Tour
Broadcasting Brixton
Type of Tour
Walking Tour
Date
Saturday, 27th May 2023
Time
14h00
2 hours
Cost
Members : R190
Non-members: R290
Max. People
30
Description
In the 1890s, Brixton and neighbouring Auckland Park were home to infamous slaughter houses, which were “without exception dirty and in bad condition and…a perfect disgrace”. So it must have been a relief when, in 1902, the suburb was surveyed for residential development and Brixton became a bustling, working class neighbourhood.
In terms of historical significance, Brixton residents were involved in the 1922 miners’ revolt (in a dramatic episode, strikers were driven off the Brixton Ridge, where their positions were bombarded by artillery and air attacks). And, in the 1980s, Brixton was among the first suburbs in the city to throw off Apartheid segregation.
Today, Brixton is one of Joburg’s most diverse communities and best-kept secrets, populated by a mix of recent immigrants, students, and families who have lived here for generations. Church bells mix with the call to prayer, and the playground at Kingston Frost Park is often filled with children and parents chatting in multiple languages.
Join us on an exploration of Brixton past and present, its architecture, graffiti, and personalities. We’ll explore Brixton home interiors, churches, and backyards. The tour will also visit Brixton’s iconic alleyways, decorated with local art for the recent Brixton Light Festival, and an innovative gallery featuring art made from recycled materials.
Our tour guides are Thorsten Deckler, an architect, artist, and long-time Brixton resident, and his partner Heather Mason, a writer / photographer who writes the popular Joburg blog, 2Summers.
Artwork, refreshments, and snacks will be available for sale along the way.
“This tour brought not just Brixton, but Jozi to life for me again, and I suddenly saw and understood the appeal of this neighbourhood… it is what we all want for South Africa to be, a place where diversity just IS. This tour made me proud of my city, proud of its people, and proud to be a someone who is part of the broader community.” Meryl
Please bring along a hat, good walking shoes, sunblock and water.
Meet at the corner of Chiswick St. and Fulham Rd. Car guards will be in attendance.
Guides
Thorsten Dixon, Heather Mason and Nicci Noble
Contact Number
060 813 3239
Meeting Place
Ponte City Experience - Bridge to the Stars
Name of Tour
Ponte City Experience – Bridge to the Stars
Type of Tour
Walking Tour in collaboration with Dlala Nje
Date
Saturday, 3rd June 2023
Time
14h00
2.5 hours
Cost
Members : R300
Non-members: R350
Max. People
40
Description
For nearly 50 years, Ponte City has been an iconic fixture on Joburg’s skyline. With its eye-catching cylindrical design and breathtaking views, this skyscraper began its life as a desirable address for people who wanted to be close to the cosmopolitan night-life of Hillbrow. But as the city changed in the late 80s and 90s, Ponte fell into disrepair and disrepute. Now, Ponte has been resurrected as a well-run apartment and retail complex that is home to a wide range of residents from across Africa.
With such a rich and complicated history, a tour of Ponte City is a must for anyone interested in our city – and now you can with the JHF in collaboration with Dlala Nje!
Dlala Nje has been offering guided tours through Ponte since 2012 with the aim of challenging your perception of this highly misunderstood residential apartment building.
Highlights of the tour include a visit to the uplifting creche run by the Dlala Nje Foundation, a trip up to Dlala Nje’s penthouse on the 51st floor where you can buy a drink and take in the spectacular vista over high-rise Hillbrow, and an unforgettable walk into the hollow core of the building that offers amazing photographic opportunities.
Secure parking is available in the parking lot at the base of Ponte, which is our meeting point. Alternatively, you can catch an Uber. Please note, although the tour is guided and safe, please don’t wear fancy jewelry or flash your cash.
Guides
Dlala Nje and David Fleminger
Contact Number
060 813 3239
Meeting Place
Ponte City, 1 Lily Ave, Berea
Wits University - Favourite Haunts on East Campus
Name of Tour
Wits University – Favourite Haunts on East Campus
Type of Tour
Walking Tour
Date
Saturday, 10th June 2023
Time
14h00
2.5 hours
Cost
Members : R150
Non-members: R250
Max. People
50
Description
Relive your days at Wits University (or experience Wits for the first time) with an entertaining stroll through the historical buildings of East Campus.
Led by a retired Professor of Architecture, this guided walk and heritage exploration covers the principal buildings as well as a range of interesting purpose-built academic structures. Along the way, we’ll discuss the origins of the university, discover some hidden relics from the past, and celebrate the alma mater of many Joburg residents.
With over 100 years of history, this fascinating tour of East Campus is a great way to spend the afternoon in great company.
Please note: this is a moderately energetic walk from the top of the hill to the bottom and back again. Please wear good walking shoes and bring along water, sunblock, and a hat.
Guides
Kathy Munro and Joy Campkin Smith
Contact Number
060 813 3239
Meeting Place
The Origins Centre parking lot, corner Yale Road and Enoch Sontonga Ave.
Braamfontein - Old and New
Name of Tour
Braamfontein – Old and New
Type of Tour
Walking Tour
Date
Saturday, 17th June 2023
Time
14h00
2.5 hours
Cost
Members : R150
Non-members: R250
Max. People
40
Description
Braamfontein (meaning Spring of Brambles) is one of the original farms that predates the establishment of Johannesburg. Today, ‘Braam’ is a dynamic part of our city, bustling with energy from its diverse population of university students, major businesses and other residents.
With such a long history, you don’t want to miss this fascinating walking tour that starts at the Romanesque-Revival Holy Trinity Church (one of the largest buildings in the area when it was completed in 1938). From there, we’ll head over to the old convent that was transformed into the Nunnery Theatre for the Wits School of Dramatic Arts in the space of a single weekend, back in 1970.
Sticking with the performing arts theme, additional stops will include the old Alexander Theatre (designed in the Scandinavian style for the Johannesburg Repertory Theatre group in 1951) and the newly built home of the Joburg Ballet School. Along the way, we’ll spend some time reflecting in the newly landscaped Liberty Indwe Park and perhaps even grab a coffee from one of the trendy eateries in the area.
Please wear good walking shoes and bring along a hat, sunblock and water.
Guides
David Gurney and Michelle Woodrow
Contact Number
060 813 3239
Meeting Place
Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 16 Stiemens St, Braamfontein
Art Deco in the Inner City
Name of Tour
Art Deco in the Inner City
Type of Tour
Walking Tour
Date
Saturday, 24th June 2023
Time
10h00
2.5 hours
Cost
Members : R150
Non-members: R250
Max. People
40
Description
Joburg was booming in the 1930s, and so was the Art Deco movement. As a result, our city is blessed with several outstanding examples of this much-loved architectural style that favoured streamlined profiles and geometric designs.
Join local heritage architect Brian McKechnie and Joburg expert Jo Buitendach for an entertaining walk through the inner city as they explore some of the most important Art Deco buildings in the CBD.
We begin the tour on the steps of the famous Rand Club (built in a neo-classical Edwardian style) and then head off along Commissioner and Jeppe streets to view the magnificent Anstey’s Building, Astor Mansions, Castle Mansions and others. If there is no load-shedding, we will also go up to the top of Anstey’s for a panoramic view over downtown.
The tour ends back at the Rand Club where you can stay for a drink or lunch at their famous bar.
Please wear good walking shoes, and bring along a hat, sunblock and water. Safe parking is available at the Rand Club or catch an Uber. Although we haven’t had any security issues in the past, it is recommended that you don’t wear any fancy jewellery and keep your wallets out of sight.
Guides
Brian McKechnie and Jo Buitendach
Contact Number
060 813 3239
Meeting Place
The Rand Club, 33 Loveday Street, Johannesburg