Jozi Gems - Explore Joburg's diverse hidden history

Name: Jozi Gems - Explore Joburg's diverse hidden history
Start: 2025-08-16T09:00:00+02:00
Location: Newtown Junction

Schedule

Sat, 16 Aug, 2025 at 09:00 am

UTC+02:00

Location

Newtown Junction | Johannesburg, GT

We created a fantastic #HiddenHistory experience!
Starting in Newtown, we gather on Mary Fitzgerald Square, taking a moment to reflect on the life of ‘Pick Handle Mary” one of Joburg’s first formidable woman.
Also on the square are the amazing murals honouring jazz legends by the talented Dbongz.
Forgot breakfast? No problem! From Newtown we walk up Kerk street, through the fruit&Veg market. Up to Anstey’s in Joubert street – one of the city’s first Art Deco wonders.
This brings us up to the North Gauteng High Court and at the feet of Mining Commissioner Carl von Brandis we reflect on the early mining days and the establishment of the village “Randjieslaagte”, that soon become Johannesburg.
To add some greenery and a bit of basketball culture, we pass by Oppenheimer Park and trace the whereabouts of the now famous, Leaping Impala statue.
Gandhi Square is next on the agenda! Very significant erstwhile tram and now bus terminus. The Square is one of the best examples of regeneration in the inner city. At the statue of Gandhi, we reminisce about the shy lawyer from India and his influence in South Africa
The origins of the city of Gold lies in mining, we explore the old Ferreira’s mine stope under Standard Bank in Simmonds Street. What was the story about the meteorite and the gold? Who were the 2 men named George that discovered the reef? Why did it take nearly 8 months to proclaim gold fields?
Gold mining had humble beginnings but soon the wealthy Diamond (yes, diamond) magnates came and changed the scene on the Rand Forever, on commissioner street and the Anglo American Campus, while marveling at the architecture we learn how the men from Kimberley and their opulence shaped the Rand. It’s tales of greed, deals and scandals!
We cruise back to Newtown via historic and vibrant Diagonal street - some of the oldest but also the most bustling parts of town!
This tour is 4-5hrs in duration
We start from the safe parking at Newtown Junction Mall.
Start time 09:00
Fee: R270 per person.
Book on the website!