Exploring Joburg : The North and The East of Joburg
By Phumzile Mavimbela
Johannesburg is one of South Africa's biggest cities. It is the capital of the of South Africa's economic hub, the Gauteng province. Jozi started of as a 19th-century gold mine. However it has become a home for many South Africans who are looking for economic opportunities. Today we give you a road map on some of the places worth exploring in the North as well as in the Eastern side of the city of Gold
The East of Joburg
The East of Joburg has not always had the glit and glam such as the north of joburg nor the center of joburg. It is however the ideal place to run to if you looking to tone down a bit this festive season, from the hectic city center clubbing night life. As dull as many may have painted it to be, it still promises much fun and adventure.
The East is made up of little towns of Alberton, Benoni, Boksburg, Brakpan, Edenvale, Germiston, Springs, Kempton Park and Nigel. they are collectively known as Ekurhuleni Metropolitan. The borders encompass the vibrant townships of Daveyton, Katlehong, Vosloorus and WattvilleWattville.
The East Rand is known as a tourist-friendly escape from the rat race, with more than a few hidden gems up its sleeve. It has much fun to yield such as Thokoza Memorial wall, Khumalo Street in Thokoza to honour thousands of the victims who died during the struggle.
Also Boksburg boasts numerous beautiful old heritage sites including the old law courts, the post office, St Michael and All Angels Anglican church, designed by Sir Herbert Bake .
Lets Go up North Johannesburg
The North is the top billing of the city with Suburbs such as Darrenwood, Cresta and Northcliff where you will find numerous houses and apartments dating back to the 1960s. In Darrenwood you can engage in interesting activities which will make you forget that you are in the North such as going to the Sports Centre, the Darrenwood Dam and also the many other numerous sports clubs and bowling clubs.
Overlooking it all is Northcliff which has many original homes packed with sweeping views to the distant Magaliesberg mountains.
Melville is the vibey darling of Joburg filled with delightful restaurants, quaint coffee shops, bookstores, art galleries, junk shops and uber-hip bars. Seventh Avenue is where it happens – The surrounding suburbs are full of enchanting houses, where Jozi’s hippest residents dwell. There are some great views of Jo'burg’s skyline from the Melville koppies.
Randburg occupies the northwestern segment of Joburg and contains several established, well-off suburbs. Here you’ll find many shopping malls and thousands of billboards. The Randburg Waterfront is centered around a little lake and is a popular after work drinking haunt. The area is full of businesses - including many large media and television companies.
Rosebank has it all: movies, shopping malls, upmarket hotels, fine dining, old homes, top art galleries, night clubs, businesses. On Sunday, the Rosebank Rooftop Market above The Mall of Rosebank is full of stalls selling an array of goods from ceramics to clothing, from jewellery to pancakes!
Sandton which includes Rivonia, Bryanston, Morningside, Inanda, Chartwell has South Africa’s wealthiest square miles. At the heart of Sandton City is the popular shopping and entertainment centre Mandela Square, which has a 6-meter tall bronze statue of the iconic heroes . Also what's worth remembering about Sandton is that in Rivonia farm it is where Nelson Mandela and other freedom fighters were arrested in 1963. So the glitz and glam do not go without history.
If you are looking to take a short left in South Africa's influential city this article should come in handy.
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