Johannesburg: Heritage

The main arena for much of the apartheid struggle and the original site of SA’s gold rush, Jozi’s heritage telsl the story of South Africa itself.

Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum
Hector Pieterson, age 13, was one of the first students to be killed during the 1976 Student Uprising in Soweto.

He has since become a symbol of youth resistance to apartheid. On June 16 2002 the Hector Pieterson Memorial was opened near the place he was shot in Orlando West, Soweto. The Memorial honours Hector and those who were killed in South Africa during the 1976 uprising. Funded by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism and the Johannesburg City Council, it has become a major tourist attraction.

• Address: Khumalo Street, Orlando West.
• Tel +27 11 536 0611
• Website

Apartheid Museum
The Apartheid Museum, which opened in 2001, brings to life South Africa’s apartheid past. Exhibits at the museum have been assembled and organized by a multi-disciplinary team of curators, film-makers, historians and designers. Essential for those wanting to experience what living in apartheid South Africa was really like.

• Address: Northern Parkway and Gold Reef Road, Johannesburg.
• Tel” +27 11 309 4700
• Website

Museum Africa
Museum Africa offers a window into South Africa’s cultural history by displaying various exhibitions like the San rock paintings, life-like displays of shanty towns and shebeens and the “Tried for Treason” display, which presents documents of Nelson Mandela’s trial and others and marks a pivotal event in the liberation struggle. The photography museum and the Museum of South African Rock Art are both located in the building.

• Address: Newtown Cultural Precinct, 121 Bree Street, Johannesburg.
• Tel: +27 11 833-5624
• Website

Johannesburg Botanical Gardens
Located on the western shores of Emmarentia Dam, Johannesburg Botanical Gardens is a city park with over 30 000 trees and a rose garden. Enjoy a picnic or a stroll in the beautiful park. The garden has some of the finest plant collections in the world, including indigenous trees and succulents, and its herb garden contains a collection of traditional African culinary, medicinal and cosmetic herbs.

• Address: Olifants Road, Emmarentia, Johannesburg.
• Tel: +27 11 782 7064
• Website

SAB World of Beer
Since opening its doors over ten years ago, World of Beer has gained in popularity in a country passionate about its beer. Set in Newtown, Johannesburg, SAB World of Beer lies in the heart of Johannesburg’s inner city. Tours within the building offer a history of beer that begins in ancient Mesopotamia, and ends with two cold beers. SAB World of Beer has had well over 366 000 local and international visitors.

• Address: 15 President Street Newtown Johannesburg.
• Tel +27 11 836 4900
• Website

Have we left anything out? If you’re a fan of this host city leave your recommendations in the comment box below. Don’t forget an address and website link, along with any other relevant information.