Johannesburg Heritage Foundation

Johannesburg Heritage Foundation The Johannesburg Heritage Foundation is dedicated to the research, protection and promotion of our precious and vulnerable heritage resources.

13/06/2026

Last week a coalition of heritage organisations, architects, civic groups and concerned citizens gathered outside Johannesburg's Civic Centre to pr…

Fifty years ago, a brave group of students marched from Naledi and Morris Isaacson High Schools towards Orlando Stadium ...
11/06/2026

Fifty years ago, a brave group of students marched from Naledi and Morris Isaacson High Schools towards Orlando Stadium to protest the apartheid policy of forced Afrikaans-medium education. The peaceful march was tragically interrupted at Confrontation Corner, near Vilakazi Street, when police opened fire and killed several students, including Hastings Ndlovu and Hector Pietersen. This sparked the Soweto Uprising of 1976, which spread across the country and became a major turning point in our liberation history.

To commemorate this historic march, now observed as Youth Day, the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation is hosting a special walking tour. Participants will retrace the original route alongside struggle hero Seth Mazibuko, one of the original student organisers who was subsequently imprisoned for ten months at Number 4 for his actions.

Do not miss this rare opportunity to walk with Seth as he shares the story of the march from his unique insider perspective. The walk concludes at the Hector Pietersen Museum for a guided tour led by Seth, with admission included in the ticket price. JHF Chair David Fleminger and founder Flo Bird will also be on hand to assist.

This is a rare opportunity to relive a crucial moment in history with someone who was there! Numbers are limited so book soon to avoid disappointment.

The walk from Morris Isaacson to the museum is approximately 4km and takes between 90 to 120 minutes. Please wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring sun protection and drinking water.

A bus will transport participants from the Sunnyside Park Hotel to Morris Isaacson, and return from the museum back to the hotel. Those unable to walk the full distance are welcome to remain on the bus so they can still experience the start and end of the tour.

JHF Members: R490 / Non-members: R595
Quicket link:
https://www.quicket.co.za/events/377031-in-the-footsteps-of-giants-june-16-commemorative-walk/
Bookings via JHF offices:
[email protected] / 060 813 3239

Kwa Mai Mai is a historically rich traditional market also known as ‘Ezinyangeni’ - the place of healing. Dating back to...
10/06/2026

Kwa Mai Mai is a historically rich traditional market also known as ‘Ezinyangeni’ - the place of healing. Dating back to the old mining days, this community has a special story.

Join JHF guide Eugenie Drakes, for a fascinating walking tour through Kwa Mai Mai and meet a diverse group of people who represent a convergence of African spirituality, culture, resistance and entrepreneurship.

As we walk, you’ll get insights into the early migrant journey, find out more about ‘muti’ - traditional medicines - and discover the craft market where traditional items are made. Special guest Sithuli Mbeje (a food technologist) will give us a first-hand account of the shisa nyama (street food section) and the informal economy.

After the tour, those who are interested can experience a traditional meal at Sithuli’s Shisa Nyama (for their own account - approximately R60).

Please wear comfortable walking shoes, use sun protection and bring along drinking water. This is an inner-city tour so please be aware of your surroundings. We recommend leaving valuables like jewellery or watches at home. Parking can be tricky so we suggest catching an Uber. If you would like to shop, many of the stalls will only accept cash for payment so please plan accordingly.

JHF Members: R195 / Non-members: R295
Quicket link:
https://www.quicket.co.za/events/377034-kwa-mai-mai-traditional-market-a-place-of-healing/
Bookings via JHF offices:
[email protected] / 060 813 3239

Fifty years ago, brave students marched from Naledi and Morris Isaacson High Schools, changing the course of South Afric...
09/06/2026

Fifty years ago, brave students marched from Naledi and Morris Isaacson High Schools, changing the course of South African history forever. This Youth Day, you can retrace their historic steps on a special commemorative walking tour hosted by the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation.

We will be walking alongside struggle hero Seth Mazibuko, one of the original student organisers of the 1976 march. Space is limited for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Book your ticket today to secure your spot.

We have taken care of all the logistics. A bus will transport participants from the Sunnyside Park Hotel to Soweto, and bring everyone back at the end. If you are unable to walk the 4km distance, you are very welcome to stay on the bus so you can experience the start and end of this very special tour.

JHF Members: R490 / Non-members: R595
Quicket link:
https://www.quicket.co.za/events/377031-in-the-footsteps-of-giants-june-16-commemorative-walk/
Bookings via JHF offices:
[email protected] / 060 813 3239

Kwa Mai Mai is a historically rich traditional market also known as ‘Ezinyangeni’ - the place of healing. Dating back to...
08/06/2026

Kwa Mai Mai is a historically rich traditional market also known as ‘Ezinyangeni’ - the place of healing. Dating back to the old mining days, this community has a special story.

Join JHF guide Eugenie Drakes, for a fascinating walking tour through Kwa Mai Mai and meet a diverse group of people who represent a convergence of African spirituality, culture, resistance and entrepreneurship.

As we walk, you’ll get insights into the early migrant journey, find out more about ‘muti’ - traditional medicines - and discover the craft market where traditional items are made. Special guest Sithuli Mbeje (a food technologist) will give us a first-hand account of the shisa nyama (street food section) and the informal economy.

After the tour, those who are interested can experience a traditional meal at Sithuli’s Shisa Nyama (for their own account - approximately R60).

Please wear comfortable walking shoes, use sun protection and bring along drinking water. This is an inner-city tour so please be aware of your surroundings. We recommend leaving valuables like jewellery or watches at home. Parking can be tricky so we suggest catching an Uber. If you would like to shop, many of the stalls will only accept cash for payment so please plan accordingly.

JHF Members: R195 / Non-members: R295
Quicket link:
https://www.quicket.co.za/events/377034-kwa-mai-mai-traditional-market-a-place-of-healing/
Bookings via JHF offices:
[email protected] / 060 813 3239

Want to commemorate Youth Day in a meaningful way this year? Join the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation for a special 4km...
06/06/2026

Want to commemorate Youth Day in a meaningful way this year?
Join the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation for a special 4km walk from Morris Isaacson High School to the Hector Pietersen Museum.

We have taken care of all the logistics. A bus will transport participants from the Sunnyside Park Hotel to Soweto, and bring everyone back at the end. If you are unable to walk the 4km distance, you are very welcome to stay on the bus so you can experience the start and end of this very special tour.

JHF Members: R490 / Non-members: R595
Quicket link:
https://www.quicket.co.za/events/377031-in-the-footsteps-of-giants-june-16-commemorative-walk/
Bookings via JHF offices:
[email protected] / 060 813 3239

Discover a hidden lava valley, a curious cave, and sweeping 360-degree views of Johannesburg, all contained within the h...
04/06/2026

Discover a hidden lava valley, a curious cave, and sweeping 360-degree views of Johannesburg, all contained within the historic suburb of Kensington. Join Antoinette Morgan from the JHF and Isabella Pingle from Kensington Heritage for an unforgettable three-hour walking tour that explores the fascinating secrets and terrain of this iconic neighbourhood.

We’ll also dig into unusual geological formations, hear captivating local legends, and trace the rich tapestry of the area. Our journey peaks at the summit of Langerman Kop, where you will take in unmatched panoramic views of the city from one of Jo'burg's most fascinating neighborhoods.

This is a moderately strenuous walk, including a climb up Langerman Kop and sections of uneven terrain. Please wear comfortable/suitable walking shoes, bring a sun hat, and carry plenty of water. Total walking distance is approximately 3 km.

The meeting point is the Kensington Bowling Club, where safe parking is available. After the walk, enjoy the club’s restaurant facilities for a well-deserved lunch (for your own account).

Come for the views, stay for the stories — and leave with a new appreciation of Kensington’s hidden treasures

Members R195, non-members R295
Quicket link:
https://www.quicket.co.za/events/377032-kensington-unearthed-stories-from-the-cave-to-the-kop/
Bookings via JHF offices:
[email protected] / 060 813 3239

For more than a century, the Johannesburg Zoo has held a special place in the city’s changing social and cultural landsc...
03/06/2026

For more than a century, the Johannesburg Zoo has held a special place in the city’s changing social and cultural landscape. This month, explore its hidden history on a captivating walking tour with the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation. From the zoo's journey from its origins in 1904 to its evolution into a modern conservation space, the tour will uncover the people, architecture, and pivotal moments that shaped this beloved public landmark.

As you stroll past historic enclosures and memorial spaces, JHF guides Athena Clayton and Karen Curry will breathe life into the past , sharing secrets hidden in plain sight along with stories of famous residents like Max the Gorilla. Join us for a leisurely, eye-opening afternoon perfect for anyone looking to see a familiar Johannesburg treasure through fresh eyes.

Please wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sun protection and water. Admission to the Zoo is included in the ticket price. Refreshments will be for your own account.

JHF Members: R305 / Non-members R405 / Primary School Kids : R100 (including zoo entrance fee)
Quicket link:
https://www.quicket.co.za/events/377028-discover-a-hidden-heritage-johannesburg-zoo/
Bookings via JHF offices:
[email protected] / 060 813 3239

Step into a world of explorers, missionaries, and early travellers at a special sale and discussion of the remarkable No...
03/06/2026

Step into a world of explorers, missionaries, and early travellers at a special sale and discussion of the remarkable Norwich Collection of antiquarian Africana books.

On Saturday 6 June, the JHF Book Room at Northwards opens its doors to history enthusiasts and collectors. This is a rare opportunity to view and purchase fascinating works relating to South Africa and the continent, with many treasures dating back 200 to 250 years.

Event programme
09:00 – Doors open for viewing and book sales.
10:00 – Special illustrated discussion.

The morning's presentation will be led by Kathy Munro, retired Wits academic, heritage researcher, book collector and convenor of the JHF Bookroom at Northwards, alongside David Fleminger, author, heritage practitioner, and JHF chairman. Together, they will breathe life into the extraordinary stories behind the authors who mapped, survived, and wrote about southern Africa in earlier centuries.

The discussion will spotlight some of the dramatic and controversial lives captured in the Collection, including:
William John Burchell: Considered one of the most scientific and meticulous early African explorers, his 1810s travels produced incredibly detailed botanical and cultural records.
Harriet Ward: The intrepid wife of an English army officer, she became one of the earliest and most vivid female commentators on the Eastern Cape frontier during the 1840s.
Famous Seekers: Legendary Nile explorers like John Hanning Speke, and pioneering missionaries like Barnabas Shaw.

Whether you are a seasoned collector, a historian, or simply curious about the past, this promises to be an unforgettable morning. Come along and discover why antiquarian books are the ultimate form of time travel.

What was it really like on the streets of Soweto in June 1976? Find out directly from someone who was there.Join the Joh...
02/06/2026

What was it really like on the streets of Soweto in June 1976? Find out directly from someone who was there.

Join the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation for an unforgettable bus then walking tour in the company of Seth Mazibuko this Youth Day.

Seth helped organise the historic march and spent ten months in Number 4 prison for his role in the uprising. He will share his unique insider perspective as we walk the 4km route, concluding with a guided tour of the Hector Pietersen Museum.

JHF Chair David Fleminger and founder Flo Bird will also be on hand to guide you. Don't miss this rare opportunity to walk with living history.

JHF Members: R490 / Non-members: R595
Quicket link:
https://www.quicket.co.za/events/377031-in-the-footsteps-of-giants-june-16-commemorative-walk/
Bookings via JHF offices:
[email protected] / 060 813 3239

Address

Johannesburg

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 13:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 13:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 13:00
Thursday 09:00 - 13:00
Friday 09:00 - 13:00

Telephone

+27608133239

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