Iconic Joburg | Newtown: Then and Now 

Situated squarely between Braamfontein, Hillbrow, Fordsburg, and the city’s Fashion District, Newtown Precinct has come a long way from its working-class past. 

The beginnings

In the late 1800s, as an area found to be rich in clay resources, it began life as a brick-manufacturing district and was named Brickfields. The area was apparently originally established by poor Afrikaner families looking for work by fabricating sun-baked clay bricks. This was a good way to earn income due to the property boom driven by the discovery of gold. It attracted labourers of all races who came to work and set up homes there. Being close to the city centre and the railway line, many foreigners bought land and opened up businesses, and Brickfields was renamed Burghersdorp.

In 1904, Burghersdorp was destroyed in a fire (allegedly to combat an outbreak of bubonic plague). The mixed community living there were relocated and the area was restructured to emerge as a commercial location renamed as Newtown. 

A postcard of Park Station – Source: theheritageportal.co.za

Since then, many iconic buildings were developed that still stand today – The Market Theatre, The Johannesburg Library, City Hall, and Rissik Street Post Office to name a few. 

(For more information on the development of Newtown at the Heritage Portal, click on the image above.)

Image source: markettheatre.co.za

The Market Theatre was named after the original fruit and vegetable market (known as The Indian Fruit Market) which was located there before it was moved to what was then Burghersdorp.

Newtown, today

Today, Newtown is a colourful mix of old and new. Protected as a heritage zone, it sits at the heart of Joburg city’s regeneration programme. Built in 2003, the Nelson Mandela Bridge is now the gateway from the north for both pedestrians and vehicles. 

Although the bohemian nature of the precinct has faded over the years, there is still a plethora of art, music, cultural attractions, and landmarks that draw Joburgers and tourists to the area:

• Arts & culture – The Bus Factory is home to the Artist Proof Studio, the Market Photo Workshop, and the Drum Café and other important cultural organisations. 

• Theatre – The internationally acclaimed Market Theatre is 45 years old this year and still going strong, with over 300 awards under its belt. 

• Dance – The Dance Factory holds classes and workshops particularly to disadvantaged communities, as well as performances by local and internationally acclaimed artists to the public. 

• Food – Sophiatown Bar Lounge next to the Market Theatre is the place to go for good food and music in the style of authentic South African chic. 

• Cultural history – The Museum Africa Complex focuses on the indigenous African cultures, their history, archaeology, and linguistics.

• Science & education – The Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, housed in the Electric Workshop which was an early 1900s building once used for repairs and maintenance of the old tramways, is an award-winning Jozi destination. 

• Guided tour – The SAB World of Beer, opened in 1995 was twice named the number one tourist attraction in South Africa.

This is just the tip of the iceberg of popular attractions in and around Newtown. For more information visit the official Newtown website for a comprehensive list of venues, map, parking details, and much more. 

Outside of these popular attractions, there are a host of weird and wonderful places to visit and sites to see. You just have to go exploring and take a guided tour to discover the changing face of the inner city. 

Weird 

Zebra Inn: The once popular watering hole for tourists and hipsters, now permanently closed, was a taxidermist’s dream, with hundreds of wild stuffed animal heads and horns gracing its walls. 

Consulting with a traditional African herbalist entails performing a special ritual before a diagnosis can be given. But you don’t need to consult with a herbalist if you’re just interested in taking a tour. 

Wonderful

Graffiti, tagging, and stencilling abounds Newtown, on old warehouse buildings, bridges, rubbish bins, pavements, and steps.

The image of Nelson Mandela by Bob Kosani and mural painted by Freddy Sam in 2013 is seen from a demolished site. 

Conclusion

Over 120 years old, Newtown is as old as Johannesburg itself and one of the few areas where all races lived and worked, if only for a short while. Today, it has come full circle with artists and musicians of all colours gathering to live, work, and play there. 

Brought to you by Dialdirect Home & BuildingInsurance.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational, educational, or entertainment purposes only. We do not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability, and accuracy of the content. The views and opinions are those of the author and not necessarily those of the company.