Why Hillbrow?
It was laid out as a residential suburb during 1894 and 1895, with Richard Currie auctioning the stands. In 1897 it became part of Johannesburg's Sanitary Board. After World War Two, developers started purchasing the stands at values beyond their worth and eventually turned it into blocks of flats.
That's when the story of this neighborhood begins, the discovery of Gold in Johannesburg saw people from all over the world flying into the city and Hillbrow welcomed all of them. Dure the political status in South Africa at the Times Hillbrow was meant to a white area according to the Group Area's Act.
Hillbrow has always been very cosmopolitan and very mixed racially since its discovery and nothing has changed today; it's just more Afro-cosmopolitan...
Hillbrow as two of Johannesburg's iconic towers in less then 3km walking distance.
Posted By : peterkF3339BZ
My wife and I are new to Joburg and really enjoyed our walking tour with Franck who is an exceptional and inspiring guide. As out of towners will know Joburg can be 'edgy' and we felt safe as we walked the streets.
We went from Troyeville House where we staying down to the funky Maboneng district with its distinct vibe, then through Jewel City ending up in the Central Business District. We stopped off for a bite to eat at Charlie & Gerald’s, a great little place just off Gandhi Square (which was a historic bank vault) where you can enjoy a good Bobotie stew and plenty of non meat options. Then onward to the Rand Club finishing up at Chancellor House where Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo set up South Africa's first black-owned law firm.
Franck is really well informed and gave us a great insight in not just the history but also the social and economic realities of Joburg. We felt fortunate to have him as our guide.
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Posted On : 2021-10-29 03:33:20 
Posted By : NikkiBen304
A fascinating morning spent with Franck at the Windybrow and walking through Hillbrow - from the hectic buzz of the street vendors to the peaceful parks one block away - Franck’s knowledge is amazing and he tells stories with such passion - you feel embarrassed not to know more about your own city! Thankyou Franck we loved our morning and will be back to do Yeoville!
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Posted On : 2021-04-27 14:26:25
Posted By : clairegemmill
The Windybrow Arts Centre is a stunning old Victorian home in the heart of Hillbrow. Franck took us on a tour of the house where, room by room, local South African artists were waiting to serenade us - from poetry, to fashion and song, we were truly inspired by the creativity that lives here! The house, once a theater, has so much to offer, including a beautiful ballroom where we ended our tour with an incredible 4 course meal - wine, laughter and good conversation were all we needed to end the night. Highly recommend this experience to any traveler, South African, and local Joburger!
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Posted On : 2019-09-26 02:34:40
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