Maseipati Tsotsotso
The City’s Roodepoort Museum is commemorating the 140th anniversary of gold discovery in Johannesburg, a pivotal event that shaped the “City of Gold.” Through its “Uncovering the Past” Heritage Programme, the museum is hosting diverse groups from across Johannesburg for an immersive historical tour.
The narrative begins on 18 September 1884, when Fred Struben’s initial gold find in Roodepoort catalysed Johannesburg’s genesis and its rapid transformation. Visitors embark on a captivating journey, with guided tours elucidating the profound impact of this discovery on the region’s landscape, economy, and social fabric.
The museum’s rich collection allows a unique “time-travel” experience. Guests explore an authentic 1880s bedroom, a farmhouse with dung-plastered floors, and view historical artefacts like ox-wagons and gramophones. The Victorian house transports visitors to the 1920s, highlighting the advent of electricity and showcasing a rare 1880s London News copy, delivered monthly by ox-wagon. A dedicated section also honours Soweto’s nearby suburb of Dobsonville and its iconic figures.
Chief Curator Anne Smart, alongside guides Sam Stuurman and Rebecca Modise, ensures an engaging experience. Participants enjoy interactive quizzes and board games focused on gold discovery history, receiving a complimentary “Uncovering the Past” educational pamphlet.
The programme deeply resonates with attendees. Pensioner Teddy Brooks, 63, expressed being “completely blown away,” vowing to return with family. Mamokete Lesibana, 67, hailed it as an “experience of a lifetime,” her first museum visit.
The “Uncovering the Past” programme offers an immersive exploration of Roodepoort’s gold rush legacy, promoting deeper appreciation for the region’s historical and cultural significance. The Roodepoort Museum remains committed to preserving and sharing these foundational stories of Johannesburg.
SOURCED FROM THE JOBURG WEBSITE.
