Celebrate Heritage Month with the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation’s (JHF) annual JHF Heritage Weekend on Sat, Sep 14 – Sun, Sep 15, a beloved event inviting you to rediscover the city in all its historical splendour.

Set against the backdrop of Holy Family College on Oxford Road in Parktown, this two-day event offers a rich programme of 12 guided tours. Also expect a Big Book and Map Sale (Sat – Sun; 08:00 –15:00) with thousands of pre-owned and much-loved books and prints – including fiction, art, history, Africana, travel, biography, architecture, as well as delicious food available from the Blessed Grub food stand.

Led by enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers, each tour promises to uncover the fascinating stories that make Joburg a city like no other. From architectural wonders to historical landmarks, the JHF Heritage Weekend is the perfect way to explore the city’s past.

Tours on Sat, Sep 14

Sat, Sep 14 at 09:30 – St Luke’s and Icons of the Struggle
Join your guides Joy Campkin Smith and Alison Andrew for a fascinating wander through the leafy streets of Gardens, Norwood, and Orchards.

Sat, Sep 14 at 10:00 – The JHF in Action – For Joburg!
Join the legendary Flo Bird for an enlightening and entertaining bus journey through town featuring Johannesburg City Library, Chancellor House, MuseumAfrika, Braamfontein Cemetery, St Alban’s Church, and more.

Sat, Sep 14 at 11:00 – Holy Family College – Behind the Broekie-lace
Travel back over 100 years to explore the Edwardian world of Holy Family College. Led by Liz Haines, Wade Venter and Charlotte Beukes.

Sat, Sep 14 at 13:30 – Sir Herbert Baker – King of the Ridge
Led by Brian McKechnie and Karen Curry, the walking tour begins at the iconic Northwards, before heading down Rockridge Road. The walk ends at Baker's own residence, The Stonehouse, built in 1902.

Sat, Sep 14 at 13:45 – Cosmopolitan Killarney – Manhattan in the Veld
A walking tour led by Clare van Zweiten and Kgao Mashego explores Killarney, a relatively small parcel of land transformed from a quaint farm to its current status as a "mini-Manhattan" that houses a wonderfully diverse population of residents.

Sat, Sep 14 at 14:00 – The Roads Over the Ridge – Passes of Johannesburg
Join Antoinette Morgan and Ed Coogan for a joyride that reveals the hidden beauty and history of Joburg’s ridges. The bus tour traverses some of Johannesburg’s most historic passes, including Munro Drive, Stewart Drive, and Sylvia’s Pass.

Tours on Sun, Sep 15

Sun, Sep 15 at 09:30 – Saxonwold – Grace and Grandeur
Led by David Gurney and Boitumelo Moletsane, this walking tour visits several grand mansions with magnificent gardens including the Johannesburg Art Foundation.

Sun, Sep 15 at 10:00 – Murder and Madness in the North
As narrated by Ed Coogan and Alison Andrew, we’ll hear the tragic story of ‘goodtime girl’ Bubbles Schroeder; investigate the mysterious deaths of Hazel Crane and Brett Kebble on adjacent bridges; uncover the grisly story of the Zoo Lake murderer, Ronald Burch, and more. No under 13s. 

Sun, Sep 15 at 11:00 – Holy Family College – Behind the Broekie-lace
Travel back over 100 years to explore the Edwardian world of Holy Family College. Led by Liz Haines, Wade Venter and Charlotte Beukes.

Sun, Sep 15 at 13:30 – Heritage Weekend: Villa Arcadia – High Arts and Craft
Lose yourself in a bygone era as guides Nicola Noble and Athena Clayton share stories of the villa’s original owners while appreciating Arcadia’s elegance and superb craftsmanship.

Sun, Sep 15 at 14:00 – Noordgesig – An Insider’s Perspective
Join passionate residents Lavinia and Fabian Otto on a special bus and walking heritage tour through their neighbourhood, one of the oldest Coloured townships in Joburg.

Sun, Sep 15 at 14:00 – The Mansions of Oxford Road
Join guides Karen Curry and Lena de Bellis for an entertaining walking tour that visits four grand residences, all nearing their centenaries.

All tours depart from Holy Family College, Parktown, with tickets at R145 p.p. for pre-booking (available until the day before the event) and R170 on the day, subject to availability.

Whether you’re a lifelong Joburger or new to the city, this weekend is an unmissable opportunity to connect with Joburg’s unique heritage and support the important work of the JHF. For more information, visit the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation website or call +27 60 813 3239.