Exploring Joburg’s heritage buildings is best done with a knowledgeable guide. The Johannesburg Heritage Foundation tours visit landmarks of historic significance. Photographer Michel Bega explored Joburg’s historic banking district.
Exploring Joburg’s heritage buildings is an exercise best done accompanied by a knowledgeable guide. The Johannesburg Heritage Foundation regularly conducts tours visiting landmarks of historic significance. Our photographer Michel Bega joined a tour of Joburg’s historic banking district, which included a visit to the Rand Club.
PAST GLORY. The National Bank building was the highest office block in the city until the ’20s, making it a prominent landmark building in the CBD.
MONEY ANGEL. Some details on the Standard Bank Chambers on the corner of Harrison and Fox streets. The building was for decades the bank’s biggest branch and, for a while, its head office. Designed by Stucke and Bannister and completed in 1907-8, it is one of Johannesburg’s historical and architectural treasures.
Joburgheritage.org.za
GUIDING LIGHT. Tours by the Joburg Heritage Foundation usually accommodate 40 to 50 people. Here Brett McDougall from the Joburg Heritage Foundation discusses architectural details of the Natal Bank Building. For more details of upcoming tours and to book tickets visit
GENTLEMEN’S HAVEN. Visitors to the Rand Club use of the grand staircase in the foyer. The club is the oldest private members’ club in Johannesburg, founded in October 1887. The plan for the current, third clubhouse was put on paper in 1902 and its construction was finished in 1904 on the design by architects Leck and Emley. Cecil John Rhodes was instrumental in deciding the Rand Club’s location.
PRECIOUS READ. The Rand Club has one of the most notable private collections of Africana, with some volumes dating back to the 19th century. Apart from books on Africa, the club is a veritable depository in the fields of Johannesburg history and biographies.
UPCYCLED. A door in the basement of the Natal Bank building reads ‘Bank of Africa’. The building has been restored by Ornico with the company using the downstairs vaults for boardrooms, training rooms and a gym.