For the Heritage Weekend of 2025, JHF’s knowledgeable volunteer guides lead a series of walking, bus, and house tours ranging from a deep dive into the Fordsburg precinct, a behind-the-scenes look at the recently reopened Johannesburg City Library, tours of iconic Herbert Baker homes, and a journey through Joburg’s struggle history in Ferreirasdorp. All tours begin from The Holy Family College in Parktown.
A highlight of the event is the Big Book & Map Sale, running all weekend at Sisonke Hall at The Holy Family College, with proceeds going towards JHF’s ongoing preservation work. Donations for this are welcome – particularly rare and historic books, prints, maps, photographs, and other Joburg-related treasures. Arrangements for drop-off or collection can be made with Louise (+27 82 857 5568 or louise@joburgheritage.org.za).
"This is our flagship event,” says David Fleminger, chair of the JHF. “Volunteer-led, self-funded, and entirely independent, the JHF is committed to promoting and protecting the diverse heritage resources of our great city for the good of present and future generations". 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 this local institution.
Here's the lineup for the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation's annual Heritage Weekend:
Tours on Sat, Sep 13, 2025
Sat, Sep 13 at 09:00 – Fascinating Fordsburg (Bus and walking tour, 2.5 hrs.)
Explore Fordsburg’s explosive history, vibrant food scene, and iconic 1922 Rand Revolt sites with guide Alison Wilson.
Sat, Sep 13 at 09:30 – Activism in Action: Joburg City Library & Beyers Naudé Square (Bus and walking tour, 2 hrs.)
Guides David Fleminger and Joy Campkin-Smith lead a tour of the recently reopened Johannesburg City Library, sharing insights into its history, challenges, and future plans for Beyers Naudé Square.
Sat, Sep 13 at 09:30 – The Rand Club – A Work of Art (Walking tour, 2 hrs.)
Step inside one of Joburg’s most storied landmarks to explore the Rand Club's exceptional art collection and fascinating history, guided by Brian McKechnie and Alison Andrew.
Sat, Sep 13 at 14:00 – Joburg Contemporary Art Foundation and The Holocaust Centre (Bus and walking tour, 2 hrs.)
Guides David Gurney and Charlotte Beukes lead a tour from the Johannesburg Holocaust & Genocide Centre, with its powerful architecture and focus on memory, to the Joburg Contemporary Art Foundation’s Structures exhibition, exploring identity and belonging through Global South art and design.
Sat, Sep 13 at 14:15 – Villa Arcadia – High Arts and Craft (House tour, 2 hrs.)
Designed in 1909 by Sir Herbert Baker for Sir Lionel and Lady Florence Phillips, guides Nicola Noble and Alison Andrew lead a tour of the beautifully restored, Italian-inspired Villa Arcadia. Explore this Parktown landmark’s rich history, exquisite craftsmanship, and unique details like Lady Phillips’ Delft-tiled sunken bath.
Sat, Sep 13 at 14:30 – Ferreirasdorp – Home of the Struggle (Bus and walking tour, 2 hrs.)
Tour Ferreirasdorp, an inner-city neighbourhood rich in liberation history, where iconic figures like Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo, Walter and Albertina Sisulu, Ahmed Kathrada, and Ahmed Timol once lived and worked. Guides Karen Curry and Luke Goncalves reflect on the communities that once thrived in this historic neighbourhood.
Tours on Sun, Sep 14, 2025
Photo: @hmjamaat on Instagram.
Sun, Sep 14 at 09:30 – Northwards – Pride & Joy (House tour, 2 hrs.)
Standing proudly on Parktown Ridge, Northwards is a Joburg icon filled with tales of glitzy galas, scandals, and resilience. Inimitable guide Neil Viljoen takes you on an exclusive tour from the cellar to the attics, revealing the mansion’s historic glamour.
Sun, Sep 14 at 09:45 – Killarney – Hollywood Glamour and Art Deco Swank (Walking tour, 2 hrs.)
Killarney, once home to movie mogul Isidore Schlesinger and a host of actors, aviators, and jetsetters, is rich in architectural and cultural history. Guides Clare and Arj van Zweiten lead a walk through the suburb, showcasing its notable Art Deco apartment buildings and the stories of their famous residents.
Sun, Sep 14 at 10:00 – Matters of the Art: Joburg Art Gallery and Joubert Park (Bus and walking tour, 2 hrs.)
Explore the layered history of Joubert Park and the Johannesburg Art Gallery on a reflective walking tour led by David Fleminger and Kgao Mashego, tracing the precinct’s changing fortunes and civic activism. This tour highlights one of the city’s most significant cultural institutions and the visionaries who shaped it.
Sun, Sep 14 at 14:00 – Beit Emanuel Synagogue (Site tour, 1.5 hrs.)
Built to resemble the Star of David, Beit Emanuel Synagogue is a vibrant and progressive Jewish temple. Join guides Lena De Bellis and Athena Clayton for a timeless tour of its architecture, interiors, and grounds.
Sun, Sep 14 at 14:00 – Houghton Mosque and Masjid (Bus and walking tour, 2 hrs.)
The landmark mosque in West Street, Houghton, is one of Joburg’s most striking modern architectural treasures, and guides Wade and Yvonne Venter, together with Joy Campkin-Smith, will lead a special visit inside while the mosque’s architect, Muhammed Mayet, shares insights on its design and history. Please note that modest dress is required for this tour.
Sun, Sep 14 at 14:00 for 14:15 – Passes, People & Panoramas: Joburg’s Ridges (Bus tour, 2 hrs.)
Johannesburg, a city built on gold and shaped by its ridges, comes alive on a guided bus tour with Antoinette Morgan over iconic passes like Munro Drive, Stewart Drive, and Sylvia’s Pass. From sweeping panoramas to hidden gems, the journey reveals fascinating landmarks, colourful characters, and stunning city views for a memorable exploration of Joburg’s unique topography and heritage.
Book your tickets for Johannesburg Heritage Foundation's Heritage Weekend 2025
All Heritage Weekend tours depart from The Holy Family College, Parktown. Tickets cost R160 p.p. for pre-booking (available until the day before the event) and R200 on the day, subject to availability. Book your tickets here.For more information, visit the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation's website or call +27 60 813 3239.
