The Roodepoort Museum is commemorating the 140th anniversary of the gold discovery that laid the foundation for Johannesburg, widely known as the “City of Gold.” Through its “Uncovering the Past” Heritage Programme, the museum invites groups from across the city to engage in an immersive exploration of this historic milestone.
The programme centres on a pivotal event dated 18 September 1884, when prospector Fred Struben struck gold in Roodepoort. This discovery triggered Johannesburg’s formation and rapid growth, reshaping the region’s landscape, economy, and social dynamics. Guided tours offered by the museum delve into the far-reaching consequences of this transformative moment.
Visitors are taken on a journey through time, navigating spaces that authentically recreate life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Highlights include a fully furnished 1880s bedroom, a farmhouse with traditional dung-plastered floors, and displays of historical artefacts such as ox-wagons and gramophones. The experience continues into a preserved Victorian house reflecting the 1920s, where the arrival of electricity is showcased alongside rare items like an original copy of the London News from the 1880s—once delivered by ox-wagon.
The exhibit also includes a tribute to Dobsonville, a neighbouring Soweto suburb, recognising its cultural contributions and prominent historical figures.
Chief Curator Anne Smart, along with tour guides Sam Stuurman and Rebecca Modise, leads visitors through the programme, which features interactive elements such as quizzes and board games themed around the gold discovery. Participants also receive a complimentary educational pamphlet titled Uncovering the Past.
The initiative has been warmly received by attendees. Pensioner Teddy Brooks, 63, described the experience as “completely blown away,” adding plans to return with family members. Mamokete Lesibana, 67, called it the “experience of a lifetime,” noting it was her first-ever museum visit.
Through this heritage initiative, the Roodepoort Museum aims to foster a deeper appreciation for Johannesburg’s origins and cultural heritage, preserving the legacy of the gold rush that shaped the city’s destiny.
