Noordgesig (or colloquially simply ‘Bulte’) arose from the inner-city slum clearances of the late 1930s. The first residents lived in tents or shacks and later in simple, four-roomed, face brick houses. By the late 1950s Noordgesig was overcrowded and notoriously underserviced. Rent boycotts were a common occurrence and the community had to fundraise for their first community hall.
 
Over the years and despite the deprivations, sportsmen, political activists, artists, community leaders and ordinary people, showed incredible courage and resilience in the face of fierce apartheid clampdowns.
 
On this three-hour walking tour discover the history, politics, culture and street vibes of Bulte. Learn about the houses of Rainbow Valley, the Old Looks, the New Looks, Rock-and-Roll houses, and the Doll Houses. Visit Smith Street – the Vilakazi Street of Noordgesig and hear stories of resistance from long-time residents.
 
Join the unveiling of a blue plaque at the house of the incredible Jake Tuli – boxing hero to Mandela and the first black South African to hold an Empire championship title.   
 
Hear about government efforts – spearheaded by the Johannesburg Development Agency – to improve social infrastructure, housing, educational facilities and employment creation.  
 
The tour is free, but as spaces are limited, booking is essential.
 
RSVP: info@placematters.co.za
Time: 9am on Sunday the 25 June 2017
Where: Safe parking available at Campus Square, Auckland Park
Meet at the Rea Vaya UJ Kingsway station (opposite the UJ Kingsway campus main entrance)
Transport: We will take the Rea Vaya T3 westbound from Parktown & Library Gardens East to Thokoza Park (please note that travel charges for the Rea Vaya will be for own account)
 
We will provide refreshments and a light lunch (please let us know if you have specific dietary requirements). Please bring a hat, sunblock, camera and comfortable walking shoes. If you have a Rea Vaya travel card, please bring it along and if you don’t, cards can be purchased at the station.
 
For more information email info@placematters.co.za or contact Jacques Stoltz at 083 455 9688.
 
Stand a chance to win
 
Share photos of the walk to Instagram, Facebook or Twitter, and you can win a copy of ‘The Johannesburg Gas Works’ edited by Monika Läuferts le Roux and Judith Mavunganidze and published by Fourthwall Books. In order to win you must use the hashtag  #joziwalks #noordgesig.      
 
This tour is supported by the Johannesburg Development Agency, Place Matters and tsica heritage consultants.