In the article below, Jaco Mattheyse explores the history behind a well-known Krugersdorp landmark: the old Police Station on Commissioner Street. He begins by unpacking the social and political landscape of the town in the 1890s.
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I presented this story at the Valentine's Day Johannesburg Heritage Foundation celebration on the lawns of Northwards and thought Heritage Portal readers would also enjoy this South African story of love, endurance and resilience against the backdrop of the Second World War. It was one of seven presented at this event.
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Fordsburg was the centre of the Miners’ Strike and the Standard Bank branch on this site was forced to close its doors on 7 March. Staff returned to work the next day but the doors remained closed. On 9 March the strikers were shooting alongside the building, using it as a screen. One rifleman was firing next to the manager’s window where he doggedly continued working. He and his staff escaped later that day.