In the article below, well-known journalist Lucille Davie explores the rich social history of the Bantu Men's Social Centre and Dorkay House in downtown Johannesburg. Both buildings have received blue plaques since her article was first published on the City of Joburg's website on 2 November 2006. Click here to view more of Davie's work.
The Bantu Men’s Social Centre and Dorkay House, significant symbols of black artists’ resistance to apartheid during the 1950s and ‘60s, survive still at the southern end of Eloff Street, one in good condition, the other rundown but still in use.
Queeneth Ndaba has been associated with Dorkay House for decades. I had phoned her to ask about the two places and after we chatted for a while, she invited me to come and visit her. She told me to meet her at Madiba Village, opposite the Bantu Men’s Social Centre.
The small rehearsal room in Dorkay House on the first floor has seen many aspiring dancers, singers and actors fill its tiny stage while the large hall in the neighbouring centre has hosted many memorable evenings.
A foundation stone at the centre indicates that it was opened in January 1924. Its aim was to provide recreational activities for young black men and those activities included “sporting events, debates, writers’ conferences in the 1930s, musical sessions and plays, under the auspices of the Bantu Dramatic Society”, according to Naomi and Reuben Musiker in A concise historical dictionary of greater Johannesburg. There was also a tennis...
