Springs on the East Rand is a bustling city lying 50 km east of Johannesburg. The name of the city derives from the large number of springs in the area.
Originally Springs developed due to the discovery of coal in 1887. Three years later the Transvaal Republic’s first railway was built to carry coal from Springs to the gold mines of the Witwatersrand. Gold was also discovered in the area and a village was laid out in 1904 and a few years later the first gold mining started. Springs was granted municipal Status in 1912. By the late 1930s, there were eight gold mines near Springs, making it the largest single gold-producing area in the world.
Springs is currently one of the industrial centers of the Witwatersrand. Mining has been replaced by manufacturing and engineering industries of economic importance; products of the region include processed metals, chemicals, paper and foodstuffs. Kelloggs, the breakfast favourite, have their factory based here. Springs is also home to Impala Platinum’s metal refineries as well as PFG Building Glass, the only producer of float glass on the continent. Zincor, the only zinc producer in Africa, is also located here; its refinery produces all South Africa’s requirement of this metal.
Springs was divided during the Apartheid era into the middle- and upper-income white suburbs around the city centre, the Indian area of Bakerton east of the CBD, while blacks were relocated to KwaThema, southwest of the CBD. This divide has faded since democracy, with mixed races in all areas.
If you’re feeling adventurous, paragliding is on offer (Paragliding Adventures, near the Dunnottar Military Base, + 27 (0)82 550-7568 or +27 (0)82 886-2566). Or perhaps watching a ballet or drama at the Springs Civic Theatre is more your thing (Corner of 7th Street and 2nd Avenue, +27 (11) 360 2290).
There are two golf courses to enjoy, the Springs Golf Club and the Pollak Park Golf Course, and a number of top courses in other nearby East Rand towns.
Springs boasts an undercurrent arty crowd which regularly gather for exhibitions at the Library Art Gallery featuring fine art and mixed media in all its forms. Its motto has always been to give equal exposure to the works of aspiring young artists and established professionals.
The Indaba tree, in the nearby Kwa-themba township, has become an interesting tourist destination, seeped in history as it has great significance to the locals. The tree was and is a community meeting place, where elders gathered in the early days.
There are many luscious green parks in the area offering a place of relaxation for the family.
Interestingly, the town boasts a large collection of Art Deco buildings like the Springs Fire Station. The total of 34 buildings are second to only Miami, Florida (USA).
Home to a number of famous South Africans: Nadine Gordimer, James Phillips and Penny Heyns who were either born or raised in the city. Springs is not known for its terribly exciting night life but those who live here enjoy the suburban, town-type feel to the city and the easy access to other nearby areas and Johannesburg CBD.
To see other things to do around East Rand (Ekurhuleni), visit ShowMe.
