Location

Gauteng Province; just to the east of Johannesburg

The town's biblical name, which means 'son of my sorrows', was given it by a rather frustrated early surveyor (Johan Rissik) because of its awkward shape.

Despite this drawback, the place grew rapidly in the early years, its prosperity based on gold, steel and brass, its suburbs stretching out and graced by the thousands of trees planted as part of an imaginative beautification programme. It gained municipal status in 1907, and city status in the 1980s.

Benoni is now one of the biggest and busiest of the many East Rand centres, with a population of around half a million and a number of most attractive features. Notable among the latter is the chain of reservoirs, created by water pumped from the mines (all of which have now closed) to areas of natural marsh, which now offer fine recreational facilities.

Highlights

The Lakes

Ideal for picnicking, strolling; also popular among yachtsmen, windsurfers and scuba-divers.

Museum

You'll find a mixed collection of exhibits here, though the focus is on cultural diversity and on historical (political) events, notably the 1922 'Red Revolt', triggered by striking white mineworkers.

St Athanasios Church

This place of worship is remarkable for the image of the Crucifixion that appears through one of the stained-glass fixtures. The source of the manifestation remains a mystery despite expert investigation; many of the parishioners regard it as of divine origin.

Korsman Bird Sanctuary

The area's shallow pan hosts a huge number of flamingos; other residents include sacred ibis, guineafowl, ostrich and a number of small buck. The hide is reserved for bird-club members, but you can see everything on your walk or drive around the perimeter.

Bunny Park

A children's favourite, home to a variety of farmyard animals and pets (it also offers thatched rondavels and picnic-barbecue sites).

Nearest towns

Benoni is in the heart of the densely populated East Rand region; Johannesburg lies just to the west; Pretoria to the north-west.

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BENONI

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