Constitution Hill, a historic hill
If there is one place in the city that breathes history it is Constitution Hill. This hill with its fabulous view over the city lies in the suburb of Braamfontein. Constitution Hill has witnessed the city’s most important historic occasions: this is where, at the last turn of the century, British soldiers fought a war with the Boers, and this is also where young dissidents were arrested during the 1976 Soweto uprising. After Apartheid, the new courthouse was built on this site. The old fort on the hill was declared a national monument in 1964. The hill was best known for the Old Fort Prison. With its brutal regime, the prison was commonly known as Number Four. The black male prisoners were detained in Section 4 – not only the 'regular' prisoners but also the most important political dissidents. Even Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela have spent some cold and lonely nights here. Today justice rules supreme in the magnificent architectural building that has been home to the Supreme Court since 2004. But Constitution Hill is much more: there are 3 museums that tell the colourful history of Johannesburg. Interactive exhibits and tours give insight into South Africa’s turbulent past and show the country’s transition to democracy. The complex also houses the largest human rights library in the southern hemisphere and an art collection of well-known national artists. From the public gallery, visitors can watch the court proceedings.
The Museum Africa in the ‘Cultural Precinct’ of the Newtown district
Remembering South Africa
The Museum Africa stands amidst Newton’s jazz pubs, music venues and a local theatre. The former market halls display exhibits of paintings, photographs, archaeological excavations and artefacts that provide an overview of the history of South Africa, and Johannesburg in particular. You can learn more about the simple life of the miners and the extreme contrast with the luxurious lifestyle of their bosses. The museum also presents various music styles, including those from the townships.
