Located about midway between the O.R. Tambo International Airport and Johannesburg in the Gauteng Province of South Africa, Edenvale is a mix of residential, business and industrial areas, with a well-established infrastructure as part of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality and centrally situated with easy access to major freeways.
While being in the middle of one of the busiest areas in South Africa, Edenvale treasures its heritage which is evident by the restoration and preservation of places such as Horwood’s Farm and its historic homestead, originally built in 1902 and now a national monument. Horwood’s Farm is a popular leisure spot for families, offering a stream complete with ducks, paved cycling paths, children’s play equipment and wide open spaces for picnicking.
Another historically significant area of Edenvale is the suburb of Modderfontein. The booming mining industry in the Witwatersrand in the late 1880s created a demand for explosives and Modderfontein was established in 1896 to serve as the headquarters of the Dynamite Company. Set in densely forested terrain many of the beautifully crafted homes were built by German and Dutch immigrants working at the dynamite factory. Modderfontein is now a housing estate and many of the original buildings have been restored, with the Dynamite Company Museum offering insight into the history that shaped this lovely town. Other places of interest in and around Edenvale include Gillooly’s Farm, De Molen Dutch bakery (a smaller replica of the Zeldenrust Molen in Holland), and the impressive state-of-the-art Ricardo Mulder LibrIn 1862, HJ Uekermann started up a small trading post on a farm by the name of Langlaagte. With its magnificently beautiful surroundings and the opportunity to create a community and life many had dreamt of, it wasn’t long before hundreds of people moved to Heidelberg and began to build a town that stands as a monument to these efforts today.
In regard to attractions, Heidelberg should not be judged on its size, as there are historical landmarks and architecture to be discovered throughout the town. Visitors will be able to explore a variety of fascinating attractions such as the Diepkloof Farm Museum, the Concentration Camp Cemetery, the old Jail and the Heidelberg Transport Museum, which showcases an extensive collection of rare vehicles. For nature and wildlife enthusiasts, the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve is the perfect excursion as it offers hiking trails, picnic and caravan facilities, and is filled with a variety of animals, birds and plants for visitors to discover.
Heidelberg is a wonderful cultural gem in Gauteng, and a town that has preserved its heritage, so that it can be enjoyed by future generations. A visit to Heidelberg is a peaceful and unique adventure of discovery and beauty. Visitors to South Africa should not miss out on this remarkable town and all it has to offer. ARY.
