Joe Blog

In the 1960’s and 70’s, many old Parktown homes were being purchased by property developers and demolished to make way for office blocks. This bulldozing of our city’s heritage was actually the catalyst for the formation of the Parktown and Westcliff Heritage Trust - now the JHF.

Luckily, around the same time, Wits University purchased several heritage properties and decided to keep the buildings intact, repurposing and integrating them into the new Wits Business School campus. Now, we have the privilege of being able to visit some of these proud survivors.

So join your guide, Karen Curry, for a rare opportunity to visit Outeniqua, Beaulieu, North Lodge, Park Town Preparatory School, and The Oval - all little-seen heritage gems hidden away inside the Business School campus.

Along the way, you’ll hear fabulous stories of the colourful people who once lived in the central heart of Parktown - taking us on a historical journey from what is now home to world-class academics to a quieter time when cattle grazed on the oval.

Please note: this is a walking tour around the campus. Please bring along a hat, sun protection, comfy walking shoes and drinking water.