Faith, Dust and Dreams - with Jozi My Jozi Walks

Gold rush fever drew fortune-seekers from all over the world to the melting pot that became Johannesburg. Determined to forge better lives for themselves, these pioneers arrived filled with optimism, determination as well as their varied spiritual and cultural customs.

So join your guide, Clare van Zwieten, for a timeless tour of Braamfontein Cemetery as we visit some of these hopeful arrivals in their place of eternal rest, encompassing many religions and communities. We will be visiting the little known Parsi (Zoroastrian) section of the Cemetery as well as the Black, Chinese, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and White sections.

Along the way, we will hear stories about early Joburgers laid to rest under the tranquil trees including a juicy conspiracy about the murder of a Jewish mining magnate, the Parsi who saved President Kruger’s life, Hindu passive resistors, a Chinese martyr, the Muslim set designer for a movie mogul, and the search for the missing grave of Enoch Sontonga - the humble teacher who composed our national anthem, Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika.

Please note: the total distance covered will be about 3.5kms. Wear good walking shoes, sun protection and bring along drinking water. Safe parking is available inside the cemetery.

This JHF Tour is part of the 'Jozi My Jozi Walks' programme. For more information, https://jozimyjozi.com/