The biblical name Benoni (‘son of sorrow’), (Genesis 35:18) was given to the area by Johan Rissik, Surveyor General, who in 1881 was given the task of surveying and naming all state property between farms and mining areas in private hands. The shape of the farm on which Benoni was later laid out, was very irregular and gave the surveyors much trouble, hence the name Benoni. Gold was discovered here in 1878. Benoni was granted municipal status in 1907 and much of it’s development was due to the work and efforts of Sir George Farrar, chairman of the mining syndicate which owned the land. He ordered the planting of trees, the stocking of the lake with rainbow trout and saw to it that the town was laid out on spacious grounds. Today Benoni, with it’s five lakes, is one of the most pleasant towns in Gauteng and is the ideal base from which to discover and explore the attractions and diversity of Eastern Gauteng. With it’s excellent tourism infrastructure, the town has much to offer the prospective visitor, including outstanding sporting facilities, upmarket shopping malls, art galleries and studios, as well as top class accommodation, offering high standards at affordable prices. Benoni is situated directly next to one of the world’s seven proclaimed wetland areas – providing a habitat for hundreds of species of wildlife (especially birds) – thus making a visit to the area a must for the eco tourist.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Banks – Absa, Fnb, Standard

HISTORICAL VIEW

Benoni Museum

The main theme of the museum is the town’s early history and the strikes, which ravaged the area and it’s gold mining industry during the early years of the 20^th century. It houses an arts and culture gallery and a section on African music, as well as a herb garden.

NATURE

Bullfrog Pan

Located in Rynfield, the pan is home to the elusive African Bullfrog (Pyxicephalus adserpsus), the largest frog in South Africa (can reach a length of up to 23 cm).

Korsman’s Bird Sanctuary

Established in 1953, the 44,4 ha sanctuary is situated on the Westdene Pan in Westdene. Approximately 15,7 ha is covered by water, while the remaining 28,52 ha consists of open grassland and artificial bushveld. More than 110 different bird species list is available on request. Blesbok, springbok, duiker and steenbok were introduced to the area. Korsman’s is rated as one of the best bird sanctuaries in the country. Guided tours offered.

Leeupan

An important wetland for migratory birds, situated on the eastern boundary of Benoni.

Sandpan

The pan offers excellent opportunities for bird watching in the rainy season. Sandpan is well conserved and is a model example of a wetland ecosystem.

Vic Penning Bird Sanctuary - The sanctuary is situated next to the Rynfield Dam

ATTRACTIONS

Bunny Park

Covering an area of approximately 19 ha, this is one of the most popular attractions in Benoni. The park is home to mountain goats, farmyard animals such as cattle, pigs, sheep, ponies and donkeys, as well as hundreds of cuddly bunnies. Picnic facilities and a childrens playground are available.

Chinese Cultural Centre

Serving as social club for the Chinese community of Gauteng. It is also utilized as a cultural centre for Chinese and English speaking people with activities like Chinese painting. Tai Chi and Kung Fu. The centre is home to a Budhist Temple of the Fo Kuang Shan Organisation (Taiwan).

Cleminson Park

Situated on the banks of Homestead Lake, the park offers picnic sites and is extremely popular during summer. Cleminson Park is also the venue for regular art exhibitions.

Herbal Farm

Homestead Lake

The lake is situated in Farrarmere and is used for recreational purposes, including yachting, wind surfing, kayaking and paddle skiing. No motor powered craft are allowed. No fishing allowed.

Honey Farm - A unique experience to visit an African highly prized fish.

Koi Farm - An opportunity to study and purchase these highly prized fish.

Miracle Icon

Benoni boasts it’s own version, so to speak, of the Turin Shroud. Close to the commercial Benoni city centre in the shady Woburn Avenue, is the St Athanasios Greek Orthodox Church with it’s typical Hellinic blue and white colour schemes, domes and sweeping archways. To the casual observer this could be just another church, but the Greek community of Benoni does not think so. On Good Friday, 23 April 1974, the son of the architect Paul Voutsas saw something that became known as the ‘Miracle Icon of the Crucifixion of Christ’. Upon entering the church grounds he noticed that the north east window behind the holy altar, usually a clear amber colour, was ‘stained’. Closer inspection showed the most remarkable reproduction of the scene on the hill of Golgotha – that of the Crucifixion of Christ. There are many other windows of exactly the same amber hammered glass in this lovely church – yet only in one does the image appear. It is remarkably clear and is best seen in the late afternoon as the sun is sinking in the west. Tests were conducted on the window, but there seems to be no physical or chemical explanation. The congregation believes that it is truly a divine sign.

Organic Farm

Trout Farm

ACTIVITIES

Hiking

Blesbokspruit Trail

This 11 m walking trail starts at Homestead Dam and meanders along the shores of Middle and Civic lakes to the park at Kleinfontein Dam. At the end of the 19^th century, the Blesbokspruit was dammed to supply electricity for the early mines. A walking trail runs along the four lakes thus formed. Wear sturdy shoes and take along a water bottle. Ample picnic facilities are available along the walk.

Outdoors

Angling, Diving, Horse Riding, Jetskiing, Mountain Biking, Sailing, Scuba Diving, Swimming Pool, Waterskiing, Windsurfing, Yachting.

Accommodation in and around Bela-Bela