Just Off the Highway | Episode 47 | Chaos to Order (and Back!) Finding Johannesburg’s Origins 2/2
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 พ.ย. 2024
- Part 2/2 of the story of Johannesburg. Just Off the Highway finds the original cornerstones still in place, but now ignored, in the bustling city that overflowed its boundaries. Experience a drive with Al Prodgers travelling the border of a tiny scrap of waste ground that became the richest city in Africa. Spot famous landmarks and see the inner city today.
View part 1: • Just Off the Highway |...
Johannesburg North episode: • Just off the Highway |...
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As a black South African this content is informative and i appreciate your work. The idea of renaming monuments, roads, etc is a terrible idea. All this knowledge should be preserved
Hi, thanks for your encouraging words. I'm always discovering the fascinating stories behind these roads, places, etc. It's a loss for all of us when we abandon them. My (probably unrealistic) wish is that we would build more things to give names.
Fascinating! I can't believe those beacons still exist! This was extremely informative. Thanks, Al!
Thanks, Ulandi. The old city keeps hanging on.
Great work! Dankie
It's my pleasure to make these episodes. "Baie dankie" for watching and for your comment.
So interesting!!
Glad you enjoyed the episode. Thank you!
Educational 👍👍
Thank you!
Wow. Very interesting. Thanks
I'm glad you enjoyed the episode. Thanks for commenting.
So engaging. Thank you!
Thanks! I'm very glad you enjoyed it. Please browse some of the other episodes.
When I was in Standard 1, we learnt about Joburg's origins.
My Dad took me for a drive one Sunday morning, through the CBD, and passed the beacons, telling me all about George Harrison, and the original inhabitants.
Next day, I proudly told the class that Joburg was founded by a Beatle.😂😂😂😂
Many years later, I lived in Houghton Village, across the road from Clarendon Place, and my girlfriend at the time didn't know as much about Joburg's history. So we walked up to the Beacon, while I told her what I remembered, included the uncontrollable laughter I got out of my teacher when I told her about the Beatles being more than just rock stars.
I lived in Joburg for 30 years (40 years too many), and I now live in the Western Cape after 5 years in the bushveld up in Limpopo.
For all her failures, for all the filth and rubbish, and criminals running the city, Joburg beats the Western Cape hands down.
Better weather, better people, fewer tourists.
You've made me extremely homesick, and very nostalgic.
Well done, bud!
Hi, thanks! If any comment ever captured the essence, the reason why I do "Just off the Highway", yours does. Much appreciated.
I didn't know that Cape Town would be more uncomfortable than Johannesburg. . . My mom was adopted and I went to visit her adoptive moms sister over school holidays for a week way back I think in 1988 and she lived in Mayfair and you could hear the buses driving past even at night but from her house you could see the tower out Auckland Park way and we went by bus into Johannesburg town one day to Woolworths and I was amazed by how many fascinating little Shops there were it seemed mostly run by Chinese people but I didn't have a chance to go into any at the time because already then it was a little bit dangerous although it was much much cleaner. . .
Johannesburg could be so much grander , it's been disrespected by these illegal occupies of buildings and I think Johannesburg should be walled off and security guards to keep those out who don't work in or legally live in or have an appointment inside to check everyone's ID too before can go in , it has to be closed off to those who are devaluing it , but the government don't see how to protect Johannesburg to create a working economy in Johannesburg in those Beautiful Buildings that could be better looked after and restored which will create jobs. . .and give jobs to those who really want to work. . .
So so sad what a trash heap Johannesburg is becoming like Alexander township which I had to pass through in a taxi ride to there and get out to get to next taxi , the streets in Alexander township are overwhelmingly filthy and it's the disrespect that is shown for that which should be looked after that is depressing. . .
Johannesburg weather is very up and down , it's not that great , summer is horrible because it's either too hot or too rainy or too windy. . .it doesn't stay in a season. . .this winter was warmer than normal and then the snow made it unbelievably cold suddenly when it had been hot and it's going to be hot and and then cold again , horrible weather in Johannesburg I totally don't appreciate. . .
Enjoy the Western Cape , if for nothing other than that is where South Africa began. . .
Look After You 🙂
The education on this channel is golden ✨️ 👌🏾
Thanks very much. I'm glad that I'm able to add some value. These are stories that I'm only now discovering myself.
Quite interesting Jhb definitely has a lot of history. Thanks for sharing. Jhb is a very diverse City. 👍👍👍
Thanks. I'm glad you enjoyed the episode.
Thank you appreciate your work. 🙏
My pleasure! I'm glad you enjoyed the episode.
Thank you for your Natuonal Service ❤
Thank you! That's an extremely kind and generous way of expressing it. I'm really just curious.
Brilliant!
Thank you very much.
Fascinating! Thanks for the tour! 😊
Hi, thank you for letting me know you enjoyed it.
As a Capie, I thoroughly enjoy your work Al. So interesting, make me want to go visit all these places.
Many thanks! I'm originally from the Cape and I very much hope I'll be able to go back and feature some of those stories on Just off the Highway.
Al you're a legend, thank you again, I've enjoyed every single show of yours, glad you stopped before beautiful Hillbrow, as an ex Witsie and Damelin boy from the 80s it's changed a tad around there. Thanks again
😆 It has indeed. Thanks for your comment and ongoing encouragement. It makes such a difference to hear that I'm adding value.
Brilliant and electric to anybody interested in a "Start" the likes of which the World will probably never see again!!!
Thank you! Yes, they were certainly tumultuous years.
Well done, great narration.
Thank you. Thanks for watching the episode.
Your video editing is supa i love it the transition between video is top. The story telling keep me coming back.
Thanks for the compliment. I appreciate that you notice the work put in. It's all down to the talent of one person who collaborates with me. His company is Idea Saints and he's a pro and a decent mensch.
Thanks!
Thank you so much for your generous contribution! Viewers are the only support this channel receives and I am very grateful for every bit of support.
As an Irish woman watching this video, l found it very interesting as l spent 25 years living and working in the Johannesburg area, also known as Joeys! It was a great experience although it was a hard city, skyscrapers, traffic etc. I loved the weather and getting out of the city at weekends to the Magaliesber g a d Drakensberg mountains, also trips to the coast south of Durban and the Cape coast for the Christmas holidays.
I did see your episode on the Magaliesberg mountains, very interesting! I did a lot of hikes there with the JHC, Johannesburg Hiking Club. Great people in that club! I am back in Ireland since 2001, but l have fond memories of the streets of Joeys and the beautiful mountains and coast, and of course the many people l knew there. Thanks for these videos.
Hi Anne, thanks for sharing your memories. Joburg battles on, despite rampant corruption, poverty and neglect. And, yes, the people are special. BTW, I did 2 episodes (31, 33) on the Irish in South Africa. I hope you enjoy them.
Great video bru...I'm from dbn but love jhb👍
Hi! Thanks for your comment. I'm glad you're enjoying the episode. There are so many Durban stories I'd like to tell as well.
Loved this episode❤ Love this city... thank you AL!
Thank you! 🙏 Your encouragement means a great deal.
Really appreciated and informed content.
Born in District Six, Cape Town, fascinated by the history of Johannesburg.
💯%🙏 Love & Respect
Thanks very much for your encouraging words. Yes, Joburg is a strange place. Young, but full of the remnants of momentous events.
Dude got some serious balls driving an old Toyota through JHB...
They prefer the new ones😂
I've been stopped and offered money to sell many times.
I like the way you respond to all the comments, a true gentleman! Brilliant presentation by the way...
Hi Bruce, thank you very much! Just Off the Highway started very small, so I guess I got into the habit. Besides, I appreciate every comment (even the few snarky ones) because someone made the effort.
Thank you for giving this information, I have always wondered what Johannesburg was like back in its prime and its historical background.
Much appreciated 🙏
Hi, thanks! There's so much still surviving, but unfortunately, it's neglected and we rarely have time to pause and notice it. Glad you enjoyed the episode.
@@JustOfftheHighway 🙏
Al this was such an exciting episode. Thanks for the tour! It felt like I was right there with you in the car. Keep telling these mooi stories.
😅 Thanks Corne! Will do our best.
I'm just glad they found a use for that derelict piece of land.
😆 They certainly did.
Great video 🤝
SA history is bitter sweet
Before the gold rush in the 1800s
The indigenous peoples
In the region where colonized of their native land...
The Transvaal ndebele , Bapedi and
Bafokeng-where all forced removed at the back end of the gold Rush
Mankopane Langa
Mokopane Kekana
Mabhoko Mahlangu
Skhukhune all still have not been repratriated their LAND.
Thanks for adding that detail. As I've written in reply to other comments, these are short episodes with limited time and scope. You've given us deeper insight and and I'm sure there are other chapters as well. Bitter sweet indeed and still resonating today. For us all.
Very interesting video. Thank you
My pleasure.I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Jwannesburg-by-the-minedumps... love her ❤
Yes, a special place that evokes strong feelings. Thanks for your comment.
Very cool. Thanks for the effort to make this. Found it very interesting. Appreciate it!
Absolute pleasure, Marco. Thanks for your words of encouragement.
Show me you car 😊.... surely more beautiful than some of the streets you drove.... Hi from KZN
😆 The car is definitely better maintained at the moment. Thanks for your comment, I hope you'll browse more episodes. The car features regularly.
@@JustOfftheHighway yes have gone back and its a beauti..
There used to be one of the best nightclubs that SA has ever seen on End Street...E.S.P, what a jol that was in the 1990`s!
I grew up on the east rand, spitting distance from ERPM mines...
True Joburg heritage. I wasn't much of a club person, but there were great venues. "The Doors" if I remember correctly.
Hey Al I must admit I really like your content.
I dont know if this is the best place to ask, but have you ever considered doing an episode on the massacre of lelies fontein?
Hi. Thanks for pointing me to a new story. Unfortunately, it's far beyond the reach of my limited resources, but certainly an intriguing event in the Anglo Boer war. I'm glad you're enjoying the series so far.
Lol! Lovely, peaceful place called hillbrow 🤣🤣🤣🤣
😜 I guess that was the plan.
"We need another. Trump.""To clean up the big huge mess in south africa.. """That the anc brought in. 🤷♀️🤦♀️
wonderful we ve been waiting the new look welcome back buddy
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the latest episode. I'm not posting as often as I wish I could, but Just Off the Highway is definitely still around.
If there's a story to tell about that car I'd love to hear it. My parents used to have 2 old Renault 12s. You could imagine how upset my mom was when my dad swopped them for a bike. My grandad had an old green VW beetle. Said those were the only cars driving around during the PE flood.
I actually know very little about the history of my car. That might be an interesting project! And, yes, having tried, I can attest that you can't drown a Beetle.
Thanks for this one, Al. How sad that Jozi has fallen into such a sad state. I remember it as a lovely, clean and safe city, but that was a lifetime ago. (New subscriber, btw.)
Hi,thanks for subscribing. I'm so glad there are people outside SA still interested in the stories. Yes, Joburg is going through a tough patch, but if we can keep believing that there is something special to preserve, a turnaround will come.
Most interesting.🎉
The johannesburg country club has some history to it
Yes, indeed. Thanks for the idea.
You must visit the town of VAL in mpumalanga
The smallest town in SA
Rich in history!! Like the blown up train monument and Ghandis capture the antie that owns VAL hotel knows all the story’s
Hi, thanks for your comment. I've heard of Val, but never known who to speak to. I will start at the hotel. 🙏
Dirty, filthy place! It used to be something at least. Now it's one large squatter camp!
A tough place, but still with a helluva spirit.
@@JustOfftheHighwayI find it too heartbreaking. Spirit for what? Yes, it used to be something. You make good videos though! 👍
@@kelrogers8480 Thank you.
just check I was subscribed you came up then I had subscribed again.....
Hi I can't see a recent subscription. Perhaps you were subscribed and now you've unsubscribed? Please try again.
Thank you. Please do a video on Samual Marks museum. Contact me and I have all the info on him.
Hi Caroline, thanks for your suggestion. My contact details appear below the videos. Please get in touch when convenient and let's chat further. I'd very much like to hear your perspective.
Fascinating
Thank you.
CAMISSA, meaning 'the place of sweet waters' is the ancient Khoi name for Cape Town. Cape Town was established as a port city and a trade route centuries ago because of the availability of clean drinking water from Table Mountain
Camissa? I think you might mean "ǁkhamis sa". As this example shows. It's quite a process finding these names. And sometimes it seems to be a creative one. If one does exist for the area that became Johannesburg, I haven't found one yet. But as i do say in 2:08 of Part 1, there is ample evidence of much people living in the area.
What about Ferreira ville ?????
Not sure what you mean. This is a snapshot of an event not a comprehensive history of Johannesburg. I mention (twice) that it was already overflowing when it was proclaimed.
What car are driving?
Hi, she's a1972 Toyota Corona. I hope you'll view some other episodes and see more of her.
The discovery of gold was probably one of the worst things that has ever happened in South Africa, because of the amount of tragedy, bloodshed and suffering it caused, and all of that for a metal so soft that before the age of computers it had no uses except for making shiny trinkets.
Good point. The curse of resources has been the cause of war in several places.
You tata ma chance to drive rhere😅
😅 Not too bad.
ZAR = Rand = Randjesfontein? 😂
The Rand was named after the Witwatersrand (Gold).
What was it before it was Johannesburg? What was the original name?
Original? How far back would you like to go? Difficult to say. If only someone had written it down.
@@JustOfftheHighway well here is an example: CAMISSA, meaning 'the place of sweet waters' is the ancient Khoi name for Cape Town. Cape Town was established as a port city and a trade route centuries ago because of the availability of clean drinking water from Table Mountain