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Published September 2, 2020Updated April 23, 2025

The District located in the Province of Gauteng, near Johannesburg. Since 1973 there has been extensive expansion of the Area, due to demand of more housing. In 1965, the land was declared an Area for the exclusive settlement of the Coloured South Africans, under the Group Areas Act. It became part of Johannesburg in 1970.

Published September 1, 2020Updated September 1, 2020
On the Southern edge of one of the Country’s most famous townships, Soweto, lies the equally Historic Avalon Cemetery. The biggest cemetery in South Africa lies in Soweto, as is the final resting place of many heroes of the struggle. It is also the site of the Mendi Memorial. The Avalon Cemetery opened in 1972 during the height of Apartheid, it was reserved exclusively for Blacks. It spans 1.72km2 is filled with 300 000 graves! The huge extension was officially opened on 9 February by Matshidiso Mfikoe, at the time a mayoral committee member for environment and corporate services.
Published September 1, 2020Updated September 22, 2021
Liliesleaf Farm is the location where prominent leaders of the opposition to South Africa's Apartheid Government used to attend meetings in order to plan their resistance. Today visitors can visit the Farm and learn about the fascinating History. The story of Liliesleaf Farm is one of incredible strength, power, passion and struggle. Liliesleaf Farm is situated in Rivonia off of George Avenue. The Farm is the location where prominent resistance leaders such as Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Joe Slovo and Ahmed Kathrada used to meet, and seek shelter during the Apartheid years.
Published August 27, 2020Updated January 30, 2022

Personal Information

Faith Gasa
Born: January 1, 1945 in Bloemfontein, Orange Free State (Free State Province)
Died: August 4, 2005 in Richards Bay, Kwazulu-Natal

Faith Gasa was born on 1 January 1945 in Bloemfontein, Orange Free State (now Free State Province). She graduated  with a diploma in nursing in 1967. Gasa attained a Bachelor of Arts scholarship to study at the University of Zululand, Natal (now KwaZulu-Natal) from 1968 to 1972. She then went on to study History and Afrikaans in 1972.

Published August 27, 2020Updated December 8, 2023
The Quanza was a four-masted steamship of 942 tons which went ashore at East London on Sunday, 26 May 1872 at 5 am! She struck the rocks just East of the Orient Beach -- close to today's Wimpy on the Esplanade. No lives were lost! The Quanza was at anchor, where it was thought too be sheltered, loading a cargo of about 3,000 bales of wool destined for London. She was almost ready to sail when she was struck by a heavy South-East gale. Her anchors dragged -- and soon she was on the rocks.
Published August 26, 2020Updated August 26, 2020
Grootvadersbosch Farm offers a comfortable guest house named; 'Snelsetter', built in 1735, this Historic Homestead is largely maintained in its original state. The Farm offers a great opportunity for visitors to see agriculture and nature working side by side. Grootvadersbosch Farm is the Heidelberg district, about 250 km from Cape Town. This Farm is one of South Africa's Historic treasures. The Homestead was built in 1735 and 6 generations of the Moodie family have lived here since 1818. Keith and Michele Moodie will welcome you to their dairy Farm!
Published August 26, 2020Updated November 2, 2020

Personal Information

Rebecca Lan
Born: January 1, 1933 in Cape Town

Rebecca Lan was born in 1933 in Cape Town and grew up in Oranjezicht and Athlone. Her parents were immigrants from Lithuania who arrived in South Africa in 1928. They had been involved in left-wing political groups in Lithuania, and Rebecca grew up hearing much political discussion at home. Her parents ran a second-hand furniture shop.

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