Founded in 1881 due to a gold discovery, Benoni is now a sought-after, East Rand city with leafy suburbs, excellent schools and hospitals. Its five lakes are popular sailing and picnic spots, while Emperor’s Palace, the Bunny Park and Lakeside Mall ensure that residents never have a shortage of things to do. Farrarmere Primary, Benoni West Primary and Benoni High are high quality, government schools and St. Dunstan’s College is the foremost private school in the area. Living in Benoni means that you have close access to the R23, R51 and N12 highways, and you are less than 10 minutes away from OR Tambo International Airport and the closest Gautrain station.

History

Benoni was founded in 1881 due to the discovery of gold in the area. Sir George Farrar, the Chairman of a local mining company, went on to plan it as a central mining town in 1904. Benoni has since expanded into many residential suburbs and is now one of the most sought-after areas on the East Rand. Benoni is renowned for its five beautiful lakes and being the former home of Hollywood actress, Charlize Theron.

Main Benoni Suburbs

Benoni’s main suburbs include the following:

  • Farrarmere
  • Northmead
  • Rynfield
  • Beyers Park
  • Westdene
  • New Modder
  • Impala Park
  • Benoni Central

Rynfield, Farrarmere and Northmead are leafy, residential areas boasting large, family homes with sprawling gardens.

Impala Park and Benoni Central form the bustling centre and are close to all major highways serving Johannesburg and Pretoria.

Attractions and Landmarks

There is never a shortage of things to do in Benoni: from relaxing or sailing around one of the five lakes, to getting a cultural fix at Tamboville Cemetery or taking the kids to the Bunny Park, it is a great place to call home.

Emperor’s Palace offers a large casino, movie theatres, shops and numerous award-winning restaurants to try.

Schools and Hospitals

Benoni has some of Johannesburg’s best government schools with the likes of Farrarmere Primary, Benoni West Primary and Benoni High.

Those wanting to opt for a private school should consider St. Dunstan’s College, which is a traditional South African private school.

Netcare’s Linwood and Lakeview Hospitals are situated in Benoni, as is the popular Life Glynnwood Hospital.

The Tambo Memorial government hospital is only a stone’s throw away from Benoni Central.

Shopping and Other Amenities

You can enjoy world-class shopping in Benoni with the Lakeside Mall and Northmead Square. Otherwise, simply drive 5 minutes to Boksburg and shop at the large East Rand Mall.

Benoni is only 5 minutes away from the Rhodesfield Gautrain station and 10 minutes away from OR Tambo International Airport, the largest airport in the country.

It is served by the R23, R51 and N12 which all offer convenient access to all Johannesburg and Pretoria areas.

Businesses

With its close proximity to OR Tambo International Airport, Benoni is home to many warehouse facilities and shipping companies.

Small and medium-sized firms are also scattered throughout the city, most of which have offices in converted homes on main roads.