Situated in Johannesburg’s West Rand, Roodepoort was first recognized as a city in 1977. It has since expanded rapidly and is today a friendly, middle class city with popular suburbs, such as Weltevreden Park, Constantia Kloof and Florida. Roodepoort is naturally hilly and offers spectacular views from its winding roads. Residents enjoy unwinding at the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens, Kloofendal Nature Reserve and shopping in the large, modern malls with Clearwater and Cradlestone Malls being firm favourites. The city’s homes are great value for money and there are many good private and public schools, as well as excellent hospitals. Sandton and the Johannesburg CBD are all within a half hour’s drive away on the convenient N1 highway.

History

Roodepoort was first settled in 1884 when brothers Harry and Fred Struben discovered gold deposits on their farm. The area was soon crowded with gold diggers who decided to stay in the area long after the gold was depleted. The Roodepoort Municipality was founded in 1904 and in 1977 became an official city. For much of the 20th century, Roodepoort was predominantly Afrikaans-speaking but has now evolved into a mainly English-speaking city with a diverse culture.

Main Roodepoort Suburbs

The main suburbs in Roodepoort include the following:

  • Roodepoort CBD
  • Florida
  • Florida Lake, Glen, Hills and Park
  • Horison View
  • Weltevreden Park
  • Hamburg
  • Strubens Valley
  • Little Falls
  • Discovery
  • Maraisburg
  • Constantia Kloof
  • Quellerina
  • Ruimsig
  • Kloofendal
  • Allen’s Nek

Ruimsig is home to the world-renowned golf course designed by Gary Player and features affordable mansions on large stands.

Kloofendal and Constantia Kloof are situated on a high ridge and give residents spectacular views of Johannesburg and tree-lined, winding roads.

The unassuming areas of Florida and Discovery offer residents great value for money, while Quellerina gives one a taste of opulence with its large homes in a sought-after area.

Local Attractions and Landmarks

Set on the edge of Roodepoort is the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens with its picturesque waterfall, vast flora, shady walking trails and large lawns that are ideal for relaxing picnics.

Florida Lake is a wonderful fishing spot and has a trail right around the lake, making it a fun place to unwind for a few hours.

Bird and nature lovers enjoy the Kloofendal Nature Reserve which is quiet and full of birds, small animals and has a natural amphitheatre.

A drive along Roodepoort’s many, winding and scenic roads often yields panoramic views of the city, in which one of them is nestled in the much talked about UFO-shaped house.

Schools and Hospitals

Roodepoort is home to great private and government schools, including Constantia Kloof Primary, Allen Glen High School and Charter House School. Technikon SA (the country’s largest tertiary institution) is located in Discovery.

Excellent private hospitals, such as Flora Clinic and Wilgeheuwel Hospital can be found in Roodepoort, while those seeking government healthcare have the option of clinics in the Roodepoort CBD and Florida.

Shopping and Other Amenities

Roodepoort is Johannesburg’s best-kept secret when it comes to shopping. Competing with other major malls in Johannesburg are the modern Clearwater Mall, Cradlestone Mall, Westgate Shopping Centre and the Hillfox Power Cent

The Johannesburg CBD can be directly accessed from Roodepoort via the convenient Ontdekkers Road, while Sandton, Randburg and other Johannesburg areas are easily reached on the N1 highway which passes directly through the West Rand.

Businesses

Although most large, South African companies choose to be located in Sandton or the Johannesburg CBD, some businesses have chosen Roodepoort as an affordable and convenient home. An example is MTN whose head office is alongside the N1 highway.

Many small and medium-sized firms can be found throughout Roodepoort, most of which have offices in converted houses.