Conceived in 1936 as a living memorial to the Rand Pioneers (the pioneers of the Transvaal goldfields) and also to commemorate Johannesburg’s Fiftieth Jubilee, the estate was originally named Randjeslaagte (Johannesburg) Jubilee Memorial.
Johannesburg was founded in 1886 on a triangular piece of uitvalgrond (odd piece of land) named Randjeslaagte, a name that was not used for the city. Hence the Council decided to name this living memorial after the unused name of the city.
Today the 42 acre (16,99 hectare) site has been awarded architectural legacy status by the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation, and a visit to the garden village reveals a broad dip into the post-1936 history of the city.
The names of prominent Johannesburg citizens are recognized on many of the buildings, roads and drives, whilst the work of the Rotary organization is reflected through four garden flat blocks and a hall, as built by the same organization. The contribution of the mining industry is reflected through the Randjes Jubilee Memorial Hall, a building donated by the Transvaal Chamber of Mines. Various Bowling Associations and individuals were donors of both buildings and extensions. Numerous donations including the main entrance gates, fishpond, rose garden and the Ouma Smuts magnolia tree are appropriately recognized as well.
Randjes Estate, as it is now known, is an independent lifestyle village under the control of a Board of Directors. The conversion to Life Rights commenced with the building of the cottage Carlingford 301 in 1988 and reflected the changing requirements of Johannesburg’s citizenry as well as creating a more sustainable financial model. The original commitment to provide affordable retirement accommodation (as envisaged by the Johannesburg Municipality) still exists.
Currently underway is the conversion of the 1953 Rest Home, (later known as Resthaven) into a Lifestyle Centre for all residents; a guesthouse of 4 rooms; as well as nine rental apartments. The building will also contain a Heritage Centre currently in design in order to reflect the rich history of the Estate and the garden village as envisaged by the original architects. This conversion will transform the heritage building into a modern facility and along with the RJM Hall, be the focal area for the many Randjes activities.
