Graves and tropical diseases the topics of JHB’s Heritage Foundation’s virtual tour
Over the years approximately 7000 bodies were buried on the property in five separate cemeteries.
The Johannesburg Heritage Foundation invites community members to expand their knowledge of the area and learn more about the Sizwe Tropical Disease Hospital.
Set to be held on April 17 at 2.15pm, the virtual Zoom tour of the hospital formerly known as the Rietfontein Tropical Disease Hospital is titled ‘The Grave Story of Rietfontein (Sizwe) Hospital’.
Located on the border of Edenvale, the hospital started as a lazaretto made of tents and small huts. It grew over the 126 years since it was started. The hospital, which was one of the first of its kind, treated patients with smallpox, tuberculosis, malaria, leprosy, Congo fever, typhoid, Spanish flu, the bubonic plague anthrax and Ebola.
Over the years approximately 7000 bodies were buried on the property in five separate cemeteries. Join Naomi Dinar while she discusses the history of the hospital and the ongoing battle to stop the development of the land surrounding it.
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The virtual tour is open to all, however, space is limited. There is a nominal fee of R60 for members of the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation, Forest Town, Houghton, Kensington, Norwood, Oaklands, Parktown, Parkview, and Westcliff associations.
Members are reminded to ensure their fees are up to date if they would like to take part in the tour. Non-members will have to pay R100 and must EFT the foundation.
Those who have registered and paid will receive the Zoom link on April 16. Everyone must register with Eira at mail@johannesburgheritage.co.za
Banking details:
•Bank: Nedbank. Account number 1944023011. Surnames and the letters VRTH, in that order, must be used as the reference for the payment.
As the tour will start promptly at 2.15 pm, those participating must sign on five minutes beforehand.
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