Benonians share why they love Benoni
Tony Ntuli is the winner for the #WeLoveBenoni competition.
The City Times ran the #WeLoveBenoni competition in February, where locals had to give 10 reasons they love Benoni.
Tony Ntuli is the winner for the #WeLoveBenoni competition.
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Here are some of the reasons from other Benonians:
Pamela Moodley
• I love Benoni because it is a beautiful place.
• The most attractive mall I have ever seen is the Lakeside mall, shaped like a steamship and is built on the Benoni Lake.
• Benoni is known as the City of Lakes.
• The small towns in the surrounding areas are well located.
• Walking through Benoni is peaceful and there are many trees, shadowy and shady.
• The town hall is nicely situated in the centre and has tall shrubs billowing on the sides.
• The hospital is neatly built and is a private concern, always clean and well kept.
• There is a stadium known as Willowmoore and many activities take place there, especially cricket.
• The old buildings are still standing and are strongly built.
• Benoni is the place to be as a tourist attraction.
Patty Müller
• Bullfrog dam.
• Korsman Bird Sanctuary.
• Three golf courses.
• Four roadhouses.
• A uniquely designed mall that looks like a huge ferry.
• Willowmoore international cricket stadium.
• Dubai Centre with the best samosas and bunny chow.
• Best caring and loving community.
• Best schools.
• Benoni is my home! This is where I started my own business 17 years ago. This is where my husband-to-be started a life with me and this is where we are getting married later this year.
Karabo Mofokeng
• Benoni has one of the largest international airports in the country.
• It has two luxury casinos nearby where people go to as entertainment destinations.
• It is where one of the most important freedom fighters Oliver Tambo was buried.
• It has Ciello, one of the best Italian beach restaurants which sells good food and has a beautiful view.
• It has a museum which was opened in 1994. The museum displays a historical event called the Rand revolt which took place 1922.
• It has the newly refurbished family entertainment Bunny Park, which is a good environment to take the little ones to for play dates.
• Benoni has beautiful green parks, such as Homestead Dam where one can enjoy the view of nature as the sun sets over the water as well as taking a dog for a walk.
• It has some of the best government and private schools, such as Arbor Primary, Benoni High, Spark Private School and Ashbury.
• Benoni has a library for the book worms which can also be used as a study centre and is useful to gather research information.
• Benoni also has convenient means of transportation as we have access to buses, trains, taxis as well as flights.
Nita Narayan
• I love the sense of family we have within our community. Even strangers who live in Benoni treat one and other with love above all else.
• Benoni is still one of the few safest towns to live in or visit. I feel safe to walk around my town.
• People are always willing to help, even strangers.
• Benonians take a personal interest in keeping our town and public areas clean.
• We have a lot of active community projects on a weekly basis.
• Benoni is still environmentally conscious. We care for our trees and fight pollution wherever we can.
• I can buy or swap whatever I need or want in Benoni, be it household necessities to antique gifts – we can find it all in Benoni.
• Our beautiful lakes. You can still go to any of our lakes and enjoy the tranquility or enjoy an outing with your family.
• I see a lot of people I know, in most places I go. The familiarity is nice.
• Benonians are real people. It is simple, likable and approachable.
Doreen Richardson
• Benonians know and care for each other – in minutes a random group will be deep in discussion about whom, what, where and how.
• Our peaceful and extensive necklace of lakes, sandvlei and wetland within our boundaries, home to frogs and birds.
• Seeing an aerial flotilla of water fowl flying west into the setting sun.
• Glorious sunsets or sunrises lighting up our skies.
• Attending dramatic performances of musical events, supported by our talented townsfolk.
• Driving through leafy suburbs with massive oak tress joining to form forest-like avenues.
• The many people who attend church and charitable activities – they truly enjoy helping others.
• Being inspired by the history of Benoni, from the harshest conditions to the most luxurious – while so many still suffer we know from their spirit and ability to laugh, sing and dance that we will all benefit.
• To see our sports fields being used to great advantage by our athletes and players to even greater extent each week.
• The timely arrival of our own newspaper, the Benoni City Times, each week with news and views of the past and coming events.
Angela Nichol
• It is convenient to the freeways and to the airport.
• It is flat, so it makes driving easy and has less strain on the cars. It is great for going on walks.
• There are lots of lakes which make Benoni pretty. There are great venues for picnics and outings and the bird life is incredible.
• The medical facilities are amazing with great hospitals, specialists, doctors and dentists.
• There are a variety of wonderful shopping centres, meeting all one’s needs locally and there are great coffee shops and restaurants too.
• There are plenty of sports facilities and gymnasiums.
• There are a great number of schools to meet the needs of all students.
• There are many churches for people to worship in.
• The people are very friendly.
• The roads are nice and wide, with generally smooth-flowing traffic. The city is not too busy and there are loads of trees around, making it cool and relaxing.
My husband and I have lived in Benoni for 10 years and we are very happy here and can really call Benoni home.
Hettie van Rensburg
• Ek bly al 77 jaar in Benoni en alles het nog net altyd goed gegaan. Tien jaar op Petit, 30 jaar in Northmead en 40 jaar in Farrarmere.
• Hospitale is uitstekend. My twee seuns is in Life The Glynnwood Hospitaal gebore. Daar is uitstekende dokters oral in Benoni.
• Ek het hier skoolgegaan. Daai dae was dit Hoërskool Noordoosrand en Mnr Combrink was die hoof. Dit was my lekkerste dae. Gaan na ’n plotskool en bly op ’n plot. Ek onthou jy het jou stukkend gespeel met al die maats tot donker en van huiswerk doen by kerslig tot laataand.
• Ons het die mooiste damme waar mens kan gaan stap en die manne kan visvang.
• Ons is omring met pragtige, skoon inkopiesentrums.
• Meeste privaat tuine by huise is goed versorg, strate in voorstede is skoon en vullis word gereeld verwyder.
• Benoni het die mooiste aftree-oorde en is veilig en goed versorg.
• Benoni is goed en gerieflik gelee naby die lughawe.
• Benoni het die mooiste kerke, Afrikaans en Engels.
• Ek dink Benoni se mense is vriendelik en ek wil nie op ’n ander plek bly nie. Ek is net tuis in my eie dorp, Benoni!
Karen Bender
For starters, I was born, bred, schooled, lived, worked, got married, had my two babies in Benoni – I am still here 63 years later! My Grandparents lived in Benoni as did my parents. My Mom is alive at 87 and still lives in Benoni. I have such fond memories of so many things and was fortunate to have experienced some of the greatest wonders that Benoni had to offer:
• Dominican convent
• Basils Fish & Chips
• The town hall
• The Lido bioscope
• John Orrs
• Benoni Discount Stores
• The bus depot
• United Building Society
• Pons Art, Stamps & Coins
• Shangai Chinese Restaurant.
Brigitte Thysse
• Bunnies and the Bunny Park: Fond childhood memories were created at the Bunny Park. I have a three-year-old daughter now and I cannot wait to show her the beauty that the Bunny Park holds!
• The golf courses: Benoni is home to beautiful golf courses. Whether you are a golfer or enjoy the scenery, a beautiful recreational walk, are a runner or boater, Benoni golf courses are the places to relax and unwind.
• Jurita Bakery: Benoni is home to one of the best bakeries and still going strong!
• Bullfrog Pan: The cosmos flowers for a beautiful view and the sound of the bullfrogs at night where Benoni shows off its bird life and nature!
• Good old Uncle Tim’s Cabin market days: A variety of unique shops and stalls and the best live music on a beautiful Sunday or a relaxed Sunday lunch with the family.
• I can say “boet” and it’s totally acceptable.
• Hyacinth: How can we forget this invasive plant! Ninety per cent of people know the name of this water plant in Benoni – it’s famous! We have so many articles related to it in the Benoni City Times.
• Sinkhole: We have our very own sinkhole! And it’s huge.
• Pretoria Road: Your number one commuting road in Benoni and your number one landmark road when giving directions.
• Benoni literally caters for every mood and every taste. If you want recreation, we have an abundance of sports ground space, mountain bike trails, golfing, boating, parks – you name it. If you want a night out, you have choices. If you want breakfast lunch or dinner, there are a variety of places to choose from any time of the day!
Anne Potgieter
• It’s the gem of the East Rand.
• It’s convenient and pretty central – everything’s nearby.
• We have all the shops we need right here.
• The thunderstorms are magnificent.
• Everybody knows everybody.
• Everybody pulls together and helps others – we are a community.
• My brother and nephews live here so I get to see them.
• My late mom was born here and I have many great memories of her as a single mom – only in Benoni! “It takes a village!”
• The trees in Webb Street. Nowhere else!
• NSRI (National Sea Rescue Institute) Gauteng is based right here in Benoni, at CR Swart Dam, providing water safety at rowing, swimming, boating events, and is always on standby for flooding and other emergencies.
Mesh
• Legacy: Benoni has been the site of historical events which have shaped SA since gold has been discovered. The old buildings reveal the history of this amazing town. The Benoni City Times has covered these inspiring stories over 100 years.
• Nature: Benoni still has the beauty of nature all around. It boasts beautiful parks, gardens, bird sanctuaries and many equestrian centres. The much-loved Bunny Park is currently being upgraded. Lifestyle here is peaceful and relaxing.
• The people/culture: Benoni is a special place with diversity of people. There are creative people everywhere.
• Food/coffee: The are incredible restaurants and amazing coffee shops; example @the Bistro is one of the many hidden gems.
• Sunsets: I love the City of Lakes for its magical sunsets and sunrise.
• Shopping: There are numerous cool shops and craft shops apart from the major chain stores at the numerous malls. The weekend farmers markets offer fresh milk, eggs, veggies, biltong and delicious treats at affordable prices.
• The surroundings: Amazing places, numerous outdoor attractions. Emperors Palace is always fun and entertaining for my family. The Benoni community is grateful to Emperors Palace for the benefits received through its CSI projects.
• Easy access to all forms of infrastructure: highways and the national roads link to all major towns and cities, the airport and Gautrain.
• Notable residents: Many notable residents have lived in this town – OliverTambo, Charlize Theron, Princess Charlene, to name a few, and now I will be adding my name to the list.
• Diverse experience: One can go to any town in Gauteng but will not experience the ultimate combo of nature and heritage in Benoni.
Juan
Just before I start to say my reasons, I just want to say that this was very difficult. There are so many things but what to put it down is really hard.
• Benoni has a vast history that had a great impact on South Africa, from Armscor to our gold mining.
• Thanks to local celebs we are known across the world – Charlize Theron and our Comrades record setter Frith van der Merwe.
• Benoni has its own lane of fame.
• Like the three Bs of life (Bacon, Beer and Burgers), Benoni is part of the rough three Bs of the East Rand (Boksburg, Brakpan and Benoni).
• We have the most spectacular roads where trees have created tunnels. I love driving down them in spring time.
• Benoni is having its own secret competition with Kimberly to see who has a bigger hole (Snake Road).
• No matter what happens in the world, Benoni knows how to handle it with a pinch of salt.
• Benoni is home to the biggest athletic club in South Africa (Benoni Northerns).
• Benoni is home to some really awesome pubs to have a good relaxing drink.
• Benoni is home to the best afternoon rainstorms with the odd occasional rainbow. The best in Gauteng.
Tony Ntuli
• Benoni has fantastic lakes which make it so beautiful to watch in all seasons.
• It has unique suburbs. They are very attractive even to the outside world.
• When you talk of historical heroes, think of Oliver Tambo, Charlize Theron and Princess Charlene.
• It has the best educational institutions, like Benoni High and St Dunstan’s.
• Best health facilities, like Glynnwood.
• One of the best regional newspapers, the Benoni City Times.
• There are plenty of markets.
• Benoni is the centre of everything and next to ORTI airport.
• The weather is excellent, not dry but moderate.
• T23 and other major cricket games are played here.
• Infrastructure is good, roads are paved.
Yolanda Walker
• Last week, a family’s home burned down and it was not within a day they asked the Benoni community to assist this family. Not only did they receive the basic needs for this family but also school clothes, beds, bedding, curtains, school stationery and more than what was expected. As a community, the love we share is absolutely heartwarming.
• We have a car boot sale in Benoni that helps the community to shop and interact with different people, cultures and bargains and not to even mention the Old Ben’s market once a month that is jam packed and entertaining thousands of Benonians with music, craft beer and the best food stalls.
• They just revamped the Bunny Park which gets the community and youngsters to enjoy the outdoors and love nature and feed animals.
• We have the good Samaritans that help at the SPCA where my son does volunteer work over the weekends to help keep the cages clean, and feeds and bonds with the animals as the animals wait to be adopted.
• We have Emperors Palace that showcases the best shows and movies. Kids can enjoy the play area while the parents relax, enjoying their meal or trying their luck at the casino.
• We have Caxton Radio station that plays all the best tunes. I love Paul Rotherham and the team’s effort to keep the East Rand the best with news, music and entertainment.
• We have parkruns at Homestead Dam which is amazing on a Saturday morning to get the family spirit going and we love the bonding time with the kids. With the new upgrades around the dam, we can do lovely photo shoots or enjoy the pure bliss of fresh air while strolling down the walkway.
• We have the best sports facilities where we’ve been part of Benoni Sports Club for over 15 years while supporting and watching our boys participate in soccer and cricket, and we won’t miss the colour run. We made so many friends at Northerns, they have become family.
• We have The Toy Run that we can honestly say is a huge success every year and just growing to help the kids and homes with teddy bears, toys, food and donations.
• Then we have the Benoni City Times … social media and printed copy delivered to our door every Thursday with fun-filled, jam-packed news, competitions, specials and loads of interesting information.
Phillip Hurley
Thank you for the opportunity to declare Benoni the best city in the world in the Benoni City Times.
• Korsman Bird Sanctuary.
• Famous people like Charlize Theron, Charlie Weir, Bryan Habana and Oliver Tambo were born here.
• The most beautiful streets to walk or drive down are Webb, Great North and Woburn.
• The Burger Box Roadhouse and many other fantastic restaurants, the choices are endless.
• Communities work together, which is great.
• Excellent service delivery, rubbish removal and minimal potholes.
• We have Kids Haven, Lifeline, social assistance.
• The very best weather in the world.
• Benoni is peaceful and all people get along.
• There is a great selection of Retirement Homes for the elderly.
Lesai Seema
• We love Benoni because of the Mississippi steamboat that waves you goodbye and welcomes you back home.
• We love Benoni because you always know where you are going.
• We love Benoni because of the growing independent food scene.
• We love Benoni because you’re never far away from a guy who knows a guy who can fix a problem you have.
• We love Benoni because it has an incomparable history, just read Benoni: Son of my sorrow.
• We love Benoni because of the tree tunnels.
• We love Benoni because of the locally owned businesses.
• Some places have cobblestone streets and 17th century buildings but we love Benoni because of its lakes. They will always be enough.
• We love Benoni because you will hear a variety of languages and dialects wherever you go.
• We love Benoni because very few places pack a punch like home and Benoni is home.
Felly
• Beautiful lakes.
• Caxton gives us a newspaper on time and for free.
• Where I stay I have never experienced load-shedding
• It is the on the centre of major cities like Johannesburg and Pretoria.
• It has enough schools to choose from for my kids.
• Free parking at Lakeside and Northmead mall.
• The street lights. As a runner, I can run whenever I want to, even at night.
• We have a golf estate (Ebotse).
• The routes are flat, therefore, driving around Benoni saves fuel.
• Beautiful health facilities, such as Linmed and Glynnwood.
Estelle van der Walt
• It’s so central.
• It’s close to malls.
• It is clean and neat.
• It doesn’t have lots of traffic like Johannesburg.
• It’s close to the airport.
• Has lovely properties.
• Has lovely gardens all around.
• Isn’t as humid and warm as Durban.
• Not as cold in winter as London.
• Gets lots of rain.
Nhlanhla Dlamini
• The history: With the name from the bible, Benoni means Son of Sorrow. From a history of gold mining to having political power players. Benoni has a rich history of not only mining products such as gold, but also a strong hand in shaping the history of the country.
• The lakes: also known as the City of Lakes, Benoni has one of the most beautiful scenic lakes in the country. One of my personal favourites is the Homestead Dam. Clean, family friendly and looking over the water towards the N12 as the city lights light up the night sky.
• Sport: It has great sports venues such as the cricket in Willowmoore Park. We have also produced a number of soccer players straight out of Benoni.
• CBD: Benoni is without a doubt the most alive CBD in the East Rand. There is surely more to happen here.
• People: There is something about when you meet a person from Benoni out of the city. You can hear it from the way they talk to each other that we are like a family. The people of Benoni are alive and kicking.
• Roads: The N12 connecting cities, towns, suburbs and townships is one of the greatest ways to get around Benoni.
• Schools: Whether you are into drama, sports or academics, Benoni has them all. It’s a great place to bring up your family.
• Social networking: Benonians have a lot of places to meet up and share a meal with friends and family. Whether you like the indoors or the outdoors, even if the night life excites you, Benoni has the greatest experience waiting for you.
• Economy: besides the mining industry, Benoni is growing fast. And there is a huge growth in property as Benoni looks like the number one place to live and work. Something big is happening here – you don’t want to go anywhere.
• Home is where Benoni is. I was born in Durban in 1986 and we moved to Benoni in 1987 because my father found a job here. Fast forward to 2020, I’m still haven’t moved outside Benoni because this home felt like home and still feels like home. I’m part of Benoni. I bleed Benoni. This is my city.
