Hidden away in the Randfontein Central Business District (CBD) is an exclusive club that has existed for years, and was established for men, by men.
The Randfontein Club is a gentlemen’s club located in Village Street in the CBD. The first thing that comes to mind for most people thinking of a gentlemen’s club is debauchery, but the club’s committee members have set the record straight.
“The Randfontein Club is a club for gentlemen. Gentlemen helping other gentlemen. I mean, we even have a male bartender to avoid distractions! It’s the kind of place that a husband can tell his wife he’s at without lying. He doesn’t need to lie and his wife doesn’t need to worry,” said Richard Hunt, chairman of the club.
The Randfontein Club is an exclusive club for men that was established in 1933 for men who want to socialise in an environment where there is no threat of bar brawls and unsavoury patrons. The club offers entertainment in the form of darts and snooker and has a fully stocked bar and kitchen and braai facilities for food.
During previous years, the club favoured businessmen of a certain class and the club’s dress code specified a compulsory jacket, collar and tie. The club has however eased up on both the dress code and the criteria for membership. “The dress code now is casual. We are selective about who becomes a member of the club, but you don’t have to be wealthy to join,” Hunt said.
The club’s constitution does not allow women to become members per se, but women do visit the club – with their husbands or partners.
In order for non-members to be allowed to visit the club, a buddy system has been put in place – they have to be seconded by a member of the club, who has to sign to take responsibility for the visitor.
All men wanting to join the club have to complete an application and have to appear before the club committee to be screened.
“We haven’t actually denied any applicants. The screening process is more informal now than it was back in the day. We just check to see if applicants are decent men and not riffraff who might cause trouble at the club,” Hunt said.
He added that the committee is also interested in the applicants’ skills, but there are no prerequisites.
“We ask the applicants what they do for a living and what skills they have so we can see what they can do for the club as a member,” Hunt explained.
The club is rich with history. Recently the club premises received a facelift and the committee is keen to welcome new members.
“It’s often referred to as an old man’s club, but that’s not true. We would like to have younger members as well,” Hunt said.
For more information about the club, send an email to randfonteinclub1@gmail.com. To join the club, send an SMS to 071 531 5483 and a member will respond and start the application process.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites Roodepoort Record, Krugersdorp News and Get It Joburg West Magazine
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
