A natural waterfall just off Louis Botha Ave, in Houghton Drive, might sound like something of a story. However, there is such a waterfall.
The Orange Grove Waterfall, as it has been called, has been hidden from the public eye for decades, but recently caught the full attention of the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation (JHF), and has subsequently commanded community attention on social media.
This is thanks to the stalwart efforts of The Gardens resident and community leader Brett McDougall, who is championing an initiative, together with the JHF, represented by David Fleminger, to have the waterfall and the property on which it is situated, restored to its former grandeur.
The palatial property on which the waterfall is situated, is just off Houghton Drive and Louis Botha Ave. The property is so unassuming from the outside, one would never imagine this same property was referred to as a ‘pleasure park’ almost a century ago. The word ‘pleasure’ was used to describe the high-tea gardens, hot air balloon rides, community bathing and picnic areas, and terraced lawns, for games and leisurely sports.
The original gate to the property, a small wooden gate, neatly positioned between two low stone walls (the original walls of almost 100 years ago), is still there (see photograph), and is nothing like the gate which now stands at the property’s entrance – a metal sliding gate with barbed wire at the top.
The original house on the property, built 1938, still stands, stately and somehow otherworldly, considering the hustle and bustle of the neighbouring Louis Botha Ave. However, some wall structures from this same period have crumbled and appear ruinous when one visits the site, emerging above the overgrowth of vegetation and weeds and appearing as a ‘lost city’ of sorts.
Waterfall and river, a life-source for area’s orange groves
Still, despite the passing of time, the waterfall remains the central feature of this estate. It was on seeing this natural gem for himself that McDougall chose to put forth a proposal to the JHF. McDougall explained to the Gazette he helped with restoration work on the Hilson Bridge, Norwood and had heard about a waterfall in the Orange Grove area. “This intrigued me as I had not known there was one,” he said.
So McDougall asked to see the property, and said he immediately fell in love with the natural beauty of the waterfall, and the history of the property, and determined something had to be done.
“The City bought the property in 1981 and unfortunately it fell into neglect,” said Fleminger, speaking on behalf of the JHF. “As a foundation we have a stipend which we put towards projects which we believe are important to protect, and Brett’s proposal to us on the waterfall intrigued us and we saw the value in protecting the waterfall and cleaning up the area.”
Fleminger said he believed that this needed to be a community initiative as there was a limited amount of money available, and much work was needed to clear overgrown weeds and vegetation, and to remove litter, to restore the site.
“We hope to get the ball rolling and to get residents excited about what they have here,” said McDougall, explaining this waterfall was significant for the area, as the stream which came forth from it, gave life to some of the same orange groves after which the area Orange Grove was named.
A Friends of the Orange Grove Waterfall Facebook page has been set up which will keep residents up to date with community initiatives aimed at cleaning the site, including dates of clean-ups, and at which residents can ask questions or offer their support as sponsors or volunteers. “Our dream is to see the site, including the house, fully restored and in operation,” said Fleminger.”Ultimately we would like the house and waterfall being recognised for their heritage value, and will be erecting blue plaques to celebrate this,” said McDougall.
Details: https://www.facebook.com/friendsoforangegrovewaterfall
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