Tucked away behind a veil of neglect, the Orange Grove waterfall is a forgotten natural treasure with a rich history and boundless potential. Few know that this serene waterfall exists, hidden just off Louis Botha Avenue and Houghton Drive, a short distance from the bustling heart of Johannesburg. Once a cherished landmark, the site has now faded into obscurity – its historic significance overshadowed by years of abandonment.
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The property, which houses the waterfall, was once a centre of social gatherings and leisure activities almost a century ago. Referred to as a ‘pleasure park’, it was a vibrant place where people enjoyed high-tea in the gardens, hot air balloon rides, community bathing, and leisurely sports on terraced lawns. Today, the once-grand estate, which the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) rented before leaving it behind, stands nearly forgotten, its rich history lost to many in the community.
The Johannesburg Heritage Foundation (JHF) recently turned its attention to the site, sparking renewed interest in the waterfall and its surrounding property.
David Fleminger, an expert on local heritage, voiced his hopes for the property, stating, “this place has so much potential. It needs to be in the hands of someone with vision, someone who can see what it could become. It could be a massive success if properly restored.” His words capture the feelings of many in the community who see the site as a hidden gem and a space that could once again serve as a public treasure.
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The property, owned by the City of Johannesburg, has been largely neglected since the SARB vacated it. The Johannesburg Property Company (JPC) spokesperson, Lucky Sindane, responsible for managing the site, confirmed plans to put the property out on tender. According Sindane, “the property is owned by the city. The property will soon go out on tender; the process commenced in April 2024.” This news has been met with cautious optimism by locals, who hope the tender process will attract investors with the vision and resources needed to restore the site to its former glory.
Years of neglect have taken their toll on the property, and dilapidated structures and overgrown vegetation now surround the once pristine waterfall. The site cries out for care, needing someone to bring it back to life.
With renewed interest from the public and the JPC’s upcoming tender process, there is hope that the Orange Grove waterfall and its surrounding estate could once again become a beloved part of the Johannesburg landscape. For now, it waits—its potential undeniable, its future uncertain. But with the right investment and passion, this hidden gem could be transformed into a thriving public space, reminiscent of its rich past and promising a brighter future for the community.
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