Heritage Weekend: Diagonal Street and the Struggle

ABOUT

Diagonal Street is one of Joburg’s most iconic thoroughfares, with its distinctive row of Victorian shopfronts dating back to 1896. Traditionally, this was home to a range of Indian shopkeepers and herbalists and, despite some threats of re-development in the 1980s, the colourful ‘trader’s alley’ endures to this day.

But Diagonal Street isn’t just about retail. Join us as we explore the area’s impressive Struggle credentials, which involves the Sisulus, the Tambos and the Mandelas - not to mention the evil deeds perpetrated inside the dreaded John Vorster Square police station nearby. 

We’ll also be discussing the architectural heritage, which includes the famous ‘broekie lace’ facades, the landmark blue-glass ‘Diamond’ Building, and the Modernist designs of Wilhelm Pabst in China Town.

DIRECTIONS