The Bold and the Beautiful – Women of early Johannesburg in Braamfontein Cemetery
Sun Aug 21, 14:00 - Sun Aug 21, 16:00
Braamfontein Cemetery - 18 Graf Street
ABOUT
Back in the 1880s, Johannesburg was a rough mining camp populated by fortune seekers (overwhelmingly men) from all over the world. As the richness of the main reef became established, however, increasing numbers of women made their way to the City of Gold. First came the barmaids and ladies of the night. Then, as the mining camp transformed into a town, they were joined by the Randlords’ wives, nuns, working class wives, teachers, actresses and servants. These women brought stability to early Johannesburg and helped shape the city that we are familiar with today.
Join us on our walking tour of Braamfontein Cemetery as we share some stories of the women of early Johannesburg and provide a glimpse of what their lives were like.
Highlights include: Annie Cullinan (Randlord wife), Sonja Schlesin (Gandhi’s secretary), Agnes Hoernlé (anthropologist), Valliamma Munusamy (passive resister), Jess Daisy Melville (barmaid), Agnes Tucker (mayoress), Mary Darragh (teacher), and Kate Vaughan (chorus girl).
Meet inside the Braamfontein Cemetery at the office. Safe parking is available.
Please wear a hat, sunscreen and bring water.