Turffontein Race Course

Table of Contents

Address

14 Turffontein Road, Turffontein.
2016

Inscription

The Race Course was established in 1892 and the foundations for the original grandstands were laid in 1893. From 1897, the Turf Club pegged the entire course for mining, and gold was mined at 1.5km below the race course, while racing continued unabated on the course. During the South African War of 1899 Ð 1902, it was closed to be used as the biggest concentration camp in the Transvaal, accommodating over 5000 Boer women and children.

Photo courtesy: Kabelo Mokoena (Sunday Times)

Explore Joburg

A culmination of research gathered over many years, the Online Johannesburg Heritage Register is being launched on Nelson Mandela Day 18 July 2025.

Among the many heritage sites featured is Chancellor House, the downtown offices of Mandela and Tambo Attorneys in the 1950s. After having been vacant and shuttered for more than a decade, this iconic building is being revived and brought to life once again as offices for the Community Development Department, which oversees the City’s Arts, Culture & Heritage Services.