Arts, Culture & Heritage
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Blue Plaque Sites

The Capers

Table of Contents

About The Capers

Developed in cooperation with the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation

Address

5 Wexford Avenue, Westcliff

Inscription

THE CAPERS (formerly DAVAAR) Designed in 1918 for Mr and Mrs T.J. Welch by Cook and Ralston, architects of the original Pretoria Town Hall, this gracious home was acquired in 1924 by Bridget and Orlando Leake. A staunch Wesleyan and a Rand Pioneer, Mr Leake served as a councillor on the Johannesburg Council for twenty-seven years without remuneration, and as Mayor from 1925 to 1926. Orlando Township in Soweto was named after him in recognition of his concern for disadvantaged communities.

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.

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