Arts, Culture & Heritage
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Blue Plaque Sites

Johannesburg City Library

Table of Contents

About Johannesburg City Library

Developed by the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation. Unveiled to mark Women's Day.

Address

Foyer of the central library, Albertina Sisulu Road and Pixley Seme Street. Entrance from Beyers Naude Square.
9 August 2025

Inscription

ANNA H. SMITH Anna H. Smith (1912-1992) was JohannesburgÕs City Librar-ian and Director of the Africana Museum from 1960-1975, and the first woman to head a major cultural institution in the city. In addition to her 38 years of dedicated service, she edited and published several important books on Africana and Johannesburg history. Her book Johannesburg Street Names remains an indispensable reference source, while her legacy of documenting and preserving Africana is immeasura-ble.

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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