Arts, Culture & Heritage
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Blue Plaque Sites

Bantu menÕs Social Centre

Table of Contents

Address

1 Elof Street Extension. Located within the HQ of the Joburg Municipal Police (JMPD)
2015

Inscription

Opened in 1924 to provide recreational facilities for young black men, the BMSC became a great centre of cultural activity, frequented by intellectuals, artists, writers and emerging political leaders. Sporting events were held here, plays and concerts, and the annual Eisteddford, which became an annual event. In 1944, the Youth League of the African National Congress was founded here, which went on to transform the politics of the parent organization.

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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