Visitors to the Origins Centre follow a path of hominin innovation that began over 2 million years ago. The museum delves into the fascinating beliefs of the San. Opened by President Thabo Mbeki in 2006, the Origins Centre is dedicated to exploring and celebrating the history of modern humankind. It contains evidence of ancient stone tools, artefacts of symbolic and spiritual significance, and examples of the region’s visually striking rock art. It also captures the impact of the colonial front and highlights examples of resistance. The Origins Centre boasts an extensive collection of rock art from the Rock Art Research Institute at Wits, affording visitors the opportunity to view some of the richest visual heritage found in South Africa and to learn about its history and meaning. This fieldtrip involves a 2.5 hour visit to the museum, please wear comfortable walking shoes.

Located on the north-western edge of Johannesburg's central business district, Braamfontein has its origins as a low-income residential area in the late 19th century. During the 1950s commercial development occurred and Braamfontein mushroomed into an extension of Johannesburg’s central business district. Throughout the 1950s to the early 1980s, the district enjoyed sustained development and relatively low vacancy rates and housed many corporate headquarters. From the late 1980s along with the rest of the inner-city, the area had undergone stagnation and decline. The latter was partly due to a shift in the socio-economic composition of the city during the end of apartheid and the continued disinvestment and decentralisation of business and retail towards the cities northern suburbs. Following more than a decade of stagnation, it is only by the early 2000s that urban renewal initiatives were introduced.

Since 2003 waves of public and private investment has seen the district transformed from a declining commercial node to a vibrant student district with a creative flair. This tour will focus on urban renewal in Braamfontein. Cultural and creative industries and investment in student housing have been integral in transforming Braamfontein. Challenges surrounding commercial gentrification and displacement will also be discussed. Sites of particular interest along the tour include the Juta and Melle street precinct, Wits Art Museum and the Joburg Theatre precinct. This fieldtrip involves a 2.5 hour walk, please wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and bring water.

Hashtags: #SSAGBraamies #Braamies