Centurion, a beautiful garden city in the commercial and industrial heartland of the subcontinent, lies between South Africa’s two largest cities, Pretoria and Johannesburg. Centurion is a well planned city with a dynamic business core, industrial parks and vast open spaces for new development, which caters for the increasing demand for advanced technological research and manufacturing centres. It’s a city for entrepreneurs and enterprising businessmen looking for new markets and new challenges. The industrial core is supported by a well developed road and rail network between Johannesburg and Pretoria, and it has direct access to three of the country’s major freeways.

The central business district surrounds a beautiful man made lake where modern office blocks and open air restaurants are reflected in the mirrored surface of the water. To accommodate the energetic and outdoor lifestyle of the younger, dynamic population of Centurion and to make full use of it’s pleasant rural atmosphere and exceptional climate, excellent sport and recreational facilities were established in the area.

One of Centurion’s aims is to develop into a green or garden city. The realization of this aim is facilitated by the absence of heavy industry and the presence of the Hennops River, Rietspruit and Swartbooispruit within the city’s boundaries. Centurion falls within the ecological zone known as the Bakenveld, which is a transition veld type between savannah and bushveld. It is richly endowed with woody plants that grow in rocky areas, especially against slopes and in sheltered gorges. Here the thinner grass cover offers little competition to the younger woody plants and veld fires are less destructive. Riverine vegetation along the Hennops River consists of typical bushy vegetation which includes Celtis Africana (White Stinkwood), Combretum erythrophyllum (River Bushwillow), Acacia Karroo (Sweet Thorn) and Rhus spp. (Karee Species). The vegetation is of interest from a botanical point of view and has a high conservation value. Developers are encourage to protect and use existing vegetation in their developments as far as possible. A large variety of bird species (more than 131 according to surveys) can be observed in Centurion, especially along streams. The Hennops River Hiking Trail offers an excellent opportunity to view a large variety of birds.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Average Rainfall – 600 mm – 700 mm per annum, mostly during November and January

Average Temperatures – Summer 14°c – 27°c; Winter Minimum 0°c

Banks – Absa, Fnb, Standard, Nedbank

HISTORICAL VIEW

In 1889 Alois Hugo Nellmapius purchased a large portion of the farm Doornkloof from the Erasmus brothers. He named the western portion of the farm after his daughter Irene Voilet Nellmapius, which explains the name of Irene. After Nellmapius’ death the farm was sold to Johannes Albertus van der Bijl, who put in a lot of effort to have it proclaimed as a township. His plans were, however, cut short by the Anglo Boer War of 1899 – 1902. The establishment of the Johannesburg – Pretoria railway line and the opening of Hack’s Store in 1893 contributed largely to the development and growth of Irene. These were the main reasons which led to the eventual proclamation in 1908 of the town Lyttelton (named after General Sir Neville Lytelton) on the farm Droogegrond, which belonged to a Mr Ball. The five daughters of the original owner established a company to develop the township. Initially growth was very slow – thirty years after proclamation. Lytellton only had 30 inhabitants. As in the case of Irene, the establishment of a station in Lyttelton contributed greatly to the growth of the town. Lyttelton Manor Extension One was proclaimed in 1942 and together with Lytellton restored under Pretoria’s Health Council of peri – urban areas. In 1950 the Administrator of the then Transvaal was requested to establish an independent health committee. This request was approved and a committee of six members became responsible for the townships of Lyttelton and Lyttelton Manor Extension One. Five years later the status of the health committee was elevated to a town council and in 1962 to that of a city council. At that stage the area of jurisdiction was enlarged to 6220 ha due to the grouping of more townships, portions of farms and smallholdings under one local authority, the Town Council of Lyttelton. In 1967 the name of the municipal area was changed to Verwoerdburg, named after former prime minister DR HF Verwoerd. In 1973 the municipal area was further enlarged to 20 000 ha. The former Town Council of Verwoerdburg and the Local Area Committee of Rantesig were dissolved in December 1994. A new local authority was compiled from the mentioned areas with the incorporation of Christoburg, Claudius, Laudium, Erasmia and portions of the farm Knopjeslaagte. This enlarged the municipal area to 46 780 ha. The new name of Centurion was announced during a Council meeting on 27 June 1995. Today Centurion presents a different image to almost a century ago. Where growth tended to be slow and difficult, Centurion is now one of the fastest growing areas in Gauteng. However, it’s historical roots are not forgotten as historical and other places of interest can bear testimony.

Air Force Memorial

The Air Force Memorial on Bays Hill overlooks the Zwartkop Air Force base, where the South African Air Force was founded during 1922. The monument, symbolizing flight, was erected in memory of the approximately 3000 members of the Air Force who died over the years during war and peace. The building has the shape of a triangular star and consists of three wings, one of which is a chapel for family services. The wings enfold a central memorial hall, which contains a cenotaph on a scarlet star, a list of the deceased and illuminated documents. The monument is as high as a six storey building and was erected on a raised platform pedestal with fountains underneath the point of each wing. A garden of remembrance and an amphitheatre with seating capacity for 5000 people form part of the surrounding grounds. The cast iron entrance gates were previously used at the old South African Air Force memorial in Waterkloof. The memorial was opened in 1963.

Battle of Pretoria

During this battle in June 1900, which began with a skirmish near Irene, the Boers employed guerilla tactics which worried the British to the extent that they decided to destroy the Boer farms in order to end the war. Many families were left homeless and concentration camps were established. These camps were officially closed in 1903.

Battle of Rooihuiskraal

The Battle of Rooihuiskraal, which took place near the Rooihuiskraal Historical Site, is viewed as one of the most crucial battles of the First War of Independence. In spite of this, only one British soldier was killed and 15 wounded. One of the wounded was Lt Col Gildea, or the ‘Damned Colonel’ as he was called by the Boers. By the end of 1880, the Transvaal Boer forces had surrounded important towns which had been occupied by the British, in order to prevent the soldiers in these towns from joining General George Colley’s troops from Natal. The British in Pretoria were also trapped in this way and their efforts to escape were checked twice before they decided on a large exodus through Rooi-huiskraal. The Boers got wind of this and took up positions behind the stone wall of the farm’s massive kraal. When the British arrived in large numbers the Boers started to shoot, causing great consternation. Colonel Gildea stood upright in his stirrups to motivate his men and was hit in the buttocks. The British retreated. The Boer victory at Rooihuiskraal had a demoralizing effort on the British. They could not join the Natal troops of Genl Colley and after they were conquered at Amajuba, the Transvaal regained it’s independence. The old stone kraal at Rooihuiskraal is somewhat dilapidated today, but serves as a reminder of the historic victory and was declared a national monument. A recent addition to the site is the Centurion Battle Tank, which was donated to Centurion by the South African Army. The tank was among others used by the British in Korea in 1954. It was later acquired by South Africa, upgraded several times, but is now aged enough to serve as a museum piece.

Irene Camp Cenetery

The Battle of Pretoria in June 1990 started with a skirmish near Irene, upon which Lord Roberts decided to outmaneuver the defending Boers south of Pretoria by following the course of the Hennops River to approach Pretoria from the west. After this a fort was built on Irene’s highest koppie, now known as Cornwall Hill, by the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry. The guerilla tactics of the Boers frustrated the British to the extent that they decided to destroy the farms of the Boers in an effort to end the war. This left many families destitute. Concentration camps were established, one of which was a tent camp near Irene where the first refugees arrived during January 1901. Conditions in the camp deteriorated rapidly and by the end of 1901, 800 people had already died. The camp was later extended to the other side of the river – the second camp was known as Nylstroom. During 1902 the two camps accommodated an average of 4500 men, women and children. Although peace was declared on 31 May 1902, the camps were only officially closed during 1903. More than 2000 people were allegedly buried at the camp, although the cemetery’s name list only mentions 1149 names. A name plate with a number of 2156 was found later, but only 850 graves could be found.

Porcinarium / Pig Museum

The Animal Improvement Institute of the Agricultural Research Council is situated just outside Irene and houses among others the world’s only (as far as s known)pig museum or porcinarium. The museum displays were arranged with the help of the Transvaal Museum and offer an interesting review of the origin and development of pig species in South Africa. The museum was openend in August 1996 to coincide with the fortieth anniversary of the National Pig Performance Testing Scheme. Since it’s opening the porcinarium has received many visitors, especially from abroad. A lapa at the museum can be used for conferences and other purposes. The museum is open during the week (office hours) and for weekend visits arrangements can be made.

Smuts House

Although Smuts House is situated just beyond Centurion’s borders, the inhabitants view it as part of Centurion – probably due to the extremely popular flee market that is held there on the second and last Saturday of each month. Smuts House was the dwelling of General Jan Christiaan Smuts, twice prime minister of South Africa, soldier, philosopher, botanist and grass expert and known internationally, among others for the creation of the term ‘holism’. Previously a mess for British officers in Middelburg, Smuts bought the house for 300 pounds in 1908 and had it transported to Irene, where it was re erected on the farm Doornkloof. The structure was initially meant as a temporary home until a new house could be built on the koppie behind the house. The Smuts family, however, grew so attached to the house that they stayed there until the death of General Smuts on 11 September 1950. Today it is a museum to commemorate the life of Smuts. The museum and surrounding grounds are open to the public seven days a week. A walking trail starts from behind the house and leads to a koppie where a monument was erected to commemorate certain members of the Smuts family. Guided bird and botanic walks are arranged on a regular basis. The new Oubaas trail, a circular route of 2,4 km and developed by the Friends of the General Smuts Foundation, was opened recently.

NATURE

Hennops River

According to tradition, this river is named after a hunter by the name of Hennops who was killed by a rhinoceros next to the river. It flows through a high lying hilly area which gradually descends towards the Magliesburg valley. The drop is approximately 40 m over a distance of 14 km. The average height of the river varies between 1380 m and 1720 m above sea level

Rietspruit

Marshes and swamps are found next to the Rietspruit, and are useful for water conservation and purification, regulation of current flow, control of flood damage and recreational opportunities. Rocky hills abound at Cornwall Hill, Smutskoppie, Swartkop, Hoekplaatskop and Schurveberg, with valleys cutting deep into the hills.

Zwartkop Nature Reserve

Centurion has two perennial streams within it’s borders, which are utilized for the development of parks and walking trails. Inhabitants can walk the 13 km Hennops River walking trail which starts at the Supersport Centurion Cricket stadium and ends in the Zwartkop Nature Reserve. The route is characterized by lush vegetation and a large variety of bird species. Ample parking space along the route makes it possible to walk only parts of the route. The Zwartkop Nature Reserve has been developed on the banks of the Hennops River and is home to several bird and game species. Approximately 400 blesbuck, springbok, impala, red hartebeest, ostrich and zebra have already been resettled in the reserve. Several walking trails have been developed and the flora has been identified and tagged. A lapa is available that can be hired for private functions.

ATTRACTIONS

Alabama Boat

Offers trips across the Centurion Lake, also caters for private functions for a maximum of 28 persons.

Art Gallery - Cantonments Road, next to the main library

Centurion Lake

The man made Centurion Lake was developed simultaneously with the Centurion shopping centre. The lake covers an area of 7,5 ha, has a length of 500 m. The average depth is 2,4 m. apart from being eye catching and creating a peaceful atmosphere for shoppers, the lake is used for various activities, such as canoeing, wind surfing, angling, model boating, float competitions and a triathlon. An additional attraction of the lake is the musical fountain. With it’s 600 spray nozzles and 280 coloured lights it is a popular attraction in the evenings and over weekends. For the physical enthusiasts pedal boats are available. The north eastern bank of the lake and of the Hennops River has been developed for recreation in the form of walking and horse riding trails. Another unusual attraction is a three kilometer miniature railway line for model trains which can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Centurion Model Steam Club – Lakeside scale track running along the Centurion Lake.

Musical Fountains

Situated on Centurion lake, a water organ with 600 fountain jets and 200 coloured lights is a popular attraction.

SA Mint

The history of the SA Mint dates back to 1892 when Paul Kruger, president of the then South African Republic (ZAR), ordered a mint press from Germany. This press, which moved with the Mint from Church Square to Visagie Street, is still in working order and can be seen at the SA Mint museum in Gateway, Centurion. The Mint’s very modern factory in Centurion was opened in October 1992 and is still regarded as one of the most modern mints in the world. The Mint became a private company in 1988 and produces not only South African coins, but also coins for other countries, such as New Zealand, Argentina and Swaziland. A museum, known as Coin World, was opened to the public during 1996 and offers an overview of the history of the Mint. It also houses a jewellery shop and is open seven days a week from 09:00 – 15:30. guided tours are also available, which last approximately two hours.

SA SCC Rally

The South African SCC Rally started for the first time in Centurion in 1996. since then iit has become an annual event. Before the actual rally an exciting Super Competition is held on a gravel track in Samrand – two competitors start simultaneously on the track, which has the form of an eight. The following day the cars race through Centurion’s central business district and through the Cornwall Hill development. Then the Samrand Super Competition is held again after which the rally takes a course through Mpumalanga to end in Swaziland.

Supersport Centurion Cricket Stadium

One of Centurion’s best known landmarks is probably the Centurion Cricket Stadium, currently known as Supersport Centurion. Apart from cricket matches, the stadium is also utilized for music concerts and a variety of community activities. The stadium is however best known for the national and international cricket matches that are played there. It is the home of the Northern Titans Cricket Union and was designed in such a way that it blends well with the surrounding environment. Special recreational facilities are offered. The stadium has a seating capacity of 20 000, including 70 private suites and 6000 formal seats at the bottom of the main pavilion. Informal seating is available underneath large shady trees on grassed slopes. The main pavilion also houses offices, a luxury restaurant and a multipurpose conference hall which can accommodate up to 600 people.

Wally Hayward Marathon

One of the most important races on the road running calendar, the Wally Hayward Marathon, is run annually in Centurion. The race is named after the well known veteran (he ran well into his eighties), and previous winner of the Comrades marathon. Wally Hayward also participated in the first race that was named after him. The race attracts more than 5000 participants annually and enjoys wide Tv coverage. It is particularly popular as it is one of the last runs in which athletes can qualify for the Comrades Marathon.

ACTIVITIES

Outdoors - Bird Watching, Canoeing, Game Viewing

Hiking

Hennops River Hiking Trail

The trail runs between centurion Cricket Stadium and the Zwartkop Nature Reserve and is approximately 13 km long.

WHERE TO STAY

Belvedere Guest House

Located outside the charming and historic village of Irene, less than 20 minutes from Johannesburg International Airport. Eight individually decorated rooms, opening onto a large north facing patio. Swimming Pool, entertainment and braai area and beautiful garden. All rooms with en suite bathroom, television and tea / coffee making facilities. Full English breakfast served.

Leriba Lodge (Centurion / Pretoria)

Accommodation in and around Centurion