Grootvlei
Grootvlei is in the region known as the East Rand which extends from Germiston in the west to Springs in the east, and south down to Nigel, and includes the towns of Alberton, Boksburg, Benoni, Brakpan, Kempton Park, Edenvale, and Bedfordview. As part of the restructuring of municipalities in South Africa at the time the local governments of the East Rand were merged into a single municipality in 1999, called the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, meaning "Place of Peace". Despite having a separate municipal government the East Rand is included in the Greater Johannesburg metropolitan area.
The City of Springs
Springs is a city in the South African province of Gauteng forming part of the East Rand. The city's name, Springs, is derived from the large number of natural springs in the area.
Historically Springs was originally mined for coal with the first mining contract being signed in 1888. The first railways were built three years later to carry the coal from the East Rand Coalfields to the gold mines of the Witwatersrand. Gradually as coal was discovered closer to the gold mines, the Springs collieries were closed. However gold had also been discovered in the area. Springs obtained municipal status in 1912, just four years after the first gold mining began. By the late 1930s, there were eight gold mines near Springs making it the largest single gold-producing area in the world.
Attractions
For the nature lover the internationally recognized, Grootvaly Wetland Reserve with its 350 hectare wetland and 450 bird species including Glossy Ibis, Egyptian and Spurwinged Geese, Yellowbilled Duck and Redbilled Teal and small antelope is only 5 minutes away. The Blesbokspruit system, consists partly of open water, reed beds and marshy habitat, this natural attraction
is a must see.
Designed in 1937 this 18 hole golf course and club located in the suburb of Springs offers visitors an illusionary escape into the country. In addition to the 18 hole course the Springs Golf Club also offer additional facilities including a bar, board room and function facilities, driving range and putting green to name but a few. Visitors are always welcome.
Carnival City forms part of the Sun International Group offering guests the highest level of service and superior entertainment. In addition to the usual casino attractions Carnival City offers entertainment for the whole family including six cinemas, go-kart racing, 12 ten pin bowling lanes, a fully supervised creche and the latest in interactive computer and simulation games.
Located near Eastgate Shopping Mall in the southern suburbs the Bruma Lake Flea Market resembles a fisherman's village. Here you will find almost anything you can think of from West African wood crafts to designer clothing, fine art to homemade toys and even antiques. The Bruma Lake Flea Market is purportedly Southern Africa's largest flea market.
This lake is a popular destination for boating, fishing, water sport and hiking. Surrounded by lawns, trees and terraces the lake covers over 150, 000 m². Boksburg Lake is a lovely spot where visitors can retreat to spend a blissful and entertaining day or even a whole weekend away with sailing and row boats for hire. Other attractions include a golf course and roller-skating rink.
Named due to a sponsorship deal with the South African WesBank company this raceway opened in 2003. Located in Germiston this raceway was built on the site of a former horse racing track. This raceway features an oval track, dragstrip, road circuit and motorcross track offering a wide range of events for the motor racing enthusiast.
Local Schools
| Veritas College | (011) 362 2686 | www.veritas.org.za |
| High Schools | ||
| Springs' Girls High School | (011) 363 1415 | www.springsgirls.co.za |
| Springs' Boys High School | (011) 818 2175 | www.springsboyshigh.co.za |
| Hoёrskool Hugenote | (011) 811 1390 | www.hugenoteskool.co.za |
| Springs Muslim School | (011) 733 3941 | www.maw.za.org |
| Primary Schools | ||
| Jan van Riebeeck Laerskool | (011) 811 1890 | |
| Selection Park Laerskool | (011) 362 6858 | |
| Pre Schools | ||
| Aljander | (011) 362 3983 | |
| Smileykids | (011) 811 6353 | www.smileykids.co.za |
