Picture this. You stand before Orange Grove in Johannesburg. A bustling neighbourhood. One of Johannesburg’s oldest suburbs. Originally called Lemoen Plaas. Afrikaans for Orange Farm. Its history is rich and varied.
Orange Grove wasn’t always a vibrant hub. It began humbly. Orange trees dotted the landscape. J C Esterhuizen planted them. His daughter married a Viljoen. Their farmhouse became the site of the famous Orange Grove Hotel. The hotel is gone now. A petrol station stands in its place.
From the 1950s to the late 1980s Orange Grove was nicknamed Little Italy. Italian immigrants flocked here. They opened restaurants and delis. Portuguese Jewish and Afrikaans cultures also thrived. A truly cosmopolitan atmosphere filled the air. Louis Botha Avenue the main street was its heart.
This avenue initially connected Johannesburg’s CBD to Pretoria. It’s undergoing a revival today. Old restaurants are getting makeovers. They still honour their past. Super Sconto a massive Italian food store is here. It’s said to be the biggest in South Africa. They sell everything from tomatoes to pastries.
The Radium Beerhall is another landmark. It opened in 1929. First a tearoom then a shebeen. Much of its original charm remains. Live music fills the air on weekends. The Portuguese food is delicious. The Doll House a roadhouse closed in 2017. A piece of Orange Grove’s past is gone.
HospiceWits Orange Grove’s charity shop is a must-see. Find everything from gramophones to vintage clothing. Kalahari Books is a haven for book lovers. It has an estimated 70 000 titles. Tonino’s Portuguese Restaurant is another local favourite. It offers everything from pub grub to elegant meals. Live music and karaoke are popular here.
Orange Grove has changed over time. It once faced safety concerns after 1994. Many homes added security measures. Nightclubs and movie theatres closed. Yet the community spirit endures. Schools and the vibrant culture of Little Italy’s legacy remain.
So as you stand here in Orange Grove you can sense a story unfolding before you. One of immigrants and entrepreneurs. Of music and food. Of history and community. It is a story that continues to be written. Every day.