Six interesting facts about Fourways
FOURWAYS - Fourways is built on what was once a 605-acre game farm owned by the Eriksen family.
Almost a century since its modest beginnings, one could argue that the transformation the Sandton skyline has undergone in recent years could be one of the main catalysts for breathing life into the Fourways precinct. It is becoming one of the northern suburbs’ fastest-developing economic and residential hubs, making it an emerging metropolis in its own right.
1. The name Fourways derives from the fourway-stop where William Nicol Drive and Witkoppen Road meet.
2. Norscot Manor is used as a recreational centre, boasting events from weddings and social functions, to business gatherings and other meetings. However, in a true labour of love, it was said that in 1935, Ethel Eriksen wife to Ernst Eriksen decided after falling instantly in love with the area’s ethereal beauty and majestic sunsets, that it was where she wanted her family to build their home. Ernst set out to find out who owned the land belonged and persuaded them to sell it to him. He lived on site, in a tent, until the project was completed the following year.
3. The name Norscot comes from the ‘Nor’wegian and ‘Scot’tish nationals, Ernst and Ethel.
4. Fourways High School and Bryanston High School have a long-standing rivalry which sees them take up swords in the modern day settling of the rugby field. According to Fourways High School deputy principal, Mr Holliday, the friendly rivalry dates back to 1988 when the school first opened its gates. Since its inception, Fourways High’s first team ruby boys had continuously lost to Bryanston High School. It was not until 2007 that the curse was finally broken.
5. Tanz Café is a live music venue nestled on the Bryanston and Riverside border. It was known for giving musicians like Dan Patlansky, Laurie Lavine and Josie Field a platform for showcasing their talents. But what many might not know is it also gave comedian Trevor Noah a platform to showcase his talents way before many of us had even heard of the ‘daywalker’.
6. Controversial Afrikaans singer Steve Hofmeyr once dumped ticket to U2s concert worth R5 000 into the Juskei River. This was out of protest to comments U2 front man, Bono made with regards to the infamous ‘shoot the boer’ song.
