Melville Koppies: A glimpse into the recent past

Come and celebrate Heritage Day on Melville Koppies. Hike down to the bridge that crosses the Westdene Spruit. You’ll see a spanking new bridge made from recycled plastic water bottles and milk jugs.

Scramble underneath and you’ll get a glimpse into old Johannesburg. In 1964, a rustic bridge was built on the very same site.

The wooden bridge was supported on tramlines which were once part of Johannesburg’s electric tram public transport system until 1961. Although the wood from the original bridge has long disintegrated, the tramlines still provide the solid foundation for the bridge.

Photos from the 1960s of that rustic bridge show a bare landscape compared with today. DF Malan Drive (now Beyers Naude), the cave and koppie on the western side above West Park cemetery are clearly visible from the bridge. Grass covers the eastern and western sides of the river.

Stand on the bridge today and you’ll struggle to see the koppie on the west. Tall stinkwood trees tower above you, cooling you even on the hottest day. The trees were planted by the Tree Society in the 1960s with the aim to show residents the beauty of indigenous trees.

This is just one of the many heritage aspects that can be explored on Melville Koppies. For more, visit www.mk.org.za

Due to the pandemic, the usual calendar of guided tours and hikes is temporarily suspended. Instead, they are offering Sunday morning outings. Arrive from 8am and be out by 11.30am.

Pre-bookings and payment is required – R80 for adults and R40 for learners. Email names and cellphone numbers of your group to wendavid@mweb.co.za or phone 011 482 4797 for more details.

Dates available are September 24, as well as every Sunday in October, November and up to December 20.