Sandton City, from bare land to grace land

Once known as the ‘Northern suburbs of Johannesburg’ and established as a ‘gentleman estate’ area in the early 1930s, the word ‘Sandton’ was derived from two names ‘Sandown’ and ‘Bryanston’. In less than 30 years, Sandton has become the most significant business and financial hub in South Africa and is considered the most opulent area […]

Once known as the ‘Northern suburbs of Johannesburg’ and established as a ‘gentleman estate’ area in the early 1930s, the word ‘Sandton’ was derived from two names ‘Sandown’ and ‘Bryanston’. In less than 30 years, Sandton has become the most significant business and financial hub in South Africa and is considered the most opulent area in Johannesburg including being the country’s most important business and financial district.

When walking along the streets of “Africa’s richest square mile” (as it has been nick-named) surrounded by Manhattan-style skyscrapers, opulent houses, office towers, international and locally renowned brands, and exotic cars, it’s hard to believe that Sandton was merely sandy horse trails and grassy estates in the second half of the last century.

In past years, it was an area where Stone Age hunters walked its plains; tribesmen watered their herds in its streams and springs, as well as ran iron smelting economy there. Sandton was also where the richest gold field on earth was discovered and was home to a world of rich estates.

With these epic developments followed the construction of the Sandton City Shopping Centre which is a major attraction for visitors to Johannesburg.

Information at the Sandton library states that, Sandton achieved independence from Johannesburg in the early 60s when, Sandton was largely a farming and smallholding community.

“After promulgation, Sandton faced a few rocky years concerning the issue of whether it should remain a quiet, semi-rural dormitory town or if it should become a more balanced entity with significant businesses and more residential buildings, splitting the town council apart.”

A brochure on the Centre informed that there was a rush for commercial space in the mid to late 1980s when land in Sandton, Rosebank and Parktown was cheaper than that in the Johannesburg Central Business District (CBD). “These areas also offered a more luxurious lifestyle, such as gardens, streams and affordable office space that could not be accommodated in the Johannesburg CBD.

“Sandton now represents the second largest office node in South Africa, following behind the Johannesburg CBD. The lavish office space in Sandton commands the highest office rentals in the country.

“Sandton has become home to most of the major financial, consulting and banking firms in South Africa, with a substantial seven to ten percent of South African listed companies having postal addresses in Sandton.

“Sandton is home to approximately 300, 000 residents and 10 000 businesses, including investment banks, top businesses, financial consultants, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and one of the biggest convention centres on the African continent, the Sandton Convention Centre.”

Constructed in the early 70’s by Rapp and Maister, Sandton City began operations on September 12, 1973. Its emergence is said to have helped transform Sandton from a farming community into a bustling business district.

Referred to as South Africa’s premier destination of international glamour, top fashion and lifestyle outlets and world-class service, the Sandton City Shopping Centre  receives visitors in thousands on a daily basis all year round.

The Nelson Mandela Square which could be described as an extension of Sandton City, is home to some of South Africa’s finest restaurants, exclusive couture and designer labels and a European style piazza. The arena offers chic sophistication, culture and glamour while offering African hospitality, international style.

With 93 exclusive shops and boutiques, as well as fine dining experiences and sidewalk cafes, the Square is adorned with a six metres high bronze statue of South Africa’s revered leader, Nelson Mandela, weighing 2.5 tons. It was unveiled on the centre’s 10-year anniversary in March 2003. The unveiling also served as a celebration of ten years of democracy in South Africa as well as the renaming of the centre from Sandton Square to Nelson Mandela Square.

Wining and dining at ‘The ‘Butcher’ provokes a diverse sensation and taste of South Africa’s meat eating culture from one of its earliest meat sellers from whom even Nigerians go to for steak to bring back home.

Exquisitely decorated with traditionally fabricated materials, Sandton Shopping Centre like the Nelson Mandela Square, were sites to behold as they awed residents and visitors in all their magnificence last Christmas.

As one feasts away and the hearty laughter of children are heard playing by the fountain, you are reminded by the many sculptured rhinoceroses of South Africa’s fight against their killing for the sake of their horns which like elephants, are major depots for ivory.

Together, Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square comprise the largest retail complex in Africa.