Who was Boksburg named after

W. Eduard Bok

Boksburg was named after the State Secretary of the South African Republic, W. Eduard Bok. The Main Reef Road linked Boksburg to all the other major mining towns on the Witwatersrand and the Angelo Hotel (1887) was used as a staging post.

Who was Boksburg named after

Who founded Boksburg?

Prior to 1860, the present municipal area of Boksburg and its immediate environs comprised mainly the highveld farms called Leeuwpoort, Klippoortje, Klipfontein and Driefontein. Carl Ziervogel bought the farm Leeuwpoort in 1875 and for 300 morgen of barren, rocky veld he paid £75.

What is Boksburg famous for?

One of the premier features of Boksburg is the large dam built by Mining Commissioner, Montague White. It stood empty for many years, until a flash flood in 1889. The 150,000m² Dam is now known as the Boksburg Lake and is surrounded by lush lawns; a perfect spot for boating, fishing, water sports, and hiking.

When was Boksburg founded?

1887

Established in 1887 as the administrative centre of the East Rand with the discovery of gold and coal in the area, it has become one of the most important gold-producing towns on the Witwatersrand. It was incorporated as a town in 1903.

What interesting facts about Boksburg you never knew?

Boksburg was named after Willem Eduard Bok. This Dutch-born South African Boer politician was the first State Secretary of the then South African Republic. Boksburg-born Norman Gordon represented South Africa in five Test matches in the 1938-39 season.