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Brakpan, Gauteng

Brakpan is situated between Springs and Benoni on the East Rand of Gauteng. The three areas have virtually become one and eventually all East Rand towns will simply become suburbs of Johannesburg due to the constant urban development.

There is nothing particularly unique about this mostly Afrikaans speaking town – no landmarks, major monuments or museums – but the town certainly doesn’t lack character. Its suburban roads still show some tinned roofed homes, and despite some presence of electric fencing and high walls, some homes are still defined by nothing more than a simple fence.

The opening of Carnival City brought more tourists to the town and created many much needed jobs.  Brakpan offers excellent restaurants, movie houses, entertainment, great shopping, sport facilities and much more.

The town also boasts the renowned Rock Raceway, home of high speed motorsport action, which attracts racing fans from all over the country.

Brakpan offers all forms of accommodation which include B&B’s, self-catering units, guest houses and hotels.

Things to do and see

Climate

Brakpan receives approximately 703 mm of rain annually with the majority falling during the Summer months.

Summer months, November to March will have average temperatures of between 12˚C and 27˚C.

Winter months, May to August will have average temperatures of between 1˚C and 22˚C.

Transport

There are daily flights into O R Tambo International Airport approximately 27 km away via the Van Dyk Road as well as into Lanseria International Airport, approximately 84 km away via the N1. Car Hire facilities are available at the airport.

History

The town first came to life in 1888 when a coal seam was discovered on the farm Weltevreden near a pan of brackish water from which the town is said to have taken its name.

Proclaimed a municipality in 1919, Brakpan flourished as a gold and coal centre for the first half of the century.

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