About Benoni

Benoni, in Ekurhuleni on Gauteng's East Rand, was established in 1904 around gold-mining claims and takes its name from the Old Testament phrase meaning "son of my sorrow," reportedly chosen by the town's founder after his wife died during its establishment. Built around the reclaimed wetland now known as Lake Benoni, the town retains a green, water-centred core unusual for a Reef mining town, with the lake and its surrounding parkland forming a focal point for community life. Benoni's history is closely linked to gold and coal mining, and it grew as a working-class mining and manufacturing centre through the twentieth century, with Willowmoore Park, one of South Africa's established provincial cricket grounds, hosting the sport for generations. Today Benoni functions as a commercial and residential hub within Ekurhuleni, with suburbs like Rynfield and Northmead anchoring much of its social and retail activity.

Schools and culture share the spotlight in Benoni this month, starting with Core Education Joburg Schools Marimba Fest at ACUDEO College Crystal Park. Runners lace up after dark for the Jan L Jordaan BNAC Night Race, while nightlife crowds head to Wattville Youth Centre for the All Black Affair - Wattville Events. Families can look ahead to the ACUDEO SUMMER FESTIVAL at month's end, and younger audiences get a treat with Lets Go To The Circus at Tom Newby School.