Booking with advance payment essential: Phone Anita Arnott on 011 795 4056
 
Modderfontein village was established in 1894 to meet the needs of the growing gold mining industry. With the advent of underground mining, there was a need to manufacture and sell dynamite. This resulted in, what is colloquially referred to as, the Modderfontein Dynamite Factory. At the time, the site was far enough away from the mining hub to allay people’s fears around the manufacture of explosives. The original factory was built by Germans, and immigrants were recruited from all over Europe. The historic suburb of Modderfontein grew up around the factory as the residential area for the factory staff and there are many interesting buildings in the historic precinct. There are some wonderful Victorian gems built in the 1890s.
 
Our guide Robbie Vermont will provide a commentary on the technical history of AECI as a producer of explosives and chemicals, as well as a social commentary and insight into the part played by some of the world famous figures who helped shape the destiny of Southern Africa. After the walk we will picnic in the nature reserve.
 
Recently, AECI sold 1 600 hectares of land and buildings, to developer Shanghai Zendai, who are listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. They plan a modern R84 billion development enhanced with smart city elements. This metropolis will be named “Modderfontein New City”.  Zendai Development SA is committed to retaining the identified Heritage Buildings and plans to develop a Heritage Village which includes various cultural and recreational offerings. We have the opportunity to visit Modderfontein before too much changes.
 
Robbie Vermont is a freelance writer who worked for AECI Ltd in the company’s communication department for many years. He has an enduring love of the area and he has been a member of the Modderfontein Conservation Society for over 20 years. Robbie will take us through the Heritage Precinct with frequent stops to talk about interesting aspects of the area, some of which are fact and others of which could be fable!  The walk will start at The Dynamite Company Museum which, unfortunately is closed on week-ends but Robbie will fill in the salient points that feature in the museum during his introduction.
 
Directions:
From Johannesburg
Take the N3. If you are travelling south from the Buccleuch interchange, take the exit after the London Road exit, the R25 towards Edenvale/Kempton Park. If you are travelling north, take the exit after the Linksfield  exit, the R25 to Edenvale/Kempton Park. Travel on the R25 along Modderfontein Road. Shortly after passing the industrial estate on your left side you will see a brown signpost to the “Modderfontein Historical Village”.  Follow all such signs to the village. Look for the Museum signs and go to the car park – the meeting point.
 
From Pretoria take the N1 south and then at the Buccleuch interchange take the N3. Get off at the third exit – R25 to Edenvale/Kempton Park. Follow directions to Kempton Park and the Modderfontein road. Shortly after passing the industrial estate on your left side you will see a brown signpost to the “Modderfontein Historical Village”. Follow all such signs to the village. Look for the Museum signs and go to the car park.