Braamfontein Cemetery, Johannesburg

Exploring the cemeteries of Johannesburg provides a unique window into the city's historical past. The city's first cemetery, established in 1886 at the intersection of Bree and Harrison Streets, coincided with the discovery of gold in the Witwatersrand region. As Johannesburg rapidly expanded, this cemetery became overcrowded. Consequently, a new burial ground, known as the Braamfontein Cemetery, was established in 1888 in the Braamfontein area. In the 1890s, the remains from the city cemetery were exhumed and relocated to Braamfontein.

The Braamfontein Cemetery, an ancient resting place for the city's pioneers, freedom fighters, and ordinary citizens, holds a prestigious position among Johannesburg's cemeteries. Situated at the western edge of Braamfontein, bounded by Smit and Graf streets, as well as Enoch Sontonga Avenue, it stands as the most revered cemetery in Johannesburg.

Enclosed by fencing and stone walls, adorned with imposing angelic sculptures, intricately designed crosses, and massive granite gravestones, the Braamfontein Cemetery has stood for over a century. The cemetery's landscape is enriched by the presence of tall eucalyptus trees and lush greenery, offering a serene and historical atmosphere, where the stories of the past are etched into gravestones and depicted on maps that delineate the various sections within the cemetery.

In the days of old, the paths through Braamfontein Cemetery were traversed by horse-drawn hearses, as mourners from diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and ethnicities came to lay their loved ones to rest. There are few places as hallowed as an open, ancient cemetery, and in this regard, Braamfontein continues to hold its esteemed status as the preeminent cemetery in Johannesburg.