In 1936, Johannesburg hosted the British Empire Exhibition and for this illustrious major event, the JMT – Johannesburg Municipal Tramways, ordered 50 modern trams from Metropolitan Cammell in Birmingham, England. These streamlined double-deck trams represented the last word in modern tramcar design. Seating was provided for 32 passengers on the lower deck and 44 upstairs – total 76.
BOOK REVIEWS
‘Geomotional’ is a remarkable and beautifully illustrated exploration of – as the sub-title says – ‘Geometric art, past and present’. The book, which has us journey through images, words, poetry and song, and gives account of a ‘performance-installation’, is compiled by Mary Elizabeth Lange, who is prolific in her writings on Indigenous art and story, and various intersections with heritage.
BLUE PLAQUES
Orlando High School, Soweto’s first high school, is affectionately known as The Rock because of the rocky nature of the site. The School’s first principal, Mr B M Masipa, put into practice the bold experiment to start a school staffed entirely by Africans, and the school opened in 1939. The school started with two teachers – Mr Zephania Mothopeng and Mr Peter Raboroko – and five students.