Fordsburg is referred to as “Little India” in Johannesburg because of the vibrant colours, intense aromas of spices and incense, and allure of deals that can be found just about anywhere.
It has its own pulse today. Roads are lined with halal eateries, the Oriental Plaza, a shopping mall for Indian-owned businesses built by the apartheid regime, is a big draw, and the Market Square area, which was rebuilt in 2009, offers still another pull for tourists. Fordsburg is near other inner-city areas that have recently experienced a stylish rebirth (Newtown, Braamfontein and Maboneng precincts in particular).
Fordsburg, on the other hand, is far from Maboneng but nevertheless affected by and visited by people who seek to recapture the city’s inner city from the decline into which it collapsed and continues to totter on the edge of inner-city disintegration. One of Johannesburg’s oldest ancient neighbourhoods in Fordsburg. It was one of the first areas planned by private developers, and it has existed since the late 1800s.
This region in the city’s northwest was designated as a “native location” and was intended for “non-white” people. Indians lived just north of Fordsburg (which was later destroyed to make way for Newtown), Cape Malays from Cape Town settled in Pageview (which was forcibly moved to Lenasia in the 1970s), and poor whites who worked in the city’s gold mines lived just south of Fordsburg in Brickfields (which was later destroyed), or Burghersdorp. Fordsburg became one of the few multicultural and multiracial suburbs as a result. It was inevitable that it would become embroiled in the apartheid conflict.
A large portion of the suburb was destroyed during several upheavals, including the Defiance Campaign of 1952, the Rand Rebellion (Battle of Fordsburg Square) of 1922, and the forced removal of Indians from Pageview in the 1970s. The market building was severely damaged during the Rand Rebellion (Battle of Fordsburg Square) of 1922 and had to be demolished. The government evicted Indians from their homes at the same time as it demolished the 14th Street buildings that many of them utilized as trading districts, driving them into the Oriental Plaza.
Following apartheid, the area has seen an influx of people, primarily Muslims from the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. They brought their cuisine and traditions with them. As a result, going outside of the Oriental Plaza and into the neighbourhood has become a common Saturday night activity.
Fordsburg Map
Fordsburg is a suburb of Johannesburg, South Africa. It is located in Region 8. Fordsburg is a residential suburb, although housing numerous shops and factories.
Things To Do In Fordsburg
Visit The Fordsburg Flea Market
The Fordsburg Flea Market brings to life the historic suburb of Fordsburg through an explosion of colours, flavours, and the warm smiles of the merchants. This market, which embraces Indian traditions, sounds, history, and flavours, is a bustling centre in the middle of the Johannesburg neighbourhood.
The covered market is filled with spice merchants and shops selling exquisite apparel during the day. But on Friday and Saturday nights, the tiny plaza comes alive. The area is bustling with traditional ingredients, Bollywood songs and DVDs, apparel, costume jewellery, exotic teas, and delectable Indian food to tantalize and seduce the taste buds. Twinkling lights brighten the square. A lively environment is created by the vibrant textures of fresh products, the kind greeting of vendors willing to bargain over the best rates and the constant activity of a genuine Indian market.
Meeting the local South African Indians is usually a great event since they are happy to share stories about their lives and families and participate in friendly conversation. This isn’t just a flea market or a popular retail area. The Fordsburg Flea Market is an adventure, a window into the fascinating diversity of cultures and customs that make South Africa so exceptional today.
See The Oriental Plaza
Fordsburg is a quaint historical neighbourhood in Johannesburg, the capital of Gauteng’s commerce and retail, and it is well-known for its long history and roots in Indian culture and customs. The expansive Oriental Plaza delivers a special, satisfying retail therapy session right in the middle of the City of Gold. This sizable mall was built in the 1970s, and like the people that use it, it is as diverse and nuanced as South Africa itself.
The 360 stores cater to the broadest range of tastes, preferences, and shopping needs because each one is independently owned. Hardware, jewellery, apparel, novelty products, presents, wedding decorations, upholstery, leather, cosmetics, and luggage are just a few of the many items available in the shops. In addition, there are many fast-food restaurants and eateries that provide traditional South African and Indian dishes. It’s interesting to note that South Africa’s jewellery pricing centre, the Oriental Plaza, prides itself on offering excellent quality goods at competitive costs. For both tourists and residents in need, this is truly a one-stop store.
Eat At Lal Qila Restaurant
The Palm Continental Hotel in Johannesburg’s City of Gold is home to the Lal Qila-themed restaurant. This restaurant, which is located in the commercial hub of the Gauteng Province, honours traditional Indian and Pakistani fare in a welcoming, refined environment.
With dazzling colour accents and an exquisite display of rich textures and textiles, this distinctive restaurant is vast and bold in both design and atmosphere. The Mughlai era, which occurred in India’s medieval age, served as its inspiration. Therefore, real Mughlai, tandoori, live barbeque, and traditional Pakistani cuisines are all served at Lal Qila. Even the pickiest diners will enjoy these; they are especially popular with individuals who enjoy eating foreign foods.