The chilly weather and relentless rain failed to dampen the spirits of attendees as they flocked to the Family Fun Day in La Rochelle, south of Johannesburg. The event offered a unique time-travel experience, allowing visitors to step back in time and glimpse life as it was lived decades ago.
The Creative Native Family Fun Day took place on 1 March 2025 at the James Hall Museum of Transport. As part of the Arts Alive programme, the Creative Native Motor Show is a one-of-a-kind museum festival celebrating the evolution of South Africa’s automotive culture. It showcases the art of preserving and collecting vehicles across various modes of transport, makes, and models spanning decades.
This year, the festival introduced an exciting new feature: a display of newly modified cars, vividly emphasising the museum’s core theme—the history and evolution of transport.
Adding to the day’s allure was a sensational music line-up, including performances by Kedineo, Lelowhatsgood, Simmy, Kitchen Mess, and Buhle Mbongwa. Food vendors were on hand to cater to every taste, offering a variety of mouthwatering dishes and refreshments. Market stalls and engaging art activities kept both adults and children entertained throughout the day.
Teboho Mashele, 27, from nearby Linmeyer, shared his enthusiasm for the event, despite the less-than-ideal weather. “As young people in the area, we thrive on events like this to keep us entertained. I’m here with my friends, looking for a place to hang out, explore, enjoy, shop, and just have fun,” he said.
Mashele, who works in IT, described the event as a perfect escape from his demanding job and a chance to learn about the country’s history. “I can’t believe how people used to travel back in the day. The old wagons seem like such a drag. But I wish the double-decker bus would make a comeback!”
The iconic 1952 London Bus was a highlight of the day, offering festival-goers a delightful joyride around town. The museum also provided both guided and self-guided tours of its impressive collection of historic vehicles, ranging from old wagons and vintage train coaches to tractors.
Christopher Jantjies, 58, from The Hill, brought his children to the event to give them a glimpse into the past. “I wanted to travel back in time with my kids and show them how people lived back then,” he said.
Written by Maseipati Tsotsotso