The James Hall Museum of Transport, which boasts some of the most valuable collection of vehicles dating back to the 1800s, has not been spared from the ravages of the Covid-19 pandemic.

This largest transport museum in Africa has a valuable collection of automobiles such as a double-decker trams, trolley trams, vintage cars and bicycles. It showcases how the City’s transport system has evolved over time, from horse-cars to the trams.
Collections like the historic double-deck tram exhibits showcase how people meandered their way through the streets of Johannesburg, a city synonymous for its gold.

“The electrically powered trolley buses fascinate me and fill me with an overwhelming longing of the past that I can only imagine – a sense of nostalgia,” says Gaisang Sathekge, the newly appointed Chief Curator at the James Hall Museum of Transport.

Sathekge says she has had to roll up her sleeves to venture deep into the archive of the city’s golden history, embrace technology and open opportunities.

“I am bubbling with ideas that I look forward to seeing come to fruition as we get ready to open our doors once again to the masses. One of the milestones I would love to achieve is the creation of a museum-going culture among the contemporary youth of “Jozi who are continually finding new ways to reimagine and reinterpret their own stories and individual pathways within the turbulent history of our exclusive past,” says Sathekge.

The museum has not seen or heard the voices of jubilant school children mesmerised by the ringing fire engines nor their faces thrilled by vintage cars in the past couple of months.

MMC for Community Development, Cllr Margaret Arnolds agrees that “Covid-19 has forced governments across the globe to enforce strict laws with the objective of flattening the curve. Worldwide museums and galleries are amongst the hardest hit sectors. Jobs have been lost and artists are struggling”.

To visit the museum make bookings at 011 435  9718 or email veronicap@joburg.org.za