Landmark to eyesore

TESTAMENT: JOBURG'S OLDEST BUILDING STANDS IN DECAY AND FILTH

- Karabelo Phakoe

CRUMBLING. Two residents outside the building thought to be the oldest in Johannesburg, built by the Bezuidenhout family in the late 1800s.

(Pictures: James Oatway)

Once a proud marker of Johannesburg’s layered history, the Bezuidenhout Valley farmhouse now stands in decay.

It has deteriorated from having a well-kept yard to one filled with filth and sewage.

Its windows are shattered, walls are cracked and laundry lines hang where heritage plaques should be.

The house was built in 1863, years before gold was discovered in Johannesburg. It was used by the British as a base during the South African War.

It is the oldest structure in Joburg and bears testament to the history of the city. It is located in Bezuidenhout Park, a large green space that is popular with the community.