Pimville is one of those places that quietly tells the story of Johannesburg, from its history to the way people eat, socialise and spend their time today. The neighbourhood’s story dates back to the early 1900s before adopting its current name. But Pimville's story is much deeper more than its past.
Walk around Pimville today and you’ll find the everyday side of Soweto alongside some of the country’s most important heritage sites, from retail shops and eateirs to soccer fields and local hangouts. Then there are the things you might not expect to find here. Think of a golf course with a significant place in Black South African sporting history, local food that goes well beyond the kota and a social scene with its own rhythm.
What is Pimville known for?
To understand Pimville, you have to go back to 1904. That’s when Black residents from Johannesburg’s Brickfields area were relocated to Klipspruit following a bubonic plague outbreak, marking an early chapter in the area’s history.
The settlement at Klipspruit later became Johannesburg’s first municipal location. In 1934, it was renamed Pimville in honour of Howard Pim. As Soweto expanded, Pimville became part of the wider township that we know today.
You can’t really talk about Pimville’s history without mentioning Kliptown, where the Congress of the People took place in 1955 where the Freedom Charter was adopted, setting the vision for what a democratic South Africa could potentially look like.
Pimville is also well placed for getting to other parts of Soweto and some the overall township's more popular neighbourhoods.
What you might not know about Pimville
Golf might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Pimville, but Soweto Country Club has been part of the neighbourhood since 1974, when it was established as Pimville Golf Course.
By the 1980s, Pimville Golf Course had evolved considerably, with grass greens replacing its original sand greens and the club becoming a launching pad for golfers who went on to compete professionally.
There’s an artistic side to Pimville, too. Artist Mandla Nkosi was born here in 1962, studying first at the Mofolo Arts Centre before continuing his studies at the Funda Centre. Much of his work reflected township life and Black South African experiences, and his art was exhibited locally and internationally in countries like France and Botswana.
How do I get to Pimville?
Around 20 kilometres southwest of central Johannesburg, Pimville is well connected by the M70, also known as the Soweto Highway, and the M10. Driving from Sandton or Rosebank will take around 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic.
If you’re using public transport, minibus taxis and Rea Vaya buses provide connections between Pimville, Soweto and Johannesburg. You can also use e-hailing services such as Uber to get around Pimville.
What's near Pimville?
If you’re planning to explore more of Soweto, Pimville is well placed for it, with several familiar neighbourhoods close by. A short trip from Pimville, Kliptown is home to Walter Sisulu Square, a major heritage site and an important part of the area’s history.
Driving also gives you the freedom to explore beyond Pimville, linking it with some of Soweto’s other neighbourhoods and attractions in one outing.
Map of Pimville
