Northcliff

Northcliff
Northcliff seen from Northcliff Hill
Northcliff Show map of Gauteng Northcliff Show map of South Africa
Coordinates: 26°8′46″S27°58′12″E / 26.14611°S 27.97000°E / -26.14611; 27.97000
Country	South Africa
Province	Gauteng
Municipality	City of Johannesburg
Main Place	Johannesburg
Established	1934
Area [1]
• Total	9.06 km2 (3.50 sq mi)
Population  (2011) [1]
• Total	14,664
• Density	1,620/km2 (4,190/sq mi)
Racial makeup (2011) [1]
•  Black African	23.0%
•  Coloured	4.9%
•  Indian/Asian	7.5%
•  White	63.5%
• Other	1.2%
First languages (2011) [1]
•  English	55.1%
•  Afrikaans	25.4%
•  Zulu	4.1%
•  Tswana	2.9%
• Other	12.5%
Time zone	UTC+2 (SAST)
Postal code (street)	2195
PO box	2115

Northcliff is a wealthy residential suburb of Johannesburg, South Africa. The suburb is located on Northcliff Ridge which provides views to both the north and the south. Northcliff's huge homes are nestled around a steep incline of the hill, and on the foot of Northcliff borders the suburbs of Fairland, Blackheath, Cresta and Berario. Recently^{[ when? ]} some streets have been secured with boom gates. It is located in Region B of the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality.

History

The suburb is situated on part of an old Witwatersrand farm called Waterval. ^[2] It was established on 3 October 1934 and named after the northerly ridge. ^[2]

Geography

Topography

View from Northcliff Ridge (1978)

Northcliff Hill (also known as Aasvoëlkop (Vulture Ridge) due to the cliffs being predominantly inhabited by these birds of prey before being urbanised) is believed to have been populated by humans for over 250,000 years. At 1807 metres, the ridge is the second-highest point in Johannesburg, being one metre lower than Observatory Ridge. It has three vegetation zones and is inhabited by many different animals.

Economy

Retail

Northcliff is served by Cresta Shopping Centre, one of the largest malls in Johannesburg which is located on the border of Northcliff in the suburb of Cresta. Many other smaller suburban shopping complexes are within easy access, for example Northcliff Corner, The Verdi Centre, Heathway Square and Home Living Design Centre.

Education

While actually located in Blackheath, the suburb gives its name to Northcliff High School and Northcliff Primary School.

Infrastructure

Health systems

Marang House, a home for seriously ill children, is based in Northcliff.

Notable residents

• Leanne Manas, broadcast journalist, author
• Lira, singer, songwriter
• Fezile Mpela, actor, television producer
• Frans Marx, actor, writer, television producer, director

References

1. "Sub Place Northcliff". Census 2011.
2. Raper, Peter E.; Moller, Lucie A.; du Plessis, Theodorus L. (2014). Dictionary of Southern African Place Names. Jonathan Ball Publishers. p. 1412. ISBN   9781868425501.