Lenasia

Lenasia lies south of Soweto and was originally established to house the Indian community in the apartheid era. Today, it retains its identity as an Indian town with the culture to match. However, it has become far more cosmopolitan, and with the influx of residents, some of the younger generation have had to move due to the high house prices. 

Just 35 kilometers south of the Johannesburg central business district, Lenasia is now a vibrant and thriving community. The rapidly-growing suburb has shopping malls, churches, mandhirs, mosques, banks and various commercial and industrial sectors. Four satellite radio stations, Radio Islam, Eastwave FM,Channel Islam International and Lenz Fm broadcast from Lenasia.

The Trade Route Mall has over 130 stores consisting of both national retailers and a comprehensive range of line and speciality stores.

The merchandise and services on offer include a wide range of fashion, food, home, décor and other items and there are entertainment facilities.

Address:  Corner K43 & Nirvana Roads, Lenasia. Tel: 011 852 0011. Website.

Also special to Lenasia is Rose Park – a beautiful 5 hectare play area for children and a wonderful environment for disabled children. The stimulation section of the park caters to children living with disabilities, so that wheelchair-bound children can get a chance to experience jungle gyms and swings for themselves.

The disability park was initiated by Fazel Suleman, whose daughter has a disability, and who approached Channel Islam International. Out of this grew a partnership with City Parks to raise the funds – it cost R700 000 to install. The park has landscaped lawns which are used for events and celebrations, concerts and fun fairs. Address: Rose Avenue, Lenasia Telephone: +27 (0)11 712-6664.

Lenasia is a friendly and happy community with a strong religious bent. Yet there is great tolerance, and as it has always been, people gather to celebrate holidays like Diwali, Eid and Christmas together. It can be seen in joint celebrations – lighting fireworks together, admiring the Diwali lights, sharing plates of holiday food. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all communities could share the joy. 

Soweto with its attractions is close by, as is Johannesburg. See all the things you can do by visiting ShowMe Soweto and ShowMe Johannesburg.