• Built in 1886.
• RC was a refuge for gentlemen until 1993 – when ladies were allowed in its
hallowed hallways
• RC has survived two world wars
• Historically Rand Club was “white’s only men’s club" – Rand Club now proudly admits members of all races and genders
• Main Dining room seats up to 220 people without dance floor
• Main Bar counter claimed to be the longest bar at 103 feet long in the Southern Hemisphere
• People like Mahatma Ghandi, Lord Milner, Percy Montgomery, Tito Mboweni, Alec Irwin Mark, Twain and Winston Churchill have graced the hallowed hall with their presence.
ABOUT RAND CLUB
The Rand Club was founded in October 1887.The Rand Club’s colourful and often dramatic history is closely linked with the development of the world’s greatest goldfield and with the emergence of modern South Africa.
As it stands today was occupied in December of 1904. The present Rand Club has a metallic base structure that is clad in concrete. The base structure was fabricated in the United Kingdom and was pre built in the United Kingdom before being dismantled and shipped to South Africa. Before the present Rand Club was completely finished, the members residing in the club had to endure some minor inconveniences before the contractors finally handed over the building.
However on closer inspection of the club, one is still able to find some systems that were ahead of their time. A central vacuum cleaning system was installed in the club and one can still see the vacuum connection points throughout the building. Even in today’s modern era, this integrated cleaning system that is actually built into the walls of a building is still regarded as a luxury item in any household. The lift was installed in 1904 and even though the motor has changed, it is still in its original form. Up until the fire of June 2005, the lift was still manually operated.
Two new benches were presented to the club in 1907, by Dr Schultze and these were much enjoyed by the Front Porch Benchers, who liked to sit and watch the passers by. The benches were destroyed by striking miners in the year 1913, but were immediately restored to their original form and can still be found in front of the Club today.
The exterior of the present Club House has changed very little over the years and is very much as it is was in 1904. The whole club has been given a complete refurbishment following the fire of June 2005 and some would say that the club has never looked as good as it does now. The central point of the club is a magnificent stained glass dome that covers the first floor surrounds. This dome was completely destroyed during the fire of June 2005 and the Rand Club committee decided to have this dome restored complete with new stained glass designs.
In modern times, it is wonderful to have such a magnificent building that still functions as originally designed. The Rand Club is a part of South African history nestled in the heart of the biggest and wealthiest city in Southern Africa.
One might be so bold as to say that the Rand Club is Johannesburg.
