Donald Mackay Park was built in 1896. The foundation stone of the reservoir was laid by Mrs. Von Brandis, wife of the first magistrate and Mining Commissioner of Johannesburg. The reservoir was designed to hold 227 million liters of water[1] to combat water shortages. The reservoir continues to function.[2][3][4]
The park adjacent to the reservoir was formerly known as ‘Andrew’s Reserve’ and ‘Waterworks Reservoir’.[5] Donald Mackay Park was given its current name on January 31, 1939, in honour of Donald William Mackay, mayor of Johannesburg from 1936–37.
Both the reservoir and the park are owned by the City.
Although it is not officially recognized as a heritage site, Donald Mackay Park is historically and culturally significant for several reasons:
Greater Johannesburg
Natural environment |
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| Geology | - Kaapvaal Craton
- Transvaal Supergroup
- Witwatersrand Supergroup
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| Topography | - Witwatersrand
- Magaliesberg (partially)
- Vredefort impact structure (partially)
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Rivers and
wetlands | |
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| Climate | |
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Cradle of
Humankind | |
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| Biodiversity | | Vegetation types | - Andesite Mountain Bushveld
- Carletonville Dolomite Grassland
- Eastern Highveld Grassland
- Eastern Temperate Freshwater Wetlands
- Egoli Granite Grassland
- Gauteng Shale Mountain Bushveld
- Gold Reef Mountain Bushveld
- Highveld Alluvial Vegetation
- Moot Plains Bushveld
- Rand Highveld Grassland
- Soweto Highveld Grassland
- Tsakane Clay Grassland
- Urban woodland
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| Parks and gardens | |
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| Nature reserves | |
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| Human impact | |
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Cityscape |
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| Landmarks | | Public art | |
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Civic
buildings | |
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Office
buildings | |
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Residential
buildings | |
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| Structures | |
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| Urban planning | |
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Politics |
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| Governing parties | |
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Political organisations
and parties based in
Greater Johannesburg | | Political parties | |
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| Trade unions | |
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Other political
organisations | |
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| Fortifications | |
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Monuments
and memorials | |
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| Cemeteries | |
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Historical
sites | |
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Historical
companies and
organisations | | Companies | |
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Political
organisations | |
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| Other organisations | |
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| Events | |
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| Cultural heritage | |
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| Performance art | | Musical ensembles | |
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| Theatres | |
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| Events and festivals | |
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Museums and art
galleries | |
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| Clubs and societies | |
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Religion |
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- SACC
- Anglican
- Catholic
- Protestant
- Jewish
- Islamic
Places of
worship | | Churches | |
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| Synagogues | |
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| Mosques | |
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| Hindu temples | |
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| Scientology centres | |
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Media |
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| Mass media | | Magazines | |
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| Newspapers | | Defunct | - New Age
- The New Age
- The World
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| Radio stations | |
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| Television channels | |
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| Film studios | |
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| Record labels | |
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| Game studios | |
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| Cultural references | |
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| Companies | |
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Diversified
conglomerates | |
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| Airlines | |
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Construction
and engineering | |
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| Energy | |
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Financial
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| Hospitality | |
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| ICT | |
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| Legal | |
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| Manufacturing | |
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| Media | |
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| Mining | |
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Retail and
marketing | |
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Restaurant
franchises | |
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| Services | |
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| Transport | |
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State-owned
enterprises | |
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 Companies based in Ekurhuleni- Companies based in Johannesburg
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Professional
associations | |
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| Mining | |
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| Shopping centres | |
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| Hotels and resorts | |
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| Venues | |
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Restaurants,
bars and cafés | |
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| Tourism | |
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Sports governing
bodies based in
Greater Johannesburg | |
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| Teams | | Soccer | |
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| Rugby | |
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| Cricket | |
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| Basketball | |
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| Equestrian sports | |
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| Sports events | |
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| Sports venues | Stadia and
arenas | |
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| Golf courses | |
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Equestrian
venues | |
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Motorsports
venues | |
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| Libraries | |
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| Universities | |
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Other tertiary
institutions | | Business schools | |
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| Religious institutions | |
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| State schools | |
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| Private schools | |
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| Alternative schools | |
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| International schools | |
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Services |
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| Hospitals | |
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Water supply
and sanitation | |
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| Electricity supply | |
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Law enforcement and
emergency services | |
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| Charities and NGOs | |
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Military units and formations |
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- Category
- Johannesburg
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The building of the reservoir
The reservoir nearing its completion
During the water shortage water was provided by donkey and horse carts
