The well-established, environmentally focused suburb of Groenkloof offers open spaces, wildlife, historical sites and world-class medical and tertiary educational facilities, making it the perfect destination to call home.
The breathtaking scenery surrounding Groenkloof would have some feeling as though they’re living in the bushveld. This well-etablished area – located between George Storrar Avenue to the north, Fort Klapperkop to the south, Christina De Wit Avenue to the west and Florence Ribeiro Avenue to the east – offers those opting for an active outdoor lifestyle plenty of green spaces, wildlife, unique historical sites and a family friendly community.
Maggie Erasmus, ward councillor: Groenkloof, says the suburb is a quiet, family area with welcoming residents who care for one another and the environment. She says families can be seen enjoying picnics in the park, walking or riding bicycles along the streets, and many residents know and chat to one another.
“The community and Friends of the Groenkloof Nature Reserve are involved in the conservation of the parks in the suburb and work hard to keep the area clean and a joy to live in. The Groenkloof Residents Association and Groenkloof Safety Initiative (GSI) look after property owners’ interests focusing on matters such as zoning applications, maintaining reserves and parks, and combatting illegal activities that may affect the value of properties and the suburb,” says Maggie. Martin Ryan, spokesperson on environment: the Groenkloof Residents Association, and a resident of the area for 42 years, says Groenkloof is a suburb with a wealth of greenery, parks and conservation areas. He says these areas are filled with indigenous vegetation, game, birds and water features, making them ideal retreats to enjoy picnics, game viewing, bird watching, mountain biking or hiking.
Jan Celliers park, Eugene Marais park, Groenkloof Nature Reserve, Klapperkop Nature Reserve, Voortrekker Monument Nature Reserve and Fountains Valley Resort are popular areas where families and friends gather to enjoy the outdoors. Some of these areas are inhabited by wildlife such as sable, giraffe, blue wildebeest and zebra, and others provide facilities for braaiing, camping and even music festivals
says Martin.
Security
When it comes to safety in Groenkloof, Charles Barwise, spokesperson: the GSI, and a resident of Groenkloof for 19 years, says the GSI has made an application to the municipality to implement Monitored Access to Groenkloof to further secure the area. He says their group, founded in 2007, has dramatically reduced crime in the suburb since the initiative began.
“The GSI continuously engages with stakeholders to implement plans to displace crime. This involves consulting with security companies and the SAPS to understand crime trends and inform residents so they can secure their properties and plan their movements,” says Charles.
Education
Groenkloof also offers great tertiary education opportunities in the form of the Faculty of Education at the University of Pretoria’s Groenkloof Campus, which is one of the largest facilities in South Africa for the training of education professionals. Students can pursue advanced studies in education law and policy, alternative and augmentative education, computer-integrated education, and curriculum and assessment design.
Healthcare
Health facilities in Groenkloof are top class and Chené Murphy, marketing manager: Life Little Company of Mary Hospital, says the hospital is currently undergoing a major upgrade and will be changing its name in October to become Life Groenkloof Hospital. She says the hospital recently completed a 14-bed intensive care unit (ICU), a 10-station renal dialysis unit, a paediatric ward and a 22-bed orthopaedic unit, and the outer hospital building had a face-lift.
“This hospital’s convenient location, close to major routes, makes access to a world-class treatment facility easy. Delivery of top healthcare is achieved through quality and clinical excellence with a focus on the personal needs of the patients and their families,” says Chené.
History and culture
When it comes to history, Groenkloof is rich in heritage. Geraldine Paulsen, spokesperson: Voortrekker Monument, says the monument situated in the area is the only declared Grade 1 National Heritage Site and monument in the country. She says it draws the interest of residents and tourists with activities including antiques fairs, military fairs, horse riding and the Park Acoustics concert, as well as amenities such as conference facilities and restaurants.
Groenkloof is also home to Fort Klapperkop, a military museum and a provincial heritage site located on Klapperkop Hill. In May 1979, the SADF Memorial was unveiled at the fort in honour of members of the SADF who lost their lives serving their country.
When it comes to a leisurely family lifestyle in a well-established area with exciting outdoor activities and an opportunity to be close to nature, Groenkloof is the perfect area to set down roots. This suburb allows residents to escape the city rat race and slow down the pace, unwinding in a green sanctuary filled with bird and animal life.
Things to do in and around Groenkloof
- Have a picnic in Jan Celliers Park
- Attend the Park Acoustics concert at the Voortrekker Monument
- View wildlife in Groenkloof Nature Reserve
- Visit Fort Klapperkop military museum
- Go horse riding in the Voortrekker Monument Nature Reserve
Property prices in Groenkloof
A typical property for sale in Groenkloof is a four-bedroom house at an average asking price of R4,95m.
- 15% of properties for sale are in complexes, at an average asking price of R4,5m
- 9% of properties for sale are apartments/flats, at an average asking price of R2,28m
- A typical property for rent in Groenkloof is a four-bedroom house, at a monthly asking price of R52,000.
Demand
- Properties for sale in Groenkloof comprise of 1% of the total sale listings in the Pretoria Central and Old East area, and
- 1% of the total rental listings
- They receive 3% of the interest (views) in properties for sale
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
