https://peertube.dngr.us/videos/watch/e7e5c502-6a35-4904-8ead-ebaebc2b1052 Disclaimer: This historic film was produced during the apartheid era in South Africa. It contains propaganda elements that explicitly or tacitly endorse racism and racial separation. It is presented solely for historical purposes, to help document in part a period of terrible repression. The Johannesburg City Council presents “After Sixty Years,” a circa 1946 black-and-white film narrated by Frank Secker that tells the history of the South African city. The documentary traces the remarkable transformation of Johannesburg from a barren wilderness into a thriving modern city over 60 years, sparked by the 1884 discovery of gold near a waterfall that inspired its name. What began as a modest mining camp quickly evolved into a bustling boomtown, attracting prospectors and settlers eager to reap fortunes. By the early 20th century, Johannesburg had developed solid infrastructure, including public buildings, health services, parks, and cultural institutions, reflecting its permanence and prosperity. The city's growth was carefully managed to improve living conditions and civic amenities for all races, including the establishment of native townships and educational facilities. Modern mining, transportation systems, and municipal services supported its booming economy, centered on gold production. The city’s progress and vision were celebrated as a testament to human endeavor, foresight, and community spirit, shaping Johannesburg into a dynamic urban center with a rich cultural and social life. 0:00 – Africa has inspired many stories, but Johannesburg’s growth from a barren wilderness to a modern city over 60 years is remarkable. 1:36 – In 1884, a prospector discovered gold, sparking a transformation 3:05 – News of the gold discovery spread, attracting miners and settlers. 3:26 – By 1886, Johannesburg began as a primitive boomtown under law enforcement. 4:29 – By 1891, the mining village was growing rapidly, with land and building values soaring. 5:18 – By 1914, Johannesburg had permanent buildings and civic institutions like a library and hospital. 6:19 – The town expanded with infrastructure improvements and faced challenges like locust swarms. 7:01 – Johannesburg celebrated its 40th anniversary, honoring its pioneering founders. 7:30 – The 1936 Empire Exhibition marked Johannesburg’s 50th anniversary, showcasing its prestige. 8:36 – Mining operations used massive explosives and sophisticated techniques to extract gold. 10:17 – Gold was processed and molded into bars, contributing significantly to the economy. 11:01 – The University of Witwatersrand ranks among the world’s top institutions. 11:08 – Johannesburg’s City Council manages a large municipal workforce and finances. 12:01 – The city offers nearly 6000 acres of parkland and numerous sports facilities. 13:38 – Johannesburg has a renowned zoo 14:15 – Water supply is reliable even in drought; gas and electricity power homes and industry. 15:40 – The city faces high car ownership and traffic management challenges. 16:11 – Public health efforts include street cleaning, waste disposal, and food safety inspections. 17:53 – The city provides state-aided distribution of necessities and health services from prenatal clinics onward. 19:51 – Efforts are underway to control urban growth and replace slums with better housing. 20:44 – Orlando township exemplifies improved living conditions for non-European residents. 21:32 – Medical care for native populations increases as modern methods replace traditional ones. 22:07 – Native social life includes regulated beer halls, sports clubs, and indoor recreation centers. 23:02 – Cultural institutions include an art gallery, public library, and Afrikaner museum. 25:07 – Mobile libraries and special services bring literature to suburbs and hospitals. 26:30 – The municipal workshops maintain public transport systems, which carry millions annually. 27:08 – As night falls, Johannesburg thrives with social life while council meetings guide its future. 28:15 – From 2.7 million pounds in 1891, the city’s property value and assets have grown enormously. 28:53 – Johannesburg is celebrated as a modern miracle of growth and wise planning in just 60 years. Motion picture films don't last forever; many have already been lost or destroyed. For almost two decades, we've worked to collect, scan and preserve the world as it was captured on 35mm, 16mm and 8mm movies -- including home movies, industrial films, and other non-fiction. If you have endangered films you'd like to have scanned, or wish to donate celluloid to Periscope Film so that we can share them with the world, we'd love to hear from you. Contact us via the weblink below. This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. 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