The Ponte

A well known landmark in Hillbrow Johannesburg, just next to Ellis Park Rugby Stadium. When built in 1975 it was the tallest residential building in Africa.

It's an interesting design, kind of like a tube of polo mints or life savers with the middle being open, originally to give the apartments light from both sides.

A great idea until gangs moved into the area and, in the 90's, Ponte City became the symbol of Joburg's crime and urban decay. Stories of the centre of the building being used as a garbage tip with the addition of the occasional body of a rival gang member were not unusual.

In preparation for the 2010 Soccer World Cup being held in SA, Ponte City was ready for a makeover, with plans for an extension of the residential side together with a new retail park. Sadly this was only partly completed as the sub prime crisis put an end to its rejuvenation and it has returned to being pretty much the last place in Joburg that you would choose to live.

I guess most cities have their less than salubrious areas but the Ponte has a number of original Joburg homes and one particularly special theatre in close proximity and it seems a shame that they will be lost just because there is no money to make good a modern monstrosity.