History
Gold was discovered in the Springs area in the early 1890s, and the town was formally established in 1904 as the mining industry took hold. The name derives from natural springs in the area. Springs quickly became one of the richest gold mining towns on the East Rand, and its prosperity funded grand civic buildings and a thriving commercial centre. As the goldfields were exhausted in the second half of the 20th century, the economy shifted to manufacturing and light industry.
What Springs is Known For
Springs is known for its boxing history — numerous South African and world boxing champions have come from the town, earning it the title "boxing capital of South Africa." The town produced legends including Jake Tuli and Brian Mitchell. Industrially, Springs has a significant chemicals, manufacturing, and paper-processing sector. The Brakpan-Springs area is one of the most active industrial corridors in the East Rand.
Key Areas & Neighbourhoods
The Springs CBD along 3rd Street is the historic commercial core with banks, retailers, and government offices. Geduld and Selcourt are established middle-income suburbs. Bakerton and Pollak Park are well-known residential areas. KwaThema is the large township east of town, one of the oldest formal townships on the East Rand. Industrial areas line the roads toward Brakpan and Benoni.
Economy & Industry
Manufacturing, chemicals, and industrial processing are the main employers since the gold mines closed. The East Rand corridor in which Springs sits remains one of the most active manufacturing zones in South Africa. Retail and services cater to a substantial residential population. KwaThema township has a growing informal and small-business economy. The Ekurhuleni Industrial Park nearby houses numerous manufacturers.
Tips for Visitors & New Residents
Springs is about 35 km east of Johannesburg CBD via the N12. The town has solid retail infrastructure including several shopping centres. OR Tambo International Airport is about 25 km away. The KwaThema area has good township restaurants and food markets worth exploring. Summers are typical Highveld: hot with afternoon thunderstorms. The N17 provides easy access to Ermelo and Mpumalanga.