Khyber Rock Explained

Khyber Rock
Pushpin Map:South Africa Gauteng#South Africa
Coordinates:-26.053°N 28.085°W
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name:South Africa
Subdivision Type1:Province
Subdivision Name1:Gauteng
Subdivision Type2:District
Subdivision Type3:Municipality
Subdivision Name3:City of Johannesburg
Subdivision Type4:Main Place
Established Title:Established
Leader Title:Councillor
Population Density Km2:auto
Demographics1 Title1:Black African
Demographics1 Title2:Coloured
Demographics1 Title3:Indian/Asian
Demographics1 Title4:White
Demographics1 Title5:Other
Timezone1:SAST
Utc Offset1:+2
Postal Code Type:Postal code (street)
Postal Code:2191
Postal2 Code Type:PO box
Postal2 Code:2157
Area Code Type:Area code

Khyber Rock is a suburb of Johannesburg, South Africa. It is located in Region E of the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality.

Background

One of Johannesburg's smallest and most exclusive northern suburbs with one main road, Lincoln Rd, running through it from east to west for about only 650m. Khyber Rock borders the more well known Woodmead and is geologically part of an extinct volcanic area. Known for its high levels of mineral and metal content in the surrounding rocks, this area is susceptible to lightning strikes during the frequent summer thunderstorm activity.

Johannesburg architect Carmel Back and husband Harry bought 8.5 ha of wooded hillside called Kyhber Rock around 1957.[1] When overwhelmed by demand by the sale of cottage on their property, they decided to apply for subdivision rights and turn their land into a suburb.[1] The Mediterranean style architecture was the style used by her designs for the first houses, nestled amongst the hills rocks, with winding brick roads.[1] Subsequent house had to seek her design approval.[1]

Notes and References

  1. Rousseau. Wilna. 1974. Rocky Retreat. South African Panorama. Information Service of South Africa. 19. 3. Internet Archive.