Benoni is known for its numerous lakes and pretty, tree-lined streets. The area has a strong suburban feel, more-so than the other towns on the East Rand. Benoni was founded in 1881 and when gold was found nearby in 1887 the Chimes Mine was established, and it quickly grew into a mining town.
In 1904 Sir George Farrar, the chairman of a mining company, took it on himself to beautiful the town of Benoni and mine-water was channelled into reservoirs and marshland to make lakes around the town. These lakes exist to this day, and many people go to Benoni to enjoy boating and fishing in the lakes. Gold mining slowly decreased in importance and it is now used as a service hub for the surrounding towns.
