Followers of school rugby probably have heard of Monument through its rugby team that over the years has consistently featured as one of the better performing school rugby teams. The suburb, on the other hand, is one that only those that travel to the west rand would be able to point out on a map.
Located between Voortrekker Road (the extension of Ontdekkers Road) and a relatively steep decline, some of the suburb has nice views over the rest of the west rand and out to the mine dumps that are emblematic of this part of the world.
The suburb’s location close to the intersection of Voortrekker and Paardekraal roads provides access to the Krugersdorp – Pretoria Highway and Ontdekkers Road (which makes it easier to reach the rest of Johannesburg). The suburb itself is split by Voortrekker Road and there are a number of shops along the road to provide for basic needs, otherwise there is Keywest Shopping Centre or President Hyper in the area for shopping and entertainment needs.
Property prices in Monument have fluctuated massively over the past few years ramping up from an average of R556 000 in 2004 and reaching R1.075 million at the peak of the property boom in 2007 before retreating to R860 000 in 2009. In the first part of this year the prices have bounced back to R1.1 million, restoring the price of freehold properties back onto their upwards trajectory. Sectional title prices (which make up only 25% of the available stock) have only escalated from R378 000 to R545 000 over the same period.
Monument has a larger proportion of older owners than other suburbs with 21% in the 65 years and older section. Only 7% comes from the 18-35 year old section with 44% of new purchasers coming from the 36-49 year olds.
Apart from the renowned Hoerskool Monument, there are both a number of primary schools such as Laerskool Paardekraal, Monument Primary and Laerskool Krugersdorp Noord in easy driving distance. There are also high schools such as Hoerskool Jan de Klerk and Krugersdorp High School close by and Saint Ursula’s Convent for those looking for a catholic girls education.