About Little Falls

Background on the development of Strubensvalley and Little Falls

Strubensvalley was named after Fred and Harry Struben who were gold prospectors during 1884/5. They mined in this area before gold was discovered in Johannesburg in 1886. The Reef they discovered is said to have borne little gold and was unprofitable.

Strubensvalley was the first township to be developed by “Mondorp Eiendomme” in the early 1980’s. The Strubensvalley shopping centre was developed during 1985.

In the middle 1980’s Gencor Properties purchased the farm (now known as Little Falls Ext.1) from one of the original flower farmers on the West Rand. The family owned and operated  LDV nursery. The nursery was situated opposite the Little Falls farm on the property where Leroy Merlin is now situated.

Little Falls got its name from Little Falls Pleasure Resort situated in the valley on the Western side of the township.

In 1988 JCI Properties purchased a few small holdings between Little Falls extension 1 and Strubensvalley. They developed Little falls Ext. 2. After creating the lake and park area, the suburb was marketed as The Lakes.  Originally this development was stalled for a few years as one owner did not want to sell. Eventually JCI proceeded with developing “The Lakes” without obtaining this piece of land.

For years you could not get from Strubensvalley to Little Falls Ext. 1 using Cascades Road. One needed to drive along Witwatersrand Road at the top, or on Hendrik Potgieter. It was only at the end of the 1990s that a private developer purchased this piece of land and developed it. The development of that piece of land made it possible to use Cascades as a thoroughfare.

Interesting facts about our Mountain Ridge

• You will regularly see the famous Black Eagles hunt on our mountain ridge. A sure sign to see the Eagles is to look if you see White Breasted Crows. Eagles look out for an opportunity to attack a crow’s home and eat its eggs and little ones. However, thanks to the crow’s speed, height, and relatives, they can quickly surround and scare away the eagles.
• The water flowing from the South of the ridge drains into the Vaal and eventually find its way to the Atlantic ocean. The water flowing from the North of the ridge drains into various rivers feeding Hartbeespoort Dam, and eventually find its way to the Indian Ocean.
• The following animals/mammals have been spotted on our mountain: Common Duiker, Porcupine, Dassie (Rock Hyrax) Rabbits, and Guinea fowl.
• Hiking trails have been demarcated on the Little Falls ridge allowing residents to enjoy the fauna and flora and spectacular views when walking the mountain. This area has been secured by the installation of numerous cameras. These cameras are monitored 24/7 by BCI security.