Gems of Joburg
"Human rights begin in small places, close to home."
Human Rights Day in March is an opportunity to do some soul searching. How can we make SA better? We're starting close to home, helping where we can within our extended circle. Give more, participate more. And... See more! Here are our top Gems of Joburg in case you want to explore this month. Peace-out.
Craving Culture?
Esther Mahlangu - A Tribute to Nelson Mandela
Esther Mahlangu is one of South Africa’s most famous Ndebele artists. Here’s a chance to see the paintings she’s done as tribute to Nelson Mandela. The exhibition is at The Melrose Gallery and runs until 2 April 2017 and entrance is free.
If you’re on the fence about visiting Freedom Park, read this blog by 2Summers in which she says: “My favourite part of Freedom Park is Isivivane, which serves as a sacred and symbolic resting place for all of those who died in South Africa’s conflicts.” Peaceful, thought provoking and evocative, a visit will do you good.
From the Braamfontein Art Tour on 4 March to a walking tour celebrating Street Art Graffiti on 18 March, Past Experiences is a great source of info for quirky, arty tours around town. Prices from R160 - so: great value, good exercise and creatively invigorating.
A visit encourages a better understanding of the rich cultural background of the traditional people of South Africa. Set in the bush, less than an hour’s drive from Joburg, it’s a chance to meet Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Ndebele and Basotho people, enter their homes and listen to stories about their cultures and rituals.
This has to feature! Visit the Sterkfontein Caves, have a meal overlooking the Magaliesberg mountains and don't miss the Visitor Centre Exhibition - focusing on the development of humans over the past few million years – that's perspective.
Organic with Love
You’ll be spoilt for choice; their list of suppliers includes chefs, couture farmers and crafters. The market supplies only the best quality fresh produce, deli goods and artisinal baking. Plenty of other stuff going on too – live music and farm bars with a delicious selection of cocktails. Bring your picnic blanket. Sunday 09h00 to 16h00.
Bryanston Organic & Natural Market
Joburg’s original outdoor market has been nourishing our citizens for 40 years! They’ve a juicy selection of organic fruit and veg, plus over 140 stalls selling delectable deli foods; unique crafts, jewellery and clothes. But that’s not all – also, four eateries, live music and entertainment to keep the kids distracted. Thursday and Saturday from 9h00 to 15h00.
We recently discovered this new Joburg gem, more urban farm than market, but with plenty of deliciousness to keep everyone happy. Situated in beautiful Muldersdrift, it’s a working pomegranate farm. We lunched on delectable organic food during our Sunday visit, served in collaboration with Down to Earth Feasts. Check their website for opening times and product updates.
Adrenalin Busters
Air to Africa
There are different hot air balloon companies around Joburg, but we went with Air to Africa who take-off from Glenburn Lodge, a private game reserve in the Cradle of Humankind. Their trip sails you serenely (one hopes!) over that beautiful part of the world. If you want to celebrate a landmark day, this ride will make it unforgettable.
A suggestion from our dare-devil Entertainment Manager, Kefiloe, who recommended both the bungee jump and the kasi-style food. It takes a certain type of person to bungee – if you’re that (crazy) person then this is for you. It’s a mere 100 metre leap off the tower into the skies of Joburg and if you’re truly certifiable you can do it with a straight jacket and Blue Squid Goggles on.
Does the thought of exploring Hillbrow get your heart racing? Fear not, Dlala Nje has taken the anxiety away and made it very enticing – their tour of Ponte City is described as a “tale of glamour, garbage and gritty regeneration.” How can you resist? A great team-building experience, tickets from R350.00, and as they say: “Embrace the diversity and be blown away by the culture...”
