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Closing E-Tolls, VAT Deregistration, Blind Cricket & More: Inside Joburg's Hottest News!

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Closing E-Tolls, VAT Deregistration, Blind Cricket & More: Inside Joburg's Hottest News!

Closing E-Tolls, VAT Deregistration, Blind Cricket & More: Inside Joburg's Hottest News!
E-Toll Closure, VAT Deregistration, Comrades Prep, Women's Blind Cricket, World Cup Eats, Joburg Baker, Thai Table, and More! Join us for a thrilling journey through Johannesburg's latest news and hot spots.

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Jun 16, 2026

Trivia Question❓

What popular tourist attraction in Johannesburg is known for its panoramic views of the city skyline and surrounding areas, as well as its giant iconic red letters spelling out the city's name?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

For more than a decade, e-tolls were one of the most debated issues affecting Gauteng motorists. Long after the system stopped operating, questions remained about unpaid accounts, possible collections, and the future of the scheme.

 

Cabinet has now approved the write-off of outstanding historical e-toll debt, allowing the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) to close this chapter and no longer pursue the collection of these historical amounts.

 

For many motorists, the decision provides something that has been missing for years: certainty.

 


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Running a business means regularly reviewing more than just your sales. Sometimes the smartest financial decision is not about earning more money, but about making sure your administrative obligations still match the size and needs of your business.


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Interesting Facts
  • Mile-High Altitude: Sitting at about 1,753 meters above sea level, water boils at a lower temperature here, meaning it takes an extra minute to boil an egg compared to coastal cities.

 

  • Mega Landmarks: It features Africa's largest stadium, the 94,700-capacity FNB Stadium, shaped like a traditional African calabash.

 

  • Extreme Depths: The city is home to the Mponeng Gold Mine, the deepest operating mine on Earth. Its shafts plunge nearly 4 kilometers below the surface, where rock temperatures exceed 60°C. 

 

For Johannesburg’s vibrant running community, the Comrades Marathon begins long before June’s race day.

 

City streets, parks, and hills buzz with athletes logging early-morning miles for months, each sunrise marking another step toward the legendary challenge.

 

The 99th running of this iconic ultramarathon saw more than 22,000 competitors tackle the grueling Up Run, spanning from Durban City Hall to Pietermaritzburg.

 

South African George Kusche ignited the event by smashing the Up Run record with a time of 5:15:56, while Gerda Steyn celebrated her fifth Comrades victory, setting a new women’s record in 5:44:53.

 

Beneath these headline-grabbing feats lie countless personal triumphs, runners balancing jobs, family, and hours on the road, all united by the dream of hearing, “You are a Comrades finisher.”

 

The city’s deep-rooted passion fuels not just a race, but a powerful local tradition that shapes lives year-round.


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Lions Cricket has launched the DP World Lions women's blind cricket team, the first of its kind from a major South African franchise. The move creates new competitive opportunities for visually impaired women.


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Tip of The Day

Remember to take breaks throughout the day to give your mind and body a chance to recharge and refocus.

Every four years, the World Cup pulls attention across continents. Fixtures are followed obsessively, rivalries return, and entire nations reorganise their routines around ninety minutes of football.

In Johannesburg, the experience can stretch beyond the screen.

 


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Johannesburg is one of the best cities in the world for warm drinks. Within an hour you can sip Ethiopian coffee, Taiwanese milk tea, Chinese jasmine tea, Turkish coffee and masala coffee without ever leaving the 011.


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Secret Little Hack

Take the Gautrain from the airport to avoid traffic and save time.

The Thai Table 789 brings authentic Thai sharing plates to Oxford Parks in Rosebank. Tom yum, coconut curries, charred meats, and a contemporary space without cliches.


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Twenty-three-year-old Irfan Genc launched Irfan Delights during COVID lockdown and has built a loyal following across Johannesburg. He bakes everything from scratch at home using his late grandmother's recipes. His range includes tiramisu, rusks, baklava, and brownies. He trades at Melville Market, Tshepo Northcliff Community Market, and Oriental Plaza. He dreams of opening a coffee shop in Turkey.


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Q/A Questions

Q: Which famous neighborhood in Johannesburg is known for its vibrant nightlife and trendy restaurants?

A: - Maboneng


Q: What major event, held every year in Johannesburg, is the largest international arts festival on the African continent?

A: - The National Arts Festival


Q: What is the nickname given to Johannesburg due to its association with the discovery of gold in the late 19th century?

A: - The City of Gold

J'Something shares his favourite Johannesburg spots including Artistry in Sandton, Father Coffee for strong espresso, Glory in Parktown North for low key magic, and Franco's Pizzeria in Parkview for comfort food.


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Modderfontein Reserve is a nature area on Johannesburg's eastern edge offering trails for running, cycling, and walking. The reserve provides accessible outdoor recreation within minutes of the northern suburbs, with grassland, wetland, and woodland habitats to explore.


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Set in Mountain View Shopping Centre, MV Café has quickly become a go‑to spot in Northcliff. Freshly prepared dishes, excellent coffee, and a relaxed modern interior make it a place where people naturally gather, whether for a wholesome breakfast, a laid‑back lunch, or a cosy dinner with a view over the suburb.

 

The menu balances comfort and Mediterranean‑inspired flavours, with generous portions that suit every appetite. From platters and burgers to salads, cakes, and fresh juices, there’s something for every taste. Add in great cocktails, vegan options, and outdoor seating, and you’ve got a venue that works for casual catch‑ups, family outings, or easy weeknight meals.

 

Quick Highlights

 

  • Location: Mountain View Shopping Centre, 14th Ave & Weltevreden Road, Northcliff

  • Atmosphere: Relaxed, modern interior with scenic views

  • Menu: Mediterranean platters, comfort food, burgers, salads, cakes, fresh juices, specialty coffee

  • Service Options: Outdoor seating · Great cocktails · Vegan choices

  • Contact: 011 476 2720

  • Occasions: Breakfast meet‑ups, family lunches, romantic dinners

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MV Café is the kind of neighbourhood gem that makes you want to stay a little longer. It’s inviting, versatile, and rooted in good food and community, a spot that feels fresh yet familiar, and always worth the visit.

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:
The Telkom Tower (also known as the Hillbrow Tower or Ponte Tower)
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Your local guide that’s built just for you and your neighbourhood. Every edition brings you real local life: new restaurant openings, great places to eat, family‑friendly events, markets, gigs and things to do nearby. You’ll also get short, useful stories about local people, small businesses and community initiatives that make your area feel like home. We cut out generic, click‑baity content and outdated events, and focus on practical, trustworthy updates that help you decide where to go, what to try and how to stay connected in your community.

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