Joburg's Changing Landscape: New Street Names, Water Crisis Investigation, VAT Updates, Creative Workshops, Treetop Adventure Park, IMAX in Rosebank, and Tashas Makeover!

Joburg doesn’t stand still and this week proves it. From shifting streets and water concerns to Temu’s checkout changes, there’s plenty in motion. But so is the energy, from block printing and treetop escapes to ULTRA’s return and a reinvented Tashas. Here’s what’s happening.

Trivia Question❓

What two Nobel Peace Prize winners lived on the same street in Johannesburg, South Africa?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

This newsletter is sponsored by MV Café

MV Café

MV Café is a cosy Northcliff favourite at Mountain View Shopping Centre, where good food and great coffee bring people together. With freshly prepared, flavourful dishes and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to catch up with friends, unwind after a busy day, or simply enjoy the moment.

More than just a café, MV Café has become part of the local community. Known for generous portions, friendly service, and a menu that caters to every taste, from wholesome breakfasts to laid‑back lunches and cosy dinners, it’s a true home‑away‑from‑home for neighbourhood regulars and newcomers alike.

Service options:
Outdoor seating · Great cocktails · Vegan options

Address:
Mountain View Shopping Centre
14th Ave & Weltevreden Road
Northcliff
Phone: 011 476 2720

Four Joburg CBD Streets Are Getting New Names

Plein Street becomes Desmond Tutu Street. Wanderers Street becomes Simeon Nkoane Street. De Villiers Street becomes Trevor Huddleston Street. Hoek Street becomes Cathedral Street. Public comments are open until 5 May 2026.

The South African Human Rights Commission is investigating whether prolonged water outages across Gauteng amount to a human rights violation. Public input is open until the end of April.

Quote Of The Day

"The city of Johannesburg is a symbol of African energy and resilience." - Herman Mashaba

Temu Now Includes VAT and Import Duties at Checkout for South African Shoppers

Temu has officially started including VAT and import duties directly at checkout for South African customers. No more surprise courier payment links. The move follows SARS cracking down on duty loopholes and mirrors how Amazon handles international orders.

Blocks and Hue offers three-hour block printing workshops in Craighall Park where participants use over 200 handcrafted Indian stamps to print onto fabric. Sessions include materials, guidance, a snack and a drink. R800 per person, multiple Saturday dates available.

Acrobranch has opened its 13th location at Balwin Thaba Eco Village in Mulbarton. The first hybrid park combines treetop courses with engineered pole obstacles. Two hour sessions with zip lines, high ropes, and trained instructors. Bookings at acrobranch.co.za.

Interesting Facts

Johannesburg is one of the oldest cities in South Africa, founded in 1886 during the gold rush.

The city is home to the largest man-made urban forest in the world, with over 10 million trees.

Johannesburg has a vibrant street art scene, with numerous murals and graffiti pieces decorating the city's walls.

ULTRA South Africa Is Back at Nasrec This Freedom Day

ULTRA South Africa takes over the Expo Centre at Nasrec on Saturday 25 April 2026. General admission from R1,195. International and local heavyweights on one stage.

Ster-Kinekor just opened Gauteng's first IMAX with Laser theatre at The Zone @ Rosebank. A 17 metre screen, 4K laser projection, and immersive sound across 285 seats. Now showing Super Mario Galaxy Movie and Project Hail Mary, with the Michael Jackson biopic, Mandalorian and Grogu, and Dune 3 on the way.

Tashas at Nelson Mandela Square has reopened after a complete redesign. New earthy interiors, Cape Town made furniture, and a menu headlined by baked meat pasta with tableside parmesan for under R150. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and now dinner.

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu