Johannesburg
Smart robots, automatic data rollover, 5 Joburg gems, Wine fests, cheap groceries, and Neapolitan pizza!
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Smart robots, automatic data rollover, 5 Joburg gems, Wine fests, cheap groceries, and Neapolitan pizza!
Featuring: Smart traffic lights, Gold Reef trivia, Beyers Chocolate, PnP Wine Festival, Rush Extreme, Multiflora, food saving apps, Keyes Art, Aura, and SetteBello.
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Trivia Question❓

What amusement park is built on an old gold mine and features a mining-themed roller coaster?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Broken traffic lights have become a daily frustration for many Gauteng motorists, with cable theft and vandalism costing millions of rand each year. Gauteng is now rolling out smarter technology, including electronic monitoring, sensors and intelligent cameras, to help prevent theft before it happens. While the upgrades won't fix every intersection overnight, they could lead to safer roads, fewer delays and more reliable traffic signals over time.

 
 

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South Africans are set to gain stronger protection over the mobile data they already pay for. New ICASA regulations, expected to take effect in January 2027, will require qualifying unused data to roll over automatically, ensure older bundles are used first, allow data transfers between customers on the same network and give consumers greater control over out-of-bundle charges. The changes are designed to make mobile services fairer and help consumers get better value from every gigabyte they buy.

 
 

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Interesting Facts
  • Johannesburg is a dynamic city that has been completely rebuilt four times in just under a century and a half. It transformed rapidly from a dusty 1886 tented mining camp into a town of tin shanties, then into Edwardian brick buildings, and finally into today's modern skyscraper metropolis

 

  1. Birthplace of Kwaito: In the early 1990s, the revolutionary music genre Kwaito emerged from the townships of Johannesburg, specifically Soweto.

 

  • Spine-Chilling G-Force: Gold Reef City features the Tower of Terror, an inverted vertical drop coaster known for plunging riders into an old mine shaft with a force of 6.3 Gs

 

Chocolate has a unique way of making life's little moments even sweeter, and The Chocolate Factory by Beyers in Bedfordview celebrates that joy beautifully. From handcrafted chocolates and a cosy café to hands-on chocolate-making workshops for all ages, it's more than a factory shop. It's a place to slow down, indulge your sweet tooth and create memorable experiences with family and friends.


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The Pick n Pay Wine & Food Festival returns to The Wanderers Club in Illovo on 8 and 9 August 2026, bringing together more than 70 of South Africa's leading wine estates for a weekend of tasting, gourmet food and live entertainment. Whether you're an experienced wine enthusiast or simply looking for a relaxed day out with friends, the festival offers an enjoyable way to discover new wines, delicious food and some of the country's best producers.


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Tip of The Day

Write things down: Clear your head by putting all your daily tasks on a short, simple list.

 

Take short breaks: Rest your eyes and brain for five minutes after every 25 minutes of work. 

 

Looking for an indoor activity the whole family will enjoy? Rush Extreme at Greenstone Mall combines wall-to-wall trampolines, climbing walls, dodgeball, foam pits and obstacle challenges into one action-packed experience. Whether you're planning a birthday party, school holiday outing or simply a fun day with the family, it's one of Johannesburg's favourite places to get active while having fun.


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Tucked away in City Deep, Multiflora is far more than a flower market. Home to thousands of fresh blooms, specialist florists and event suppliers, it's a colourful destination where anyone can wander, discover beautiful flowers and take a little inspiration home.

 
 

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Q/A Questions

Q: What is the largest planet in our solar system?
A: Jupiter.

 

Q: How many capital cities does South Africa have, and what are they?
A: South Africa has three capital cities: Pretoria (administrative),        Cape Town (legislative), and Bloemfontein (judicial).

 

Q: Which two oceans meet at the southern tip of South Africa?
A:
The Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean.

You've Got to See This

Simple Home Hacks That Make Everyday Life Easier

Every day, perfectly good food is thrown away simply because it wasn't sold before closing time. Food rescue apps are changing that by connecting shoppers with discounted surplus food from supermarkets, bakeries and restaurants. The result is lower grocery bills for consumers, less waste for businesses and a practical way for South Africans to help tackle one of the country's biggest environmental challenges while saving money.


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First Thursdays at Keyes Art Mile is a monthly event where galleries stay open late, new exhibitions launch, and visitors can explore Johannesburg's vibrant art scene in a welcoming atmosphere.


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Secret Little Hack

Car Window Positioning: Always lock car doors while driving and keep windows only slightly open (e.g., 3cm). This can cause glass to crack rather than shatter during a smash-and-grab attempt.

South African technology company Aura has become the first emergency response platform in the world to integrate Google Maps Platform directly into its dispatch system. The partnership is designed to help security officers, ambulance services and other emergency responders navigate more efficiently, reduce response times and provide more accurate arrival information. It's a world first that highlights South African innovation while delivering practical benefits when every second counts.


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SetteBello at the Italian Club in Bedfordview has become one of Johannesburg's favourite destinations for authentic Neapolitan pizza. From its traditional wood-fired oven to its fresh Italian ingredients and welcoming atmosphere, here's why this local favourite continues to win over pizza lovers.


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Image:Provided

Every neighbourhood has that one café everyone seems to recommend. In Northcliff, MV Café has earned that reputation.

 

Tucked inside Mountain View Shopping Centre, it's the kind of place where conversations linger long after the coffee arrives. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, the espresso is consistently excellent, and the menu brings together Mediterranean-inspired favourites and comforting café classics, making it difficult to order just one thing.

 

Whether you're meeting friends for breakfast, escaping the office for lunch, catching up over coffee or treating the family to dinner, MV Café has a relaxed, unhurried feel that makes you want to stay a little longer.

 

One Last Thing… Don't be a stranger! We are so grateful you stopped by. Tell your friends where you found that amazing coffee, and come back soon!

 

AddressCorner of 14th Avenue & Weltevreden Road, Mountain View Shopping Centre, Northcliff
Days OpenMonday to Sunday
HoursMonday: 7:00 am to 4:00 pm Tuesday – Saturday: 7:00 am to 9:00 pm Sunday: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Phone(011) 476 2720
Book Now
💡 Answer to Trivia Question:
Gold Reef City.
Joburg Insider

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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.

© 2026 Joburg Insider.