The days of setting aside an entire morning for a licence renewal may finally be starting to fade.

For years, renewing a vehicle licence in South Africa often meant long queues, paperwork, and multiple trips to a licensing centre. It was one of those routine tasks motorists simply learned to tolerate. Today, however, a gradual shift toward online services is changing the experience.

For decades, owning a television in South Africa came with a simple responsibility: paying an annual TV licence fee.

But the world has changed.

Today, many people watch sports, news, movies, and entertainment on smartphones, laptops, tablets, and streaming services. For a growing number of South Africans, the television is no longer the primary screen in the home.

That shift is one of the reasons the government is reviewing how public broadcasting should be funded in the future.

The Women in Finance Network presents Irreplaceably Human, a full day conference at Standard Bank Rosebank on Wednesday 22 July. Keynote speakers include Rachel Kolisi, Dr Vumile Msweli, Zanele Njapha and Dr Kirti Ranchod. Tickets are R850 with early bird pricing at R800 for the first 50 bookings.

Discover a world where nothing is quite as it seems at the Museum of Illusions Johannesburg. With more than 60 interactive exhibits, optical illusions and hands-on experiences, this Rosebank attraction offers a fun and memorable outing for families, couples and friends. It's a place where science, creativity and entertainment come together to challenge your perception and leave you seeing the world in a whole new way.

Don't forget to haggle at the local markets in Johannesburg to get the best price on unique souvenirs and gifts!

The June school holidays run from 26 June to 20 July. Top activities include the Pop-Up Roller Rink at Greenstone Shopping Centre, Oh Happy Days sports zone at Clearwater Mall, Peter Pan Jr. at Joburg Theatre, and the Joburg Zoo holiday programme. Prices range from R50 to R180.

The Johannesburg Planetarium offers winter stargazing shows that bring the universe indoors. Located at Wits University in Braamfontein, this historic venue displays constellations and planets on a massive domed ceiling. Tickets cost R60-R80 for adults, with discounts for children and pensioners. Shows run on weekday evenings and weekend afternoons. It is an affordable, educational outing perfect for families, couples, and anyone curious about astronomy.

Q: Is Johannesburg safe for tourists?

A: While Johannesburg does have a high crime rate, it is generally safe for tourists as long as they take necessary precautions, such as avoiding certain areas at night and being vigilant of their belongings.

Q: What is the weather like in Johannesburg?

A: Johannesburg features a subtropical highland climate with sunny, dry winters characterized by crisp days and cold nights where temperatures often drop into the single digits or below freezing. Frost is common, but snow is extremely rare.

Q: What are some traditional South African dishes to try in Johannesburg?

A: Some traditional South African dishes to try in Johannesburg include biltong, boerewors, and pap and wors.

Tortellino d'Oro has opened a second location at Sandton Gate. The popular Italian restaurant from Oaklands brings its busy deli and excellent pasta, veal, and fillet dishes to a new dining precinct. Signature deli items include melanzane, spinach malfatti, and anchovy pâté. The desserts are a standout.

Ground The Venue hosts the Ground Cru Winter Edition on July 11 2026. The event features over 20 Cape wines, curated tasting spaces including a whiskey lounge and bubbles boulevard, live music by DJ Abby Nurock, and a kids area. Tickets range from R260 to R480 per person. VIP experiences are available for R1200.

Take advantage of the city's public transportation system by using the Gautrain to quickly and conveniently navigate between popular attractions and neighborhoods.

Potholes are a constant frustration for Sandown motorists, often leading to costly tyre damage and creating safety concerns.  

Feeling fed up with neglected roads, local residents banded together to tackle the issue head-on by pooling funds and purchasing tar to repair potholes themselves.  

By sharing costs, neighbours found that fixing both small and large potholes became surprisingly manageable.  

The results of their collaborative effort were recently celebrated during a community walkabout, as repaired streets became a point of local pride.  

This grassroots initiative was inspired by a desire to uplift the neighbourhood through action, not just complaints.  

Across Johannesburg, similar community projects are proving that residents who unite can beautify parks, care for public spaces, and strengthen neighbourhood bonds, complementing, but not replacing, municipal duties.  

Sandown’s example reveals how shared responsibility and teamwork can spark meaningful change, reminding all that even small steps can revive community spirit and improve the places we call home.

Scientists have discovered that bumblebees are capable of using tools to overcome obstacles and reach food, a behaviour previously associated with larger-brained animals such as chimpanzees, crows and elephants. In a new study published in Science, researchers found that many bees independently learned to roll a small ball beneath an artificial flower to access a sugary reward. The findings suggest that insect intelligence is far more sophisticated than previously believed, offering new insights into how even tiny brains can adapt, learn and solve complex problems.

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

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.