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Can Shops Charge You More? Plus Joburg’s Hidden Cocktail Bar & More
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Can Shops Charge You More? Plus Joburg’s Hidden Cocktail Bar & More
Useful answers, hidden spots, family fun, great bakeries and things worth discovering around Joburg.
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Trivia Question❓

How many official languages does South Africa have?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

South African consumers should generally not be charged an additional fee simply for paying with a debit or credit card. According to the Payments Association of South Africa, merchants accepting Visa and Mastercard payments should include card processing costs in their advertised prices, while genuine cash discounts remain permissible.


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Artificial intelligence is becoming an important support tool for doctors, helping analyse medical scans, identify diseases earlier and improve diagnostic accuracy. While AI will never replace medical professionals, it is already assisting healthcare teams around the world and is beginning to play a growing role in South African healthcare, offering the potential for faster diagnoses, earlier treatment and better patient outcomes.

 
 

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Interesting Facts
  • Smallest and busiest: It is South Africa's smallest province by size, yet it holds the largest share of the nation's people.

 

  • Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto is the largest hospital on the African continent. 

 

  • Gauteng is the province with the second highest life expectancy in South Africa

    Females have a life expectancy of 69 years and males have a life expectancy of 64 years.

 

Struggling to fall asleep even when you're exhausted? New insights from sleep research show that your brain begins preparing for rest long before bedtime. Discover why evening screen time, stress and inconsistent routines can keep your mind alert, and learn the simple, science-backed habits that can help you sleep better, improve your mood and wake up with more energy.


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Hidden behind an unmarked entrance in Parkwood, Sin+Tax has become one of Johannesburg's standout cocktail destinations. Recognised by 50 Best Discovery, the intimate speakeasy-style bar combines inventive seasonal cocktails, classic favourites and a relaxed atmosphere, making it well worth discovering for your next night out.


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Tip of The Day

Understand Four-Way Stops

At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to arrive has the right of way. If two vehicles arrive simultaneously, the one on the right proceeds first. This system relies on courtesy and clear signalling. If you hesitate, another driver might jump the queue.

Enjoy a meaningful family outing at Bunny Hop Haven, where rescued rabbits, guinea pigs, goats, pigs and other animals are cared for in a safe and loving environment. With interactive experiences, educational opportunities and peaceful surroundings, it's a day out that supports animal welfare while creating lasting memories.


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Swap your usual workout for an adventure at CityROCK Johannesburg. With climbing walls for every skill level, dedicated beginner facilities, bouldering, fitness areas and family-friendly experiences, it's one of the city's most exciting ways to stay active indoors.


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Q/A Questions

Q: What is Johannesburg’s main airport?
A: O.R. Tambo International Airport is Johannesburg’s main international airport and one of the busiest airports in Africa.

 

Q: What is the highest point in Johannesburg?
A: The highest point in Johannesburg is Observatory Ridge, which rises to approximately 1,800 metres above sea level.

 

Q: What is Johannesburg famous for historically?
A: Johannesburg was founded in 1886 following the discovery of gold on the Witwatersrand and quickly grew into a major mining and commercial centre

You've Got to See This

Hacks That Work Extremely Well

An Idiot's Guide to Wine is a 70-minute comedy show paired with a curated tasting of six wines. Created by Merrick Watts, the only comedian with a WSET Level 3 qualification. Coming to Hard Rock Cafe at Nelson Mandela Square on 14 August and 10 October. Tickets from R610.


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Looking for the best bakeries in Johannesburg? From artisan sourdough and French pastries to celebration cakes and neighbourhood favourites, here's where to find freshly baked goodness across the city.


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Secret Little Hack

Many Joburg museums and galleries offer free or discounted entry on selected days, so check before paying full price.

Johannesburg walking tours with Past Experiences, Curiocity, Dlala Nje, and Johannesburg Heritage Foundation offer safe, guided ways to explore the CBD, Maboneng, Ponte, Hillbrow, and heritage architecture. Advance booking required.


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Electronic waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams in South Africa, with hundreds of thousands of tonnes generated every year. Instead of throwing away old phones, laptops and other electronic devices, experts recommend using reputable e-waste recyclers to recover valuable materials, protect sensitive data and reduce environmental harm.


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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.

 

The Quick Breakdown

 

One Last Thing... If someone asks where you discovered your new favourite café... we'd appreciate a little credit. 😉☕

 

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:
Twelve official languages.
Joburg Insider

© 2026 Joburg Insider.

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.