The wrap: 18 things we loved in June 2025 – Soweto adventures, cleaning the Jukskei River, and veggie bliss

04 Jul 2025

Alexandra Water Warriors. Photo: Johannesburg In Your Pocket.

Sowetoism. Photo: Johannesburg In Your Pocket.

GardenFresh in Parktown North. Photo: Johannesburg In Your Pocket.

It's been a meandering month, tracing the Jukskei River from its start in the valley on the eastern side of the city with Water for the Future founder, Romy Stander, to its strong flow through Alexandra and beyond, along a community-led eco-tourism route. We also splashed out at Sun City for a weekend stay, and made the most of a visit to the neighbouring Pilanesberg National Park. Icy June has been warmed up by live music and fabulous eats (sometimes in tandem), a grand ascent up 900 stairs, a sublime day in Soweto, and brand-new art spaces. Here are our highlights from June 2025.

Streaming consciousness

Some would call it folly to establish a major city with no waterway. New York has the Hudson River, Lagos has the Ogun, and Paris the Seine. But in Joburg water runs in unexpected places – yes, often bubbling up in suburbia and welling up in neighbourhood WhatsApp groups as pipes corrode, but also in streams that converge to form the meandering Jukskei River. In recent weeks, we have followed the water.
1. REJUVENATING THE JUKSKEI RIVER

Following the water with Water for the Future director Romy Stander. Photo: Johannesburg In Your Pocket.

The most interesting things in Joburg are often accidental, and the start of Water for the Future is indicative of this. We met Romy Stander, the NGO’s director, in Lorentzville on the coldest day in June to find out how her "simple" mission of cleaning the Jukskei River eight years ago has snowballed to benefit the surrounding community. Read the story here.
2. ECO-TOURISM IN ALEXANDRA

The Alexandra Water Warriors use materials from the river to create storied sculptures. Photo: Johannesburg In Your Pocket.

We had a chance to visit the Alexandra Water Warriors, who are at the helm of an ongoing, community-run project to green and clean the Jukskei River that flows between East Bank and old Alex. The part of the Jukskei that runs through South Africa’s oldest township, on the doorstep of Sandton, is highly polluted and floods often, wreaking havoc on the community. While many would find the task of restoring this historic waterway insurmountable, the Water Warriors don’t fight the current – they are working with the river, and a wide-ranging network of collaborators and co-creators including artist Hannelie Coetzee, who together with talented local artists and crafters from the Alex community are repurposing materials delivered directly by the body of water. They have turned bricks, tiles, tyres, and tree trunks into poignant sculptural pieces and mosaics. A joy to behold, each artwork tells a story about the river. Individuals and groups can book a guided tour with the Alex Water Warriors during the week to hear about this initiative firsthand.

Food faves

3. EATING OUR VEGGIES

Unusual fresh produce at the GardenFresh store. Photo: Johannesburg In Your Pocket.

We've loved stocking up on all things colourful and tasty at GardenFresh in Parktown North this month. Two members of our team are solid converts after trying the gorgeous assortment of heirloom tomatoes on offer (a box of these makes a great birthday gift for a friend who loves to cook, by the way). From imported ingredients to locally sourced and utterly unusual produce, this bright store is brimming with fuel for all of your kitchen dreams. The floral section is fabulous too, with proteas sold per stem. Follow @gardenfreshsa on Instagram for the latest offerings.
4. COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH

Say cheers – the delectable Thai green curry cocktail at The Pot Luck Club. Photo: Johannesburg In Your Pocket.

During our recent Roaming Office adventure at The Peech Hotel in Melrose, lunchtime rolled around, and so did cocktail tasting. We tried The Pot Luck Club's Thai green curry cocktail; a symphony of litchi, coconut, and chilli-infused vodka. The silence around the table after the initial sip made it quite obvious that we had found our new go-to cocktail. A solid 10/10 rating is only fitting – we loved it so much, we've since tried our hand at making it at home.
5. EPICURE

Chef Coco Reinarhz talking us through his new menu at Epicure. Photo: Johannesburg In Your Pocket.

We took a trip around the continent without ever stepping outside Rosebank, attending the media preview of Epicure restaurant. Newly located on the rooftop of One Rosebank – a sleek new luxury lifestyle and apartment building – Epicure is led by celebrated Chef Coco Reinarhz. His curated menu reflects his signature style: pan-African, inventive, layered, and deeply rooted in African culinary traditions. Chef Coco, whose heritage spans Burundi, the DRC, and Belgium, crafts each dish as a love letter to the continent’s rich and diverse flavours. We were treated to a five-course tasting menu, with each course inspired by one of Africa’s five geographical regions. Our favourite? The final course, inspired by East Africa – a fragrant Kilwa coconut cake paired with a smooth chai tea ice cream. Keep an eye out for our full feature on Epicure, coming soon.

A day in Soweto

6. ART, HISTORY, FASHION, FOOD, AND COMMUNITY LOVE

In the heart of Soweto, Credo Mutwa Cultural Village feels worlds away. Photo: Johannesburg In Your Pocket.

On the last Friday of June, we left our desks for a markedly chilly Soweto adventure – what the weather lacked, the spirit of the place more than made up for, with many heart-warming stops along the way. Part of our explorations took the form of a new, guided Soweto art tour led by Thabo the Tourist. Lebo's Soweto Backpackers was our meeting point, where a warm drink and a few minutes next to the bonfire did wonders before we set off. The three local practitioners we visited couldn't be more different, wonderfully exhibiting diversity of creative expression in the neighbourhood. Our first stop was the bubbly Lerato Motau, an artist working in fabric and thread while raising funds for children with dyslexia. We were also welcomed into the home studio of Senzo Nhlapo, whose characteristically colourful, abstract style adorns many walls in the Soweto – including that of the Eyethu Heritage Hall, where pop art meets museum exhibit. Last but not least, we visited the studio of legendary artist Kenny Nkosi whose found-object sculptures (made with trash he collects in the area) were a delight to behold, in various stages of completion.

Maria Malepa of Lebo's Soweto Backpackers guided us through some more cultural stops, showing off a few of Soweto's coolest fashion spots for starters: Thesis Lifestyle, Sowetoism, and Hectic 7. We chatted to the artist collective Artrising, as they worked on adding to a mural commemorating Youth Day (celebrated annually on Jun 16). A whirlwind tour of Credo Mutwa Cultural Village was another highlight: an incredible, sacred space in the middle of bustling Soweto that feels worlds away. The day would not have been complete without lunch on the sunny terrace of Native Rebels among friends, old and new. While traditionally historic sites weren't on our itinerary, the potent history of Soweto is felt in its very fabric. Look out for our dispatches from this visit to Soweto in future newsletters (if you aren't already subscribed, now's a good time).

Art around town

7. FOUR NEW GALLERIES IN JOBURG

Inside the new-and-improved Gallery 1 at Keyes Art Mile. Photo: Supplied.

It's been a busy few weeks following the changes in Joburg's art landscape. As far as we can tell, it's the end of the era for big exhibitions at the Standard Bank Gallery in Marshalltown. Going ahead, this energy will be concentrated on The Standard Bank Art Lab, which has opened at Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton City. Meanwhile, cosmopolitan Rosebank welcomes three new galleries that span museum-grade exhibitions to more unexpected offerings. Lizamore & Associates recently opened up a new permanent gallery: Lizamore on Keyes. It’s a fun and welcoming multi-level space that will host no more than five exhibitions a year, each with longer runs than traditional gallery spaces.

Nearby, as plans for Keyes 2.0. forge ahead, the first signal of change is the newly renovated Gallery 1 at Keyes Art Mile. This once unassuming gallery has been transformed into a standout space, destined for hosting museum-quality art drawn from private collections. Last but not least: it’s enlivening to witness the emergence of different kinds of art spaces too – one of them is Under the Aegis, a satellite gallery to the Cape Town branch that is part of a new 'third space' and coffee shop on Tyrwhitt Avenue, here.joburg. Read more about these four new art spaces.
8. 10 MINUTES WITH DANEEL THUMBIRAN

We loved seeing Daneel Thumbiran's largescale work at Bag Factory. Photo: Johannesburg In Your Pocket.

The canvas of Lenasia-based multidisciplinary artist Daneel Thumbiran is steeped in the lively variety of his South African Indian heritage. He first caught our eye during a residency at The Creatory at 223 Creative Hub in 2024. In early 2025, Thumbiran took up another residency at Bag Factory in Newtown, with his resultant body of work being exhibited in a solo show, Brahmacarya. After attending the opening, our fascination only grew.⁠ For us, the greatest takeaway was witnessing firsthand how Thumbiran's work brings diverse people and ideas together. It also gives a voice to perspectives that are very much a part of the South African experience, but sometimes fly under the radar. "Hinduism, in my work, is not a demand but a lens," the artist tells us. "A lived perspective. I am not forcing belief, but inviting thought. These works exist to open up new spaces for reflection, for conversation, and for expanding what art can hold: spiritually, culturally, and historically." ⁠Read our Q&A with him.
9. A JOBURG ART ICON, WRIT LARGE

Sam Nhlengethwa opens his exhibition at Radisson RED Rosebank. Photo: Mbongo Keswa.

Radisson RED Rosebank is best known for the incredible views from its rooftop bar, a fun restaurant, and cool accommodation. However, visitors will quickly notice the larger-than-life works of art on display in its lobby and common areas. ⁠This year, the spotlight is on Sam Nhlengethwa – one of South Africa’s most revered artists – whose work captures the spirit and history of the complex and beautiful city that is Joburg. Born in Payneville, Nhlengethwa has seen the art world in this country evolve from something that was repressed and restricted, into one of the most exciting and vibrant art scenes in the world. His work has changed with the city around him, touching on jazz, street life, fashion, and architecture.⁠ With 10 large-scale works on display since May 2025, Nhlengethwa’s year-long exhibition at Radisson RED Rosebank honours this legacy. We loved having the opportunity to interview him. Read the full story.

City-wide adventures

10. PONTE CHALLENGE

The view from the top of Ponte Tower... 900 stairs later. Photo: Johannesburg In Your Pocket.

One of our writers, Unathi Nkhoma, spent her birthday morning conquering Joburg’s tallest building – the iconic Ponte Tower – by taking in the quarterly Ponte City Challenge organised by Dlala Nje on Sun, Jun 8. She climbed more than 900 stairs, navigating a never-ending spiral of steep steps. It sounds easier than it is – from the 30th floor onwards, plenty of breathers were needed before finally reaching the 54th. She clocked in at 18 minutes, just over the average of 16 minutes, with the fastest time of the day a jaw-dropping 6 minutes and 22 seconds. After the climb, participants were rewarded with a light breakfast and city views from the 51st floor: yoghurt, granola, vetkoek with atchar, coffee, tea… and a cheeky celebratory birthday Jägermeister shot.
11. CRAFTING AT 223 CREATIVE HUB

Learning the art of beading at 223 Creative Hub. Photo: Katlego Tjatji.

We joined the Breaking Bead Workshop at 223 Jan Smuts Creative Hub, hosted by writer, designer, and Southern African fashion history and design researcher Khensani Mohlatlole, alongside fashion designer, stylist, and illustrator Andria Cindi. The focus of the workshop was creating beaded phone cases, and the morning began with a brief introduction from Mohlatlole on the rich history of beading in Southern Africa. Cindi then gracefully took the reins, guiding us through the intricate process as we learnt to use our hands and eyes in new, coordinated ways, experimenting with various beading techniques. The room buzzed with a diverse group of mostly women, from teenagers to more mature members, each adding their own flair and focus. Although most of us didn’t complete our phone cases, we left with a deepened appreciation for beading, craftsmanship, and the shared joy of making something by hand.
12. GRITTY AND GREEN SOUNDS

Local star Nanette on stage at Once Upon a Time in Joburg. Photo: Supplied.

The crowd knew every word as UK-Colombian R&B singer Sasha Keable belted out her hit single Why –so much so, she had to sing it twice. It was the cherry on top at the second edition of Once Upon a Time in Joburg at James and Ethel Gray Park, Melrose on Sat, Jun 2. R&B fans were out in full force, united with local stars Shekhinah and Nanette warming up the sunny winter afternoon. Despite the temperature dropping as day turned to night, things only got hotter when headliners US rapper Goldlink and Sasha Keable took the stage to close out a memorable festival. On Sun, Jun 15, we touched down at 1 Fox Studios in Ferreirasdorp for Haus of Kuhl: Jägermeister's nocturnal playground of experimental sound, fashion, and subculture. Set in an immersive, neon-lit space, the event pulsed with high-energy performances and left-of-centre style. A highlight was the slush drink — a mix of Jägermeister, cloudy apple juice, elderflower syrup, and fresh lime juice. We loved seeing South African talent DJ Maphorisa perform.

Joburg love

13. 15 YEARS OF @2SUMMERS

Heather Mason takes a trip down memory lane to celebrate 15 years in Joburg. Photo: Thorsten Deckler.

We are long-time fans and friends of Heather Mason, the person behind the popular blog @2Summers, which chronicles the adventures and curious discoveries of an American expat who has made Johannesburg her home since 2010. This year marks 15 years since she moved to our fair city. To celebrate this, she shares an annual highlight for each of the years that she's been here. Take a trip down memory lane.

Fun staycations and nature escapes

14. WINTER SAFARI

A late afternoon game drive in the Pilanesberg, part of our weekend stay at Sun City's The Reserve. Photo: Johannesburg In Your Pocket.

We set out for a short and sweet weekend stay at a spacious, newly renovated villa at The Reserve. Part of Sun International's timeshare-based Vacation Club at Sun City, the rooms have been given a colourful upgrade – our three-bedroom unit was decked out in shades of rich blue and yellow, with graphic black and white details, and nature-inspired art on the walls. If you want to break out of the bubble of Sun City, the resort has its own access to the neighbouring Pilanesburg Nature Reserve – and you didn't have to tell us twice. We joined Mankwe Gametrackers for a late evening drive led by the irrepressibly cheery Sbu, whose warm disposition helped us survive the last, bitingly cold portion of the ride. As did a hot bath immediately upon returning to our villa. This accommodation is self-catering, with a fully equipped kitchen and patio braais, both of which we made excellent use of. Stay tuned for our review.
15. ROSEBANK SLEEPOVER

Fuelling up for the day with the breakfast buffet at The Capital on Bath in Rosebank. Photo: Johannesburg In Your Pocket.

We recently spent a night at The Capital on Bath hotel in Rosebank – it almost felt like we never left home. Our one-bedroom unit was spacious, stylish, and fully self-contained, with everything we needed for a comfortable stay. The cheeky "You Booze, Come Snooze" package included a bar voucher (used for Long Island Iced Teas) and a hangover recovery kit for the next morning – cream sodas and a tasty snack platter included. If you’re looking for a base from which to explore the surrounding district, The Capital on Bath is perfectly situated. During our stay, we hopped over to Keyes Art Mile for dinner at Kanpai and The Prawnery and enjoyed the Keyes Art Night festivities, knowing we had a cosy suite around the corner to return to. While we’re not usually breakfast people, the morning spread was impressive – a great way to start the day. The broader Capital complex includes a gym, pool, bar, excellent Wi-Fi, and attentive service.

Looking ahead: A treasure-hunting weekend

16. COLLECTABLE THRIFTING

We spotted all manner of gorgeous things at our last visit to The Firs Antique Fair. Photo: Johannesburg In Your Pocket.

Collectable thrifting? It's not an oxymoron; it's our lens on two of Gauteng's longest-running antique fairs at Brooklyn Mall in Pretoria and The Firs in Rosebank (previously held at Nelson Mandela Square) – on the first Saturday and Sunday of the month, respectively. With antique specialist Clyde Terry at the helm, these tabletop fairs specialise in sought-after antiques, rare collectables, and all manner of curious and beautiful objects – sold by passionate and seasoned dealers who love to tell the stories behind their wares. We've been fans for years now, and think this is a great way to shop. In an age of throwaway thrift, these fairs are just the opposite.

On Sat, Jul 5 from 10:00 – 16:00 head to the Brooklyn Mall Antique Fair and, for a full treasure hunting weekend, don't miss the next edition of The Firs Antique Fair on Sun, Jul 6 from 10:00 – 16:00.

Recent reviews

17. GIRLS ON BIKES

A quick selfie before a Girls on Bikes ride. Photo: Johannesburg In Your Pocket.

"I could go on forever about this community that’s become a safe space for women to push limits, build sisterhood, and make lifelong friendships. We literally took the spirit of the girls’ bathroom and added bicycles," says Karabo Mashele, founder of Girls on Bikes. Twice a month, this popular women-centred cycling community rolls through Joburg, building sisterhood and strength. We joined Girls on Bikes from 44 Stanley to Rosebank, and back – and lived to tell the (two-wheeled) tale.⁠ Where cycling is often seen as a male-dominated space, Girls on Bikes boldly and joyfully declares: we belong here too! Read more about our ride and time spent getting to know this community. ⁠
18. THE SHORTMARKET CLUB x THE GREENHOUSE

Asian, French, and Mediterranean inspiration on the menu at The Shortmarket Club x The Greenhouse. Photo: Johannesburg In Your Pocket.

First landing in sedate Oxford Parks in Rosebank, the upmarket brasserie-bistro of Chef Luke Dale Roberts’ fame has found a new home on the wild side of Sandton, at leafy jungle club The Greenhouse. Known for its refined menu, we popped in on a late Friday afternoon to sample what is now The Shortmarket Club’s playful new offering. If you like a globe-trotting feast, with fab cocktails in a party atmosphere, this is the spot for you. Read our review.

Related reading: 20 things we did, saw, ate, and loved in May 2025