You may have spotted the full lineup for this year's series of Jozi My Jozi Walks, a weekend of community-led walking tours that hero different Joburg neighbourhoods. Amongst the 15 tours on the programme (see all of what's on offer here), four stand out for their focus on food in the city. Below, get to know the hosts via quick Q&As – a taste of what to expect on the weekend of Sat, Sep 27 and Sat, Sep 28, 2025. Tickets for all #JoziMyJoziWalks tours cost R67.50 per person, including the booking fee. You can book online here.
Ayanda Dludla: A Taste of Africa
If you’re curious about Joburg’s indigenous African cuisine and the vibrant mix of cultures in the City Centre, this tour on Sat, Sep 27, 10:30 – 12:30 and 14:00 – 16:00 is not to be missed. Hosted by the team at Exotically Divine Pulse, based at the historic Drill Hall, the walk traces traders and markets that specialise in traditional produce and ingredients. Expect a flavourful journey into African food heritage – from yam tasting to visits to Mozambican and Ethiopian markets – along with engaging conversations about tiger nuts and alligator pepper. Book here.
What’s the story you hope people will walk away with after your tour?
We want people to be able to trace our existence through African indigenous food, learn where to buy it, and become comfortable walking in the city streets.
What’s your connection to the City Centre?
Community and relationships. We say that "people who eat together stay together."
A person or business in the area you’d highlight — and why?
On Kerk Street, often called the Mozambique Market, street vendors have created a great setup. The fresh vegetables add colour and character, giving the street a homely feel. There are snacks to nibble on and a warm, friendly community atmosphere.
Three words that describe Joburg?
Place of possibilities.
Tebogo Mabye: Hillbrewed Walking Tour
Photo: Supplied.
On Sat, Sep 27 from 10:30 – 13:30, discover Hillbrow as a “melting pot of Africa” with multi-talented chef Tebogo Mabye, who you may remember from Masterchef South Africa 2024. This walking tour of Hillbrow will talk you through some of its forgotten stories and show you what makes this inner city neighbourhood unique. Mabye, who grew up on these streets, will lead you to cool hidden spots. He will also provide insights into the positive impact of MES, an organisation that tackles issues related to adults at risk, something of which he has personal experience. Expect martial arts demonstrations, a flash mob, art sights, and tasty bites along the way. Book here.
What inspired the tour?
My upbringing in the neighbourhood and all the adventures I went on growing up. I was born and raised in Hillbrow – I am Hillbrewed.
What’s the story you hope people will walk away with after your tour?
There’s extreme beauty and rare gems hidden in Hillbrow.
What’s a surprising thing someone might learn about Hillbrow through taking this tour with you?
How safe it actually is, it’s not exactly what people paint it out to be.
Three words that describe Hillbrow?
Colourful, edgy, and busy.
A person or business in Hillbrow you’d highlight — and why?
Shihan Kiro Febana, a martial arts instructor who has passionately taught for the past 20 years and has produced world champions in Hillbrow.
Nkululeko "Nkuli" Motloung: The Moving Garden Studio
Photo: Supplied.
Time and time again, we are reminded that Wits University is much more than just an academic institution. Led by Nkululeko 'Nkuli' Motloung of urban farming initiative Plenty Green Africa, this walk on Sun, Sep 28 from 10:30 – 12:30 includes a guided tour of the Wits Food Sovereignty Hub – a dynamic space in the heart of Johannesburg demonstrating how urban agriculture, ecological sustainability, and community-driven initiatives can transform city living and address food insecurity. Savour a healthy, garden-inspired grazing table (using ingredients that you will forage) with chef and recipe developer Eating With Marbz. You’ll have a chance to get creative with a painting session led by Wildcraft Art Studio. Plus, expect curated vinyl sounds celebrating urban and indigenous culture. Book here.
What’s the story you hope people will walk away with after your tour?
A deeper understanding of how gardens can be more than just places to grow food – they are living classrooms, spaces of healing, creativity, and community. This walk tells the story of reclaiming urban spaces for food sovereignty, climate resilience, and cultural expression.
What are some surprising things someone might learn about Joburg through taking this tour with you?
Most people don’t expect to find vibrant, productive food gardens right in the middle of Johannesburg’s universities and urban environments. A surprising takeaway is how Joburg is full of hidden green spaces and grassroots projects where people are reimagining the city – not just as concrete and traffic, but as fertile ground for creativity, food security, and community resilience.
Lehlomela Khumalo: Keeper of Fordsburg’s Secrets
Step into the heart of Fordsburg with a lively walking tour hosted by Lehlomela Khumalo on Sat, Sep 27 from 14:30 – 17:00 that blends heritage, food, and contemporary culture. From the iconic Oriental Plaza to the legendary Solly’s Corner, Syrian family feasts, sweet koeksisters, health cafés, and buzzing artist studios, every stop invites you to taste, play, and discover. Along the way, you’ll unlock stories of rebellion, creativity, and flavour, earning points through quirky challenges until one explorer is crowned the “Keeper of Fordsburg’s Secrets.” Book here.
What's your connection to Fordsberg – and what inspired your tour?
I have worked in and around Joburg’s inner city neighbourhoods as a creative and curator, engaging with community members living in Fordsburg, Fietas, and surrounding areas. These spaces are both personally grounding, professionally inspiring and hold valuable untold stories.
Book for these Joburg food experiences
SAT, SEP 27, 2025
10:30 – 13:30: Hillbrewed Walking Tour – MasterChef’s Tebogo Mabye leads a Hillbrow adventure packed with bites, art, and untold stories. Book here.
10:30 – 12:30 and 14:00 – 16:00: A Taste of Africa – Taste yams, explore Mozambican and Ethiopian markets, and uncover Joburg’s rich African food heritage with Exotically Divine Pulse. Book here.
14:30 – 17:00: Keeper of Fordsburg’s Secrets – From the iconic Oriental Plaza to Solly’s Corner, sweet koeksisters, Syrian feasts, and buzzing artist studios, discover Fordsburg like never before. Book here.
SUN, SEP 28, 2025
10:30 – 12:30: The Moving Garden Studio – Get your hands dirty, your taste buds tingling, and your creativity flowing at Wits’ Food Sovereignty Hub with Nkululeko Motloung. Book here.
Curious what else is on offer? Find the full lineup for Jozi My Jozi Walks 2025 here.
Comments