Fifteen walking tours were selected as part of the Jozi My Jozi Walks 2025 lineup on the last weekend of September, and what a celebration it was.
We bore witness to the grittiness of Hillbrow, the beauty of Kensington by night, the intertwining of personal stories and history in Fietas, the power of community in Melville, and found inner city solace within Wits University's gardens – just fragments of what unfolded across 15 community-led walking tours around the city. Every street, mural, and landmark carried its own layered story – sometimes hidden in plain sight, other times told through the memories of the people who call these neighbourhoods home.
Neighbourhood tours in Joburg do more than guide you from point A to B. They open the city as a living archive, where experiences of the past and sparks of renewal exist side by side. Walking these routes reveals how communities shape Johannesburg through art, architecture, food, and everyday life, while spotlighting the resilience and creativity that characterise the city.
Even as we stood there – feet on the pavement, hearts tuned to the world around us – our thoughts were already leaping ahead. There’s something profoundly human in that tension. Every sight we took in, every
conversation we had, felt like a portal into history – but also a reflection of our own yearning, our desire to be part of something larger and ongoing. And the question that kept bubbling up from curious walkers reflected this: When are these tours happening again?
This is a sentiment we hold dear, alongside a goal of Joburg as a truly welcoming, and walkable, city. Thank you to Jozi My Jozi for leading this initiative alongside our team at Johannesburg In Your Pocket, with support from Gauteng Tourism. As you'll see in the photos below, coupled with the reflections from a few of the people who joined us on these tours, Jozi My Jozi Walks 2025 was pure magic. Here's to the next one.
All pictures taken below are by the Joburg Photowalkers, the offical photographers of Jozi My Jozi Walks 2025.
The Photowalkers provide a welcoming space for photographers to connect, learn, and see the city differently, with members ranging from locals who want to explore the city on foot to expats and tourists looking to connect with curious and like-minded people. Photography outings range from city strolls and festivals to creative experiments with light, macro, and skyline photography. The photowalkers are also frequent, and treasured, collaborators with Johannesburg In Your Pocket for events such as our annual #JacarandaInYourPocket season photowalks.
In numbers:
There were more than 25 hosts with a number of walks co-hosted
About 80 people made up the support team — including marshals, security, videographers and photographers, as well as shuttle drivers
There were a total of 16 walks (one ran twice)
A total of 500 tickets sold
We toured a number 15 number of neighbourhoods
A Taste Of Africa
Exotically Divine Pulse hosted a City Centre walk through the Drill Hall and local markets, showcasing indigenous African foods and culinary heritage.
"A bundle of energy."
Alex Unpacked – Stories and Solutions
Josephine Katumba's walk took visitors into Alexandra to explore Gcwalisa’s community initiatives tackling food insecurity, unemployment, and waste, while visiting local landmarks, spazas, and connecting with youth entrepreneurs.
Alexandra Unscripted – History, Heart and Hustle
Abby Sechoaro led a walk through Alexandra’s worker hostels, striking murals, bustling markets, and thriving street culture."This was not just a walking tour – it was a journey into the resilience, courage, and vibrancy of a community that continues to inspire South Africa and the world. What touched me most was how Abby connected the past with the present, showing us that even in the face of struggle, hope, creativity, and determination always find a way to rise. Abby is a gift – a guide who doesn’t just share a story, but has lived it and helps you become part of it."
Brixton – Through The Eyes of The Youth
Percy Zimuto, Camille Behrens, and Shade Community led a Brixton walk showcasing its spirit, creativity, and street culture of its youth.
Fordsburg Fusion – Food, Art, and Activism
Faarooq Mangera led a walk through Fietas, Mayfair East, Burgersdorp, and Fordsburg, exploring migration, food, activism, and community heritage."The walk was well-organised, safe, and fascinating (I love the drawstring backpack we each got!). Always good to walk the streets of this precious city and be reminded why I love it so."
Hillbrewed Walking Tour
Chef Tebogo Mabye led a Hillbrow walk that gave insight into his childhood, mixed with some yummy rooftop bites and flash mobs." Thanks for a well organized tour with interesting terrain - a mix of culture and street life. The rooftop lunch was an extra treat."
Jukskei River Walking Tour
Romy Stander, Muskaan Malik, and Nhlanhla Mohlasedi of Water for the Future led a Lorentzville walk along the Jukskei River, highlighting community-led restoration, climate solutions, and local history.
Keeper of Fordburg's Secrets
Lehlomela Khumalo led a Fordsburg walk through markets, eateries, and studios, uncovering local stories, culture, and culinary delights.
Made and Remade – Walk Braamnfontein Werf from 44 Stanley
Tebogo Galagala led a walk through Braamfontein Werf, uncovering how 44 Stanley, Atlas Studios, and The Test Bakery transform industrial pasts into vibrant hubs for food, fashion, film, and design."A fun, inspiring, and eye-opening Joburg experience."
Melville Unlocked: The Voices of Our Village
Photographer Aubrey Moloto led a Melville walk highlighting community collaboration, local heritage, and everyday life through church visits, hill climbs, and tasty bites.
Photo: Agnieszka Taggart.
Soweto Art Mile
Led by Lerato Tshabalala-Mini, granddaughter of Eyethu founders, Ephraim Batana and Caroline Kinini Tshabalala, the Soweto Art Mile celebrated Soweto’s resilience and artistry through music, performance, and heritage stops from Eyethu Heritage Hall.
The Magical Kensington Moonrise Walk
Ufrieda Ho, Dionne McDonald, Fleur Honeywell, and Bronwyn Krige led a Kensington moonrise walk with lanterns, music, massive puppets, and some really underrated city views."This was so lovely! Felt a real sense of warmth and community and care for each other. It made my heart full."
The Moving Garden Studio
Nkuli Motloung led a walk through the Wits Food Sovereignty Hub, which combines urban farming, foraged meals, art, and music. We also pained plant pots in the garden with Wildcraftd and ate nourishing food prepared by Chef Marbz.
The Migrant's Path
Thusi Vukani led a journey through the City Centre, sharing the story of the historic Jeppe Men’s Hostel before heading to Kwa Mai Mai market, where Sithuli Mbeje and Eugenie Drakes revealed how Zulu traditions thrive through food, craft, culture, and an informal economy.
"I learned so much I didn’t know about the hostel, the area, and Kwa Mai Mai. A beautiful way to spend a day connecting with others, learning about the various cultures and stories."
Time Flies and The Great Mace
Dr Myer Taub and Zeno Jacobs led a Braamfontein and Newtown treasure hunt across Wits University and surrounding areas, full of surprises and interactive challenges.
"What a fantastic and exciting afternoon going on a treasure hunt at Wits. The nuns were fabulous and I had such a good laugh."
Fifteen walks, over 500 people, and a city that revealed itself in countless ways – Jozi My Jozi Walks 2025 was both a celebration and a discovery. The photos capture the joy, grit, and creativity we shared, but they also remind us of something deeper: that Joburg is not just one city but many.
Jozi My Jozi Walks 2025 was spearheaded by Jozi My Jozi in collaboration with Johannesburg In Your Pocket and Gauteng Tourism.
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