While Orlando West and Vilakazi Street often get the spotlight, it’s in the quieter suburb of Jabavu, just across from the historic Morris Isaacson High School (a key institution in Soweto known for its role in the 1976 uprising), where you’ll find the soulful spot that is Native Rebels.
A place of character
If you're driving or walking past and don't bother to look up, you might miss Native Rebels, accessed from the ground floor of Makhetha Shopping Centre. We stepped out of the car at that golden moment on a Friday afternoon – the streets were buzzing with school kids on their way home, laughter and music spilling into the air. We instantly regretted not having cash on hand to grab a few packets of ama kip kip (brightly coloured, sugar-coated popcorn snack beloved in South African townships).
Native Rebels is housed in what used to be Roots Restaurant and Gallery, a popular Soweto spot that opened in 2008. If you visited back in the day, you’ll be glad to see the familiar reclaimed wood furniture and Tyrolean-style bar still standing – under its new ownership, the space retains much of the charm that made it special from the start.
It all began in 2012, when Relebogile Kgoadi (aka Lebo) launched Lebo's Food Truck – the mobile kitchen that laid the foundation for what would become Native Rebels in 2018. Mmasechaba Nonyane joined the venture in 2019 and together, the couple have cultivated not just a restaurant – but a space with heart, heritage, and unmistakable charm.
A few of the characterful touches you'll start to notice when your eyes wander around this space are the signature bookshelf, shaped like a human head, 1970s protest posters, striking photographs by Tshepiso Seleke, trailing plants, and plenty of Jägermeister merch scattered around (a nod to the brand’s early support). The interior feels like an Austrian ski lodge meets Joburg lounge, while the outside deck, where we were seated on this sunny winter's day, wouldn't be out of place along a Durban high street.
Music is central to the experience here – a mix of local deep cuts, soul, and alternative jams – played just loud enough to bop to. By the time we were leaving in the late afternoon, the tunes were picking up pace and Native Rebels was ready to welcome the Friday night crowd who'd stay for more than just the food.
What's on the menu at Native Rebels
Yes, you’ll find pap on the menu – but it’s not the main event. The food here surprises in the best way. Native Rebels’ roots lie in Lebo's Food Truck, where he served up grab-and-go dishes that weren’t easily available in Soweto at the time. That spirit lives on in a menu that’s globally inspired but locally loved. Some examples of what you can find here include penne with broccoli and roasted cherry tomato, variations of egg benedicts, and Amarula cheesecake.
On our visit, we tried a butter chicken curry bowl topped with tzatziki and salsa, a beautifully grilled hake with beurre blanc, and a beer-battered fish and chips so good we’ve ordered it on every visit. The grilled fish burger with sweet chilli, sour cream, and jalapeños was just as delicious. The drinks are unpretentious and easy. We kept it classic with Devil’s Peak lager, Black Label, and a cheeky frozen margarita.
There are great vegetarian options too – no small feat in a township where meat usually takes centre stage. There's the Nomadic Pizza, with spinach, feta, mushrooms, and olives; deep-fried halloumi sticks; stuffed jalapenos; and a Cape Malay vegetable curry. We'd be remiss not to mention the occasional exotic meat offerings here: for special events, you may spot crocodile and springbok on the menu. Native Rebels' mission is to make new flavours accessible to locals who used to travel far for certain kinds of foods. Plus, the prices are way below what you'd pay for similar dishes in Joburg's northern suburbs.
A heads-up for the scent-sensitive: if the smell of cannabis isn’t your thing, just be aware that it tends to waft about, and there’s no designated smoking area to contain it.
Heavy on community: Soweto love
What truly sets Native Rebels apart is its strong community spirit. We arrived as a party of six and it wasn't long before our table had doubled, meeting friends old and new. People who drift in aren't afraid to pull up a chair and join in on your conversation – the energy is inclusive, a little unpredictable (in the best way), and full of warmth. Our corner table on the balcony was prime for people-watching on the streets below. Sitting there, we could see Soweto in motion – set to the distant sounds of Brenda Fassie's Weekend Special, blasting from speakers down the road.
Who’s most likely to roll through? According to Nonyane, it’s mostly Sowetans, Joburg locals, and folks who live and work around the area who swing by on the regular. But when the tourists pop in, it’s always a treat – they’re curious, camera-ready, and keen to soak it all in.
Native Rebels isn't trying to be anything slick or curated – but every visit there impresses upon us that this is someplace special. It's impossible not to be drawn into its energy. When it came time for us to leave, we did so with great reluctance, already plotting our return to Soweto – next time with a sleepover built in to experience the nightlife.
Native Rebels hosts regular events such as art exhibitions, jazz music sessions, and themed DJ nights. Be sure to follow @native_rebels on Instagram for what's coming up.
As Nonyane puts it: "If you’re looking for community, different and authentic experiences, art, good food and music – then Native Rebels is the place to check out." We couldn’t agree more. So, after your obligatory selfie at the Mandela House Museum, take the road less Instagrammed. Head to Native Rebels. The signage might be subtle – but once you’re in, you’ll know you’ve arrived.
While you're in Soweto – An itinerary
To supplement your Native Rebels outing, Segage suggests you add Credo Mutuwa Cultural Village, Soweto Theatre, as well as Thesis Lifestyle to your itinerary. To that, we'd add a guided Soweto art tour with Thabo the Tourist, where you will meet three local practitioners in their homes and studios who couldn't be more different, wonderfully exhibiting diversity of creative expression in the neighbourhood. And if you prefer to wander unguided, don't miss out on the Eyethu Heritage Hall where pop art meets museum exhibit.
In review
Food: 7/10
Generous portions and solid flavour overall – though a touch more seasoning wouldn’t hurt on certain dishes. The beer-battered fish and chips are hard to fault.
Drinks: 8/10
We enjoyed the frozen margarita, and there's a good array of options to choose from.
Ambience: 9/10
The space is energetic, fun, and cosy. If you're seated outside, the bottom floor adds a bit of unexpected entertainment or a mild distraction, depending on your mood.
Visit Native Rebels: Opening hours and location
Native Rebels is located at 1345 Kadebe Street, Jabavu, Soweto.It's easily accessible from the bottom floor of Maketha Shopping Centre, just walk up to the second floor.
Open on Tue from 10:00 – 21:00, Wed – Thu from 10:00 – 22:00, Fri – Sat from 10:00 – 00:00 and Sun from 10:00 – 22:00.
Contact the restaurant on +27 10 023 6110 or email via nativerebels.shop@gmail.com.
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