If every street corner holds a memory, how many versions of Joburg exist – and which ones are still waiting to be discovered? A question we constantly had on our mind, as we and over 500 others (including hosts, organisers, and participants) toured the city this past weekend for Jozi My Jozi Walks on Sat, Sep 27 and Sun, Sep 28, 2025. See some of the highlights in photos below.
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
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."
