In-depth 2015: Mayfair
Mayfair Joburg is a project of the full-time Wits Journalism Honours programme. At the end of the year students explore a selected topic in depth. They roam a geographic region in Johannesburg, digging for dirt or gold. They strive to craft their long-form journalism into showpieces of writing and make their multimedia pieces shine. The groups are divided into themes guided by experienced mentors.This year we chose the historically rich and culturally diverse areas of Mayfair and Fordsburg, a few kilometres from the campus of Wits University.

History and Future
Our writers weave stories of faith, migrancy, crime and policing through the eyes of new and old residents of Mayfair. Visit one of the country’s oldest karate schools, walk in the workers’ worn-out shoes and take a Friday night crime prevention ride. Learn how local businesses flourish and understand the safety and faith of many migrants in Mayfair. The past is the present is the future.

A legacy of karate in Fordsburg
By Queenin Matsuabi
After 50 years of learning and teaching martial arts, Solly Said is glad he followed his heart in his career instead of following his parents’ wishes.
After all, it also brought him love.
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The resilience and torn shoes of workers in Fordsburg
By Zimasa Mpemnyama
Many people who work in and around Fordsburg come from all parts of the world.
It is not strange to hear cleaners, waitresses, cooks, shop assistants etc. saying they come from countries like India, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe and Malawi.
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Community take on crime in Mayfair
By Raquel De Canha
Crime has for many years been a troubling shadow that looms over South Africa.
A group of individuals in Mayfair have decided that crime in their area is too great a task for the police to tackle alone.
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From Mogadishu to Mayfair and beyond
By Anelisa Tuswa
Somali businesses are well known for an unusual pace when it comes to their business growth and development.
Many wonder what their secret is to this growth and even though this community believes that they have none, they are still willing to expand and share their business skills with the rest of the small business community.
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Safety in Islamic numbers?
By Anlerie de Wet
According to crime statistics, the Fordsburg and Mayfair areas are two of the safest foreign-inhabited areas in Johannesburg.
The Muslims in the area, which is increasing yearly, believe it is because of their peaceful nature.
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“Aspiring investigative journo with a love for fashion and hiphop and house music.”
“Former science student, now an aspiring journalist. I believe words can change the world.”
“My passion for journalism is deeply rooted in its ability involve, create awareness and evolve.”
“Writer with no book, journalist with no experience and a proud African.”
“I live my journalistic life according to these lyrics: Trust I seek and I find you, everyday for us something new. Open mind to a different view, and nothing else matters.” – Metallica

Culture and Community
Our team set out to explore the heart and soul of the new Fordsburg, a zone of transition and tradition that teems with stories of hope, resilience, and struggle. From the homeless waste-recyclers of Fietas, to the refugees of Little Mogadishu, from the Sunday revivalists of the old Majestic Cinema to the fashionistas of Mint Street, from the sweet taste of Cape Malay delicacies to the bitter brew of Somali coffee, these are the tales that bring an old neighbourhood to resonant new life.

The Elder of Little Mogadishu
By Sinikiwe Mqadi
In a part of Johannesburg, that feels like a part of Somalia, one man and his family are searching for a better life.
This is the story of Ebrahim Mohammed Ali, one of thousands of Somali immigrants trying to make it in the City of Gold.
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Fashion woven into the fabric of Fordsburg
By Valerie Robinson
The neighbourhood of Fordsburg, west of the Johannesburg city centre, is a place of history and a wide diversity of cultures.
But is there such a thing as a unique “Fordsburg Style”? Aneesa Omar leans against the counter in her store in Fordsburg…
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The majestic joys of old Fordsburg
By Katleho Sekhotho
Once it was the crown jewel of movie culture in Fordsburg.
Today it has been born again as an icon of a different kind. This is the story of the Majestic, the old, former movie house that becomes a lively, rousing church on Sundays.
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When times are hard, friends are few
By Samantha Camara
Fietas, a working-class community, lies almost forgotten on the outskirts of Fordsburg.
At the bottom of the neglected neighbourhood is 14th Street, a once bustling market street now home to the Fietas homeless community.
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A community within and without
By Rafieka Williams
The Cape Malay population of Mayfair may be small, but they carry in their heritage a strong sense of community in everything they do.
The bond they share is defined not by geographical location, but by a past with distinct traditions of culture and faith.
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“I am a journalist with a special interest in community media. I love SA and Africa at large.”
My interest stems from the passion I have for knowledge for history, wildlife, politics and entertainment.”
“Aspiring talk show host. Lover of contemporary fiction and amped about being part Wits journalism team 2015.”
“I believe the best way to empower people is to help them find their voice. I love to read, watch old movies and support local music.”
“I hope to enlighten the world by uncovering the truth.”

Family and Tradition
We explore the boundaries of tradition in art and music, the flexible and dynamic changes in family and how people see their connectedness. Enter the world of the Islamic feminist, chill with some genuine Shisha, hear the music of Islam, see the art of Islam and meet some families with very little, determined to give back to their community.

Writing on the walls
By Sibongile Machika
Fordsburg is a living, breathing ode to Allah.
Islam is the connecting force between the many nationalities and cultures found here. It is in the food, fashions and, literally, the writing on the walls.
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Mayfair women break the Muslim mould
By Rianté Naidoo
The women of the Garda family are far from “mainstream Muslim” women.
This family of three daughters and seven granddaughters run their own businesses and rarely wear the hijab.
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Fietas: A community starving for survival
By Reuven Blignault
Just a stone’s throw away from affluent suburbs such as Parktown and Auckland Park in Johannesburg is a “poor white” suburb called Fietas.
Over 40 years ago, the government forcibly removed many families to make way for a low-cost residential white suburb.
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The sounds of Islam
By Thembisile Dzonzi
In a community where listening to music is prohibited, the melodic sounds of the nasheed genre are a popular alternative in Islamic households.
However, even in this religious genre of Islamic praise music there are contending views as to what is halaal and what is haram.
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By Lily Sweetpea
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“Spirit unbound.”
“Sometimes, a perfectionist. At other times, a family girl, messed with cookie dough, laughing loudly and dancing in a dainty dress. But an all-time inquiring mind.”
“History, photography, video game and pool lover.”
“Dreamer. Will write for food. “Dum inter hominess sumus, colamus humanitatem.” – Seneca

Work and Play
Scratch the surface of Mayfair and you’ll find a space filled with diverse communities. Meet young Somalis chasing big dreams with the beautiful game, and the very last barber of Fordsburg. Explore the cultural melting pot that is the Oriental Plaza. See how coffee is used to connect to faraway homelands. Finally, learn about Fordsburg’s need-for-speed sub-culture.

The fast lanes of Mayfair
By Michelle Gumede
NOS foggers, split mags and dropped suspension are staples for drag racing in Mayfair.
The subculture keeps local police busy and the costs are exorbitant. But the guys, and the girls, love it anyway.
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One match at a time
By Masego Panyane
For the people of Little Mogadishu, life in South Africa is characterised by a constant attempt to survive the harsh realities of being “a foreigner”.
They have, however, found something that can help ease the sting of that reality – football.
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Tailoring multiculturalism: weaving through the fashion “melting pot”
By Litaletu Zidepa
On the outskirts of the Johannesburg CBD lies a pulsating colourful melting pot that stretches for about 350 stores.
Tailored in the vibrant cloth of multiculturalism, a distinct pulse and a rich history, Oriental Plaza reflects the cultural diversity of South Africa.
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Coffee culture gives the aroma of home
By Boipelo Boikhutso
Along the dusty road of Little Mogadishu, a blend of strong smells permeates the air, a combination of stale urine, dust and exotic spices.
In the midst of that odour, there is also an aromatic smell – of coffee beans.“This is not just any coffee, it is the original Ethiopian coffee,” Abdi Shemsu says appreciatively as he sips.
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The last barber of Fordsburg
By Tanisha Heiberg
There are many hair salons in Fordsburg that are all competing for customers, but with the increase in foreign-owned businesses and the changes seen in Fordsburg all the old barbershops have closed, except for one.
Every day Chhagan Cgopal takes the familiar 30-minute journey from his bus stop at the heart of Johannesburg’s city centre to his barbershop in Fordsburg, a trip he has taken for over 40 years.
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“Life is what you make it…make it happen!”
“‘If’ by Rudyard Kipling says everything I don’t have the words to say. I try to live by it.”
“Avid reader and passionate journalist. Lover of music and excited to be part of Vuvuzela.”
“Driven. Activist. Unpredictable. Firm believer in self-development.”
“If I’m not writing you can find me reading or performing on stage. “
Click here to view the 2016 In-depth reporting project: Joburg CBD