In-depth 2018: Melville
Transforming lives through theatre is no child’s play
By: Onke Ngcuka
The National Children’s Theatre is an old establishment shaping the futures of young artists.
LITTLE FEET stomp on the wooden floor above me at the National Children’s Theatre’s (NCT) during Saturday morning workshops.
Click here to read more
Melville’s ‘crazy for cats’ woman sees no excess in charity
By: Elizabeth-Jane Ringrose
The identity of Melville has shifted significantly since the land was proclaimed in 1896.
The suburb is currently a bohemian area filled with hipsters, entrepreneurs and bargain hunters, while thrifting has been in Melville for the past 20 years.
Click here to read more
A job for the toughest sole
By:Tshegofatso Mokgabudi
Informal work is the foundation of any developing area, it provides an avenue for its populace to push back against poverty and deprivation.
Melville is no different.
Click here to read more
Evolution of the long standing heart of worship
By: Palesa Dlamini
The pink church with the blue door is one of Melville’s iconic historical sites.
The landmark follows the journey of prayers, businesses and an overarching spirit of a building with tales stretching over 115 years.
Click here to read more
In the slow lane with Melville’s tuk-tuks
By: Sanet Oberholzer
The tuk-tuk industry in Melville has been bustling since 2010.
With the entry of competitors such as Uber and Taxify, some drivers are getting creative in order to carve out a living for themselves and their families.
Click here to read more
The survival of a bookshop in an evolving and artsy Melville
By: Mary Sayegh
Love Books is able to survive in a suburb that is constantly evolving due to its relationship with its customers and members of the community.
A faded Afrikaans quote from Réney Warrington’s book, Oktober, has lain on the doorstep of one of Johannesburg’s oldest building.
Click here to read more
The keepers of the stories told by vintage clothing
By: Phumi Londell Ramalepe
Melville has long been known to be one of the most popular thrift communities in the City of Johannesburg.
A vintage store on the main drag is keeping the tradition alive while still providing a decent livelihood for its owners.
Click here to read more
The barbershop where generations have come to let their hair down
By:Naeema Dudan
Melville’s 4th Avenue has had its share of the hustle and bustle of shops opening and closing.
But the barbershop and the man who owns it tell a different story.
Click here to read more
Preserving the memory of Melville
By: Naledi Mashishi
As the artsy Johannesburg suburb of Melville modernises, its rich heritage is slowly beginning to fade.
Now, new efforts are being made by those who are fighting to keep Melville’s heritage alive.
Click here to read more
The team
Click here to view the 2019 In-depth reporting project: Louis Botha