South Africa is again debating the name changes of provinces and towns.
Over the past month, there has been nationwide debate over the name changes of various towns and provinces. This puts into question South Africa’s history and if we should preserve the current names as a reminder or change them to honour our heritage.
Name changes carry real and expensive costs. The updating of maps, road signs, business branding and tourism material require funding and resources that could be used elsewhere. The country has a multitude of more pressing issues – such as a high unemployment rate, and water and electricity shortages- changing the names of provinces and towns shouldn’t be the top priority for the current economic climate of South Africa.
The Eastern Cape’s is currently undergoing a massive transformation on this front. Gayton McKenzie , the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, approved 21 geographical name changes, including renaming East London to KuGompo and Graaff-Reinet to Robert Sobukwe Town. This has been in line with public consultations and recommendations made from the South African Geographical Names Council.
The name changes are yet to be confirmed as it is the department’s ongoing commitment to ensure that the names highlight the country’s diverse heritage and history. Most residents in Eastern Cape are against the name changes highlighting that the towns historical identity and heritage should remain, as this keeps history intact.
Other residents argue that the changes are long overdue, as the original names are reminiscent of our history and it is important to keep reminders around, so that people do not forget. The renaming project can be viewed as a form of decolonialisation and reclaiming our history and instilling pride over the South African landscape.
King Misuzulu kaZwelithini recently reignited the debate by calling for the removal of “Natal”, from the provincial name “KwaZulu-Natal”, he argues that before colonial efforts the area was simply called KwaZulu. The Zulu king is pleading with politicians to broaden the public debate about these historical boarders as they have been shaped by colonial authorities.
The African National Congress (ANC) has responded cautiously, particularly around the proposals to rename KwaZulu-Natal, stressing that it has not yet adopted an official position on the matter. The party emphasised that any provincial name changes must follow proper constitutional and legal processes.
As the debate continues, we need to critically ask ourselves what impact the name changes will have on the community, whether positive or negative, it will be the residents that deal with the massive changes, and their opinion is of high importance.
FEATURED IMAGE: Geographical name changes debate. Graphic by: Bonolo Mokonoto
Four seasons in, Bridgerton struggles with originality, yet it feels as genuine than ever.
Dearest gentle reader, in this highly anticipated new season of one of Netflix’s most-watched series, Bridgerton season four, part one, is not quite what we expected.
This season focuses on the notorious playboy Benedict Bridgerton’s love story and his quest to find life partner. He meets a lady named Sophie at a masquerade ball and makes it his mission to find her after she leaves the ball in a hurry. This season uses the Cinderella trope, but instead of a glass slipper, Sophie leaves behind a glove. This story line makes the story predictable, as many audience members are very familiar with this trope, it lacks originality.
A very interesting aspect of this new season is that we get an inside look into the servants’ quarters. We are offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse of how the lives of the rich and royal are kept in-order by those who are rarely noticed in these spaces. It is reminiscent of renowned period drama, Downton Abbey.
Through this shift in perspective, the series highlights the invisible labour that sustains the grandeur of high society. Lady Whistledown makes a point of exposing and sharing the stories of these workers, further emphasising their importance in society.
A carriage driver remarks on the behaviour within the ton, stating, “It’s thrilling for them, chaos for us.” This line emphasizes the immense labour servants must perform to maintain the magnificence or grandeur of the balls and social events hosted during the debutante season.
Throughout the Bridgerton series, Benedict has been depicted as sexually fluid, which makes his search for a wife this season feel out of left field and somewhat out of character.
It would have been more compelling to watch him seek companionship with both men and women, ensuring that the character development establishing him as pansexual in previous seasons, did not go to waste.
The chemistry between Benedict and Sophie is undeniable. This is the first season where the main couple get to know each other in a friendly manner, and this was entertaining to watch.
The playfulness and gentle ease they have with each other is refreshing, from the conflict we initially see with the previous main couples in the series.
Despite the predictability and missteps on Benedict’s character development, Bridgerton season four succeeds in feeling emotionally sincere.
This may not be the most original chapter in the Bridgerton storyline, but it proves that familiarity, when written well, can still be engaging.
Vuvu rating: 7.5/ 10
FEATURED IMAGE: Bridgerton season 4 review. Photo: Netflix
Jozi Angels and 22onSloan fund and mentor innovative AI business ideas aimed to solve African problems, founders warned on how not to fumble the bag.
Start-up founders need to be financially literate.
Scaling soon is bad for businesses.
Mentorship and funding available for entrepreneurs with lucrative solutions to African problems.
Wits University is hosting the fourth edition of the Applied Machine Learning Days (AMLD) conference from January 26 to 29 at the Wits Science Stadium and investors are present to advice Artificial Intelligent (AI) powered business founders.
From left to right: Hayet Hammana, Bernadette Bule and Keshni Morar. Photo: Lulah Mapiye
Bernadette Bule, Wits alumni, and Business and Partnerships Manager at 22onSloane, the largest startup campus in Africa, based in Johannesburg, said there is a fundamental skill every founder must have.
“I’ve seen that a lot of founders lack financial literacy, which leads them to desire to scale their businesses way too early. Our programme looks at the stages of our BRL (Business Readiness Level), which is from zero to ten, and determine your business needs as per your BRL level,” she said.
Keshni Morar, Angel Investor at Jozi Angels, agreed. She said a lot of businesses scale prematurely, leading to their downfall. Morar’s core work includes funding and mentoring early-stage South African start-up’s.
“Sometimes they [founders] may not be the right person to scale the business. Understanding fundamentals of business and self-awareness really helps with transferring the power to someone who is more capable of getting the business where it needs to be,” she said.
There were many AI-powered startups at AMLD, from AI models designed to assist doctors with follow-ups, scheduling patients and sending appointment reminders to efforts to end the use of English as a lingua franca through AI-mediated one-on-one conversations amongst African descendants of different languages.
One of the co-founders of Masakhana, a company research and funding company aimed at democratising AI in South Sudan, Lydia Kila Taban said: “We have more than 2,000 spoken languages in Africa, but the technology we use does not understand most of our languages. This results in a lot of people being unable to understand technology as it is not in a language they speak and think in.”
Masakhana is working to solve this problem with the help of researchers, engineers, computer scientists and others passionate about preserving African languages and heritage. This is a perfect example of the type of solutions Jozi Angels is willing to take risk funding.
Bule said with great ideas and the right funding, young people could help put a dent in South Africa’s unemployment problem.
This might be the year the national treasury receives more than two thousand budget tips.
Budget speech to be delivered on February 25, 2026.
Students raise funding, infrastructure, and security concerns.
February 16, 2026, is the closing day to submit tips.
Some university students are eagerly welcoming the Minister of Finance’s call to send budget tips ahead of the second budget speech under the Government of National Unity (GNU), scheduled to be delivered on February 25, 2026.
According to the Parliamentary Monitoring Group, the invitation to send through budget tips began in 1999 under former Finance Minister Trevor Manuel. An effort to get civil society to actively participate in matters of national importance.
Since its inception, citizens’ participation has been limited. In 2023 minister’s office received over 2000 responses. Before and after that, the responses were fewer than a thousand.
Even though the Wits SRC Treasurer General, Somwabo Mhlahlo (22) believes this is one of those things the government does to tick a box, he is determined to contribute to the conversation.
Mhlahlo’s biggest concern is that many students previously funded by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) are unable to register for the 2026 academic year.
“They have outstanding fees and cannot proceed with their studies because of the NSFAS cap on accommodation, it is the government’s responsibility to settle that debt,” he said. NSFAS currently caps accommodation allowance at R55,000 while residences on campus are currently charging between R55,685- R117,962.
For Sanele Segutya (23), a post-graduate student in Public Management, who spent three weeks in a public hospital in Cape Town due to a leg injury, resource allocation on public health services is most important. To offer services that are almost similar to those offered in private hospitals.
“The fact that I was in a hospital in itself is a privilege. My observations may have been surface level, but the nurses seemed frustrated all the time. At some point they had to discharge patients early because of a shortage of beds,” said Segutya.
Another student who is drafting a tip is eighteen-year-old Tsenolo Dampies, first-year student in Computational and Applied Mathematics. Dampies’ focus is infrastructure and security. “We need more cameras in crime hotspots, and more police stations where people can report crime as we all know that crime is on a rise in South Africa,” he said.
Witsies are using this chance to play a part in building the nation they dream of living in. If you were unaware that you have this power, you are being urged to click on this link, in no more than 300 words, state how you want your government to allocate funds, by no later than Monday February 16, 2026.
FEATURED IMAGE: Image showing South African Rands. Photo: Lulah Mapiye
The Vanderbijlpark scholar transport accident exposes how reckless driving and weak enforcement continue to cost lives on South Africa’s roads.
On Monday, January 19, a scholar transport minibus was involved in a devastating collision in Vanderbijlpark, situated south of Johannesburg. The tragic accident resulted in fourteen fatalities, sending shockwaves through Gauteng and the country at large.
As investigations continue, the 22-year-old driver appeared before the Vanderbijlpark Magistate’s Court, where the case took a drastic turn as he abandoned bail and additional charges were added. The National Prosecuting Authority confirmed on Thursday, January 22, that the driver, Ayanda Dludla, now faces 14 counts of murder, upgraded from the initial charges of culpable homicide. Other charges include three counts of attempted murder, one count of driving without a valid permit and one count of operating an unlicensed vehicle.
Initial reports and video footage point to reckless driving during peak traffic. Too often, scholar transports operate in a grey area where unroadworthy vehicles, missing permits and unqualified drivers are treated as a miner issue, rather than a life-threatening risk for the lives of people on the road.
The tragedy that unfolded in Vanderbijlpark is not just a heartbreaking reminder of how dangerous our roads have become; it is an indication of the disappointing system that has repeatedly failed to protect even its most vulnerable users. For years, communities and road safety advocates have warned about reckless driving and weak enforcement from road officials.
The Department of Transport’s recent push to verify scholar transport operators, to ensure proper registration and the possession of valid documentation, is crucial. This raises an uncomfortable question: why did it take the loss of fourteen young lives for this urgency? Road stops after such a tragedy are not enough, enforcement must be consistent and uncompromising, not just reactive.
Scholar transport drivers are entrusted with young lives, and that responsibility needs discipline, patience and respect for the rules of the road. Reckless overtaking, speeding and a complete disregard for traffic laws are acts of negligence with inevitably devastating consequences.
Parents and community members should be empowered to play a role and verifying whether a scholar vehicle is properly registered, checking operating permits, and refusing to use services that cannot prove the above should be normalised. Communities should feel supported and not intimidated or discouraged when reporting unsafe drivers.
The way forward requires more than apologies and condolences. It demands stricter enforcement, routine vehicle inspections and serious consequences. The Vanderbijlpark tragedy must mark a turning point for South Africans. Our children deserve to travel safely to and from school, anything else is a failure we can no longer accept.
Investigations into the accident are ongoing and the case has been postponed to March 5, 2026.
FEATURED IMAGE: Bonolo Mokonoto profile image. Photo: Paul Botes
Johannesburg may often be defined as the economic hub of Africa but the quiet drum of a beat, is what makes it the capital of African entertainment.
What exactly constitutes a world-class city? Some would define Johannesburg as world-class purely on its standing as the financial and economic hub of South Africa, as the city is home to Africa’s largest stock exchange, the JSE. Others, however, would designate it as world-class city because of its rich culture.
What most South Africans have in common is their love and passion for entertainment, and specifically for music. The ever-readiness to have a good time. And for many South Africans, the common denominator to having a good time often involves music, whether it’s at a small braai, a sports gathering or a party, an activity many have come to recognise as “groove”. Music must always be present.
But this goes far beyond a small gathering. Going to a concert is unlike any other activity. Being surrounded by thousands of people with a shared love of music creates an electrifying state of euphoria.
The excitement of being united by one singular goal: to sing your heart out and have fun with the realisation that you’re inhabiting a space designed purely for unforgettable moments. It’s the thrill of seeing your favourite artist live, knowing this might be the only time you get to experience their performance.
The deafening cheers of fans as the stage lights flash, the beams echoing the crowd’s excitement. Every moment – the fun memories of singing along to your favourite melody, the endless photos and videos that will serve as proof – is worth it, leaving you wishing you could turn back time and relive it. South Africa is becoming the leading destination for international performers and Joburg has recently re-emerged as one of the foremost tourist destinations on the continent.
Behind the scenes: the stage crew assembles stage in preparation for upcoming event. Photo: Nthabeleng Phayane
But let’s be honest, the cost of going to these events is not cheap. Beyond the actual ticket, many concert goers have to consider the transport to the venue, the cost of food and drinks and most importantly, an outfit that will leave you feeling your best self.
For 33-year-old Rushe Cawa, her dedication to concert life comes with a practical plan, “I’ve got a secret fund that I contribute to monthly for concert tickets,” she admits.
Originally hailing from Cape Town, Cawa lives and works in Johannesburg and proudly describes herself as a “Johannesgirlburg.” “I can practically say that I’m from here,” she says, “I’ve been here longer than I’ve been in Cape Town,” highlighting her strong connection to the city, along with its culture.
“This is definitely a lifestyle for me,” she says with a hint of humour in her voice. “It’s the only time I take myself out of the house.”
Only cementing her love for live music, Cawa has been to multiple concerts and festivals across the country, one month she’s vibing at a jazz festival, the next she’s singing along at a soul and R&B session and then after that she is uplifted at a gospel gathering. Her ultimate drive for the endless shows, is FOMO (fear of missing out). “I don’t like to miss out on things,” she says.
For Cawa, it’s more than just about missing an event – she explains that it’s also a learning experience. “When you go to festivals, you expose yourself to a lot more genres than what you would normally listen to,” she says.
For anyone following her active TikTok presence, which acts as her diary of show accounts and knowledge, her passion is quite clear. Her commitment began early. Her first ever concert was The People’s Celebration in 2006, headlined by US rappers Pharrel and Snoop Dogg, and has remained her fondest memory. “It was mind-blowing,” she reminisces. “I think that is where my love for concerts started.” Even with her endless list of attended shows, she is not done yet as one single R&B singer remains on her checklist, “Cleo Sol!” she exclaims longingly as her secret fund continues to grow for that ultimate ticket.
The infrastructure to back it
But what makes music events in Johannesburg so appealing? What truly cements it as Africa’s go-to city for world tours? The answer is in the infrastructure.
Live music venues are paramount in making a show feel and look world class. Some of the biggest events in South Africa have been hosted in Johannesburg, including the 2018 Global Citizen’s Festival: Mandela 100, which celebrated the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela. It was headlined by some of the world’s biggest pop superstars such as Beyoncé and Jay-Z. All which could not have been possible without the appropriate infrastructure.
To have a show of that magnitude starts with the scale. FNB Stadium (previously known as Soccer City) was originally built between 1987 and 1989. It is the largest stadium in Africa, with the capacity to hold 94 000 fans. It was upgraded in 2009 in preparation for the d historic 2010 FIFA World Cup, which was the first ever held on the African continent. Since then, it has become the primary venue for large music events.
However, Johannesburg’s appeal extends far beyond a single venue. Ellis Park Stadium, Teatro, Lyric Theatre and the Linder Auditorium are just a few of many, making Joburg the leader of entertainment on the continent.
Technical crew in action, brining the stage to life before showtime. Photo: Nthabeleng Phayane
The city’s strength lies in its reliable logistics, providing everything from the convenience of OR Tambo International Airport for touring artists to the high-speed Gautrain that quickens attendee travel. “We have the best road networks,” says Lumka Dlomo, destination marketing manager at Johannesburg Tourism Company (JTC), and who has been involved in multiple events such as Joy of Jazz and Miss World 2008.
For Cawa, having all these venues in Johannesburg comes at a great convenience as compared to other venues in the country. “I’m not [that] open to traveling to Pretoria, it’s tough to travel all the way, unless it’s someone really big that I definitely want to see” she says. “The venues in Joburg just make sense,” she says.
The audience only ever get to witness the final performance of their favourite artist. But beneath the bright lights and the towering waves of speakers, there are countless people who work tirelessly in the background to ensure that the production of a show is truly world-class.
Who, then, are the masterminds orchestrating this amazing display? That engine starts with the promoters.
Big Concerts is the undisputed live entertainment company responsible for promoting and bringing almost every major international artist to South African arenas and stadiums in the last three decades. Their impressive portfolio includes global musicians such as One Direction, Elton John, and Justin Bieber. But behind the promoters is the critical backbone, technical suppliers such as Gearhouse Group, a leading technical supplier for the live event industry in South Africa. They are the essential suppliers who are consistently able to meet the standards of putting together a world-class stage.
Technical crew coordinate to lift and install equipment during event setup. Photo: Nthabeleng Phayane
When handling a major international show, Gearhouse confirms that their planning process can typically start up to a year or more in advance. In a written reply, the company informs me that: “We work to the timeline of the clients,” This process usually involves research, logistics planning and execution of a show.
With the commitment to constantly invest in the quality of their work, the company routinely acquires equipment for both local and international events. If a specific piece cannot be sourced locally, they lean on strong international supplier relationships ensuring that no element of production is compromised.
The core technical crew on show day is a lot of hands, “We will have around 60 local crew on site,” they estimate. In addition, Gearhouse attribute the seamless execution of production to the first stages of preparation as every show and venue differs. “A big aspect of it is the pre-production preparation.”
The company confirms that their biggest focus area “involves delivering events that meet clients’ expectations and requires attention to every aspect of our services and full compliance with health and safety regulations,” echoing Dlomo’s statement that “JTC’s job is to ensure that event organisers adhere to all bylaws and conditions of the municipality.”
According to Gearhouse, there is no single one element that defines a world class production, “It starts with the performance of the artist… a happy client equals world-class.”
The rhythm to economic injection
Live music events don’t just serve as entertainment for concert goers; they also provide a big economic boost for the country.
Ticket sales for live music in South Africa generated R1,4-billion in revenue, the largest on the continent, completely overshadowing other major African markets such as Kenya and Nigeria, which both generated only R17-million in live ticket revenue, according to PwC’s Africa Entertainment & Media Outlook 2025-2029.
Moreover, according to the South African Cultural Observatory’s 2022 Economic Mapping Report, the Cultural and Creative Industries contribute approximately 3% to national GDP, and Gauteng drives 46,5% of that economic activity proving that this isn’t just culture, it’s big business.
For instance, according to an article by TimesLIVE, R&B singer Chris Brown’s two-day sold-out shows held at Johannesburg’s FNB stadium in December 2024, contributed to a major events weekendthat generated an estimated R900 million to Gauteng’s economy.
Economic development MMC in Joburg, Nomoya Mnisi, confirmed the economic boost generated for the city: “The concert (Chris Brown’s) has demonstrated the power of world-class entertainment to drive tourism, job creation and business growth in our city.” Johannesburg’s appeal translated to financial value.
She further underscored the event’s importance saying: “We are proud to have hosted an event of this magnitude, which not only showcases Johannesburg as a global hub for arts and culture but also highlights our capacity to facilitate large-scale events that stimulate economic activity.”
It is no secret that events such as this support high-skill jobs, considering the meticulous planning that goes into making them possible. Dlomo states that there are many sectors that get a boost from massive events, these include transportation, accommodation, retail and security services.
When companies and entities often seek the support of the JTC, they ensure that a great percentage of local skills is used. “We encourage that there be a share of skill and access for the smaller businesses, so that they can be uplifted and developed to reach the standards of the big guys.” Dlomo says.
This commitment ensures that hosting world-class events not only injects cash into the city but leaves local businesses with the support and experience that they need.
A creative capital
Joburg is validated not just by the artists who visit it, but by those it exports such as Grammy award winners Tyla and DJ Black Coffee.
The Global Music Report 2025 reports that in the sub-Sahara, Africa saw a recorded music revenue growth of 22,6% and these revenues surpassed US$100 million for the first time. The report also highlights South Africa as the largest market in the region and accounted for 74,6% of the region’s revenues, following a growth of 14,4%.
Additionally, the city also serves as the land of opportunity for upcoming artists. Bangi Makopo, from Johannesburg, who has the hopes of making it big in the industry one day says that Joburg is the best place to thrive as an artist. “It’s the city that has the most promise for up-and-coming artists,” he says, “all the major record labels are here,” adds Makopo.
“Amapiano has put South Africa on the map in a major way,” explains Makopo. “The world wants to know what’s happening in South Africa, what don’t we have?” he asks.
Beneath the lights, Focalistic performs to a packed audience. Photo: Nthabeleng Phayane
We don’t just host global culture, we export it. Amapiano, a South African music genre which translates to “the pianos” in isiZulu, uniquely blends a myriad of other genres such as house, kwaito and jazz. It came up in the early 2010s and has been rising to the top since.
Confirming its popularity as a global phenomenon, Amapiano was streamed on Spotify over 1,4 billion times in 2023, with countries such as the UK and Germany being in the top five listeners of the genre according to Business Day.
A world-class audience
The vibe and energy of South African audiences and the connection they feel towards them are often said to be thing that makes artists love performing in this city.
Cawa attributes the uniqueness of Joburg’ concerts to its audiences. “A Joburg crowd is the best that you can be in, we love a good concert.” She describes it as “an auditioning mindset, for the next artist to come to South Africa.”
The attitude of concert goers in Johannesburg is different. “There’s a bigger appreciation for music as a whole in Joburg compared to Cape Town.” She says that given an option to be in an international audience or being a Joburg audience, she will choose the latter “I will always choose a Joburg crowd… Joburg feels like a warm hug,” she says.
As previously asked by Makopo, what don’t we have? The truth is, there’s not much that we don’t have, we have the infrastructure, the transportation, the big promoters and production companies and lastly, the fans that make up a world-class concert. That is what makes the music and entertainment industry in this country thrive.
This is what undisputedly defines Johannesburg as a world-class African city.
FEATURED IMAGE: Technical crew constructing a stage. Photo: Nthabeleng Phayane
Behind Johannesburg’s title as a world-class African city lies Wits and UJ transforming the city into Africa’s intellectual powerhouse.
Every lab, start-up and innovation hub is part of Johannesburg’s knowledge.
Together, the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)and the University of Johannesburg(UJ) represent both prestige and purpose. One drives global excellence, the other ensures progress is inclusive and grounded in local realities.
University expertise is embedded in municipal development, bridging knowledge with real-world governance.
As “Joburgers” would say in Setswana: “Joburg ke country,” meaning Johannesburg is a country. A city that feels like a nation itself, whose name echoes with the roar of commerce. For over a century, its identity has been forged in the deep-level gold mines beneath its tall buildings. It is South Africa’s economic and commercial epicentre, a city built on tangible assets. But the gold of the 21st century isn’t dug from the ground, it is cultivated in lecture halls, coded in digital hubs and debated in policy forums. Today, Johannesburg’s claim as a world-class African city is redefined not only by its physical infrastructure, but by a formidable concentration of intellectual capital.
Image of Wits University standing tall in Jorissen Street. Photo: Abena Mahlahlane
Walking through Braamfontein, the heartbeat of Johannesburg feels close to the surface. The streets are alive with the sound of taxis hooting, car guards filling the area at parking lots, and groups of students in Wits hoodies spilling onto Jorissen Street, cracking jokes and bursting into laughter. Wits University is at the centre of it all, its sandstone buildings rising between the city’s noise and ambition[Ed1] .
Barely five kilometres from inner-city Braamfontein away is the suburb of Auckland Park, where the University of Johannesburg (UJ) beats with its own rhythm. The atmosphere shifts from inner-city street buzz to a campus alive with experimentation. Young innovators huddle as they test prototypes and plan start-ups.
More than just neighbours, the universities are the twin engines of a thriving knowledge economy, providing a growing density of research, innovation and talent. Their combined influence transforms the city into a knowledge economy, where ideas are currency, and innovation is the infrastructure.
Pillars of a knowledge city
Unlike some African cities which dominated by a single major university, Wits and UJ complement each other rather than compete. While Wits University delivers globally benchmarked research, UJ leads in socially embedded innovation. This unique dynamic is validated by the world’s most respected university ranking systems.
Wits University is ranked number 267 in the world, and second in Africa, according to the 2025 QS World University Rankings. Long celebrated for its groundbreaking research, and alumni who’ve shaped South Africa’s story, Wits continues to hold its own among the world’s best.
“From my point of view, rankings are important because institutions want to do well, it is what people see first. We participate in rankings where research is a major component, because that is the hallmark of a good university,” said Wits Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lynn Morris.
Together, Wits and UJ form the intellectual backbone of Johannesburg. Universities whose ideas don’t stay trapped in ivory towers but spill into the city streets, innovation hubs and communities.
The deep science engine: Wits
Founded in 1922, Wits University is Johannesburg’s oldest and arguably most prestigious university. A beacon of deep research and frontier science. With over 380 NRF-rated researchers, its labs have birthed discoveries from mining engineering to quantum computing.
Wits Quantum Initiative, the first of its kind in Africa, positions the university at the cutting edge of subatomic physics and computational research. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Wits scientists collaborated across disciplines, from epidemiology to data analytics, demonstrating the university’s capacity for rapid, high-impact innovation.
Under its Wits 2033 strategic plan, the university aims to cement its identity as a research-intensive, globally engaged African leader. The plan envisions Wits as a bridge between Global South and North, a hub for scientific collaboration that also speaks to local realities.
Innovation with social purpose: UJ
While Wits chases the stars of scientific prestige, the University of Johannesburg grounds innovation in human impact. UJ’s philosophy is clear: research must solve problems.
Its Strategic Plan 2035, “Reimagining the Future. Realising Possibility” aligns the university’s goals with the UN’s Sustainable Development Agenda. The result is an institution where inclusivity and integrity are baked into the research DNA. With research productivity of 2.35 accredited output units per scholar (double the national average). UJ turns efficiency into impact.
This academic prowess is not confined to campus grounds. Both universities have built powerful, dedicated innovation hubs that act as direct channels for executing economic and social policy, turning abstract knowledge into jobs, businesses and solutions.
Wits and the digital heartbeat of the inner city
Built on the site of a former print works, Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct buzzes with coders, designers and start-ups. It’s not just a space, it’s a policy instrument, part of Johannesburg’s broader urban regeneration strategy. With its name meaning “new beginnings” in Setswana, the precinct operates on three pillars: Digital Skills Development, Incubation & Acceleration, and Market Access. Tshimologong is Wits’s engine for commercializing digital innovation.
I visited the precinct late one afternoon and was immediately greeted by a cheerful administrator, who called for executive assistant Kgaugelo Modiba to assist me. “Don’t be nervous,” Modiba reassured me, as I prepared to interview the initiative’s CEO Mark Harris.
A few people sat nearby in the café area, eyes hooked on laptops, making the most of the precinct’s quiet hum and free Wi-Fi. It was exactly how Prof. Morris described it, “you should visit the precinct, it is a rather refreshing space where everyone is welcome. You can grab coffee and enjoy perks of free Wi-Fi.”
Kgaugelo led me down a corridor into a boardroom flooded with natural light. Tshimologong CEO Mark Harris greeted me with a glass of water and an easy smile. It seems conversations for the people at the precinct come easily. “So what kind of journalist are you going to be? The good kind or the bad one,” Harris laughed.
I asked Harris why Tshimologong had been placed in the heart of Braamfontein, and his answer echoed the vision of the late Professor Barry Dwolatzky (founder of Tshimologong), which was that young people hold the creativity, energy and reason to build a new South Africa. Braamfontein was chosen because its streets are alive with students and young creators.
“The vision was to spot people like yourself who are educated and ambitious, create space for them to become entrepreneurs,” said Harris.
The precinct was never meant to sit safely inside the university walls, but to stand open to all youth, educated, self-taught and anyone with the will to innovate and build.
Tshimologong’s Digital Skills Academy is a crucial accelerator, taking high-potential youth and equipping them with job-ready skills in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and the Internet of Things; the core competencies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
This isn’t just for the sake of training, the precinct works with corporate partners on Enterprise Supplier Development (ESD) programs. These aim to secure employment through its network, creating a direct pipeline from the classrooms to the economy.
“From what I’ve seen of the youngsters who come here, these are people who want to make an impact. Our trainers are just as committed, they are determined to empower future entrepreneurs. The youth are showing up positively, they are hungry for change, and they want to help South Africa grow. We often hear the negative stories about crime and violence, but I refuse to only see that side. There is so much potential here, and I believe in them,” said Harris.
As the discussion continued to unfold, it moved beyond Braamfontein’s physical space to the culture it nurtures. Harris’s belief in the potential of young people seem to find its proof just outside the boardroom walls.
This spirit is best captured by the Fak’ugesi African Digital Innovation Festival, hosted at Tshimologong every year. This festival turns Braamfontein into a pulsing circuit of creativity. The 2025 edition, themed #PowerSurge, called on Africa’s digital creators to “take control on the grid”, blending ancestral intelligence with artificial intelligence.
The Fak’ugesi festival turns Braamfontein into a living circuit of art, technology and collaboration, celebrating Africa’s creative power in the digital age. Photo: Abena Mahlahlane
Walking through the entrance felt like stepping into an animated scene. Walls alive with colour, music weaving between exhibition stands and a soft buzz of conversation rising from every corner. A row of Virtual Reality headsets lined one side of the room, where groups of young people tested immersive worlds. Up the staircase were two small rooms that had been turned into gaming rooms, complete with PS5 and Xbox consoles that drew clusters of gamers competing in friendly matches.
Panels of speakers shared stories of small start-up creators and local digital enterprises. Every corner felt like a classroom and playground combined, a space where learning, creativity and collaboration merged.
“When I curated #PowerSurge I looked at what is currently happening in the African digital continent, we saw last year in 2024, about 65 billion Rands worth of investments that went into start-up, technology and creative sectors,” said the director of Fak’ugesi festival, Alby Michaels. “This year we wanted to showcase what is next in the African continent. We have been creating this beautiful content for our creators for years, but I think now it was all about owning up agencies, standing together and moving forward with purpose.”
Through such initiatives, Johannesburg asserts itself not merely as a consumer of global tech, but as a producer of digital culture and creativity, solidifying its reputation as a continental innovation capital.
“Creators are doing amazing stuff, we are not just consumers of the digital space we are actually critics of those spaces,” said Michaels.
Ideas move faster than light, a panel of artists, technologists and innovators reimagining what it means to create in the digital age. Photo: Abena Mahlahlane
CALSTEAM: UJ’s Future-of-Learning Lab
UJ’s Centre for Advanced Learning Technologies in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (CALSTEAM) redefines how the next generation learns.
Instead of chalk and paper, lessons unfold through virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), tools designed to make abstract science visible and alive. “VR allows students to step inside the science,” explained Professor Mafor Penn, who leads research at the centre. “Concepts like molecules, cells and sound waves suddenly become visible, something you can interact with rather than just imagine.”
Concepts like molecules, cells and sound waves suddenly become visible, something you can interact with rather than just imagine.
CALSTEAM evolved from UJ’s former VARSTEME hub, broadening its focus to include the arts and entrepreneurship. Its mission is not only to enhance teaching but to cultivate educators who are also innovators. Teachers who can create, adapt and apply technology to suit local contexts.
For many South African schools where resources remain scarce, CALSTEAM is deliberate about accessibility. Many of its tools are designed for affordability, ensuring that immersive learning is not limited to well-resourced schools. “We don’t want to widen the gap between those who have and those who don’t,” said Penn. “That’s why we work with scalable, low-cost technologies that can be used anywhere, even in under-resourced classrooms.”
The centre’s pioneering project, Culturally Anchored Virtual and Augmented Reality Simulations (CAVARS), takes this philosophy further by merging indigenous knowledge systems with science education. In one simulation, African drumming demonstrates sound waves, turning cultural practice into scientific inquiry. “Science should never feel foreign,” Penn added. “When learners see their heritage reflected in what they study, it becomes meaningful and memorable.”
Through coding clubs, immersive learning workshops, and postgraduate programmes in Educational Technology, CALSTEAM envisions a future where learning is not confined to textbooks but expands into virtual space, interactive, inclusive, and distinctly African.
Hardwiring Academia into the city’s DNA
Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) offices at Wits. Photo: Abena Mahlahlane
A true world-class city does not just produce knowledge, it governs through it. The Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) is the institutional glue that connects Wits, UJ and the Gauteng Provincial Government. This is not a case of academia simply advising from the sidelines, it is a deep, structural partnership.
“The GCRO is an important research unit that provides data to the provincial government to help them understand and know where to place their resources, to know what interventions to look at, plan and think about the health of the city. “Wits and UJ also plays part and contribute to providing evidence and the data needed”, said Prof. Morris.
Binding the partnership together is the Quality of Life Survey, a mirror reflecting how Johannesburg’s residents navigate the promises and pressures of city life. From employment and housing to public transport and social cohesion. The survey provides policymakers and researchers with a shared lens on how people actually experience the city. “Our work has to have both the rigorous foundation and approach of academics, but be structured in a way that could be useful to policy makers. So, questions are tailored to what problems we see in Johannesburg region and how they could be academically rigorous to answering those questions,” said GCRO researcher, Jason Bell. “Wits and UJ are historic centres of debate, discussion, knowledge generation. They play an active role in the ecosystem of policy identification.”
The road ahead
Both institutions have formalized their future through long-term strategies, Wits 2033 and UJ 2035, each mapping a decade of sustained excellence.
Wits aims to strengthen its position as the leading research university in the Global South, while UJ envisions itself as the model of inclusive innovation. Their combined trajectories ensure that Johannesburg’s intellectual ecosystem remains globally competitive and locally transformative. If executed, these roadmaps could make Johannesburg the continental capital of knowledge innovation, leading Africa into the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
“People want to see more than just the research, they want to see that the research is actually deployed. Whether it is a new of doing things, a new product or a new device, something tangible, an improved process,” said Morris.
The city that thinks
In small, ordinary moments, a lecture’s spark, a student’s first breakthrough, a start-up’s first pitch, Johannesburg’s new gold is being mined.
Through innovation hubs that drive economic growth and educational equity, and a unique governance model that embeds their expertise into the very fabric of the city, these two universities are doing more than just educating students. They are actively building a more resilient, prosperous, and innovative Johannesburg—a true world-class African city for the 21st century.
FEATURED IMAGE: A collage of Johannesburg’s academic icons, representing the city’s transformation into a world-class hub of knowledge. Photo: Abena Mahlahlane
Joburg is a world-class city in the way that it reconciles global modernity with deeply rooted indigenous spirituality, a dichotomy for professionals in corporate South Africa.
Joburg displays its status as a world-class African city through its diversity and multiculturalism.
Company policies are shifting to accommodate employees that need leave to undergo initiation.
Corporate spaces embracing employees who are professionals and African spiritual healers.
Joburg is a city often judged by its robust GDP, financial technology adoption and its relentless, dynamic pace. However, what also defines the city of Joburg’s status as a world-class African city is its profound and often overlooked multiculturalism and diversity – one of these being how the corporate environment is opening itself up for the integration of modern careers with ancestral practices. This is where corporate employees are able to embrace their dual identities of being both professionals in the workplace, and called healers at the same time.
Beaded necklaces that form part of a healer and corporate professional’s dress-code. Photo by Zanele S. Maduma
These are often the most visible signs of a profound duality, often resting around the subtle yet powerful fusion of corporate and astral uniforms. For many practitioners, traditional beads, bangles and even sacred ancestral cloths are not abandoned, they are carefully woven into the daily attire of the office, creating a new and authentic form of African corporate dress.
This deliberate visibility reached a world stage when Amanda Gcabashe, an accomplished executive with a background in accounting and auditing, delivered her TedTalk presentation at the TEDxJohannesburg stage, in Johannesburg. Gcabashe is an African Traditional Medicine Practitioner (isangoma/inyanga) and, as Chair at the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), is responsible for developing concepts and managing and implementing projects aimed at industrial development of the African Traditional Medicine (ATM) sector in South Africa.
For her TedTalk, Gcabashe was not dressed in a conventional power suit as often seen in such a global forum. Appearing from the shadows of backstage, Gcabashe walked on stage barefoot, but with a commanding and authoritative energy. She carried ithusi (a wooden staff) which she gently placed on a chair. The wooden staff (ithusi) is sometimes wrapped around with colourful beads. In a spiritual context, it is used for protection and believed to possess certain powers. Fully adorned in her African traditional healer’s attire, Gcabeshe used her visibility to embed ancestral wisdom directly into the modern conversation about her journey of this “parallel universe” as she calls it. Her presence affirmed that in Johannesburg, the traditional and the corporate are not just compatible but that they are a source of professional authority worth recognition and respect.
Sharp contrasts and conflicts
The tension between being a corporate professional and a traditional healer arise in the dismantling of the life that practitioners have built and are then forced to rebuild on two foundations. The integration of ancestral practices with modern careers, shows that traditions and ambition can coexist, sparking challenges to and questions about how success is defined or redefined.
Mkhulu Mahlal’entabeni, whose birthname is Keabetswe Kaka, is an initiated spiritual healer who is also a broadcast media technology engineer in one of the largest media companies in South Africa. He shares the journey of his spiritual awakening with both dismay and acceptance.
Kaka began his journey of ukuthwasa (initiation) after he had graduated from university and entered into the work space – which he left for a time, only for him to come back at a later stage. He remembers the early days of his awakening to his calling as having begun with dreams about snakes and, at times, seeing his grandmother who had passed on. He completed his initiation after 18 months of training and describes his journey as anything but easy.
“I am proud of my dual identity. Am I embracing it? Is it easy to handle and manage? Not at all. That is one thing I can definitely say I struggle with when it comes to my dual identity, this dichotomy”, says Kaka. “Everything you’ve ever known and ever understood, you now have to question”, he adds.
The initial attempt to reconcile these two demanding worlds is often defined by an exhausting, almost schizophrenic level of code-switching. Added to this is mastering the art of living in Johannesburg, navigating its fast pace and lack of natural environment which typically forms an integral part of a healer’s life and journey. It is an act of extreme mental and emotional endurance.
Info Box
When traditional healers (some, not all) burp, it symbolises the presence of the spirit or their ancestors. It can happen at any time, regardless of location or time. It is one of the signs that the ancestors are omnipresent and work to convey messages through traditional healers and other gifted people.
Zanele Zwane (36), whose ancestral name is Gogo Manziniwasentabeni (meaning one who heals through prayer and the use of water) is a practicing healer and a film and television professional. She fans herself with an ancestral cloth wrapped around her shoulders, and punctuates the conversation with soft burps [see info box above]. In the film and television industry, Zwane meets her difficulty of this duality with a sense of acceptance. “My understanding is that your ancestors never push you to a point where you literally cannot do both your professional and healing work,” she adds.
An awakening amid a scene on a shoot
Johannesburg’s global standing is predicated on its resilience and its complex cultural layering. The city’s inherent dynamism has created space for synthesis. This is a critical distinction as it shows not just tolerance but a sophisticated and working model of layered identity and diversity.
While Zwane and her production crew were shooting a scene in the bushes, African traditional props had to be used to recreate a real and natural-looking set – the crew brought in impepho, an African herb also known as sage, and a real goat’s head which had been purchased from a nearby butchery.
Bundles of impepho stack at Faraday market down town Joburg, fueling ancestral connections in a global city. Photo: Zanele S. Maduma
Once they put the goat’s head down, and lit up the impepho, that was it for Zwane. As the sacred smoke of impepho mingled with the sharp, metallic scent of blood from the goat’s severed head, a profound shift stirred within her. This potent scene, the goat’s head with its visceral residue and the smoke curling up in the air from the impepho creating a thick scent, translated into umgidi for her lineage. Umgidi a sacred observance performed for summoning the spirit of the elders to offer and share with one’s offering.
“That caused a ball of fire for me, because once you light up impepho, it summons the spirits” Zwane explains. “I fell down and the trance that takes over is as though you are out of your human body.”
Production had to pause. This resulted to extended shooting hours as the crew had to stop and check on her if she was ok, proceeding to give her time to recollect herself before continuing with production.
The complexity of the duality
Joburg has always been a space of high-density cultural exchange. The difference today is that this exchange is no longer confined to the townships or the informal sector, it has moved into the boardroom.
The traditional healer who is also an executive proves that African spirituality is not merely a relic to be studied, but a living knowledge system that is both relevant and powerful in navigating the pressures of the 21st century economy. The dual-identity individual is a highly sophisticated code-switcher.
This complexity is the key to African innovation. It signifies an intellectual and spiritual freedom that positions it as a genuine leader of Afro-modern thought. The quiet, almost subversive resilience of these dual-identity professionals provides the most compelling evidence for Johannesburg’s world-class status. They are the architects of a new authenticity, proving that a major global city can be powered by both algorithms and ancestry. The true architecture of Johannesburg is not its glass towers but its deep, layered character, revealed in the lives of those who sustain its dynamism through their authenticity.
Shifting company policies and the Traditional Health Professions Council
In South Africa, state-owned companies such as Transnet and local government structures like the City of Tshwane have implemented spiritual or initiation leave. This leave refers to extended absence by employees for the purpose of undergoing ukuthwasa. It falls under broader protections for cultural, religious, and traditional beliefs, as enshrined in Section 15 of the Constitution (freedom of religion, belief, and opinion) and the Employment Equity Act (EEA), which prohibits unfair discrimination based on culture or belief.
Signposts pointing to key Sandton landmarks guiding Joburg’s workers and visitors to Sandton’s heart, where healers navigate both boardrooms and their callings. Photo: Zanele S. Maduma
Merriam Leuuw, whose ancestral name is Mmamorena, a Masters student at Wits University, received support from her employer at the time when she was granted leave for those days that she went through her initiation.
“They were very accommodating, because the space I was in, in Free State, is more appreciative or understanding of people who are spiritually gifted”, says Leuuw, who was working for community radio station Motheo FM in the province at the time that she began her initiation.
In April 2025, the SABC reported that the City of Tshwane had adopted a policy granting its employees special leave for ukuthwasa. This move marked a shift toward recognising African spirituality in the workplace.
However, one of the primary challenges emerging in recognizing the needs for professionals with a spiritual calling is that ukuthwasa is an open-ended practice. This means that the initiation process is continuous and sometimes can extend over a longer period.
When Kaka went on his initiation journey, he did not want to disclose this at work as he did not want to complicate or ruin his job.
Kaka says, “I only opened up about me being in initiation when my job and initiation process was starting to conflict. I work in the technical space so we work shifts and odd hours at times. Instead of talking to HR, I went to my direct manager and explained what was going on with me. I never really got to involve HR, although my journey did impact my work performance and as we speak, I am going through work performance improvement,” adds Kaka. In a separate interview with the SABC, African Spiritual Advisor Siyabonga Mkhize of Umsamo Institute, noted that because of the open-endedness of the initiating process, perhaps companies need to draft policies that balance out the spiritual needs of the employees without compromising the operations of the employer. The Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (SEIFSA), a federation representing employers in the metal and engineering industries in South Africa, points out, for example, many organisations are still grappling with finding working solutions pertaining to extended leave days for initiation.
Traditional Health Professions Council
In January 2008, the South African government gazetted The Traditional Health Practitioners Act, 2007, to recognise traditional health practitioners and to regulate, train and legitimize their issuing of sick notes upon registering as professional healers.
A post on X (formerly known as Twitter) sparked an engagement on the social media platform when a user displayed bewilderment at the fact that employees are now able to submit sick notes from their traditional healers. One user dropped a bombshell into this conversation, giving an account of how an employee was fired for submitting such a note – and had gone on to win their case before the Commission for Conciliation and Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), proving its legal weight.
This online flurry mirrors Johannesburg’s own dance of duality, where corporate professionals and African traditional practitioners navigate a landscape that’s both perplexing and progressively inclusive. The city’s formal systems are bending to accommodate the African self. Such transitions and innovations further prove that Joburg is progressive in its multiculturalism, evidently putting it forward as a world-class African city, innovating amid its medley of challenges.
https://youtu.be/WoIRAqRYjdE
Featured Image: Skyscraper glass facade rise in Sandton, Joburg. Photo: Zanele S. Maduma
Scientology’s presence in Joburg is dubiously significant, what does this reveal about the city of gold?
Thank you for loving me
when I still tasted
of heartache and war.”
- ‘Happily Ever After’ by Nakita Gill in, Fierce Fairytales, & Other Stories to Stir Your Soul
The heartache and war of apartheid South Africa ended in 1994, yet, in that time, scars forgot to form, and opened wounds were left bleeding.
Poverty, joblessness, homelessness, displacement, neglect, disparity – these are all part of the picture of Joburg City.
In a metropolis with over six-million people, living in Joburg can be lonely, whether it’s the high life in Sandton or down-and-out in Hillbrow, even the widest of smiles can mask the pain of lost hope. Of being incomplete. Making community ever more important.
There are those who share a way of thinking, others who believe in the same god, some who share stories through music and poetry, and many who hold politics as their armour. All uniting with a feeling of belonging.
But what happens in a city like Johannesburg? A city with the collective trauma left by apartheid, a city where people are gasping for air as the tide gets higher? What happens when the curious case of Scientology makes its way into the city.
Scientology: the religion Tom Cruise made famous…or infamous
In life, at one point or another, it is only natural to wonder what your purpose is, where you are going, and who you truly are. These are questions you may ask yourself, your parents, someone you trust. These are also the questions that Scientology claims to answer.
In his book, Scientology: A New Slant on Life, L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of the movement, described the religion as “the science of knowing how to know answers,” explaining that, “a Scientologist is a specialist in spiritual and human affairs,” believing in the spirit’s connection to all things around it, including itself.
Are they really? Photo: Ekta Seebran.
Going to the chapel and we’re…not going to pray, because Scientologists don’t do that. Photo: Ekta Seebran.
Happily, immortalised in stone. Photo: Ekta Seebran.
The religion takes its lead from established faiths that are practiced all around the world, these include Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism, among others. Through these, it promises to guide practitioners toward attaining the goal of survival and immortality through repairing the negative parts of one’s life. In this effort, Scientologists practice a combination of mental and spiritual improvement counselling, including auditing and advanced training, which apply the principles and goals of the religion.
At the top of a hill in Kyalami, Johannesburg, rests the advanced training centre of Africa. Here, people from all over the world can do counselling and complete their training courses in the fortified castle.
Unbeknown to some, Scientology has come to gain a significant following in South Africa, with the Church of Scientology in Johannesburg being established in 1957, in Hillbrow, and later being moved to Kensington, which is where it can be found today.
Some may wonder why Scientology became so incredible, and notoriously, renowned. Is Tom Cruise’s celebrity to blame, did he promote the need for the religion, or is there truly merit in its practice?
Counselling your way to ‘you complete me’
Jade Lopes is a fourth-generation South African Scientologist and volunteers as a “Sea Org”. Sea Orgs work seven days a week, and are considered the most devoted Scientologists, dedicating their life to the religion by symbolically signing a billion-year contract.
“I think I did my first course when I was about five years old. I did a course called ‘Learning How to Learn’, and it was amazing because it gave me the ability to study from a young age. And then there was really a point in my life where I started receiving counselling, and this was probably at the age of 19 or 20,” muses Lopes.
…and cancel it! Photo: Ekta Seebran.
“During the counselling, probably on session 20 or something like that, I realised that I felt happier, like, stably happy, you know? It wasn’t like I had my session and then two hours later I’m back to being sad again or whatever it was. When I realised that I was more in control of myself, that was when I was like, okay, Scientology is it for me,” she affirms.
This counselling ,which Jade expressed such appreciation for, is known as auditing, and uses the practice of ‘Dianetics’.
Defined by L. Ron Hubbard, dianetics is “what the soul is doing to the body,” believing that our minds hold images of past experiences of pain or distress, called engrams, which manifests negatively on a person’s physical and mental health. Dianetics works to “clear” the mind of these engrams through reliving the experience in auditing sessions and letting them go, all in an effort to get rid of the reactive mind – responsible for emotional reactions – and bring the logical mind forward.
“Honestly, Scientology saved me”, says Sandile Hlayisi, the chairperson for the “Volunteer Ministers in South Africa” programme.
“If I hadn’t found Scientology when I did, I’d either be a very miserable lawyer or I’d be dead in a ditch somewhere,” Hlayisi considers, explaining that growing up in Soshanguve, north of Pretoria, he had a typical township childhood, which wasn’t easy, and that during his second year at UNISA, studying law, a friend of his called him.
Sandile describes the conversation as such;
“Remember all those questions you used to ask as a kid? On life, the meaning of life, the universe, all these questions you had in school?”, the friend inquired.
“Yeah,” Sandile agreed.
“I think I found a place that might be able to help you find the answers.”
With the promise of help, guidance, answers to live a better life, why wouldn’t you join Scientology?
Likewise, Kiran Dhiman, a Scientologist all the way from India, now living in Johannesburg, shared her story with Wits Vuvuzela. Dhiman said that she joined the religion because she was, “struggling in life,” explaining that it helped her to communicate with people and tackle her problems effectively.
The Scientology network, which holds a collection of media pertaining to Scientology, their teachings and practices, shares similar stories in their series titled, “Meet a Scientologist.”
Stories of people needing help and finding solace in the religion’s offering of counselling through auditing, and life skills through training courses. Hopeful stories, aspirational stories. In a city with a history of trauma still endured today, it offers a fertile ground to plant such seeds of hope.
You want the truth?
William Gumede, associate professor at Wits University, explained in an article written from a keynote he gave in 2022, that the challenge in rebuilding South Africa stems from the damage created in the wake of apartheid.
Gumede illustrates that development efforts such as building a democracy and growing entrepreneurship become stunted and replaced by broken communities, families, and an inability to engage thoughtfully in relationships, in the economy, in the workplace, and so on.
What the oppressors leave, Gumede explains, are human casualties who feel as if “the self has no foundation” any longer.
And here enters Scientology.
As I drive from Wits University down toward Kennsington, fear fills my stomach, and adrenaline reaches my heart. The religion is shrouded in controversy, “It’s a cult!” is the over-arching narrative. All I could think was, “I elected to spend the next four weeks inside a cult.” My sense of self-preservation must’ve escaped me when I wasn’t looking.
Upon entering the illustrious church of Scientology I was handed a questionnaire to fill out: name… age… what struck your interest in Scientology?
The question that stood out the most, however, asked what area in life I needed help with, giving options ranging from school or work to family or relationships. From there I learnt that the church offers courses, both free and paid, which promise to help you improve your life.
For Dhiman, Hlayisi, and Lopes this proved to be true. Encouraging all to not only engage in counselling and further training, but to join the religion as volunteers.
Through community work, human rights initiatives, and education programmes, Scientology in Johannesburg demonstrates its goal to “make the world a safe and peaceful place,” gushed Kiran.
One of these initiatives is known as the “Volunteer Minister” a free programme that comprises of online courses. According to the official Kyalami Castle Scientology website, “Volunteer Ministers are dedicated to assisting others not only in life saving situation, but also by helping individuals overcome difficulties in their daily lives.”
Dhiman further enthuses that South Africa has the highest number of trained volunteer ministers and leaders in the world, with 40 000 active workers.
In 2022, Scientology Volunteer Ministers were recognised for the humanitarian work they did during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the work the ministers were applauded for, the group’s initiative to sanitise over 70 000 buildings stood out, this was recognised by the city, and the Johannesburg Metro Police Department. The group was presented with an award made of a bronzed pair of JMPD standard issue boots, for their efforts.
Beyond this are initiatives including, “The truth about drugs” programme, which is an education-based programme, as described by both Sandile and Kiran, which seeks to teach people about drugs in hopes that they will make more informed decisions regarding their consumption or experimentation when confronted with narcotics. From mental health initiatives and human rights to education in life improvement and spiritual enlightenment, Scientology promotes itself. It is difficult though to ignore the controversy held over the religion, and subsequently makes one consider the implications of such work.
But can you handle the truth?
Controversies and allegations against Scientology have dominated the narrative around the religion, painting the group as a money-hungry, exploitative, cult. Reconciling the evident humanitarian image of the church with the darkness of its portrait is conflicting, but one that cannot be dismissed.
In 2014 the church was taken to the Johannesburg High Court by two of its former members, Ernest and Gaye Corbett. The Corbetts claimed that the church failed to repay at R5,8-million loan, and were demanding a full repayment with interest, amounting to R16-million. Allegations against the church included secretive internal financial dealings, separating families, and unfair policies within the religion.
Earlier this year, the church was put on blast again for unfair labour practices and exploitation of workers at its rehab facility in Rustenburg, Narconon Africa. The case is still being investigated.
One of the earliest grievances against the church, was its use of ‘Dianetics’ as counselling, with the American Psychological Association and the American Medical Association dismissing Hubbard’s work as pseudoscientific, soon after the release of his book, Dianetics: The Science of the Mind.
This fact prompts the question: with the impact apartheid South Africa left, does the perceived harm of Scientology’s presence in the city of gold indicate an exploitable vulnerability in Joburg?
One suspenseful morning, I took my third trip to the Johannesburg Church of Scientology. At 12:45pm sharp I participated in the church’s offering of one free dianetics session.
My auditor first briefly explained the process, asked if I was comfortable, and then asked me a series of questions including my parents’, grandparents’, aunts’, uncles’, brothers’, and sisters’, names, ages, and quality of relationship. Though I answered the latter, I declined giving any names. An effort in exercising caution.
The hour encompassed me closing my eyes and being told to find my earliest memory of pain. From there, I verbally relived the memory, working to recall as much detail as possible, and once I did, I was told to let it go.
Now, doubtful and curious about the practice of auditing, I spoke to counselling psychologist and psychotherapy researcher, Kerry Gordon, who explained, “what’s important in psychotherapy is that there has to be a relationship of trust built, and we really take it at the clients pace, guided by how quickly or slowly the client wants to go into the traumatic memory, which is often fragmented.”
Gordon noted that though there is a similarity between the practice of dianetics and psychology with regard to working through trauma, there are complexities when counselling people through it, explaining that there are dangers to applying one method to all clients.
“Not all traumas look the same, you can’t exactly apply the same methodology or pace to each person.”
Scientologists are known to not believe in the practice of psychology and psychiatry.
When speaking to Hlayisi, he said, “The only thing we don’t believe in is when something becomes harmful for people, that’s when we have a problem.”
Explaining that, “everything has a place in the world, the only thing we have a problem with is when an industry or sector abuses their power and ends up harming the individual.”
“Why are you as a psychologist or psychiatrist sexually abusing your clients?” he expressed further
In the same vein, Jade explained that part of the issue is unnecessary prescription of medication, saying that “a psychologist can refer you to a psychiatrist, who can prescribe medication,” further advocating for dianetics by highlighting her emotional stability following auditing sessions, positing, “After years of counselling, does that person feel stable and okay?”
To this, Gordon adds a significant fact, “[In any psychological practice] one person is intrinsically more vulnerable than the other, which is why that accountability is really important, there’s someone objective to report me to. The process is open. It all gets documented,” she continued.
Thus, signifying a key concern with Scientology, it is plagued with secrecy and confidentiality, there is something unknown behind the paywall.
Hlayisi explains that they are legally obligated to report harm or potential harm, but what protections to the receivers of auditing have?
Gordon emphasises that without an ethical code, “there’s real scope for abusive power there.”
Joburg: A world class African city?
One of the qualities of a world class city is the strength of its global presence. Scientology’s presence in Johannesburg, and significantly the centre housed at the Kyalami Castle, for Advanced Training in Africa, exemplifies a significant placement in the continent. Joburg: World Class African City … Joburg: Gateway to Africa.
These labels mask the reality of South Africa, the reality that Joburg is still bleeding, the reality that if untreated, the wound is susceptible to infection.
Characterising Scientology as completely good or completely bad is something that I cannot do in good faith. Though, can we really be a world class city if our citizens are left vulnerable to potential harm?
FEATURED IMAGE: Claiming a place in the cIty, calling those desperate and in need. Photo: Ekta Seebran
The engines may be silent for now, but South Africa’s F1’s dream is roaring back to life. With hundreds of millions of rands worth of upgrades and fans ready to “sell their livers” for a ticket, Kyalami’s revival could mark the nation’s return to the global racing map.
Kyalami, founded in 1961, hosted F1 races but lost status due to apartheid sanctions and financial issues.
The decision to host lies with the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture and F1 Management, not Kyalami.
The planned R100-million track upgrades will be fully funded by Kyalami’s owner.
In 2010, the world’s gaze turned to South Africa as people from across the globe waved their flags, cheered, and danced during the FIFA World Cup. The streets of Johannesburg pulsed with energy, and local businesses experienced unprecedented growth. Fifteen years later, a parallel dream is emerging – this time, not in football, but in F1.
Could the roar of engines replace the roar of supporters? Could the return of F1 to Kyalami once again place Johannesburg on the global stage as a world-class African city, one that benefits ordinary citizens as much as the elite?
For lifelong F1 fan Kevin Matla, the idea of F1’s return is more than just news, it’s personal. “For me, F1 is life,” he says, recalling how he’s been following the sport since 2005. The possibility of a local Grand Prix fills him with pride and excitement, especially since the last race in 1993 was held under conditions that excluded many South Africans.
Kyalami’s Grand Prix Circuit has long been a place of transformation. Founded in 1961 with the “Kyalami 9 Hours”, an endurance race, the track rose to global prominence in 1967 when it hosted its first Formula One event, cementing its reputation for motorsport excellence.
Through the 1970s and 1980s, Kyalami thrived as a premier racing destination, until its F1 chapter closed in 1985 following international sanctions against South Africa’s apartheid regime.
Kyalami experienced a short-lived resurgence in the 1990s, hosting races in 1992 and 1993, but financial and political issues brought it to a halt again. By the early 2000s, the circuit had lost its international appeal, relegated to hosting local events and remembered fondly through nostalgia.
For Matla, hosting F1 again would mark a national achievement, boosting tourism, creating jobs, and reigniting pride among South Africans. He believes that while ticket prices may be high, the event will still attract strong local support, “I know there are rumours that tickets are going to be R10 000; people might have to sell their homes or their livers.
FIA Approval: A New Era for Kyalami
In 2014, entrepreneur Toby Venter, CEO of Porsche South Africa, acquired the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit at an auction, marking a major turning point for the historic track. His multimillion-rand investment transformed Kyalami into a world-class facility that now meets international racing standards. This effort culminated in the circuit earning FIA Grade 1 approval, the highest level of certification required to host Formula One races.
According to Porsche South Africa’s Group Public Relations Manager, Christo Kruger, the certification represents more than just a technical achievement; it’s a symbol of readiness and revival. With this recognition, Kyalami now stands as the only FIA Grade 1 circuit on the African continent, positioning it one step closer to reclaiming its place on the global motorsport stage.
With this recognition, the countdown has officially begun. “According to the FIA rules, Kyalami now has three years from the day of approval to do the upgrades and then the final inspection,” says Kruger. “Homologation [official approval] happens, and we are then accredited with Grade 1, if everything is done within the approved scope,” Kruger says.
A visual of precision and progress, the official circuit layout outlines Kyalami’s 16 turns and 18 camera points, symbolising South Africa’s readiness to meet international racing standards once again.
Photo: Dikeledi Ramabula
The announcement has fuelled excitement within South Africa’s motoring community, reigniting hopes of seeing F1 cars roar through the Midrand circuit once again. Planning for upgrades is already underway, though construction has not yet begun due to Kyalami’s packed calendar of local events, such as the Festival of Motoring and M-Fest.
However, the future of the project ultimately hinges on F1’s commitment to return. Kruger noted that while some improvements will proceed regardless, the scale of investment will depend on whether the international organisers confirm South Africa’s inclusion in the upcoming calendar.
Eyes locked on the track, South African female driver Simphiwe Mohlahlo waits in her BMW, focused and ready for her race on one of the country’s most iconic circuits. For her, Kyalami represents both legacy and opportunity for women in motorsport. Photo: Dikeledi Ramabula
Hands gripping the steering wheel, eyes locked on the track, Nathi Msimanga sits in full focus, ready for the challenge ahead. The determination in his gaze says it all: he’s here to compete, to push limits, and to belong among South Africa’s best. Photo: Dikeledi Ramabula
For Wits mechanical engineering student and professional Toyota Gazoo Racing driver Nathi Msimanga, Kyalami is more than just a circuit, it’s “the most prestigious track in the country;” a place that mirrors the speed and sophistication of international circuits. Yet despite Kyalami’s world-class design, Msimanga remains doubtful about Formula One’s return in 2027, though he believes it could shine a spotlight on South African motorsport.
“If F1 does come here, it’ll force companies, sponsors, and media to finally give our sport the attention it deserves,” he says. He adds that consistent funding, promotion, and government support are key to making racing accessible for all, and to inspiring the next generation of South African drivers.
And for South African female driver Simphiwe Mohlahlo, who competes in the MSA4 and Formula Libre series, Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit represents more than just asphalt and corners, it’s a symbol of legacy and opportunity. “Racing there feels like being part of history,” she says, noting how rare it is for local drivers to experience the track.
Screens, radios, and precision, the nerve centre of every race. From here, officials monitor every lap, every turn, every moment that defines safety and speed. It’s the unseen engine that keeps Kyalami running.
Photo: Dikeledi Ramabula
Mohlahlo believes that a possible F1 return in 2027 would not only spotlight the perseverance of South African motorsport but also open doors for emerging talent, particularly women. She praised initiatives like the F1 Academy for inspiring young girls and called for more national activations, academies, and sponsorship support to grow the sport sustainably. Confident in the country’s ability to host F1, she adds that such an event could invigorate the economy and elevate local representation on the global stage, a dream she hopes to see realised in her lifetime.
How Major Events Put South Africa on the Map
Hosting big sports events has been a game-changer for South Africa, and the potential F1 has the potential to be another.
The 1995 Rugby World Cup stands as one of South Africa’s most powerful symbols of unity and healing after apartheid. When Nelson Mandela wore the Springbok jersey to present the trophy, it became a defining moment that showed the world a nation coming together, united through sport and shared pride.
The iconic Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, sprawled across Midrand’s picturesque landscape, is more than just a racing track, it’s the pulsating heartbeat of SA’s motorsport. This revered circuit has been the stage for countless thrilling moments. With its rich history and nostalgic charm, Kyalami is a treasured gem in the world of racing, and the nation is eagerly yearning for the day when it will once again reverberate with the thunderous roar of Formula 1 engines, sending shivers down the spines of petrolheads and reviving the country’s glorious racing heritage.
Photo: Dikeledi Ramabula
In 2010, South Africa made history as the first African nation to host the FIFA World Cup, a moment that not only boosted the economy but reshaped the nation’s image. The government invested over R30-billion in infrastructure, from transport and airports to world-class stadiums, creating around 66 000 construction jobs and injecting R7,4-billion into the economy, with R2,2-billion benefiting low-income households. Beyond the numbers, the tournament became a nation-branding triumph, transforming global perceptions of South Africa’s people, cities, and capability to deliver on the world stage.
The World Cup showed the world that South Africa is a great country to visit and host events. Over 500,000 South Africans, including taxi drivers and volunteers, helped make visitors feel welcome. The country got the highest score ever for hosting a World Cup, which was a big achievement. After the tournament, more people came to South Africa for vacation (up 31%) and business (up 47% in Cape Town).
Hosting major events does more than bring sporting success; it reshapes how the world sees a country and strengthens national pride. For Johannesburg, a successful return of F1 to Kyalami could have the same effect, boosting the city’s reputation, inspiring locals, and attracting new investment. Beyond the race itself, it would signal that Johannesburg is not only capable of hosting world-class events but also stands out as a vibrant, globally recognized African city, a symbol of ambition, progress, and pride. Such high-profile events play a key role in nation and city branding, showcasing South Africa’s potential on the international stage while reinforcing Johannesburg’s identity as a world-class African city.
A relic of Kyalami’s F1 past, this worn Goodyear tyre carries the weight of history, rubber that once touched the same tarmac where legends raced three decades ago. It marks the last time South Africa hosted a Formula 1 Grand Prix, a moment that still echoes in the hearts of local fans who remember the roar of engines and the pride of seeing their country on the global stage. Today, it stands as more than just an object of nostalgia, it’s a symbol of unfinished business, a reminder of a dream paused but never forgotten. Photo: Dikeledi Ramabula
According to Professor Mfaniseni Sihlongonyane from Wits University’s School of Architecture and Planning, hosting international events such as F1 presents both opportunities and significant challenges for cities. He notes that infrastructure, funding, and the “critical mass” of participants are key factors in determining whether a country can successfully host and sustain such events. However, Sihlongonyane acknowledges that F1’s return could stimulate multiple sectors, from hospitality and transport to food and automotive industries, creating employment and boosting economic activity. He cautions, though, that South Africa must ensure inclusivity by supporting small businesses, women, and youth through subcontracting and empowerment initiatives. “It shouldn’t just be about large corporations benefiting,” he explains. For him, Johannesburg’s approach should centre on a social contract with F1, one that promotes economic growth while advancing social justice and community participation.
Who Decides F1’s Return?
While Kyalami may be ready to host, the final decision on whether F1 returns to South Africa does not rest in its hands. According to Kruger, the circuit’s role is limited to being the venue. “Kyalami is not really responsible for F1 coming back, that’s very much up to the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture and a promoter,” he explains.
The government, together with F1 Management, will ultimately decide whether South Africa secures a spot on the 2027 racing calendar. Kyalami’s task, meanwhile, is to ensure the track remains in top condition and meets all technical and logistical requirements once approval is granted.
Eighteen eyes on every corner. The circuit’s surveillance system reflects Kyalami’s world-class standards, a blend of technology, safety, and ambition as it prepares for potential FIA-level events. Photo: Dikeledi Ramabula
Behind the scenes, negotiations and financial guarantees have already been submitted, but the costs involved are steep. “The planned track upgrades are expected to cost around R100-million, an amount that will be self-funded by Kyalami’s owner, OT Venter Investments,” Kruger says.
Formula One is a huge money-maker globally. In 2024, it earned over $3.4 billion, with a big chunk coming from cities and countries paying to host races. This shows how valuable it is to host an F1 event. The sport is also super popular, with 5.7 million people attending races in 2022, a big increase from 2019. Kruger acknowledged that while the enthusiasm for F1’s return is strong, the financial reality remains daunting. Hosting fees for international races can range between $25 million and $54 million, depending on the location.
Logistics and Local Impact
Bringing F1 back to South Africa would be a complex operation, one that extends far beyond the racetrack. Temporary grandstands, hospitality suites, and infrastructure upgrades would all have to be set up to meet F1’s international standards. The surrounding roads and access routes to Kyalami would also need attention to accommodate the thousands of fans expected to attend.
Shops and restaurants hum quietly inside Kyalami Corner, just a few minutes from the racetrack. For now, the calm reflects ordinary life, locals grabbing coffee, but if Formula 1 returns, this space could transform overnight. The sound of engines would spill into nearby businesses, bringing a rush of fans, tourists, and international media. For store owners, it’s more than just excitement, it’s the promise of economic revival, a chance to feel the same national buzz last seen during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Photo: Dikeledi Ramabula
Beyond the logistical hurdles, the project holds the potential to benefit local communities. Kyalami’s management has expressed plans to include fan parks and fan zones that would create space for small vendors and local entrepreneurs to participate, ensuring that the excitement of the event extends beyond the gates of the circuit.
Kruger emphasizes that a return of this scale would not be fleeting. “F1 doesn’t do once-off events. They will want to sign a deal for a minimum of five years to seven, and sometimes up to ten years,” he says. Such a long-term commitment would not only secure South Africa’s place on the global racing calendar but also demand consistent investment in maintenance and event management to keep the circuit world-class.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the possibility, Kruger remains grounded about the uncertainty of the outcome. When asked what message he had for South Africans hoping to see the sport return home, his response is simple: “Pray. It’s really not in our hands; we can only stay hopeful that negotiations with F1 Management are successful.”
As South Africa awaits an official decision, the prospect of F1 returning to Kyalami is tantalizingly close. Backed by Toby Venter’s revival efforts, FIA approval, and public excitement, this moment reinforces one thing, Joburg truly is a world-class African city, capable of hosting global events that bring people and opportunities together. The wait may be long, but South Africa’s F1 dream is finally on track and ready to take off.
From the outside, Kyalami stands as both a landmark and a promise, a place where South Africa’s motorsport legacy meets its future ambitions. Once the stage for legendary Formula 1 races, the circuit now waits, carrying decades of history, triumph, and struggle within its walls. For many, this circuit symbolise a new chapter, a nation eager to reclaim its place on the global racing map and prove that world-class competition can thrive again on African soil. Photo: Dikeledi Ramabula
FEATURED IMAGE: Kyalami Grand Prix Racetrack. Photo: Dikeledi Ramabula
The city of gold is losing its shine as it continues to neglect the lives of miners.
Visiting the Gold Reef City Mining Exhibition was an unforgettable experience that dropped me into the depths of Johannesburg’s rich gold mining history. I was welcomed by tour guides laughing loudly with all-teeth showing. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming as I was given a safety helmet and torch to go underground. As I prepared to descend the shaft, a wave of anticipation mixed with anxiety washed over me. The gate of the shaft was sealed shut and my guide began her rehearsed rant as my heart raced at each gradual bump I felt, as we began to descend. The sun disappeared the lower we went and my grip on the railing tightened. The mine entrance glistened with light streams of water as we were engulfed in darkness.
We are now 75m underground, the chilly air shocked me as I was expecting a wave of heat, but the calm tour guide Zakile shared that it was due to the ventilation underground. I could see smoke appear as I talked, my hand searching for my torch to take it all in. The dim light flickered as we passed through narrow mine tunnels, Zakile pointing out the rocks and mannequins placed to give a more realistic experience. You can hear each thump of our steps, leaving an echo, the trickling of water droplets from the walls. The walls around us were rough and hard, the decades of extraction felt, right on my fingertips. I can see the remnants of thousands of miners who have been down this mine, day in and day out, dealing with harsher conditions than what we are experiencing now. The souls that have walked these pathways and helped make Johannesburg the City of Gold it’s known to be today.
The life of David Muphandu
My experience couldn’t have been further removed from the dangerous realities that gold miners face every day. Long hours spent in tight cramped tunnels, thick hot air, sweat dripping from their foreheads, a life David Muphandu, a miner of over 14 years, knows all too well.
“I would clock in at 05:00, then once I clock in, I go straight to the shaft waiting for the cage to go down. The shaft was supposed to come and collect us past six, then we go down,” says Muphandu, his cadence is slow and monotone, as he recalls his days at the mine “[By] 08:00, we have a safety meeting underground. After [the] safety meeting, we sign the book [to confirm attendance], then we go straight to the workplace,” he shares.
Commissioned in 1926, the Winder machine was originally part of the Crown Mines, which was once the largest and richest gold mining operation in the world. The winder controlled the cables that raised and lowered cages carrying miners and equipment down the vertical shaft. The machine helped create efficient transportation for the mine. Photo: Bonolo Mokonoto
Muphandu would ensure that the machine he is operating works properly, because any faulty part could lead to serious injury. He exits the mine when they are done after 13:00 or 14:00, he pulls out his silver container as he proceeds to quickly eat his lunch. After work he removes his Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), showers, puts on his home clothes and leaves.
Having a typical nine to five is rare in the mining industry. “It depends sometimes, if we don’t work well straight, maybe we have a delay of tools or maybe someone is not there. Sometimes we can leave latest let’s say at 17:00 or 18:00,” he says.
His story reflects the reality behind the shiny image of Johannesburg as the city of gold and pulls into question its status as a world- class African city.
Where it all began
Gold was first discovered in the Witwatersrand area in 1886 by George Harrison, which led to the Witwatersrand Gold Rush. Johannesburg was soon established as a mining town and rapidly became South Africa’s largest city and economic hub often called the “City of Gold” due to the massive gold deposits in its surrounding areas.
In the early 20th century, Johannesburg’s economy and urban growth revolved heavily around deep underground mining operated by large corporations. The mining industry attracted a diverse workforce, including local Black Africans who worked in difficult, often dangerous conditions, as well as skilled European miners.
The mining industry is full of diversity, “On the mine, we are not the same and we come from different places, there [are] people from Maputo, there’s people from Lesotho, there’s people from Mthatha, there’s people from KZN, there’s people from Venda, people from Bush, people from different places,” says Muphandu.
Over more than a century, gold mining has driven Johannesburg’s development but also left a legacy of social inequality, environmental damage, and health issues, not just for the miners, but the community surrounding the mine.
In recent decades, Johannesburg’s gold mining has declined due to depletion of shallow deposits, rising operational costs, infrastructure challenges, and global market shifts. Most of the mines have shut down, jobs have been lost, and the sector’s contribution to the city’s economy has decreased, in comparison to other metal groups, such as platinum.
Johannesburg faces the challenge of balancing its identity as a historic “City of Gold” with the realities of a contracting, troubled mining industry that continues to impact many workers’ lives.
Golds contribution to the economy
The average price of gold as of October, 2025, has risen significantly, reaching around R59, 169 ( $3, 275) per ounce, and would waver between R48, 939 and R75, 385 per ounce throughout the year. This creates space for investment in the country and potential socio- economic growth. The gold mining industry’s contribution to South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has been decreasing slowly over the past five years due to the depletion of gold and increased global competition. Out of all the primary platinum metal groups, gold is performing or contributing the least in production.
“The gold price is doing very well in the international market. I mean it’s now on record price; it’s now on four thousand dollars an ounce,” says Livhuwani Mammburuu, the head of communications for the National Union of Mine Workers. The new developments in the gold price are exciting however miners are not able to take part in claiming the fruits of their labour. “You will find a situation where the executives’ pay themselves millions of bonuses and workers who work hard underground do not get anything,” he says.
This reenactment captures the ancient gold smelting process where raw gold is heated in a furnace to over 1,064°C, melting it into liquid form. Once molten, the gold is carefully poured from the crucible into moulds, solidifying into bars, a crucial final step in transforming mined gold. Photo: Bonolo Mokonoto
The realities of working in the gold mining industry
In 2025 the lives of gold miners remain challenging as they try to adapt to changing circumstances. Many miners that are employed on formal operations still experience low and fixed wages. [The] National Union of Mine Workers (NUM) is having wage negotiations with one of the biggest gold companies in South Africa, called Sibanye-Stillwater, and the negotiations are not going well at all,” says Mammburuu.
“We have just recently declared a dispute with Sibanye-Stillwater, because we do not agree on the wage offer that they’re presenting to us. They are presenting 4,5% salary increase, which- the NUM, is not happy with,” he says.
“It’s very tough [when] you are dealing with a company that does not want to pay good salaries for its employees who are our members,” says Mammburuu, breathing heavily with anger and frustration.
Many miners, face physically demanding and often hazardous working conditions deep underground. These miners work for hours with varying hours to make more money.
“According to the working hours it was eight hours, but because of delay of work and transport to take us to the surface, sometimes we could be there for two days, the shaft being damage, there is no escape road for emergency,” Muphandu says. “Sometimes we take shortcuts to finish the job or manage time, but these shortcuts are more dangerous. Before working, we must put in temporary support and wait for the safety officer’s approval, but sometimes the safety officer doesn’t come. We are often forced to use old tools because of delays in new tool deliveries, which is very dangerous and can lead to accidents,” he says.
South Arica’s gold mining industry reported a total of 11 fatalities in 2024, which is a 45% decrease from 20 in 2023, the industry still has a long way to go to ensure zero fatalities.
“There is the Mine Health and Safety Act, companies need to adhere to [it], at NUM we are still worried about workers that are still dying underground. It’s not enough to see workers fatalities happening in the mines, we want to see a situation where there are zero fatalities and zero injuries in the mining industry, that’s what we are striving for,” says Mammburuu.
“There were people who got sick, so we always wear masks and full PPE before getting on the cage to go underground. But underground, because it’s hot, many take off their masks, which is wrong, since it helps prevent dust and coughing from spreading illnesses like TB. I personally never got sick from the mine, but I once fell because I incorrectly put my safety belt on, and I injured my left leg. Some miners even fall off the cage before it reaches the ground, it can get very dangerous underground,” says Muphando.
The living conditions of miners remain inhumane. Many miners have resorted to living in shacks, as these are the only form of housing closest to the mine. “If you look at- where these mines are situated, you’ll see a lot of shacks around those mines. Our members are also getting a living at allowance. A living at allowance is equal as a housing allowance so members when they get that living at allowance, they’ve got a duty to go and rent or buy decent houses, “says Mammburuu.
Ntando Ndlovu, a fourth-year mining and engineering student, did his vacation work at the Sibanye-Stillwater mine. “They said to me if you don’t enjoy your job you are going to do the least and but for them, they actually enjoy what they are doing, in a team environment, that team dynamic is actually what keep[s] them going every now and then,” Ndlovu says.
Miners must receive a fair income to support their families. When one mine is no longer operating or supportive, they will move to a different mine. “Yeah, but you know now the mine industry, especially if you no longer have that mentality to mine, you always discuss which shaft pays and how to get there, so some of us left and went to Rustenburg’s platinum mines where it was better, but then COVID-19 happened and we couldn’t get in, though some friends still work there; you know, to work in SA you have to do something or get information,”Muphando says. “I quit the mine, during COVID-19, so I left around 2020 or 2021.”
The future of gold mining in Johannesburg
As gold mines around Johannesburg continue to shut down and lay off miners who depend on that income, what is a way forward for this once fruitful industry? “We see poverty, we see shacks, to be honest there is nothing much that is being done to empower communities and empower mine workers themselves. We don’t really see much of what mining is doing for communities around Gauteng,” says Mammburu.
Non-profit organizations find ways to include and support mine workers that have been retrenched due to a mine shut down, to find other means of employment. Providing miners with skills that can support them on and off the mine can be beneficial for the whole community.
“We’ve [NUM] got an entity called Mine Workers Development Agency. It helps our members who are retrenched, to start businesses and – farming – it is playing a very big role to empower those workers that have been retrenched. The other thing the NUM is doing is we have built an artisan academy. [The miners] get trained, they get qualifications and become qualified artisans, they go and look for jobs again.”
“The gold price is increasing exponentially, but from where I was the gold is depleting, so the mine will close in three to five years to come. It’s a major issue because most of the people in the surrounding community rely on the Sibanye water operation,” Ndlovu says.
The current high gold price offers hope for investment within the country and improved working conditions for miners. However, we need to come to terms with a harsh reality. Johannesburg cannot claim its place as a world-class African city when the very people who built it continue to struggle daily. True wealth and progress within a city is seen through the lives of those who live and breathe it. The abundance from gold wealth needs to be shared fairly and miners’ dignity and livelihoods need to be prioritised and valued.
FEATURED IMAGE: The above photograph shows the passageway of the Gold Reef City mine, located 75 meters underground. The dimly lit tunnel echoes the footsteps of over 40,000 miners who travelled this path decades ago, offering a glimpse into the challenging conditions deep within Johannesburg’s historic gold mine. Photo: Bonolo Mokonoto
As the G20 Summit approached, women all around the country demanded to be heard, and now that the proceedings have concluded, have they been?
The G20 declaration was adopted, uncontested.
Priorities for equality, growth, and safety for women were highlighted.
For South Africa, concerns about implementation are significant.
From climate change to debt relief, the declaration highlighted some of the most pressing global challenges.
With the theme of sustainability, equality, and solidarity, President Ramaphosa reiterated in his opening that a “solid plan” will leave “no person, community, or country behind.”
Yet, lingering was the concern of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in South Africa.
G20 women’s agenda
Deviating from tradition, President Ramaphosa asked the G20 leaders to adopt the declaration at the start of the summit, rather than at the end. By a show of hands, the statement was adopted by every present country without objection.
In doing so, each country represented committed to prioritising gender equality and attempting to end all forms of violence against women. This includes greater access to financial, economic, and market resources to support entrepreneurship and women-led businesses; and adopting the revised Brisbane-eThekwini Goal to reduce the gender labour gap by 25% by 2030.
Wits Vuvuzela spoke to Professor Narnia Bohler-Muller, head of the delegation for Women20 South Africa, who explained that “the G20 Leaders’ Declaration places women’s rights and safety at the centre of inclusive growth. For South Africa, this directly intersects with the fight against Gender‑Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), declared a national disaster by President Ramaphosa.”
Session one of the G20 Leader’ Summit on 23 November 2025. Photo: Jairus Mmutle/GCIS
Despite the prospective positive impact of these proposed areas of priority, Argentina expressed concern about the language used – specifically, “gender” and “all women”, fearing that the terms include gender identities beyond the biological male and female. Daily Maverick reported that this linguistic debate took away from strategic discussions.
When the nation spoke
Leading up to the summit, Women for Change National Shutdown turned the country purple, from lit up buildings, to social media profiles, support for women was immense, even the jacarandas joined.
Following the shutdown, and just before G20 proceedings, President Ramaphosa declared GBVF a national crisis, and later, a National Disaster.
Bohler-Muller highlighted that this means that “South Africa must treat violence against women with the same urgency as a pandemic or flood – unlocking emergency powers, funding, and accountability to save lives and restore dignity.”
In this effort, the government plans to strengthen existing policies rather than create new ones. “Our policies and plans are good. Implementation sucks,” Bohler-Muller said.
The youth perspective
Y20 delegate and Wits student, Jamiela Suliman, expressed that “the overall event seemed tokenistic, exclusionary, and elitist,” referring to the T20 and G20 social summit.
“The experience of Women for Change was poor. They were invited to give a speech at the Social Summit for 10 minutes. They funded the trip themselves, had their speaking time abruptly cut down to three minutes, and the Minister of Women, Children, and People with Disabilities walked out before they started speaking,” she said.
GBVF is not only a national disaster, but also an international one.
On November 19, the World Health Organisation (WHO), released a report highlighting that an estimated 840 million women around the world experience partner or sexual violence.
So, with global cooperation, will declarations’ priorities for women be implemented, or will they be the ones left behind?
FEATURE IMAGE: Media room live footage of President Cyril Ramaphosa addressing the G20 leaders. Photo: Ekta Seebran.
Johannesburg's underground punk rock scene has always been about more than simply music. From the beginning, it's been a site of rebellion against injustice and a community for those who dare to go against the norm. In this episode of We Should Be Writing, Mbali Khumalo takes you into this world, with guests from the […]
