insight Jozi News

By Noko Maleka As 2026 unfolds, Johannesburg’s vibrant cultural heartbeat is calling — and Joburg Theatre is at the centre of it all. Situated in the heart of Braamfontein, this iconic stage is ready to light up your year with an exciting slate of performances, shows, and unforgettable artistic experiences. Whether you’re a theatre lover, family planner, or just looking to try something new, there’s a live show waiting for you. 🎭 Must-See Shows in 2026 1. EXPRESSED Dates: 27 January – 1 February 2026 A powerful one‑act production confronting gender-based violence with raw emotion and original music — a performance that doesn’t just entertain, but invites reflection and conversation. 2. The Mandela at Joburg Theatre Concert Series Dates: January – March 2026 Live musical tributes featuring classics from Hotel California – The Eagles Experience to Queen – It’s a Kind of Magic and An Ode to Motown. A vibrant mix of rock, soul, and nostalgic hits that transforms the theatre into a concert...

Hillbrow SAPS to Host Gauteng Mass Aerobics Event to Strengthen Community Relations By Noko Maleka | InsightJoziNews Hillbrow, Johannesburg — In a proactive effort to strengthen the relationship between the community and law enforcement, Hillbrow SAPS, under the Social Crime Prevention Unit, will host the Gauteng Mass Aerobics Event on Wednesday, 28 January 2026 , from 09:00 to 14:00 . The event is part of Hillbrow SAPS’ ongoing commitment to community engagement, aimed at addressing the root causes of crime through meaningful interaction, education, and unity. The mass aerobics session will be open to both community members and SAPS personnel, and is expected to attract around 300 attendees . Sergeant Mthembu, who oversees the Social Crime Prevention Unit, explained that the initiative is designed to foster trust and strengthen the bond between the police and the community they serve. “Through events like these, we hope to build positive relationships and create a safer environ...

TRICKED INTO PORN: 20-YEAR-OLD SOUTH AFRICAN WOMAN SAYS FAKE MODEL AUDITION LURED HER INTO ADULT VIDEO By Noko Maleka | Insight Jozi News A 20-year-old South African woman has come forward with disturbing allegations that she was tricked into appearing in a pornographic video after being lured with what she believed was a legitimate modelling audition. The woman has confirmed that she is the individual seen in a video linked to a platform operating under the name “African Casting”, a channel hosted on a well-known international adult website. The channel presents itself as a casting or audition platform — a format critics say is designed to mislead, manipulate and exploit young women, particularly those facing unemployment and financial hardship. According to her account, what was sold to her as an opportunity to enter the entertainment industry turned into a pornographic recording, without proper explanation, lawful consent or clear contractual agreement. “I Thought It Was a Real M...

Zimbabwe Rising: How Gold Is Turning the Economy Into a Continental Powerhouse By Noko Maleka | Insight Jozi News Zimbabwe is entering a new era—one defined not by crisis headlines, but by confidence, discipline, and the extraordinary strength of gold. What once symbolized the country’s past has now become the engine of its future, positioning Zimbabwe as one of Africa’s most exciting economic comeback stories. In recent months, the surge in global gold prices and Zimbabwe’s assertive strategy to build its foreign-exchange reserves have given unprecedented support to the nation’s gold-backed currency, the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) . The currency has strengthened against the U.S. dollar, markets are responding positively, and a renewed sense of economic optimism is spreading through the country. This is more than a financial development—it’s a turning point. Gold: Zimbabwe’s Power Lever to the Future Gold is no longer just a commodity for Zimbabwe; it is the backbone of a nation...

PP Soup Grill: Hillbrow’s New Home of Flavor, Family & Freshness By Noko Maleka Hillbrow has a brand-new culinary gem, and it’s already turning heads, filling stomachs, and winning hearts. PP Soup Grill, located at 16 Pretoria Street, Metro Building, has officially opened its doors — and if early reviews are anything to go by, this is set to become one of Johannesburg’s most loved family restaurants. A Clean, Warm, Family-Friendly Space Walking into PP Soup Grill feels like stepping into a space designed with pure care. The restaurant is spotless, beautifully arranged, and radiates a sense of warmth that immediately makes you feel at home. Families, students, workers, and neighbours all gather here because the atmosphere is relaxed, welcoming, and refreshing — a rare find in the ever-busy heart of Hillbrow. Food That Speaks for Itself If there’s one thing PP Soup Grill prides itself on, it is taste — and they deliver it generously. The menu is packed with mouthwatering dishes prepa...

Students Forced onto the Streets After NSFAS Payment Error Leaves Them Homeless By Noko Maleka Dozens of TVET students were evicted from student accommodation near Gandhi Square after accommodation payments intended for providers were deposited into students' bank accounts. Some have been left sleeping in streets and under bridges. Dozens of students from Central Johannesburg TVET College and Ekurhuleni TVET College have been left stranded and homeless after a sudden eviction from Urban Einstein Student Accommodation in Marshalltown, near Gandhi Square. According to the affected students, they were given just seven days’ notice to vacate the premises after the accommodation provider claimed that the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) had failed to pay their rent. The students say they had followed all procedures required by NSFAS and their institutions. “They told us to leave within seven days becaus...