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THE POOR PAY MORE: Are Cellphone Rental Companies Charging Financially Excluded South Africans a Poverty Premium?

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A document-based investigation raises serious questions about the cost of cellphone access, consumer rights and whether poor South Africans are paying substantially more because they cannot qualify for traditional credit. By Noko Maleka | InsightJoziNews.org In South Africa, being poor can be expensive. For millions of South Africans who do not qualify for traditional credit, have limited credit histories or have poor credit records, accessing basic goods and services can come at a much higher cost. This raises a serious question: Are financially vulnerable South Africans being charged a poverty premium simply because they have fewer financial choices? InsightJoziNews.org is examining the growing cellphone rental and rent-to-own market, including companies such as FoneYam and PayJoy, which provide consumers with access to mobile phones through rental or rent-to-own arrangements. These products are marketed as alternatives for people who may not qualify for traditional cellphone...
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Botshabelo Mall Set for R443 Million Sale as Vukile Property Fund Expands Retail Portfolio

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Business News By Noko Maleka | InsightJoziNews.org The proposed acquisition of Botshabelo Mall by Vukile Property Fund marks another significant development in South Africa's retail property sector, highlighting continued investor confidence in township and community shopping centres despite challenging economic conditions. According to reports by BusinessTech , the Competition Commission has recommended that the Competition Tribunal approve Vukile Property Fund's acquisition of the Free State shopping centre from Liberty Group. The transaction is valued at approximately R443 million . Botshabelo Mall, situated in the Free State's largest township, opened in 2016 following a development investment of around R320 million . The 21,000-square-metre retail centre was established to provide residents with access to modern shopping facilities closer to home, reducing the need to travel nearly 50 kilometres to Bloemfontein for major retail services. Vukile Propert...
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2026 Local Government Elections: Can the Next Government Finally Empower South Africa's Small Businesses? | InsightJoziNews.org

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By Noko Maleka Johannesburg | 19 July 2026 Three years ago, I wrote an opinion article arguing that South Africa's economic system had become one that systematically deprived black-owned small businesses of opportunities to grow. Sadly, as I write this in 2026, my sentiments remain largely unchanged. The names of governments, ministers and political leaders may change, but for many entrepreneurs in Johannesburg's inner city, the daily struggle remains painfully familiar. Access to finance is limited, procurement processes are often viewed as inaccessible, red tape continues to frustrate innovation, and many promising businesses close their doors before they are given a fair chance to compete. As South Africa prepares for the 2026 Local Government Elections, voters are once again presented with an opportunity to decide who will govern our municipalities. These elections will be the first municipal elections held since the formation of the Government of Na...
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Hillbrow Police Station:MARCH AND MARCH DELIVERS MEMORANDUM TO HILLBROW POLICE STATION

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Noko Maleka | InsightJoziNews.org  Members of the March and March movement marched to the Hillbrow Police Station, where they handed a memorandum to the Station Commander. The protesters called for investigations into allegations of corruption within the station and demanded action against officers they allege are involved in accepting bribes from undocumented immigrants and individuals linked to drug trafficking. InsightJoziNews.org was on the ground bringing you the latest developments as they unfolded. 📍 Follow InsightJoziNews.org for credible community news from Johannesburg and beyond. #InsightJoziNews #Hillbrow #Johannesburg #SAPS #MarchAndMarch #CommunityNews #Crime #AntiCorruption #InnerCity #SouthAfrica #NewsAlert #BreakingNews #NokoMaleka
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From Thokoza to the National Spotlight: DopeFlop Prepares to Shake South Africa with 'God's Timing

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From Thokoza to the National Spotlight: DopeFlop Prepares to Shake South Africa with 'God's Timing' By Noko Maleka | InsightJoziNews.org There is something extraordinary about artists who refuse to let humble beginnings define their future. For Joy Mkhwanazi , professionally known as DopeFlop , the journey from recording songs on borrowed cellphones in the streets of Thokoza to becoming one of South Africa's most promising rising stars is proof that talent, resilience and faith can change lives. Born and raised in Thokoza , east of Johannesburg, DopeFlop discovered his passion for music at just 12 years old . What began as a deep love for listening to music soon evolved into writing his own lyrics before eventually stepping into recording. With no professional studio at his disposal, the ambitious youngster improvised. Using one cellphone to play instrumentals and another borrowed from his brother or sister to record vocals, he laid the foundation for wh...
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Noko Maleka

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Noko Maleka is a South African journalist, broadcaster, producer, author, and Public Relations & Marketing Specialist based in Johannesburg. He is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of InsightJoziNews.org, an independent digital news platform dedicated to covering community news, current affairs, business, politics, entertainment, and stories that promote positive social change across South Africa. With a career spanning journalism, broadcasting, public relations, and strategic communications, Noko has built a reputation for community-focused storytelling and media leadership. He has worked as a Broadcaster and Producer at Otee FM, a Radio Broadcaster at Mzansi Joburg City FM, and a Broadcaster and Producer at 1 Africa Radio TV, where he has hosted programmes covering current affairs, entrepreneurship, business, African affairs, and community development. Beyond broadcasting, Noko has worked closely with entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout Johannesburg's inner city, prov...
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IF YOU KNEW WHAT I KNOW

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An Investigative Memoir by Noko Maleka Coming Soon Welcome What if the story you have been told about Johannesburg is only part of the truth? If You Knew What I Know is an investigative memoir that follows journalist and broadcaster Noko Maleka as he documents life in Hillbrow and Johannesburg's inner city. Through firsthand experiences and investigations, the book explores homelessness, abandoned children, poverty, crime, and the systems that shape everyday life. What began as a Christmas outreach in 2024 became an investigation that changed everything—and inspired the documentary If You Knew What I Know . About the Book Once known as the City of Gold, Johannesburg has long attracted people searching for opportunity. But behind the skyline are stories that often go untold. This book invites readers to look beyond the headlines and consider the challenges faced by many communities. It shares the author's experiences, reporting, and perspectives while as...
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