insight Jozi News

There’s no street in Johannesburg quite like Small Street . Wedged between towering CBD buildings, this narrow but vibrant pedestrian stretch is more than just a shopping destination — it’s an ecosystem of black entrepreneurship, urban culture, and raw hustle. From sunrise till sunset, traders set up shop, mannequins wear the latest urban trends, and shoppers bargain over streetwise prices. Small Street is the heartbeat of budget fashion, and in many ways, it’s a reflection of the resilience and creativity of Jozi's inner city. More Than Clothes: It’s a Culture The street is known for its unbeatable prices on jeans, sneakers, accessories, and wigs . But beyond that, it’s the street stylists, barbers, phone repair hustlers, and fast-food popups that make Small Street a living, breathing economic force. In many cases, this is where fashion trends are born before they reach the malls. Meet Lindiwe, the R50 Queen Lindiwe, 29, sells imported leggings and stree...

5 Kasi-Owned Brands Making Waves in Joburg By Noko Maleka | Insight Jozi News In a world where big brands dominate billboards and shopping malls, kasi-owned businesses are proving that true style and success start from the streets. Johannesburg is buzzing with homegrown entrepreneurs redefining fashion, lifestyle, and culture — straight from the hood. Here are five rising black-owned brands from Joburg’s townships that are not just surviving — they’re setting trends and turning heads. 1. Urban Zulu (Yeoville to the World) Founded by Papy Kaluw , Urban Zulu blends African aesthetics with modern streetwear. From Yeoville to Paris Fashion Week, this brand proudly says, “Local is luxurious.” Celebs like Zahara and DJ Sbu have worn Urban Zulu on red carpets and runways. 2. Tshepo Jeans (From Maboneng to Royalty) Tshepo Mohlala turned denim dreams into reality with Tshepo Jeans — a proudly South African denim label loved for its fit, quality, and local touch. Even Meghan Mark...

By Noko Maleka | Jozi News | May 21, 2025  U.S. President Donald Trump has dropped a geopolitical bombshell. In a high-profile announcement from the White House, Trump revealed the Golden Dome—a $175 billion missile defense megaproject designed to shield the U.S. from nuclear and hypersonic threats. Speaking from the Oval Office alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Space Force Vice Chief of Operations Gen. Michael Guetlein, President Trump described the initiative as a "game changer" for national defense. The system is envisioned as a multilayered shield, integrating land, sea, and space-based technologies to intercept missiles, even those launched from space. ( Fox News , AP News ) General Guetlein, appointed to lead the project, likened the endeavor to the Manhattan Project in terms of its scale and complexity. The Golden Dome aims to be operational by 2029, with an initial $25 billion allocated from a proposed tax and budget bill currently under discussion in C...

From Accra to Auckland Park: Clifford Adu’s Rise as Africa’s Storytelling Powerhouse Insight Jozi news In today’s rapidly evolving media landscape,  Clifford Samuel Adu  stands out as a creative trailblazer. The Ghanaian-born broadcasting technician, producer, and storyteller has made Johannesburg his canvas, building a production empire that puts  authentic African narratives  front and center. Through his company,  Afrika Tumi Productions , Cliff is bringing African stories to the world—from heartbreaking tales of betrayal to the rhythmic beats of African youth culture. His work is not only powerful; it’s deeply personal and widely impactful. Betrayal: Turning Pain into Powerful Storytelling Cliff is the creative mind behind  “Betrayal” , an emotionally intense podcast and video series available on YouTube. Each episode explores real stories of hurt, trust broken, and emotional healing. The series has touched many, earning Cliff a growing foll...

* By Noko Maleka | Insight Jozi

Left in the Cold: Angry Pensioners Rise Against SASSA Shutdown in Johannesburg By Noko Maleka | Insight Jozi Johannesburg, South Africa — Outrage spilled onto the streets outside the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) offices in Johannesburg today, as dozens of pensioners, the disabled, and vulnerable families gathered to protest poor service delivery. Turned Away at the Door By midmorning, frustrated pensioners began picketing after being turned away without receiving any assistance . Many had arrived in the early hours — some traveling long distances, others leaning on walking sticks or wheelchairs, and some carrying infants — hoping for vital support from the government. But instead, they were told the office had already reached its daily quota of 100 people and would be offering no further help that day. "We are human beings, not numbers," cried 69-year-old Nokuthula Dlamini , leaning on her walker. "Every time we come here, it’s the same story — ‘Come b...

  Insight Jozi News By Noko Maleka SA Government Has No Political Will to Improve the Lives of Ordinary Citizens – Only the Elite Thrive Elon Musk Is It Time to Revisit B-BBEE? Elon Musk's Critique Sparks a Tough but Necessary Debate picture by: Ashraf Hendricks When tech billionaire Elon Musk recently declared that Starlink is not allowed to operate in South Africa "because I'm not black," he reignited a longstanding and increasingly contentious debate about the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) policy and its real impact on the South African economy. While Musk's remarks may have come across as controversial, they demand a sober and critical examination—particularly from black South Africans—about who truly benefits from such laws and whether they serve the broader public good or merely entrench elite privilege. 1. Equity Ownership Requirements South African regulations mandate that telecommunications companies seeking certa...

Prosperity Phahlane: A Rising Star on a Mission for Peace In the heart of Johannesburg’s Doornfontein, a young woman with a radiant smile and an unwavering spirit is preparing to take on the world. Prosperity Phahlane, a brilliant first-year student and a proud finalist for the prestigious Miss Intercontinental pageant, is more than just a beauty queen—she is a force of nature, a beacon of hope, and a determined advocate for peace. With intelligence that shines as brightly as her confidence, Prosperity is on a journey that goes beyond crowns and sashes. She stands for something far greater—a world free of violence and war, a world where innocence is protected, and a world where the streets of Johannesburg, the "City of Gold," are as safe as the dreams of those who walk them. Behind every great woman is a pillar of strength, and for Prosperity, that pillar is none other than her mother, Precious Hlabane. A mother’s love can build empires, and Precious has built her daughter in...