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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...

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

By Noko Maleka | InsightJoziNews.org Last night's screening of "Tenement Hell: Home Hillbrow" on eNCA was more than compelling television—it was an important national conversation about one of Johannesburg's most misunderstood suburbs. The documentary paints a raw, honest and thought-provoking picture of Hillbrow, exposing both its painful realities and the resilience of the people who continue to call it home. For many South Africans, Hillbrow has become synonymous with crime, hijacked buildings, overcrowding and urban decay. However, this documentary challenges viewers to look beyond those stereotypes and recognise that Hillbrow is also home to hardworking families, business owners, security personnel, community activists and people who refuse to give up on the inner city. Among the prominent voices featured was Helen Zille , who herself grew up in Hillbrow. Her reflections reminded viewers that Hillbrow was once one of Johannesburg's most vibra...

  The Forgotten Orphans of Hillbrow A Story I Could Not Ignore By Noko Maleka | Insight Jozi News In the heart of Hillbrow, one of Johannesburg’s busiest and most misunderstood neighbourhoods, I encountered a story that changed the way I look at the word orphan. As a journalist and founder of Insight Jozi News, I spend most of my time telling the stories of Johannesburg and its people. But sometimes a story stops being something you simply report on — and becomes something you feel responsible for. That is what happened when I came to know the children of Malaika Orphanage. These children, known in the community as the Malaika kids, live in a privately run home that relies largely on the kindness of ordinary people. Spending time with them left me with a question I still struggle to answer: Why are some orphans fully supported by the system while others survive only through community compassion? Some of the children I met were born to undocumented migrants who later disappeared or ...

⚖️ Ward 63 Case Postponed — Strong MK Party Presence Signals Growing Mobilisation in Hillbrow By Noko Maleka | Insight Jozi News | Johannesburg JOHANNESBURG – Although the Ward 63 assault case was postponed to 24 March 2026 due to the reported ill health of ANC councillor Xolani Khumalo, the atmosphere outside court told a powerful story of solidarity and political mobilisation. MK Party supporters arrived in strong and visible numbers , joined by members from multiple neighbouring wards. Their presence signalled growing political momentum ahead of the upcoming by-elections. 🔥 Energy, Solidarity and Determination Supporters gathered peacefully but firmly, expressing their determination to see the matter through. Chants of accountability and justice echoed outside court as community members stood united. One supporter told Insight Jozi News : “This is not just about one person. It is about the dignity of Ward 63 and protecting our community from injustice.” ⚡ Ngema...

 The Silent Weapon: Narratives have Built and Rebuilt- Project Hillbrow  By Noko Noko Maleka | Insight Jozi News There is a quiet force that shapes nations, defines communities, and determines how people see themselves long before policy, economics, or politics intervene. That force is narrative. “I have a view that the main catalyst behind our societal issues is narrative. Narrative creates perception — and perception determines the result.” For decades, global storytelling has subtly elevated certain societies while diminishing others. A repeated message becomes accepted truth. When one group is consistently portrayed as advanced, refined, and superior, and another as struggling, chaotic, and dependent, the psychological impact is inevitable: people begin to internalize those hierarchies. This is not always overt. It happens through images, headlines, conversations, and even jokes. A narrative becomes a silent weapon. And Africa, I believe, has long been on the receiving end...