insight Jozi News

An Open Letter to Commander-in-Chief Julius Malema: A Plea for Pan-African Focus and Responsible Leadership By Noko Maleka – Pan-African Writer, Broadcaster, and Citizen of the African Renaissance Dear Commander-in-Chief Julius Malema, As a fellow Pan-African, I write to you not only as a citizen of South Africa but as a son of this continent—deeply moved by the ideals you carry and the revolutionary consciousness you ignite. I write in admiration, but also in hopeful counsel. Your vision of land expropriation without compensation, your unwavering commitment to economic emancipation for the African child, and your unapologetic call for a united, borderless Africa—all resonate profoundly with my own beliefs. In a continent so long balkanized by colonial constructs, your message rings like the voices of Kwame Nkrumah, Thomas Sankara, Mangaliso Sobukwe, and Muammar Gaddafi—men who dreamed, as you do, of an Africa that governs itse...

Small Street Hustle:  By  Insight Jozi News Nestled in the buzzing heart of Johannesburg CBD lies a stretch of culture, colour, and commerce— Small Street . For years, this lively corridor has been the runway of the everyday Joburger, a fashion arena where local street vendors outshine retail chains and the real drip is found hanging off open-air racks rather than boutique hangers. Small Street isn't just a place; it’s an experience . A melting pot of trends, textures, and tastes, where entrepreneurs hustle hard, and fashion-forward individuals come to score the freshest looks without breaking the bank. From bold graphic tees to sleek faux-leather fits, from the latest sneaker drops (real or inspired) to edgy accessories—this street is where the fashion underworld meets the masses. But take a few more steps toward the end of Bree Street , and the city reveals a hidden gem that defines Joburg slang and second-hand swag: Donosa . You see, Donosa isn’t a fashion brand o...

A Day in Bree Taxi Rank: Where Chaos Becomes Rhythm By Noko Maleka | Insight Jozi News It’s 5:00 AM and the concrete corridors of Bree Taxi Rank begin to pulse with movement. Horns honk, hawkers shout, wheels squeal. What may look like chaos to an outsider is actually an orchestrated daily miracle — transporting thousands of Johannesburg's workers, hustlers, and dreamers to their destinations. The Beat of the City Every minute at Bree tells a story. A woman sells vetkoeks from a bucket. A student clutches his backpack, heading to campus. A taxi driver wipes down his Quantum, blasting amapiano through worn speakers. Everyone is going somewhere — but all of them meet here. The Human Conveyor Belt With over 200,000 people passing through daily , Bree is not just a transport hub — it’s an informal mall, a food court, a networking space, and a workplace. It's where haircuts are given in 15 minutes and you can buy a tracksuit, sim card, or boiled eggs befor...

Apartheid Never Died — It Just Changed Clothes: Prof Radebe's book Sparks fire  By Noko Mabofa Maleka | Insight Jozi News | Braamfontein, Johannesburg In a thought-provoking and politically charged evening at The Commune in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, the book launch of Professor Mandla Radebe’s new release, Apartheid Is Not Over , drew together activists, intellectuals, and political leaders for a night of critical engagement and unapologetic truth-telling. The event featured keynote remarks by Mr. Solly Africa Mapaila , General Secretary of the South African Communist Party (SACP) , who did not mince words. “We must stop pretending we are free when we are still trapped in an economic system built to keep Black people out of ownership and opportunity,” he said to a room that nodded, clapped, and occasionally stood in agreement. 📘 The Book: Apartheid Is Not Over Prof. Mandla Radebe’s book is a bold political intervention. In it, he unpacks how apartheid's economic...

Apartheid Did Not Die – Professor Mandla Radebe Unpacks South Africa’s Unfinished Revolution By Noko Mabofa Maleka – Insight Jozi News | 1Africa Radio TV | Insight Africa BRAAMFONTEIN, JOHANNESBURG – In a thought-provoking and powerfully relevant book lounge held yesterday in the heart of Johannesburg’s cultural district, Professor Mandla J. Radebe launched his groundbreaking new title, “Apartheid Did Not Die: South Africa’s Unfinished Revolution” . The event, hosted at a lively venue in Braamfontein, drew an engaged audience of political thinkers, journalists, students, activists, and members of the South African Communist Party (SACP) . Among the notable guests in attendance was SACP General Secretary Solly Mapaila , who added political weight and historical context to the urgent themes presented in the book. The event was covered by Insight Jozi News , Insight Africa , and 1Africa Radio TV , whose cameras and microphones captured an evening of honest critique, radical reflec...

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...