insight Jozi News

# 🏚️ **The Big Lie: How Government is the Biggest Landlord of Johannesburg’s Rotting Buildings** **By Noko Mabofa Maleka | Insight Jozi News** They call them *indawo emnyama* — “dark places” in isiZulu. These buildings, scattered across Johannesburg's inner city like open wounds, are rotten, stripped of dignity, cloaked in darkness, and crawling with the ghosts of the government's neglect. They are not “hijacked buildings,” as the popular narrative would have you believe. No, the truth is more uncomfortable: an estimated **92%** of these so-called hijacked buildings **still legally belong to the government** — national, provincial, or municipal. But the state has effectively abandoned them, leaving them to rot into terrifying monuments of crime, poverty, and despair. Welcome to Johannesburg’s biggest open secret: **the government is the slumlord-in-chief.** --- ## 💡 **The Myth of 'Hijacked Buildings'** The term “hijacked building” conjures images of private prop...

From Backyard to Breakthrough: How Noko Moholane's Farm Dreams Are Blossoming Despite Government Neglect By Noko Mabofa Maleka | Insight Jozi News In the heart of Moletjie, Limpopo, where the sun scorches dry soil and hope often battles hardship, a young man named Noko Moholane is quietly rewriting the story of rural agriculture in South Africa. Armed with a Bachelor of Agriculture degree from the University of Limpopo , Noko was filled with dreams of cultivating the land, feeding communities, and becoming a contributor to South Africa’s food security. But what he wasn’t prepared for was the silent war he would face after graduation — a war against a lack of support, a shortage of land, and the deafening silence of a government that claims to champion agricultural development. “After finishing my degree, I applied for land, I knocked on every door — but nothing. Not even a response,” says Moholane. “Eventually I realized I had to start where I was, with what I had — my ya...

Who is Noko Maleka? | Insight Jozi News Who is Noko Maleka? Noko Mabofa Maleka (born June 23, 1986 in Polokwane, Limpopo) is a South African reality TV star, radio presenter, journalist, podcaster, and digital marketer . He is best known for his role in the Moja Love Channel 157 show Sugar Mama's Johannesburg , where he stars alongside his wife, Princess Cookie Tjeo Kgaphola-Maleka of Sekhukhuni Royalty. Maleka is the founder of Insight Jozi News , a blog and street-level media platform covering Johannesburg life. He also hosts shows on 1 Africa Radio TV and previously worked at Mzansi Joburg City FM, Jozi FM, Classic FM, and Otee FM (as station manager). Background & Education High School: Sir Harry Oppenheimer High School Electrical Engineering: Tshwane North College Diploma in Public Relations: UNISA (University of South Africa) Media and Communications: Boston College Career Journey ...

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...

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...

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...