insight Jozi News

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...

By Noko Maleka | InsightJoziNews.org There was more than just fashion on display at Ponte City (Vodacom Building), Hillbrow . There was hope, purpose, creativity and a powerful reminder that when communities invest in children, extraordinary things happen. The Second Annual Dlala Nje Recycling Fashion Show transformed waste into works of art as 45 young designers, aged between 5 and 13 years , confidently walked the runway wearing outfits they had personally created from recyclable materials. Newspapers, plastic, cardboard and other discarded items were creatively redesigned into breathtaking fashion pieces, proving that imagination has no limits. The event was more than a competition—it was a celebration of young talent, environmental responsibility and community development. Throughout the day, parents, teachers, judges and guests watched in amazement as the children proudly showcased their designs. Every stitch, every...

By Noko Maleka | InsightJoziNews.org South African television has reached another significant milestone as e.tv's latest primetime telenovela, The Four of Us, becomes the first original e.tv telenovela to secure a streaming partnership with Netflix. The groundbreaking move signals a new era for local television, allowing one of South Africa's newest daily dramas to reach audiences far beyond traditional free-to-air broadcasting. While viewers in South Africa continue watching the series on e.tv, Netflix subscribers can also enjoy the drama through the global streaming platform, giving the production unprecedented international exposure. Produced by acclaimed production house Tshedza Pictures, The Four of Us premiered on 29 June 2026, taking over e.tv's iconic 8pm weekday timeslot previously occupied by the long-running soapie Scandal!. The family drama explores themes of loyalty, ambition, betrayal and power, centred around the influential Dhlomo family as long-...

By Noko Maleka | InsightJoziNews.org Referenced from reporting by Business Insider Africa Indian billionaire Raj Gupta has secured 500 hectares of land in Nigeria for a groundbreaking industrial development that could redefine steel manufacturing across Africa. The ambitious project, combining one of the continent's largest steel production facilities with a dedicated solar power plant, is expected to become the largest solar-powered steel manufacturing operation in sub-Saharan Africa. The land was officially allocated by Niger State to Abuja Steel Mills Limited , a subsidiary of the African Industries Group (AIG) , marking one of Nigeria's most significant industrial investments in recent years. Beyond the steel plant, the development will also include a modern industrial park designed to attract manufacturing businesses and stimulate economic growth. At the heart of the project is a commitment to solving one of Africa's biggest industrial challenges—rel...

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...

By Noko Maleka | InsightJoziNews.org The South African mining industry, already grappling with allegations of corruption, regulatory failures and fraudulent consulting practices, is once again under scrutiny after a young entrepreneur claimed he lost a significant amount of money in what he describes as an elaborate scheme involving environmental consulting services required for a mining prospecting application. Kamogelo Tefo, director of Tefo Mining Group (Pty) Ltd , has come forward with allegations that an environmental consultant misrepresented the status of work that had supposedly been completed for his company, ultimately leaving his mining application rejected while he was allegedly left carrying substantial financial losses. At this stage, InsightJoziNews.org has decided not to identify the consultant by name . The allegations have not been tested in court, and the publication is committed to giving all parties an opportunity to respond. A Dream of Building a ...

One Africa: The Only Real Power We Have Left By Noko Maleka Africa stands at a crossroads. For decades, we have spoken passionately about freedom, development, economic growth, and African solutions to African problems. Yet despite our vast natural resources, youthful population, and immense potential, the continent remains divided by borders that were drawn by colonial powers with little regard for the people who live on this land. The truth is simple: the greatest power Africa possesses is not its minerals, oil, diamonds, gold, or fertile land. Our greatest power is unity. A united Africa—One Africa—would become one of the most powerful economic and political forces on Earth. Imagine an Africa where goods move freely from Cape Town to Cairo, from Dakar to Nairobi, without unnecessary restrictions. Imagine a continent with a common currency, stronger bargaining power in global trade, and a shared vision for prosperity. Imagine Africans travelling, working, studying, a...