GLIMPSE | DAY TRIPS
TWO DAYS WITH THAMI
absolutely love an outing there. You can literally wake up on a lazy weekend morning and head on over there. For me it’s quite the journey, because we have to pack grass mats, towels and a picnic basket. Aside from the animals, the zoo seems to have morphed into a proper amusement/entertainment venue, with a restaurant and kiosks offering a variety of food. And now that two of the kids can read, it’s also an educational tour, not just a walk in the park. My choice for an afternoon? The old Orlando Power Station, aka Orlando Towers precinct, in Soweto is a great place to chill for a few hours. You can also get some serious, authentic shisa nyama from Chaf Pozi at the base of the cooling towers, with a variety of Mzansi’s favourite meats and tasty salads to feast on while working up the courage to do some bungee jumping nearby. I’m no bungee fan myself, but I am inspired by the do-all attitude of those who are. Entry to Chaf Pozi is absolutely free and these days there’s also a thriving beer garden that supports, among others, a local favourite called Soweto Gold Lager.
THAMI MASEMOLA GIVES US THE LOW-DOWN ON WHAT HE LIKES TO DO ON WEEKENDS. IT INVOLVES PLENTY OF FAMILY TIME WHILST EXPLORING HIS FAVOURITE JOBURG DESTINATIONS SOME BACKGROUND…
Having travelled to over 50 cities in five continents, I have to say that Joburg is undoubtedly my favourite. I don’t say that because I live here; it really is. My wife has suggested moving us to other places and I’ve refused. While Durban and Cape Town, for example, boast more picturesque settings and serve as arguably better holiday destinations, Joburg is electrifying, magnetic and energising. You need only look at the low traffic volumes over the December holidays to realise that residents need to get out of the city once in a while in order to catch their collective breaths and recuperate.
Clockwise from top left Nelson Mandela Bridge, Orlando Towers, Picnic at the Zoo, Chaf Pozi Facing page clockwise Apartheid Museum, The Blackanese, Codfather, Gold Reef City
DAY 1 There are, of course, plenty of places to play in this wonderful city, most of which are accessible to the general public. I enjoy starting off with a cycle that takes me over Nelson Mandela Bridge. Then it’s time to explore with the kids. An outsider would not quite expect this, but there are even places where you can see wild animals in Joburg. I’m talking about the Johannesburg Zoo – the kids 18 | www.joburgstyle.co.za
SOWETO GOLD GOLDEN LAGER Founded in 2012, Soweto Brewing Company brings the success of local brewing into a township environment; this world-class beer is truly Sowetan. Soweto Gold – Superior Golden Lager has been expertly brewed to achieve a smooth, rich taste. It embodies the spirit, pride, initiative and tenacity of Soweto, and of South Africa.