At Currency, we’ve long been fans of walking Joburg. There’s something magical about swapping the blur of a windscreen for the rhythm of your own two feet – suddenly the city shifts, revealing hidden gardens, corner cafés, unexpected public art and those chance encounters that make Jozi shine. So, we’re delighted that the much-loved Jozi Walks are back this weekend in the form of #JoziMyJoziWalks, a community-led walking festival that coincides with World Tourism Day.
The formula is simple but clever: 15 curated routes, all led by locals who live, work and play in their neighbourhoods. These are the true “walk champions” – the insiders who know which alleyway hides a mural, which spaza sells the best kota, or which rooftop offers a killer sunset view. For R67.50 a ticket (bookable on Quicket), you can join a small group and explore a slice of the city through their eyes.
The line-up is as varied as Joburg itself. Want to see Hillbrow in a new light? Join chef Tebogo Mabye’s Hillbrewed tour and expect martial arts demos, a flash mob, street art and tasty bites. Prefer your heritage with a lantern glow? The Magical Kensington Moonrise Walk takes in one of the city’s oldest suburbs at night – complete with giant puppets, music and affordable G&Ts at the finish line. If food heritage is your thing, the Taste of Africa walk at the Drill Hall will introduce you to yam, tiger nuts and alligator pepper, while Fordsburg’s secrets are unlocked through koeksisters, Syrian feasts and market chatter.
There’s plenty of township soul too: Alexandra Unscripted offers kasi street culture and history alongside proper kotas, while Soweto’s Art Mile takes you from the legendary Eyethu Heritage Hall to Mofolo Art Centre, soundtracked by brass bands and poetry. Lovers of the outdoors can trace the course of the Jukskei River with Water for the Future (we’ve walked this with guru and guide Romy Stander and it is amazing). In Melville locals showcase how artists, entrepreneurs and residents keep their village vibe alive, and for those with a playful streak, Wits School of Arts has cooked up the Time Flies and the Great Mace treasure hunt through Braamfontein and Newtown.
Beyond the walking, there’s a bigger picture. Jozi My Jozi – the civic movement behind the festival – is working with corporates and communities to restore pride in the inner city: fixing pavements, installing solar lights and CCTV, putting more feet on the ground. It’s a model of how walking and tourism can boost safety, support small businesses and help Joburg sparkle again.
So lace up your trainers. The city is ready to be rediscovered one step, one story, one snack at a time.
Top image: Supplied.
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