The New York Times latest ’36 Hours’ installment shone the spotlight on a South African City, reminding us of the nuggets of gold we often forget. Sorry Capetonians, this one’s for Joburg:
Johannesburg, South Africa (28 March, 2023) — Most Joburgers are well-versed in the love-hate relationship we have with the city. The weather is usually in our favour, the infrastructure, not so much. Still, a little spark in all of us tends to light up when Joburg features in a headline that isn’t negative. Recently, the New York Times shone the spotlight on the City, and it’s a great reminder that there are nuggets of Gold in Joburg after all.
As featured in its ’36 Hours’ travel guide, New York Times writer Lynsey Chutel (a Joburg native) shed some light on some of Joburg’s forgotten features. From creative chocolatiers’ to Soweto’s bustling nightlife and international markets, Johannesburg was —for the first time in a while– the star of the show.
Beyond the invitations to dine, dance and wander upmarket and downtown city spots, Chutel also weaves context, history and culture into the modern Joburg guide. Nods are given to ‘age-old’ traditions, like a Joburger’s tendency to give their car some extra TLC on a Sunday, or a seven colours Sunday lunch. The nods also extend to the melting pot of cuisine choices, and the food for thought on who really built the city ,including the often overlooked migrant workers.
Sometimes, Joburg natives forget that we too can be a tourist in our own cities. And, potlights like this serve as reminders that though Joburg might have its potholes and pitfalls, its potential still hums softly. After all, Joburgers wouldn’t have the anger issues we do if it wasn’t actually love for our home driving it.
And, there are plenty of incredible Joburgers doing what they can to keep the dream of a great Joburg ringing.
You can read the full ’36 hours’ review here.