More than 25,000 walkers turned the city’s inner streets into a celebration of community, with organisers hoping the journey doesn’t end at the finish line.
Johannesburg, South Africa (28 July 2026) – Thousands of Joburgers braved the winter chill and swapped busy roads for city streets as they took part in the 702 Jozi My Jozi Walk the Talk on Sunday, proving that the heart of Johannesburg is still a place worth exploring.
For a few hours, the busy sounds of bumper-to-bumper traffic gave way to the buzz of thousands of walkers making their way through the inner city. Participants tackled 5km, 8km and 15km routes, passing through landmarks including Doornfontein, the Jeppe Police Station precinct and the colourful Maboneng Precinct before finishing at Ellis Park.
The event also marked the first partnership between Walk the Talk and Jozi My Jozi, a civic-led non-profit working to revitalise Johannesburg’s CBD.
For Jozi My Jozi CEO Innocent Mabusela, the walk was about far more than ticking kilometres off a fitness tracker.
The organisation hopes the success of the event encourages people to return to the city long after the finish line, bringing friends and family with them while supporting local restaurants, cafés, shops and businesses.
“We want people to see the possibility, that Johannesburg is back in business and is alive and well,” said Mabusela.
He acknowledged that, like many major cities around the world, Johannesburg still has areas that require caution. However, he believes the event showed what is possible when people reclaim shared public spaces.
After drawing thousands of people into the inner city, organisers hope the event is just the beginning of getting more residents to rediscover the streets, businesses and communities that continue to shape Johannesburg’s story.
What to Put Beside Your Boerie on the Braai This Heritage Day
Check My Beat Takes Heart Health Screening to Johannesburg Taxi Rank
by 
