This past week, Melville was buzzing. Mandela Day brought out the best in our community, new ventures are popping up, and the fashion scene is about to have a serious moment. Welcome to Melville Untold, here's the inside scoop.

In today’s newsletter,

• 27 Boxes Is Finally Listening, But Is Melville Ready to Trust Again?

• From Melville to Milan: Our hood is turning into a runway this weekend.

• The Big Give-Back: How Mandela Day made its mark on Melville.

   

Let’s go. 

— Aubrey Moloto, Kele Jackson

The Digest

27 Boxes Is Finally Listening, But Is Melville Ready to Trust Again?

A Property Bound to Melville's Fate

The property where 27 Boxes sits has a remarkable history that's intrinsically linked to Melville's evolution. Every rise and fall our community has experienced has taken the mall along for the ride, with magnified effects.

I was too young to remember when Faan Smit Park was in its heyday as a City Parks property. Back then, it boasted operational tennis courts and playgrounds that perfectly suited the family-oriented suburb. By the time I was in my teens, it had become a dark, dingy place you had to avoid once darkness fell.

The Decline and Rebirth

By 2010, the property was on its knees, having deteriorated horribly. Its decline began after City Parks sold it to the Johannesburg Property Company in the late 90s. After much community discussion, something had to be done about that property.

By 2014, solid plans by Citiq Property Services for the Old Faanie were approved. South Africa's first mall, built from recycled shipping containers, was built, and 27 Boxes was born.

Early Struggles (2015-2017)

The initial idea was to provide more affordable space for small businesses. The lease between Citiq and the city explicitly stipulated that a third of the property be maintained as a public park.

When the mall officially opened in June 2015, despite its innovative feel, many crates remained empty. The community described it as "barren and lonely." From 2015 to 2017, the mall struggled with high tenant turnover, empty shops, and the closure of its indigenous nursery. It was seen as a failure, with rumours circulating that it could be converted into low-cost student housing.

The Turnaround

Management acted quickly. They rallied and undertook a massive overhaul, upgrading facilities, transforming the amphitheatre into a children's park, making architectural improvements, and constructing the garden on Third Avenue.

This was an exciting time that saw a boom in resident businesses. Traffic increased, and widespread media coverage highlighted the innovative concept of the ship containers, building hype.

The Golden Years (Pre-COVID)

Many people say that the mall reached its peak in those couple of years before the COVID pandemic. If you've read our features, you'll notice a recurring pattern in which COVID had a significant impact on our community. People will tell you it's never really recovered, and it's making its best-ever effort to recover this year.

Those two years weren't only the best for 27 Boxes but the best for Melville in a very long time. 7th Street was booming with restaurants of all styles and vibes. Day trade and nightlife found a balance in a conducive, almost symbiotic relationship.

With 27 Boxes staying on par with the neighbourhood's current vibe, the heights were amplified. It was a fantastic time; restaurants, brilliant retail spaces, family vibes, and an overall vibrant energy.

COVID's Devastating Impact

When COVID-19 hit, it was felt even worse by the mall, which reached its lowest point. Many tenants felt that having a store there wasn't worth the rent since there was no traffic anyway.

Forest from Zimtoti Bakery described this moment best. He ran his vegetarian restaurant, Exotically Divine, from there but had to move his operation back home. Book Circle Capital are one of the very few success stories that fought through that tough period.

The Ghost Town Years (2021-2023)

As the neighbourhood hit its lowest point from 2021 to 2023, 27 Boxes became a ghost town. This was possibly the lowest point in the relationship between that property and the community since the end of old Faan Smit Park.

People were questioning management. Business owners felt abandoned, having to create their own momentum.

The Awakening

As the neighbourhood hit a turning point, signified by the highly rated "The Happening" festival and new businesses coming into the Boxes and strip, something shifted with 27 Boxes management. They heard the cries, woke up to the property's potential, and decided to come to the party.

The Big Brand Overhaul

Earlier this year, 27 Boxes made one of its most significant moves. They overhauled their brand look and feel, “going back to its roots” and started going by the original name on their lease, "Joburg Artist Market", making a massive promise to become a central community figure and a home for creative arts.

Fresh Energy Arrives

Since then, there's been tremendous movement in those shipping containers. Fresh energy has arrived, most notably; the Sipping With Brushes team, the highly rated Tintanic experience, art spaces like AA Gallerie, which boasts young energy and a busy roster of events and workshops, the newly opened Indoni Art House, and many more.

It may be more occupied than we've seen since the pandemic.

Mandela Day: A Significant Step Forward

Another massive step was taken during this year's Mandela Day. The mall hosted a social impact initiative, launched in partnership with Johannesburg Child Welfare, called "The Giving Experience."

It aligned perfectly with the spirit of Mandela Day. Many community members, including SIX Cocktail Bar and CREASS (on behalf of the Melville Residents Association, Melville Security Initiative, and the community), celebrated by participating in clean-ups, while others contributed their own acts of social justice.

This year's Mandela Day felt truly significant in our corner of the world, with the icing on the cake being this huge event at Joburg Artist Market.

The Giving Experience Unveiled

We arrived just in time to catch the presentation unveiling the partnership. A massive crowd of young people, brought in by JAM, gathered to witness the launch.

The speakers unveiled the new "Giving Rooms"—a space designed for year-round giving and contributions to JCW's work. The aim is to transform a one-off day of giving, such as Mandela Day, into a "year of care." JAM CEO Redewaan Isaacs said that it will now be Mandela Day every day at Joburg Artist Market. 

The primary purpose was to "provide dedicated open and commercial spaces at JAM for community-driven donation, fundraising, and awareness activities" to support JCW's mission. Redewaan further emphasised that this initiative was rooted in the principles of collaboration, giving, and active citizenship, further signifying its connection to Mandela Day.

Programs and Activities

Michelle Shimidzu, Social Impact Executive for CJ Students (an affordable student accommodation organisation), shared with us the details of the "Future Leaders Programme." JAM invited students to get involved in the launch to "instil a future leaders' mindset and encourage them to give back."

Students were given opportunities to showcase and sell their own products, fostering entrepreneurship and preparing them for the industry.

For families, Jozi My Jozi hosted a children's arts and crafts area, along with jumping castles and face painting. Attendees could purchase donated goods and plants from the nursery to support JCW's work, as they had already received R250,000 worth of plants to sell.

Charity-driven markets were hosted, and children from JCW's Inner City Programme and the choir from student accommodation performed. There was a drama show so compelling that the mall manager came rushing in to stop the "fight" in a hilarious moment during the amphitheatre performance. 

There was also a live jazz band that regularly called up young people to the stage to collaborate and sing, making it an entertaining, interactive, and highly engaging experience. The event was packed with activities from its 9:00 a.m. opening until 7:00 p.m. when it closed.

Supporting a Worthy Cause

Johannesburg Child Welfare's CEO, Abubakr Hattas, said the goal was to collect and sell as many donated items as possible to fund qualified social workers who provide psychosocial support to children.

The event was considered an "overwhelming success" in getting the community involved and supporting child protection services.

Community Engagement Observations

The percentage of Melville community members was minimal. We saw a few people from the area, but compared to events like The Happening, the turnout was tiny.

An overwhelming majority of attendees came from outside the neighbourhood. Which is also great because it brings much-needed foot traffic to local businesses and raises awareness of our suburb, especially to the young people who attended.

The Melville Connection

We asked Redewaan about the Melville connection in all of this. He highlighted Melville's inherent significance to the event and broader collaborations by emphasising our hood's characteristics and alignment with the centre's mission.

"Melville and Johannesburg Artist Market at 27 Boxes has always been a place of diversity." He feels that the spirit of inclusivity and variety inherent to Melville makes it a natural home for such community-focused initiatives.

He further added that "the original concept of the centre was to support diversity, to support small businesses, to support the community."

What He Loves About Our Hood

We wrapped up the interview by asking what he loves about our neighbourhood. He said, "It's a diverse place—nice, hip, offering great food." He considers Melville a "very good environment" and a "safe environment," which are crucial aspects for hosting public events and community engagement activities, such as their Mandela Day launch.

A Cautiously Optimistic Outlook

Melville people care about Melville. They are very conscious and can be suspicious of promises, as we've had countless times where people talk but don't follow through with sustained action.

We all hope for the best for our neighbourhood and constantly strive to reach new heights, perhaps even ushering in another golden era. With this in mind, we appreciate people with good intentions and support anyone who fights for the betterment of our neighbourhood.

This vision may not perfectly align with our community's current vision. Still, we welcome the energy, the foot traffic, the awareness, and commend Johannesburg Artist Market for all the good this initiative will do for the children it touches.

Visit the Giving Room on the second floor of the Joburg Artist Market to make a donation and support the Joburg Artist Market and Johannesburg Children's Welfare Giving Experience initiative.

If you enjoyed this week’s digest consider giving us a tip. Buy us a coffee?

What’s Happenin’ 🤔

This is a weekend for the fashion-forward. With two different shows at JAM, it's time to dust off your most stylish threads. Think our Pet Winter Wear contestants will be allowed on?

Check out the events calendar for the weekly ones - The Melville Pulse Events Calendar 

Melville Weather For The Week 🧣

It seems we spoke too soon about spring. Jozi’s weather gods are having a laugh, reminding us that winter isn’t quite done with us yet. Grab a jacket...or three.

Wednesday 

17° 🌡️ 5°  | 🌤️ |  🌧️ 7% | SSW 9 km/h 💨

Thursday  

17° 🌡️ 4° | 🌤️ | 🌧️ 43% | ENE 9 km/h 💨

Friday 

18° 🌡️ 4° | 🌤️ | 🌧️ 25% | ESE 11 km/h 💨

Saturday 

19° 🌡️ 4° | 🌩️ |  🌧️ 60% | NE 11 km/h 💨

Sunday

16° 🌡️ 2° | ☀️ | 🌧️ 0% | N 15 km/h 💨

Monday 

11° 🌡️ 0° | 🌧️ |  🌧️ 76% | N 17 km/h 💨

Tuesday 

12°🌡️ 0° | ☀️ |  🌧️ 0% | SWS 7 km/h 💨

Live & Music Events Lowdown 🎸

After a quiet mid-month, the music scene is also back with a vengeance. Get your groove fix here.

Here are your music events for the week.

For more updates as the week goes on, visit our instagram page @snapson7th or the Melville Pulse event calendar

If our weather or comprehensive gig guide came in handy, consider buying us a coffee. 

The Tail End 🐾

Bounty Hunter's Cat Charity

In a quiet corner on 4th Avenue, there's a sanctuary that runs on purrs and pre-loved goods. We dropped in at Bounty Hunter's Charity Shop to chat with the owner, Gail Millard, about the incredible work she does for the neighbourhood's feline residents.

Bounty Hunters is a haven for cats without a postcode; strays, ferals, and sometimes, cats whose owners can no longer care for them. The entire operation is funded by the sale of donated items, turning your pre-loved clutter into food, shelter, and vet care for the cats who live there.

But it’s not just about money. Gail emphasised how much the cats thrive on human affection. "Spending time stroking, loving, and playing with the cats helps tremendously," she said, boosting their dopamine levels and getting them ready for potential forever homes. And let's be honest, it's a pretty great dopamine boost for the humans, too.

So, how can you help?

• Donate Your Stuff: As Gail puts it, “Don’t sit with your old stuff, clear those cupboards and donate them to the shop."

• Donate Supplies: Cat food (especially kitten food), old toys, play jungle gyms, or cages are always welcome.

• Donate Your Time: Simply drop in to cuddle, play, and help socialise the cats.

Gail is such a warm soul, and we can definitely sense a bigger Melville story there. We plan to go back for a deeper dive for a future Digest piece.

To donate or enquire, contact Bounty Hunters:

📞 076 279 6122

📍 71 4th Ave, Melville, Johannesburg, 2109

Pet Winter Wear Competition Leaderboard

Attention, voters! The leaderboard hasn't budged an inch since last week, and we need you to shake things up.

With just more than a month to go, the grand prize from Ziggy’s and, more importantly, ultimate neighbourhood bragging rights are still up for grabs.

Is your favourite being robbed of victory? Don’t stand for it! Cast your vote now!

Civil Matters 👷‍♀️

The Big Give-Back: How Mandela Day Made Its Mark On Melville

The Mandela Day spirit was out in full force on Friday, with Melville folks finding all sorts of ways to give back.

The big community clean-up, led by the CREASS team, was a massive success. While not everyone was keen to get their hands dirty, the community spirit was strong where it counted: your wallets. Donations from residents, the MRA, and MSI covered the entire effort, including paying the extra personnel CREASS brought in. A huge thank you to all who contributed!

Not to be outdone, the team from SIX Cocktails descended on 7th Street with tactical precision, splitting into two squads to conquer the road from top to bottom, with manager Gugu coordinating the charge. CREASS happily reported that their to-do list didn't stand a chance. Job well done!

Market Watch

The Melville Kruisgemeente Church Market Bazaar is back and promises to be a proper family jol!

Get ready for a day packed with goodies for the whole family (pets included!):

• Food stalls, artisanal crafts, and low-maintenance succulents.

• A "Paint-Your-Own-Garden-Pot" station

• A SANBS Blood Donation Drive, so you can save a life and then reward yourself with a barista coffee.

• A community food drive. Bring a tin to make a difference.

Rally the troops, leash the dogs, and come enjoy another fantastic Bazaar at the Melville Market.

Art In Melville 🖼️

From Melville to Milan

Hold onto your hats, because Melville is turning into a full-blown fashion capital this weekend. The Joburg Artist Market (JAM) is rolling out the runway for not one, but two distinct and unmissable fashion events, alongside a vibrant market. Forget Milan; 4th Avenue is the only address you need.

Here’s the breakdown of the weekend of style and art.

Friday Night: The CHROME-MATIC Exhibition

Kicking things off on Friday evening is CHROME-MATIC, a high-concept fashion exhibition presented by the new fashion house ERND and curated by the visionaries at AA Gallerie.

This isn't your average fashion show. Described as "engineered elegance for the unapologetic," the collection is tailored for the "Urban Futurist." Expect an evening of high drama, sculptural silhouettes, and monochrome moods where street style meets couture sculpting. It’s a declaration of a new rhythm in luxury, set within the intimate space of the gallery.

The Details:

• What: CHROME-MATIC Fashion Exhibition

• When: Friday, July 25th | 6:00 PM

• Where: AA Gallerie, 27 Boxes (JAM)

• Dress Code: Evening wear with athleisure accents. (Time to get creative!)

• Entry: Free

Saturday: Market Day & The "Walking Archives" Runway

Saturday is an all-day affair, starting with a market and culminating in a powerful runway experience that blurs the lines between fashion, performance, and memory.

First, The Market (10 AM - 3 PM):

Get there early to browse the market stalls. It's the perfect opportunity to shop from local creators and designers before the main event kicks off. If you're a designer yourself, you can still book a stall for R300 (contact info below).

Then, The Main Event: Walking Archives (3 PM - 6 PM):

Prepare for something truly special. Johannesburg designer Ernest presents "Walking Archives", a show described as a "living, breathing anthology of memory, resistance, and expression."

Set in the 27 Boxes courtyard, this is more than just a runway. The show unfolds in three acts, weaving together live music, dance, and spoken word to celebrate slow fashion and the archival power of cloth. It’s an experience designed to treat garments not as fleeting trends, but as testimony. The finale will even include a Q&A with the designer himself.

The Details:

• What: Fashion Day & Market, featuring the "Walking Archives" runway show.

• When: Saturday, July 26th | Market: 10 AM - 3 PM | Fashion Show: 3 PM - 6 PM

• Where: Johannesburg Artist Market (27 Boxes) Courtyard

• Entry: Free for the public

• Stall Booking: WhatsApp 076 074 4813 or email [email protected]

Another Gallery Opens

As if a fashion takeover wasn't enough, the rumours are true: our hood is officially cementing its status as an art centre again. A warm Melville welcome to Adoni Arts, which has opened right next to the Gordart Stokvel Gallery.

We caught their vibrant opening night for the "Altered Perceptions" exhibition by famous South African painter Lefifi Tladi and can confirm the buzz is real. Go check them out at JAM

Icing On The Cake 🎂 

A Tale of Two Coffees

The Tilt Coffee team has handed the keys to their beloved spot on 4th over to the experts at Topdose Coffee. Darren, Jacqs, and the Tilt crew are hitting the road with their mobile stand to bring their brews across the province.

Meanwhile, we get to welcome Topdose, the pro roasters who have been fuelling Jozi's caffeine connoisseurs with their signature beans for years. It's a role reversal we can all get behind. Good luck to Tilt on their new adventure, and a massive welcome to Topdose. Our mugs are ready!

Thank you! 🙏

Thank you for tapping into this week's Melville good news. If you had a good read, consider buying us a coffee.

We’re moving! Starting next week, the newsletter will land in your inbox on Wednesdays instead of Tuesdays.

Why the move? It gives us time to include late-breaking weekend events. More time for editing means tighter, easier-to-read stories and, crucially, it allows for more thorough fact-checking.

Have a story you think we should cover? Just reply to this email.

Know someone who loves Melville? Share this with them!

Till next Wednesday,

Stay artsy, stay authentic, and stay awesome!

Kia Koa ✌️