The owner of Picobella was a co-founder of Catz Pyjamas. No wonder Catz had great pizza! Welcome to Melville Untold.

In this week’s Melville Untold,

• From Tatty to Tremendous: 7th Street's Big Moment 🌈

• Die Pienk Kerk's Grand Opening Event Highlights 🥂

• Melville to the Rescue Once Again! 🦸

Let’s go. 

— Aubrey Moloto, Kele Jackson

The Digest

From ‘Tatty’ to Tremendous: 7th Street's Big Moment 🚧

Oh, Melville, Melville, wherefore art thou Melville? A rose by any other name would smell as sweet, but what's a comeback story without a transformation sequence? A little cosmetic makeover. Well, "Alexa, play Survivor - Eye Of The Tiger" and get ready for a montage – 7th Street is getting a facelift! We met up with Danny Nunes, representing Creass Community Services (the project's construction partner) and Cobi Meyer from the Melville Business Association (organising partner) to hammer out the full scoop in such a chill, lovely conversation. And no, ja, the resurgence is REAL.

The Long Road to Renovation

This isn't an idea that's just sprung up. The street has needed some TLC for some time, and the MBA and Creass have a lengthy list of fixes and upgrades that's been building for months. With the promise of the Happening festival's return, the need to tick off tasks became pressing. The MBA began putting plans in motion, holding discussions with businesses on the node, Creass, and even engaging the Melville Residents Association to contribute.

Everyone was in agreement, and it was time to talk about funding. The MRA agreed to match whatever the MBA could raise amongst themselves. The MBA struggled to get businesses to contribute since they are already stretching their budgets for the new security upgrades on the strip. So the MBA executives, led by Ebs Asmal of SIX Cocktail Bar (who like always contributed first and generously!), pledged the money themselves.

A Setback and a Push Forward

But just as momentum was picking up, the Happening festival got postponed. The execs became hesitant about pushing on, arguing that the money was specifically allocated for the Happening. Then in came Creass.

Danny weighed in with his experience. He proposed that the project proceed now, as we're approaching the rainy season. Erosion and thunderstorms will only add to the already lengthy list. The deterioration will worsen, and the work will be overwhelming. "There’ll be more damage and much higher costs later on." This convinced the body’s, with the MBA agreeing: "Yes, it's fine. The Happening is happening in March. Let's get it done." They reached out to MRA again and were pleased to find they were still keen to match their contribution.

The Budget Breakthrough

Another factor that made the project possible was the contribution of Youth Employment Services and Vuka Sparks, who came on board and covered labour costs. The full budget can now be dedicated solely to materials, a saving that would have almost tripled the costs. The 3 body’s that keep Melville running believe it's essential because 7th Street hadn't received attention in a long time. The business node shapes many people's impression of Melville, so improving its appearance would prevent visitors from seeing the whole area as "tatty".

What's Getting Done

The upgrades are heavily focused on resurfacing, sealing, and beautification, with roughly 85% to 90% of the work being coating-based.

Coating and Resurfacing

• Applying specialised floor coatings, paint coatings, or surfacing treatments

• Sealing the paving with a specialised type of coat

• Applying a cement additive solution to the concrete parts that have been exposed for years to make them look "fresher and popping"

• Refreshing the steps with a cement treatment

Painting and Aesthetic Improvements

• Giving a fresh coat of paint to poles that are currently rusted and tatty

• Painting the railings between 1st and 2nd avenues

• Refreshing the planters

Cleaning and Repair

• Cleaning things that haven't been maintained in a long time (the remaining 10% to 15% of the work)

• Cleaning out the storm water drains—years of rubbish have accumulated (four wheelie bins of debris, including many water-damaged books, were pulled from one drain alone)

• Addressing uneven pavements

• Replacing missing bricks

• Fixing the kerb stones

• Fixing and outlining the road markings

• Addressing small issues like broken planters as they arise

The Timeline and Logistics

The work began on Monday. The schedule is designed to reduce inconveniences to businesses and minimise impact on trading. They'll only work on Mondays and Tuesdays when many places are closed. The new timeline expects the project to be done and dusted by the end of January.

Potential delays will depend on cooperation from businesses and weather. The team tested a sample near Spilt Milk and found that it dried in 15 minutes, so dry conditions are best. Another potential challenge is the December shutdown; the YES team (labour) is contractually mandated to take time off from mid-December until mid-January. Danny plans to manage around this gap and potentially bring in the Creass team to work during the shutdown period.

Thanks to YES and Vuka Sparks, the full budget can go to materials. will keep a tight eye on the budget and is aiming for 90%-95% accuracy to the projected plan.

Managing the Work

The project will be run from the Satellite station on First Avenue. Being so close to the site allows Danny to manage and supervise the team easily. Materials and backup resources will be nearby, making for optimal efficiency.

To manage business interruption, they'll be working section by section. Sections worked on in the morning are expected to be pedestrian-ready by the afternoon. Since the work is coating-based, they won't be ripping out pavement or making manholes. They'll make temporary sidewalks using planks so people can get around the wet coatings.

Businesses will be informed one-by-one about the scope and timing of work, specifically when it gets to them. Samantha Nkala, of the YES programme, will be the community liaison for the project, handling communications and issues (like customer navigation difficulties or accidental paint spills) reported by businesses.

The Bigger Picture

In conclusion, the project is a strategic effort to drastically improve the street's aesthetic appeal, enhance public safety and mobility, and ultimately restore confidence and attract better business to the area. They hope the project will encourage fellow residents and business owners to take pride in their surroundings.

"These upgrades are meant to show that there are people who care and are investing money to bring Melville back to what it used to be, fixing the horrible things that COVID did to the area," said Cobi.

Danny said that this is part of a long-term plan to keep uplifting and upgrading. "A better-looking street will attract more people, and potentially nicer clientele who spend more money." The goal is to make it an area that businesses would love to be in, encouraging new businesses to occupy vacant shops and ensuring existing businesses succeed and thrive.

The Ripple Effect

The success of the 7th Street project is intended to serve as a catalyst. The organisers hope that residents and business owners on other streets will see the results and be inspired to raise a budget so that the upgrade team can come in and upgrade their street next, ultimately leading to all streets looking beautiful.

How exciting is this? So many amazing things are happening in our hood, we hope you're as excited as we are! To contribute to the 7th Street project, or find out how to get a project for your street going, contact Danny at 066 448 3249 or Cobi at 076 909 3857.

If you enjoyed reading this week’s community initiative story, consider buying us a coffee; Payshap id: 0605293425 (Standardbank)

What’s Happenin’ 🤔

A slower week ahead, here's what's on in the hood this week. Time to recharge before Melville inevitably goes wild again.

Check out the online events calendar for the regular events - The Melville Pulse Events Calendar 

Melville Weather For The Week 🥵 

Get ready for one hell of a week! It might rain by the weekend.

Wednesday 

32° 🌡️ 15°  | 🌤️ |  🌧️ 0% | NW 11 km/h 💨

Thursday  

31° 🌡️ 13° | ☀️ | 🌧️ 0% | W 17 km/h 💨

Friday 

26° 🌡️ 11° | ⛅️ | 🌧️ 4% | N 17 km/h 💨

Saturday 

22° 🌡️ 12° | ☁️ |  🌧️ 55% | NW 7 km/h 💨

Sunday

26° 🌡️ 12° | 🌩️ | 🌧️ 25% | NW 7 km/h 💨

Monday 

19° 🌡️ 10° | ☁️ |  🌧️ 55% | NNE 9 km/h 💨

Tuesday 

21° 🌡️ 11° | 🌧️ |  🌧️ 55% | NNW 13 km/h 💨

Live & Music Events Lowdown 🎸

 Here's where you can dance the night away!

17/10 | Friday | 4 pm | Great Dane | Jumpman Aamapiano presents Sound Sync | Free

18/10 | Saturday | 7 pm | chiesa di PAZZO LUPi | Meraki ft. Kashii, Siyabonga Nzolo, Siyabonga Mahlangu, Andile Mti, Bayanda Mnisi, Tlotla Eseu and Awande Mlotshwa | R180

19/10 | Sunday | 7 pm | Coca Restaurant and Lounge | Karaoke Sunday ft. Max the Kj

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

Civil Matters👷‍♀️

Water Protest: 1st November

Joburg Water Forum are organising a Water Protest on the 1st of November at the Johannesburg Council Chambers, Civic Boulevard in Braamfontein at 10 am. The protest is about demanding accountability from the City of Johannesburg for the state of our water supply. There's a protest group you can join to stay up-to-date with the movement.

Link - https://chat.whatsapp.com/KGqzCYm6lpx1dcYFNvAHRQ

"Stand. Speak. Mobilise. 1st November."

7th Street Upgrades Underway

The 7th Street upgrades are underway. Yes, the rumours are true, red and white tape is the new street art! Watch out for work being done on the strip. All areas should be accessible, with no road closures or blocked access to businesses.

Business Bites 🗂

Lovely Loaves Returns to Melville

Our favourite baker is coming back to Melville! Prepare your butter, folks, the bread revolution is upon us! Belgian baker Marc Vogels and his family, owners of Lovely Loaves Bakery, have a long connection to the Ville. They have strong ties to the Markets, trading with them before the split, then moved over to the Church with the Melville Market. After a few weeks trading there, they've since stopped but have kept in touch with their biggest customers who had grown accustomed to their phenomenal, high-quality products: gluten-free croissants, focaccia, their very popular sourdough bread, and more.

The family will be coming back for weekly deliveries of the bestsellers for an unbeatable price! They’re looking for a location where the community can grab their baked goods and will deliver on Thursdays while the bread is fresh! (They bake on Wednesdays) Stay tuned for more details.

To enquire or place orders from Lovely Loaves, contact Marc at 079 866 3169

Die Pienk Kerk's Grand Opening

We were honoured to be invited to Die Pienk Kerk's official grand opening event on Saturday evening. We must say, it's lovely to see how much excitement continues to surround this business. It was super packed with guests crammed inside to avoid the pouring rain, soothing music by a two-man band, drinks flowed, and lots to eat as well.

Personally, it was slightly overwhelming, and I could taste that the kitchen was stretched putting out meal after meal. (Imagine the poor chef, simultaneously trying to whip up gourmet dishes and part the Red Sea of eager patrons.) As much as it was a festive and joyous celebration that received massive praise from attendees and the community, as usual, I think we'll go back on a quiet Tuesday morning for a proper food and restaurant review. Thank you, Die Pienk Kerk, for having us!

The Tail End 🐾

Here’s this week’s Bounty Hunter’s Cat Of The Week!

Koppies Check-In ⛰

Trail Fund Project

The Trail Fund Project is underway! 55 trail runners pitched up this last Sunday, with some running but most walking, taking it easy. ('Trail running' can sometimes just mean 'very enthusiastic walking') Remember, we spoke about the Trail Fund Project in a previous issue. It's an initiative in support of the Koppies and other local parks by raising funds through virtual running and hiking events.

Donovan Shirley of Pirates Trail Running club and Julia McGregor of Natural Running Co. lead the pack! The race continues this weekend. Download the Strava mobile app to participate.

The actual competition runs on the app, and winners will get rewards. Check out Issue #48 for nitty-gritty details.

Contact Alex Weiss for enquiries or to sponsor the initiative (businesses): [email protected] or 072 014 4668

Art In Melville 🎨

Here's a list of current openings at our local galleries to enjoy, they'll be running for the rest of the month:

• AA Gallery - Mapping Memories

• Resource Gallery - Black Man Confidential

• InDoni Arts - Uvalo Aluse

Keep an eye on the gig guide for Walkabouts and their other events. Your inner art critic's schedule just got fully booked!

Icing On The Cake 🧁 

Melville to the Rescue Once Again!

The Melville spirit strikes again! We came across a very touching story on the I Love Melville Facebook group. Little Tatenda (8) was diagnosed with multiple cerebral palsy at eight months old. Her mother lives in Joburg CBD and has been struggling to make ends meet, especially to support the needs of a child with special needs.

An ex-Picobella waitress, Yvonne Ndlovu, lives in the same flat as Tatenda and her mother, Ms Fiona Moyo. Bumping into them in the hallway and public spaces often, she saw that they were struggling with Tatenda's bulky and extremely uncomfortable walker. She then learnt the extent of their problems: they couldn't use taxis with it, most Ubers refused to let them in with the bulky thing, and Tatenda was uncomfortable as it would hurt her neck and joints because of her rapid, sudden movements.

Knowing how helpful the Melville community can be, Yvonne reached out to the I Love Melville group, appealing to the community for a second-hand stroller. A lady named Patricia Maguire reached out and connected with the family. Patricia managed to raise funds with the community to get little Tatenda a fully custom, electric walker that better supports her condition. It helps her move around more easily and can fold and fit into tight spaces.

Fiona says that it has changed both of their lives and brought much-needed peace of mind to her. She still struggles to provide all that Tatenda needs. The child needs so much to have a better quality of life living with this condition, like highly nutritious food, lots of hospital and doctor visits, and especially schooling. Even though she still has a lot to do, she's ecstatic about the new stroller. Fiona thanks God for the generosity and help from Patricia and the Melville community.

If you'd like to donate or help the Moyo family in any way, you can contact Fiona at 069 839 8478

An Electric Weekend in Melville

What a weekend! Melville really came alive with all types of events and gatherings in every corner of the hood. We decided to go out on Saturday and experience the events we're always sharing. It was amazing to get a feel of the vibe from the ground, and oh my, what an incredible weekend it was!

We started with our usual mid-month Melville Koppies duties: Walk With Dogs event, which had a great turnout! The doggies had an awesome time, and we all enjoyed the purplish views. The jacarandas are starting to bloom! (Prepare your cameras, folks, jacaranda season will be giving us all main character vibes!)

We then went to Wild Jasmine Guest House for a delicious and intimate vegetarian lunch prepared by Pearl herself. They had a small event for their homeschooling initiative, inviting "teacher artists" to engage with children and work on a holiday programme for children, focused on unlearning using arts methodology.

We then popped into Chiesa di PAZZO LUPi for one of South Africa's top jazz bassists' farewell concert, "The Last Supper". Luckily, it was less about betrayal and more about good music. The energy was electric as Thembinkosi Vimbs Mavimbela rocked the stage backed up by some of Mzansi’s best live musicians: Ntando Ngcapu, Robin Fassie, Keenan Ahrends, and Lungile Kunene. The crowd was hypnotised by the incredible sounds from the band. A killer last show before Vimbs migrates to Germany! Good luck to him and his family for the massive chapter ahead.

Our last stop of the day was Die Pienk Kerk's invite-only, grand opening. Greeted by gorgeous grand opening décor out front, the fountain features fully working exterior lights, which made the church’s entrance look amazing! The grandeur Yanni promised in our feature story interview was delivered! People really came out to experience the pink flower in full bloom, and it was choc-a-block with chilled music and excitement in the air. We're keen for their next event, the Karoo Gothic exhibition opening on the 25th of October. It's a collaboration with Gordon Froud of Stokvel Art Gallery, amplifying that community connection.

Thank you! 🙏

Thank you for keeping up with Melville's comeback story with us. If you read a gem, consider buying us a coffee. Our jazz hands get tired from all this typing! Payshap id: 0605293425 (Standardbank)

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Forward this to someone who loves our hood. 🤍

'Til next Wednesday, Melville.

Stay revitalised, stay refreshed, and keep rising.

Nyob zoo✌️