Hello Melvillers! Another issue is here to brighten up your day while the jacarandas paint our streets purple (and make us all pretend we're professional photographers).

Today, we're hiking up to one of our neighbourhood's crown jewels - The Melville Koppies. After that heatwave, the views were worth every step.

In today’s Melville Untold,

• Meet The Friends Of The Melville Koppies

• Kribo Trading hosts A Bespoke Wellness Event

• A Community Clean-up In The Pipelines

Let’s go. 

— Aubrey Moloto, 

The Digest

The Friends Of The Melville Koppies

Keeping our gaze fixed firmly on the heritage face of our beautiful neighbourhood still, this week we want to turn our attention to a prestigious, one-in-the-world, history-rich type of nature reserve - the remarkable Melville Koppies. The Melville Koppies stand as a unique natural oasis on the edge of Jozi, offering a glimpse into the city’s past and refuge from the bustling present. This heritage site is the last conserved remnant of Johannesburg’s ridges before the discovery of gold in 1886. It was a part of the Geldenhuys’ farm, home to the iron-wielding Bantu tribes from higher up in Africa, and the Khoisan before them. Now that you have your mind’s eye transfixed on this Melville gem, let’s zoom in a little closer and pull focus to The Friends Of The Melville Koppies. A dedicated group of volunteers committed to preserving this natural historical treasure. Their efforts include conservation work, educational programs, guided walks, and advocacy for the koppies' protection. 

I met up with Wendy for the most gorgeous walk I’ve ever taken on the Koppies before. Growing up playing on the Koppies West and in the last few years spending chunks of time taking weekly meetings, mind-clearing walks and shoots on the trails of the Koppies East, I’m no stranger to this heritage site. This was my first time doing the full Koppies Central hike and my-oh-my, what an unforgettable experience! Words can do no justice to the 360-panoramic view of the city, the magnificent flora, fauna and beautiful rock formations Wendy consciously works hard to expose, the natural frames created by bending branches over man-made paths, the suspended bridge in the mini forest crossing over the Westdene Spruit river and calming sounds of nature, the surrounding city and African churches echoing across the main road from the Koppies West. A remarkable mix of stimuli to all my senses. I was left speechless.

Wendy Carstens is the chairperson of the Melville Koppies Management and has played a pivotal role in The Friends Of The Melville Koppies’ success.  Her passion for the koppies and dedication to preserving them have been key in maintaining this urban oasis for the enjoyment and education of the community and visitors alike. The Friends Of The Melville Koppies work to preserve the indigenous flora found within the reserve. They recognise the importance of maintaining the natural balance of the Highveld grassland biome and protecting it from the intrusion of invading species. They employ a conservation team to carry out essential tasks like weeding, clearing invasive plants and maintaining fire breaks to prevent uncontrolled wildfires that could damage the ecosystem. The Friends understand the crucial role fire plays in maintaining the health and diversity of the grassland biome. They implement controlled burns to manage the overgrowth of invasive species, ensuring the survival of indigenous plants. Learning this made me realise that to preserve, you must know how and when to destroy. The volunteer guides teach visitors about the importance of protecting indigenous flora, highlighting the unique adaptations of plants and the threats they face from invasive species. Maintaining a clean environment is also a major priority for the friends. They recognise that litter and debris can negatively impact the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the reserve. They regularly have volunteers participate in clean-ups, particularly in the western section prone to illegal dumping and squatting. Wendy did disclaim that it’s much harder to do so these days as the West is now overrun with squatters and crime.  The Friends encourage the community to take responsibility for the cleanliness of the reserve, emphasising the importance of leaving no trace and respecting the natural environment. Through guided tours, they aim to foster a deeper appreciation for its natural historical significance. The guides have a wealth of knowledge about the koppies and tailor the tour content to the interests and backgrounds of the group. They like to use engaging anecdotes and avoid technical jargon for the public, while school tours are designed to align with curriculum requirements. The tours cover many topics including archaeology, geology, flora, fauna, and the history of human interaction with the koppies. Guides point out significant landmarks, talk about the ecological importance of the reserve and highlight the role of conservation efforts in preserving its unique character. Tours often include opportunities for hands-on learning such as examining Stone Age and Iron Age artefacts, seeing bird ringing activities and learning about various subjects, including social sciences, life sciences and environmental education. The koppies offer significant educational value, especially for urban residents with limited access to nature. Wendy believes that in today’s stressful world, they provide a space for people to relax, destress and connect with nature. This is particularly important for children, offering a break from electronic devices and encouraging interaction with the natural world. 

I got to know Wendy over a 3-and-a-half-hour walk. I learnt tons about her and the reserve as she shared some of the experiences of her 27-year relationship with the Koppies.  She has seen big changes and faced even bigger challenges but still beams that being there gets better and better each time! Touching on the challenges faced, she says that conservation efforts have always been a challenge. Initially, the focus was clearing invasive plants and addressing issues like squatting on the western section. Over time the focus has shifted to finding new ways to promote the koppies and engage the public. She acknowledges the need for publicity and visual content like photographs to raise awareness and attract visitors. The group relies heavily on donations and entry fees to cover costs, including the conservation teams’ salaries and security measures. Looking into the future Wendy hopes to see the Koppies thrive as a protected natural and historical site. Her primary goal is to ensure the continued preservation of this unique urban oasis, protecting its biodiversity and historical significance for future generations. She hopes to inspire more people to appreciate the koppies and contribute to their protection through volunteering and responsible use. Wendy was motivated to join The Friends Of The Melville Koppies for several reasons; The beauty and uniqueness of the koppies in the heart of Jo’burg captivated her, she loves working with plants and soil and finds conservation work extremely rewarding and as a former teacher, she enjoys educating without the hassle of admin and believes that sharing her knowledge about the koppies can inspire others to appreciate and protect them. 

We finished our conversation in classic Snaps On Seventh style and asked her about her most memorable moment in Melville, and what she loves the most about our gorgeous hood. Her most memorable moment was a day when she was sitting on a bench enjoying the stillness of the koppies when a 2m-long Rinkhals snake slithered past her majestically. She says that she sat there frozen, literally breathless as she marvelled at its beauty. Scaaaary! What she loves about Mellies is the strong sense of community, calling it a ”village within a city”.  She says that “everybody knows everybody” and that the intimacy creates a feeling of belonging and connection that distinguishes it from the anonymity often associated with large urban environments. Wendy also loves the visual appeal of Melville, especially during the springtime “ When the streets are adorned with vibrant carpets of flowers”, showing her connection to the environment and ability to find joy in the simple pleasures of nature. And then lastly she loves Melville’s diverse population, noting that it represents the entire rainbow nation. She appreciates the multicultural fabric of the Melville community and its inclusivity.

The guided walks happen every last Sunday of the month, starting from Marks Park at 8:30am. (R90 for adults, R50 for under 18s - call 079 532 0083 for details

If you enjoyed our in-depth read and are happy to be more informed about The Friends Of The Melville Koppies, consider giving us a tip. You can support us by using Payshap instant transfer to tip us - ShapID: +27-605293425

What’s Happenin’ 🤔

As we get closer to the festive period, we bring you a plethora of fun options to kickstart your November.

Kids And Family Friendly Things To Do 🏡

Bambanani 

05/11 Tuesday | Bamba Club 10.30 am - 11.30 am R50 | Bead Building 2.30 pm - 3.30 pm R50 | Story Time 3.30 pm - 4.30 pm

06/11 Wednesday | Smart Squad 2.30 pm - 3.30 pm | Pottery with Maria 3.30 pm - 4.30 pm R50 | Movie Night 5 pm - 6.30 pm

07/11 Thursday | Bamba Club 10.30 am - 11.30 am R50 | Mobile Zoo 2.30 pm - 3.30 pm

08/11 Friday | Toddler Crafts 10.30 am - 11.30 am R30 | Friday Crafts 2.30 pm - 3.30 pm R30 

09/11 Saturday | Weekend Games 10.30 am - 11.30 am | Bizzy Hands Puppet Show 2.30 pm - 3.30 pm

10/11 Sunday | 10.30 am - 11.30 am | Weekend Games | Mr Magical

10/11 Sunday | 10 am - 11 am l 27 Boxes | Kids Capoeira Class

Karaoke Nights 🎤

6/11 - 10/11 Wednesday & Sunday | 6.30 pm to 12 am | Ratz Bar | Prizes to be won | Free entry

08/11 Friday | 8 pm to 12 am | SIX Cocktail Bar | Free entry

07/11 Thursday | 7.30 pm | Jo’anna Meltbar | Karaoke night | Free entry

10/11 Sunday | 2 pm - 10 pm | Karaoke Kong | Cacoon Goes Kong | R100 | Contact [email protected] / 0678456359

06/11 Wednesday | 5.30pm for 6pm | LoveBooks Melville | Shehan Karunatilaka - The Seven Moons Of Maali Almeida | RSVP to [email protected] 

06/11 Wednesday | 7.30 pm | Karaoke Kong | Themed Quiz Night: Sexyy Red | Drink special all night| Free entry

09/11 Saturday | 8 pm - 12 pm | Kribo Trading | A Bespoke Wellness Event, Curated For You | R180 per person | Incl. Goodie bags, food, spinal flow yoga, scented sound bath, circuit workout | Bookings 0836428764

10/11 Sunday 2 pm | SIX Cocktail Bar | Salsa Sunday’s - Lesson’s by Pule Putjas Seleki | Happy hour till 7pm

10/11 Sunday | Blanco On 7th | Bottomless Mimosas Sundays | All day | Reservations 0662082548

11/11 Monday | 8 pm | SIX Cocktail Bar | Monday Night Comedy featuring new and seasoned comedians | Free entry

Melville Weather For The Week ☔️ 

This month came in with a heat wave, but it looks like some rains beckon and things look to cool down a bit.

Tuesday

28° 🌡️ 14°  | ⛅️ |  🌧️ 60% | 20 km/h 💨

Wednesday 

27° 🌡️ 13°  | 🌤️ |  🌧️ 44% | 20 km/h 💨

Thursday  

24° 🌡️ 13° | 🌤️ | 🌧️ 3% | 20 km/h

Friday 

24° 🌡️ 13° | ☁️ |  🌧️ 13% | 15 km/h 💨

Saturday 

27° 🌡️ 13° | ⛅️ |  🌧️ 12% | 9 km/h 💨

Sunday

23° 🌡️ 13° |  ⛅️ |  🌧️ 38% | 19 km/h 💨

Monday 

22° 🌡️ 12° | 🌧️ |  🌧️ 75% | 19 km/h 💨

Live & Music Events Lowdown 🎸

05/11 Tuesdays | 7pm - 10pm | Xai Xai Lounge | Eric Miyeni & Richard Jones playing live music | Free entry

05/11 Tuesdays | 7pm - 10pm | Coca Lounge | Artist open showcase/performance | Free entry

05/11 Thursdays | 7pm - 10pm | Coca Lounge | Open Mic - Plug in, play, sing and rap | Free entry

06/11 Wednesday | SIX Cocktails Bar | Live Jazz Sessions - Muhammed Dawjee, Keenan Ahrends, Nhlanhla Radebe, Siphiwe Shiburi | 8 pm til late | Free entrance 

08/11 Friday | 5 pm - 11 pm | Chiesa di PAZZO LUPi | Janko Pretorius, Daniel Cunninham, Van West | Tickets R160 

09/11 Saturday | 7 pm - 11 pm | Chiesa di PAZZO LUPi | Prophet’s Concubine: Can these bones live? - Music, spoken word and expressive movement | Tickets from R180

09/11 Saturday | 7 pm - 11 pm | Chiesa di PAZZO LUPi | The Benjamin Jephta Wits Ensemble | Tickets from R160

08/11 Friday | Smoking Kills Bar | 7 pm | Lost Youth, Painted Flowers - Aya Nixon, Marigold, Drvggs | R80 Entry

10/11 Sunday| 4pm | Jo’anna Meltbar | Sola Vida Drum & Bass is back! | 1/2 price cocktails | Free entry all day

10/11 Sunday| 4pm | Coca Lounge | Live Music With Rick Leoh | Every Sunday 8pm - 10pm

11/11 Monday | Blanco On 7th | Mogodu Lifestyle Monday | Reservations 0662082548

If this comprehensive weather and gig guide helped you, consider buying us a coffee.
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For more updates as the week goes on, visit our instagram page @snapson7th

UJ Sport 🏉

Here’s a quick wrap up of the main things in UJ sports that went down in October!

The UJ Senior Women's Netball team were the runners-up in the 2024 FNB Varsity Netball Tournament. They lost to the University of Free State (UFS-Kovsies) by 3 points in extra time. This was the second consecutive year that the team finished second in the tournament.

The 2024 UJ Future Walk raised over R2 million for underprivileged and academically deserving students. The event, which had over 500 participants, was supported by Lucky Star's Heartbeat Sessions.

Eleven UJ footballers, staff, and alumni were called up to the Banyana Banyana teams during the FIFA Window period. Five players, a goalkeeper coach, and a video analyst were selected for the B team, which played in the Women’s COSAFA Cup.

UJ scored 95% in the FISU Healthy Campus audit and retained its Platinum Certification. The audit assessed UJ’s progress in implementing the Healthy Campus Programme guidelines.

Civil Matters 👷‍♀️

Community Clean-up Champions

Danny and his team at Creass are rallying Melville's community spirit with a massive cleanup initiative! Several organisations including Beagle Watch, MSI, MRA, and MBA are joining forces to give our streets some much-needed TLC. The ambitious project will tackle everything from litter collection to graffiti removal and road marking. Local favourites Smoking Kills Bar, Café Picobella Trattoria and Coca Lounge and Restaurant have already stepped up with refreshment sponsorships. Stay tuned - Danny's aiming for 50 pairs of helping hands!

Want to get involved? Keep an eye on the Civil Matters section, we'll be keeping up with preparations for the clean-up project.

You can contact Danny at +27 66 448 3249

City Officials Respond To Service Concerns

Following our recent coverage of Melville's pressing social challenges, it seems the City might be taking notice. Last week, officials from JRA, City Power, and JMPD conducted site inspections in Melville and Greenside as part of their new Accelerated Service Delivery (ASD) program. Ward 87 Councillor Kyle Jacobs highlighted several priority areas including development planning, environmental health, and by-law enforcement. The initiative promises better coordination between city entities, with meetings scheduled every second Thursday to address community concerns directly. CRUM Regional Director Sello Lemao emphasized the importance of community engagement in this process - a sentiment that aligns perfectly with Melville's spirit of active citizenship.

The Icing On The Cake 🍰 

Sweet Little Stories From Our Streets

New Kid on the Block! 

Melville's creative scene just got even more interesting! J.B. Curiosities has opened its doors in the Bamboo Centre, bringing a whimsical touch to our neighbourhood. Tucked downstairs in the courtyard at the corner of Rustenburg Road and 9th Street, this charming new shop offers fantasy sculptures, botanical jewellery, and unique utilitarian goods. It's exactly the kind of delightfully different spot that makes our suburb special!

A Young Chef's Journey

Here's something to make you smile: One of our local Grade 3 youngsters, Ethan, is about to embark on his first culinary competition! Selected for Emmarentia Primary's Junior MasterChef event, this 9-year-old cooking enthusiast will be whipping up something special for his classmates between November 11-15. What makes this extra sweet? He's insisted on cooking his dish completely from scratch right there in the classroom – now that's dedication! We're rooting for you, Ethan.

Open Arms at Orban

Looking ahead to 2025, Orban School is throwing open its doors with a wonderful welcome: they're waiving registration fees for new enrollments! Whether you're interested in pre-primary, primary, Grade R, or aftercare, you can pop in for a school tour every Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. It's heartening to see local schools making education more accessible for our community!

Thank you! 🙏

And that's another chapter in our local story! From start to finish, we're keeping our finger on the community pulse, bringing you the news that matters.

Speaking of stories - a huge shoutout to Love Books for being our very first sponsor! They've stepped up to support quality local journalism, helping us create the engaging content you see each week. (If you haven't checked out their amazing collection yet, what are you waiting for?)

And hey, to all you business owners out there - our story's just beginning! We're building something special here, and there's room for more pioneers who want to be part of this growing community platform. This newsletter train is picking up steam, and we'd love to have you on board! Give us a shout to learn more about partnership opportunities.

Got a local scoop we should know about? Slide into our DMs or hit reply. Your tip could be next week's headline!

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Until next Tuesday, keep it real, and keep it local!

Auf Wiedersehen! ✌️