Hey Melville! The festive season is here and our our neighbourhood is literally glowing! This week's newsletter is packed with holiday cheer, from our newly lit streets to an exciting Festive Day coming up this weekend. Grab a coffee, and let's dive into what's been cooking in Melville this week.

In today’s Melville Untold,

• Melville's Festive Glow is Back ✨

• The Strip Is Having A Festive Day 🎄

• The Water Saga Continues 😞

  Let’s go. 

— Aubrey Moloto, 

The Digest

Melville's Festive Glow is Back ✨

Guys, have you seen 7th Street lately? Our hood is literally glowing! Melville's iconic festive lights are back, bringing fresh energy and hope to our vibrant neighbourhood. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Jovana, The Melville Business Association (MBA) and supportive residents, 7th and 4th Avenues are once again aglow with holiday cheer.

The return of the decorative lighting is more than just a visual treat - it represents the resilient spirit of Melville. Longtime business owner, MBA executive and resident Cobi fondly recalls the charming star-shaped lights from the early 2000s that brought the community together. "It was so beautiful," she reminisces. "It made everyone come together, and that's kind of what we were hoping with the lights again, to bring some kind of togetherness."

Spearheaded by Jovana Korac from the MBA, with key members like Rudi Redlinghuys (7th Street Guesthouse) and Oliver Quambusch (Hotel Hope Ministries) driving the initiative forward, our business community embarked on a mission to restore this awesome tradition. The journey started two years ago - trying to track down the frames - they were last seen before Covid. In partnership with the MSI and MRA funds were raised for the traditional lights. However, when City Power came to do a site inspection they realised cables that used to be strung across the street were no longer there. This was an additional cost that was not budgeted for. It was then decided to halt the festive lights and instead use the funds for the “I <3 Melville” sign, and some of the festive lights. Which then came up right before The Happening, at the beginning of this year. With a plan to revise the lights towards the end of the festive. Unfortunately, the MBA still couldn’t raise the necessary funds.

Despite the financial hurdles that stopped them from fully recreating the original star lights, they had to adapt. The MBA, rallied local businesses to pledge funds for festive string lights as an interim solution. Ebs of SIX cocktails lead by example. He was the first to pledge and challenge other owners to step up! Ebs oversaw the installation of the lights as well.

But the new warm white lights are more than a compromise - they're a glowing testament to Melville's collaborative spirit. Jovana, active in both the MBA and Melville Residents Association, worked closely with City Power's Cindy and her team who generously donated time and resources to install the lights. Cindy's team also came through for us with the first batch of festive lights as well as the "I Love Melville" sign. The sign is a project Jovana also undertook and says she holds both projects very close to her heart - as a step in bringing back a post-COVID Melville - one that we all know and love.

The illuminated streets are already racking up praise and excitement from residents on the strip and on social media. I spotted people on the strip this weekend taking selfies under the new lights, and guys, the vibe was just different. The streets are alive with that festive energy we've been missing. If you're out and about, tag us in your light photos - we'd love to share your #MyMelville moments! @snapson7th

Beyond spreading festive cheer, the lights serve a deeper purpose. In a community where safety is an ongoing concern, the added illumination provides a sense of security. It makes the streets more pedestrian-friendly after dark. Cobi, who diligently reports outages, believes the lighting also discourages criminal activity, allowing locals and visitors to enjoy Melville day and night.

Looking ahead, the MBA dreams of expanding the light project. Colour-changing rope lights could allow for vibrant celebrations of occasions and causes throughout the year, from Valentine's Day to Pride Month. The ultimate goal is to raise enough funds to one day restore the iconic star-shaped lights in all their nostalgic glory.

As Melville's streets shine brighter, so too does its future. The hard work of the MBA and the three-body system, the generosity of our local businesses, and the enthusiastic drive of people like Cobi, Ebs and Jovana exemplify the power of community collaboration. Together, they're not just illuminating our streets - they're paving the way for a more vibrant, safe, and inclusive Melville.

So as you stroll down 7th and 4th, take a moment to appreciate the twinkling lights overhead. They're a heartwarming reminder that with shared passion and collective action, there will always be brighter days ahead for Melville.

We'd also like to bring your attention to a big Festive Day event on the strip this weekend, Sunday the 8th of December. Businesses will be marking the beginning of the festive season by putting on their best Christmas decor, vibe and spirit. The Salvation Army’s brass band will be hitting the street, there'll be carols at Hotel Hope Interiors Charity Shop, Salsa dancing at SIX, Vynil Sundaze at Coca Lounge and much more. Tune into our Instagram stories this week, we'll be posting all the Festive Day happenings throughout the week!

We had to finish up our interview with Cobi in true Snaps On Seventh style by asking what her most memorable Melville moment is and what she loves about this iconic suburb.

After 25 years here, it was tough for her to pick just one moment. But a few stood out - the day Ant Café closed down was a sad day for her (she used to manage it and holds its memory close to her heart), the epic Fete De La Musique festival, and of course, the legendary Mardi Gras Festivals from way back when. The happening was also great for her because she had just become a part of the MBA.

As for what she loves about Melville? In her words: "Everything. I'm a big fan. I'm the biggest Melville fan in, I think, forever and ever. I love Melville, all of Melville. I love the people, love each little business. I love the sense of community. I love when the water comes back! What do I love about Melville? Oh, I just love Melville. It's home, you know? Home is where the heart is, they say. And that's Melville."

How's that for bringing some sparkle back to our beloved Melville? See you under the lights! 📸✨

If you enjoyed today’s in-depth read consider buying us a coffee. ☕️

What’s Happenin’ 🤔

The festive season is starting in style! Too much to do, too little time. Our picks for this week are the Festive Day on the strip and the Colour Fun-walk at 27 Boxes! Check out this week’s fun things to get into.

Melville Weather For The Week ☔️ 

Unhealthy temperatures ahead, sunblock, shorts and hats! No arguing. 😒

Tuesday

33° 🌡️ 17°  | ⛅️ |  🌧️ 0% | NW 20 km/h 💨

Wednesday 

34° 🌡️ 19°  | 🌤️ |  🌧️ 0% | NW 17 km/h 💨

Thursday  

30° 🌡️ 17° | ⛅️ | 🌧️ 25% | WNW 15 km/h 💨

Friday 

34° 🌡️ 13° | 🌤️ |  🌧️ 0% | NW 13 km/h 💨

Saturday 

36° 🌡️ 12° | 🥵 |  🌧️ 0% | SW 7 km/h 💨

Sunday

32° 🌡️ 15° | 🌤️ |  🌧️ 1% | N 11 km/h 💨

Monday 

32° 🌡️ 14° | ⛅️ |  🌧️ 25% | N 9 km/h 💨

Don’t forget to hydrate! 🍹

Live & Music Events Lowdown 🎸

It's looking like another lekker week of live music in Melville! Our picks this week are the Jazz sessions happening at SIX on Wednesday night and the Hip-Hop open mic games-night at Coca tonight! Here's the full lineup of what's happening

3/12 Tuesdays | 7 pm - 10 pm | Xai Xai Lounge | Eric Miyeni & Richard Jones playing live music | Free entry

3/12 Tuesdays | 7 pm - 10 pm | Coca Lounge | Flow & Play: Hip Hop Games Night - Formula Tay, Yoyouno, Lo Retto, Klaus, Mahara, 3rd Letta, Naphtaly Force, VIKKIFROMTHESOUTHSIDE | (Open Mic) | Free entry

4/12 Wednesday | SIX Cocktails Bar | Live Jazz Sessions - Marcuss Wyatt, Keenan Ahrends, Nhlanhla Radebe & Peter Auret | 8 pm til late | Free entrance 

4/12 Wednesdays | Blanco On 7th | Culture On 7th - Slam Poetry, Live Music, Comedy | Free entrance 

5/12 Thursdays | 7 pm - 10 pm | Coca Lounge | Open Mic - Plug in, play, sing and rap | Free entry

5/12 Thursday | 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm | Chiesa di PAZZO LUPi | Tefo Mahola - Ngoku: Featuring Mark Fransman & David Wein | Tickets R200

5/12 Thursday | Smoking Kills Bar | 9 pm - 2 am | ThursGAYS - Lotion & Orwell | Free Entry

6/12 Friday | 5.30 pm - 10.30 pm | Chiesa di PAZZO LUPi | Goofy & Elvis: Harmonica-Driven Folk Music | Tickets free

7/12 Saturday | 6 pm - 11 pm | Chiesa di PAZZO LUPi | Apho Kungenje: Launch Show Ncesh Nonxishi | Tickets R250

7/12 Saturday | Smoking Kills Bar | 7 pm - 2 am | Bass Communion Presents: M.A.S.S. The Frat Party! - Antimatter, DRVGGS,.RAR, Robotboy, Scotty Knowz, Stackles, Toby One | Tickets from R80, R100 at the door

7/12 Saturday | 7 PM | Anti-Social Social Club | Monkey Shoulder: The Final Toast - Tnas Africa, Adrivoe, DXTR and more | One lucky table will receive a bottle of Monkey’s Shoulder

7/12 Saturday | 5pm til late | White Campus Square | Saturday Night Live - Live Music | Every Saturday | Free entry, no demands

8/12 Sunday| 4 pm | Jo’anna Meltbar | Sola Vida Drum & Bass | 1/2 price cocktails | Free entry all day

8/12 Sunday| 8 pm - 10 pm | Coca Lounge | Vynil Sundaze - DJ Mo, DJ Peppe, Dj Ferose, JusDane & DJ Ashwin

9/12 Monday | Blanco On 7th | Mogodu Lifestyle Monday | Reservations 0662082548

Pro tip: Remember to book ahead for weekend gigs - Use our Quicket links for early bird (cheaper) tickets!

If this comprehensive weather and gig guide helped you, consider buying us a coffee.

For more updates as the week goes on, visit our instagram page @snapson7th

Big week at the Koppies! Besides our usual Sunday activities, there's a special birding day happening this Saturday. Here's what's on.

Melville Koppies Check-in ⛰️

Regular Activities:

- Free roaming through nature

- Bird watching (bring those binoculars!)

- Photography (checkout the new lookout point on trail 12!)

- Meditation sessions

Special Event: Birding Big Day at Melville Koppies

When: Saturday, December 7th

Time: 6 am - 12 pm

Meet: Kafue Road entrance, Emmarentia

Cost: R100 adults, R50 under 18's

Need details? Contact John: 082 833 8468

Regular Sunday Sessions:

Times: Gates open at 8:30 AM - close 11:30 AM

Price: R90 adults, R50 kids

Bookings: Call Wendy on 079 532 0083

Psst... Planning ahead? R100 gift vouchers available every Sunday - perfect Christmas prezzie for the nature lover in your life!

Civil Matters 👷‍♀️

Water Saga Continues 😞

Heads up on the water situation! While Jo'burg Water is responding to burst pipes, they're taking their sweet time (we're talking days here). Keep reporting those issues - the more voices, the faster the action!

Plus, mark your calendars: Major water maintenance coming up December 13-16. Best start filling those bottles! Watch our social media for updates on water tanker locations.

We also advise that people start getting their own water tanks installed, this water thing seems like it will be going on for a long time!

Markets Watch 🎪

Three awesome markets to check out this weekend.

Melville Market at Kruis Church

When: Every Saturday

Time: 9:00 - 14:00

Location: 51 4th Ave, cnr 4th St, Melville, Jhb

What's Hot: Local food vendors, vintage finds, and that amazing community vibe. Plus, our resident Dikkop mama bird is still nesting - pop by to say hi!

Got something you’d like to sell? Contact Ernest at 0844777137

Melville Artisanal Market at the Tennis Courts

When: Every Saturday

Time: 9:00 - 14:00

Location: Cnr Carlow & Rustenburg Roads 2092 Melville, South Africa

Specialty: Handcrafted goods and artisanal treats

Contact: +27 82 399 8126

What’s Poppin’ Market at 27 Boxes

When: 7 December 2024

Time: From 10:00

Location: 27 Boxes Melville

Pop Up Store & Colour Fun Run

Free Tickets via Quicket or at Life Style Hub in store.

Extra Sprinkles  ✨

Sweet Little Stories From Our Streets

Melville's Getting Festive This Sunday!

This Sunday (December 8th) is going to be properly special! Our strip is coming alive for Melville's Festive Day, where local businesses are pulling out all the stops to kick off the holiday season in true Melville style.

What's Happening:

• A brass band by by the Salvation Army bringing those festive tunes to the streets

• Christmas carols at Hotel Hope Interiors Charity Shop

• Salsa dancing at SIX (because why not add some Latin spice to your Christmas?)

• Vinyl Sundaze vibes at Coca Restaurant & Lounge

• Special festive menus and treats at various restaurants

• Beautiful Christmas decorations all along 7th and 4th

When: Sunday, December 8th Time: All-day festivities (each venue has their own special times - check our Instagram stories for the detailed schedule)

Come through, grab some snaps with us under our gorgeous new festive lights (tag us in your pics!), support local businesses, and soak up that special Melville holiday spirit. Bring the family, bring your friends, or just bring yourself - there's something for everyone!

Keep an eye on our Instagram stories this week - we'll be sharing all the Festive Day happenings as businesses announce their special plans.

Let's make this one for the books, Melville! 🎄✨

Thank you! 🙏

📸 Planning Your Festive Season? Our calendar is filling up fast with end-of-year events, Christmas parties and New Year celebrations! If you're looking for someone to capture those special moments, our Snaps On Seventh team would love to help. We've already got several matric farewells and corporate end-of-year bookings, but we've still got a few slots available. Drop us a message to secure your date!

💼 Business Owners, Let's Chat! Want to get your brand in front of Melville's most engaged audience? Our newsletter sponsorship spots for December are now available! From restaurants, real estate to retail, if you're part of the Melville business community, we'd love to help share your story. Reply to this email for our media kit and rates.

Got a scoop for next week? Slide into our DMs or hit reply - your tip could be our next headline!

If you're enjoying these weekly updates about Mellies, consider buying us a coffee.

Until next Tuesday, keep that festive spirit burning, stay bright and stay brilliant Melville! ✨

Annyeonghi gaseyo! ✌ 🤍