Hope you're getting into the Wednesday groove! We're trying to make the digest shorter but still pack it with gems. Let us know what you think? Welcome to Melville Untold, your weekly dose of the good stuff.

In today’s newsletter,

• Melville Takes Matters Into Its Own Hands (Again!) 💡

• MRA Annual General Meeting 📈

• Best Of Joburg & 702 Gauteng Awards 🏆

Let’s go. 

— Aubrey Moloto and Kele Jackson

The Digest

Light Up 4th Avenue: Melville Takes Matters Into Its Own Hands (Again!)💡 

We don't need to tell you how bad the street lighting problem is. It's become a widespread and severe issue affecting not just Melville, but the broader city of Jozi. We're really feeling it in Region B, which includes Melville and Ward 87.

Even national roads are affected - the CBD, Fourways, Sandton, the whole city suffers. In our chat with the councillor in issue 37, we learnt the extent of the municipality's failings and he feels that It's only getting worse in all areas: power, water, parks, and roads.

But this community won't sit around and watch things crumble. The spirit of Melville won't allow it. Enter the "Light Up 4th Avenue" Initiative, spearheaded by the MBA together with Melville residents.

The People Behind the Light

We spoke to Cobi Meyer, a rep from the MBA who handled the administrative tasks and Danyle Nunes, who's the technical arm of the initiative. We also roped in Jonathan Thompson from the Ward 87 council to help us understand the sheer scale of Jozi's lighting problem and what makes a community plan like this actually work.

On a personal level, Cobi has been waging a one-woman war against the darkness on 4th Avenue for years. She’s watched that end of the strip dim, saying, "The state of 4th Avenue, particularly leading up to Main, is so depressing." These are words that hit home for many of us, echoing Wits professor Dr Imraan Buccus' article in The Mail & Guardian.

Cobi is a relentless logger, reporting the light issues on 4th many times and even achieving a few wins, most notably the solar lights recently installed by the city there. A small victory, but a victory nonetheless!

The Real Dangers of Dark Streets

Street lights not working present major hazards that most of us have dealt with. The biggest one? Crime. Jonathan's mantra is simple: "the brighter the better." Lights act as a deterrent for criminals who thrive in the dark.

Personally, it can get scary and uncomfortable walking from the strip at night. I used to do it every day when taking snaps on 7th when we first started. That feeling of relief when you turn onto a well-lit street is something you can’t put a price on!

Other major hazards include damage to cars. By the time motorists see the potholes, it's too late. Before you know it, you're parked off to the side in a dark corner, waiting for assistance or changing a tyre. Jonathan said the worst he's seen was a Ford Fiesta that had driven into a Joburg Water excavation site. Ouch!

I saw something similar whilst walking from the strip on a Friday night. I came across an Uber Eats driver who had fallen into a ditch with his scooter. We all know how long these city excavations take to fill up. Without lights, they're just traps waiting to happen.

The Cycle of Municipal Failure

JT points out that even when the City eventually fixes lights, "they usually function for about two weeks or until the next rainfall." It's a hamster wheel of disrepair. Another major issue is theft. He's seen some of the tallest solar lights get stolen. Light thieves are very determined!

Melville's Brilliant Response

In response to this pervasive problem, the Melville 4th Avenue Lighting Initiative has emerged. It's a proactive, community-driven solution showing Melville's resolve to take matters into its own hands!

And the community responded beautifully. It didn't take long before our neighbours' wallets flew open to chip in. Danny reports that all the equipment has been paid for by contributions from businesses and the community. Now, it's just a matter of getting permission from property owners to get them installed.

The Technical Details

The plan is to strategically install solar-powered floodlights across 4th Avenue and surrounding streets. Since private citizens can't just start digging up pavements (as tempting as that may be), the lights will be installed inside private properties, aimed at the road. They are completely energy-independent and eco-friendly. Having the lights erected in yards could offer a layer of protection from the light thieves.

Community Power in Action

Launched by the MBA, funding was raised through businesses and residents alike. The call went out to residents, businesses, and "friends of Melville" to support the cause in a few ways:

• Allowing poles to be placed in their yards.

• Sponsoring a light or other equipment.

• Donating to the general fund.

The MBA handled the procurement and donations, while CREASS is handling the technical side.

Why Community Initiatives Work

Community initiatives like this are effective, creative solutions to the common pitfalls of city governance. They reduce our reliance on municipal services. Other amazing initiatives that have helped in the past include the festive lights that zigzag up 7th Street. These smaller efforts make our neighbourhood better and safer, and they go a long way.

The Melville Spirit Lives On

This is what makes us proud to be Melvillians. The spirit of our neighbourhood is too strong to be dimmed. That's why you NEVER count out Melville.

It's safe to say we're on the up again. With heavier security on the strip, new restaurants opening, 27 Boxes having the most tenants since pre-COVID, and all these incredible community initiatives, it's only a matter of time.

Watch this space!

If you enjoyed today’s community initiative digest consider buying us a coffee. 

What’s Happenin’ 🤔

Here's are some stuff you can do with the women in your life (or yourself, ladies!) to celebrate this Women's Day week in Mellies.

Melville Weather For The Week ☀️

We googled "Greek goddess of weather" hoping to pray for some sunshine this weekend. Turns out there isn't one…It doesn’t look too bad though!

Wednesday 

20° 🌡️ 4°  | 🌤️ |  🌧️ 1% | SSW 15 km/h 💨

Thursday  

12° 🌡️ 4° | 🌩️ | 🌧️ 66% | ENE 7 km/h 💨

Friday 

17° 🌡️ 5° | ⛅️ | 🌧️ 2% | ESE 6 km/h 💨

Saturday 

17° 🌡️ 5° | 🌤️ |  🌧️ 1% | NE 9 km/h 💨

Sunday

20° 🌡️ 7° | ☀️ | 🌧️ 0% | N 4 km/h 💨

Monday 

18° 🌡️ 6° | 🌤️ |  🌧️ 3% | N 9 km/h 💨

Tuesday 

20° 🌡️ 6° | 🌤️ |  🌧️ 1% | SWS 7 km/h 💨

Live & Music Events Lowdown 🎸

Looking for somewhere to jive ladies? Say no more!

06/08 | Wednesday | 6 pm | chiesa di PAZZO LUPI | Bokani Dyer Trio ft. Sphelelo Mazibuko and Romy Brauteseth | Free

07/08 | Thursday | 7 pm | Coca Restaurant and Lounge | A Random Groove | Free

09/08 | Saturday | 7 pm | chiesa di PAZZO LUPI | Sekunjalo, My Children Returned To Bantu Consciousness ft Mak Manaka and The Sun Xa Experiment | R200

09/08 | Saturday | 4 pm | Coca Restaurant and Lounge | GLOW ft. Eazy G, DJ Depstorm, Cedric the DJ, Mr H, Dan Ramz, Darth Caluza, DJ Jackyee, DJ Walie G, DJ Kenny, DJ Dxtr, and DJ Nano | Free

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

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

Civil Matters 👷‍♀️

Credit Where It's Due

Hold onto your hats, folks, because we're about to say something truly shocking: the City did a good thing. A really good thing. We know, we're as surprised as you are. But credit where it's due.

For weeks, the community has been trying to play detective. What caused this sudden flurry of activity? Was it the strategic placement of plants in potholes? Was it our newsletter feature with councillor Jacobs? the combined might of our local councillors threatening to hold the city accountable? or that scathing Mail & Guardian article?

Turns out, the answer was much simpler. The Johannesburg Road Agency has finally instated a dedicated depot manager for our ward, and the results are nothing short of miraculous.

55 repairs in a single month!

Let that sink in. For those of us who have watched a local pothole go from a small crack to a crater capable of celebrating its own birthday (we’ve been waiting over a year for some!), this is a seismic shift. All of a sudden, fixes and reinstatements are being executed left, right, and centre.

Check out these awesome stats courtesy of the Melville security Initiative.

MRA Annual General Meeting

The Melville Residents Association's Annual General Meeting is this month. It's a wonderful chance to keep your finger on the pulse with council issues, find out what the MRA actually does, their wins, pitfalls, and most importantly, their vision.

The volunteers heading up the portfolios will be there to give updates and more importantly, to hear from you.

Where: Kruisgemeente Church

When: Tuesday, 19th August 2025 at 6pm

Entry: R350 if you aren't a member (includes a 1-year membership)

Get your ticket and secure your spot here: https://www.melvilleresidentsassociation.co.za/news/melville-residents-association-agm-2025

After a year that started with fiery forum discussions and has blossomed into real, tangible progress, this is the perfect time to check in. Let’s trade the WhatsApp rants for real-world results.

Come see if your worries have been addressed, share that idea you've been sitting on, and connect with the people making decisions that shape our corner of the city. Be more than a commenter; be a contributor. Come out and mingle with the community, there’ll be snacks!

The Tail End 🐾

Operation Poop Scoop!

Alright, Melville, let's have a little chat. We’ve been upgrading our hood, our lights are getting sorted, and the vibe is on the up. But a vigilant reader, Terri Hendon (and her very clean shoes) pointed out the final frontier of our neighbourhood’s glow-up: the dreaded pavement presents.

Nobody enjoys playing hopscotch with doggy landmines on their morning stroll. Besides that it’s nasty, these little gifts left behind attract rats and can be harmful to kids and other pets.

But fear not! Becoming a Poop-Scooping Superhero is super easy. This isn't a call to arms, just a call to, well, bags.

Luckily, Ziggy's Pet Pamporium sells these brilliant things you can clip onto your bag, pocket, or lead that hold dog waste bags. 

So, here’s the mission: Grab a bag (or two!), use it, and let's be the kind of considerate neighbours we all want to have around us. 

Let's scoop that poop!

Fashionably Late to the Pawty!

Just when you thought our Pet Winter Wear Competition couldn't get any more adorable, a new challenger has entered the ring.

Please give a massive Melville welcome to our latest contestant, the one and only... Bumpy!

Bumpy is here to shake things up for the final stretch.

The final countdown is on. You have one month left to help us crown Melville's most stylish pet. The prizes are up for grabs, and every vote counts! 

Adorable Puppy Needs a Loving Home

The most adorable few-week-old puppy was found on the strip and desperately needs a home. The little one is currently in the care of a local resident and has already received its first round of shots and been dewormed.

This pup is very well-behaved and friendly, a real sweetheart looking for someone special to love.

If you're looking for a furry addition to your family, please call or WhatsApp:

• Marc: 082 822 2165

• Hildegard: 072 203 2273

Market Watch 🎪

Women, Art, and... Snakes? Only at The Melville Market!

This Saturday, the Melville Market’s having a Women's Day event. It’s a carefully curated programme of powerful women showcasing art, giving talks, and... a snake enthusiast. As well alongside the usual stalls of tasty treats and products.

It's exactly the "flair for a cultural affair" they promise. Honestly, since their first birthday, The Melville Market has truly hit its stride, consistently delivering events that are anything but ordinary. Keep it up, you guys!

Vendor Spotlight

Let’s touchdown at the Melville Artisanal Market. This week, we're logging on to "Nature's Wifi" – Ridhwan Mohamed's organic farm stall that's connecting Melville to the earth, no password required.

Nature's Wifi is a stall at the Melville Artisanal Market that only sells organic products like:

His stall is a treasure trove of all things natural: free-range eggs, organic kimchi, organic apple cider vinegar, and even fruit trees and herbs to kickstart your own backyard ecosystem. 

But it's about more than just selling products. Nature's Wifi is on a mission to help us build our own "food forests," reconnecting us to our health through what we eat. 

It’s the kind of stall that makes you feel healthier just by standing near it. check them out at the Melville Artisanal Market at the tennis courts on Rustenberg Road.

Koppies Check-in ⛰

Work Party on Koppies West

Feeling the urge to do something good for the planet? Our urban oasis needs you!

A work party on Melville Koppies West is happening this Sunday, 10th August. Grab your secateurs, garden loppers, and saws! If you don't know what those are, don't worry - they'll be provided. Help sustain Koppies West's indigenous ecosystem. We were just there for the Walk With Dogs hike, and it could really use some TLC!

This work party focuses on clearing invasive species and litter. So wear your worksuits, some boots or strong shoes, bring gardening gloves and a hat!

Meeting point: Koppies entrance on 3rd Avenue, Westdene in the cul-de-sac at the top of Arundel Road. Where we usually meet for the Walk With Dogs hike. Informal security will be provided.

Call Brandon on 071 688 4924 or David on 082 789 1265 for enquiries.

Icing on the Cake 🧁

Best Of Joburg & 702 Gauteng Awards

Awards season is on, and a whole host of Melville's finest are in the running to win big in the Best OF Joburg and 702 Best in Gauteng awards.

Let's rally and bring those awards home to show that against all odds, Melville still packs a punch - or two! Every vote is love shown to the businesses who make our neighbourhood great, and it helps put Melville back on the map for visitors.

Here’s the list of nominees:

• ZA etc.

• SIX Cocktail Bar

• Agterplaas B&B

• Café Picobella Trattoria

• Artüro

• Harissa Grill and Shisha Bar

• Piza E Vino

• Smoking Kills Bar

• Melville Markets

• X&O Patisserie

• Crows Nest

• Bambanani

• Tatjana's Music School

• Melpark Primary School

• Melville Montessori

• Asian Twist

Voting closes on 17th August, so don't put it off. It takes two minutes to show a year's worth of love.

Vote For Best Of Joburg Here: https://www.bestofsouthafrica.co.za/joburg/joburg-vote/

A Special Shout-out for a Melville Institution

Speaking of legends, the one and only Service Station Café is up for a major 702 Best in Gauteng award.

For 25 years, they've been our go-to for a mean breakfast and a perfect coffee at the Bamboo Lifestyle Centre and for holding down the daytime vibes of Melville. They are, quite simply, an institution. Let's mobilise and get them the Gauteng-wide recognition they so deserve!

Vote here: https://702gautengsgreatest.primediaplus.com/nominate.html

Thank you! 🙏

Thank you for joining us for our 45th newsletter and 30th in a row! We haven't missed a beat in 2025, and we're super proud of that achievement.

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'Til next Wednesday,

✌️