We’re back! We hope you all had a special, restful festive season and are excited for an epic year in Melville. (Or at least excited that January is almost over!)

• The Melville Turret: The neighbourhood’s very first guest house.

• Melville Art Mile: Tickets and new upgrades for the 2026 season.

• Civil Matters: Updates on the 7th Street upgrades.

Let’s go. 

— Aubrey Moloto, Kele Jackson

The Digest

The Melville Turret – The Neighbourhood’s First Guest House

Let’s kick off 2026 with a throwback, a deep dive into one of our most iconic heritage sites: The Melville Turret, the suburb’s very first guest house and arguably its most resilient matriarch.

If you’ve driven down 2nd Avenue, you know the one. It’s that striking building on the corner of 9th Street that refuses to look like anything else on the block. With that distinctive turret dominating the front entrance, it’s a castle in the 'burbs that makes you wonder if Rapunzel is currently renting the loft.

The "Guest House Capital" That Was

Melville wasn’t always dominated by bars and restaurants. At one point, our little bohemian enclave was known for having one of the highest concentrations of guest houses in Joburg. At its peak, we were sitting on close to 38 of them—a haven for academics, artists, and travellers seeking the "real" Joburg experience without the Sandton sanitisation.

But things change. Today, if you reach for Google, you won’t find more than 15. Speaking to owner Koos Heymans, we learnt that hospitality isn't as easy as it looks. Many doors have closed, unable to recover from the quiet devastation of COVID. It’s a sad reality, but The Turret showed true Melville grit. It didn’t just survive; it trudged through the mud, kept the lights on (literally), and, through massive personal sacrifice from Koos, made it to the other side.

A 1906 Origin Story

Historical records tell us the bricks and mortar were officially laid in 1906 by a man named Erik van den Berg.

Picture the scene: Melville was just coming into its own. The suburb had been freshly reclaimed, with Rand miners and working-class families settling in to create a proper neighbourhood. It was an exciting, dusty, bustling time. The beautiful building that now houses Die Pienk Kerk had been built just three years prior as a Methodist Church. The Kruisgemeente congregation was gaining steam toward their eventual 1913 establishment, and Melville Primary School’s classes had just kicked off, still taught in tents before their building rose in 1909.

Van den Berg didn’t just build a house; he built a statement. In a sea of corrugated iron and temporary miner shacks, he built a turret. It was a nod to permanence. It said: "We aren't just digging for gold and leaving; we are staying."

The Architecture of "Old Mellies"

The house is a masterclass in traditional Melville architecture. It has those pressed ceilings that estate agents drool over, original Oregon pine floors that creak with a century of secrets, and a wrap-around veranda designed for a cold gin and tonic at sunset.

The crown jewel is, of course, the Turret itself. It gives the building a castle-like demeanour, a bit of whimsy on a corner that has seen everything from the 1922 Rand Rebellion to the rise of 7th Street’s nightlife. Inside, the loft is a massive 44-square-metre space with skylights and views stretching right across the city. It’s the kind of view that gives you another reason for why we live here: the purple haze of Jacarandas, the city lights, and the beauty of it all.

The Soul of the Place

You can’t talk about The Turret without mentioning the people who keep its heart beating. Koos Heymans has owned it since 2006, keeping the heritage alive while updating it for the modern traveller.

But if you dig into the online reviews, one name comes up more than the owner’s: Prisca Thabethe. Known affectionately as "Mama Prisca," she is the engine room of the operation. In a world of automated check-ins, Prisca is a throwback to old-school hospitality; warm welcomes, genuine smiles, and breakfasts that actually touch your sides.

Koos inherited the staff when he took over: Prisca, Precious Dinakane, and the late night watchman Patrick—a gentleman who was the heartbeat of the house but sadly passed just before the pandemic. Pretty Mbatha & Patricia Motloba joined a year later and the four P-ladies are still there. These are the "Four P's" that make up the soul of The Melville Turret, providing excellent service.

Travellers from the USA to Eswatini don't rave about the Wi-Fi (though they have it); they rave about the warmth. They talk about feeling "at home" in a city that can sometimes feel hard. That is the Melville magic we often forget to celebrate. It’s that specific, unpretentious warmth that makes people extend their stay from two nights to two weeks, and The Turret has it in abundance.

Why It Matters

Why dedicate valuable newsletter real estate to a guest house? Because The Turret is a survivor.

In an era of "To Let" signs, The Melville Turret is a reminder that quality lasts. It has stood on that corner for 120 years. It saw the miners, the bohemians of the 90s, the lockdown, and it’s still standing. It anchors the neighbourhood. When you walk past this week, look up at that funny little tower. It’s proof that while Melville changes, the good stuff sticks around.

I Love Melville

Koos was drawn to Melville by the roaring nightlife of the early noughties. He had a big circle of friends who helped make Melville one of the world's best suburbs back then, including The Loft owner Bruce Patcha and Melville icon Johan Strauss, who was affectionately known back then as the Mayor of Melville. They frequented Xai Xai, Nuno’s, and Buzz 9, with brekkies at De La Crème.

His most memorable moment? The Visa Long Tables in '08. He fondly recalls the magic and ambience of that evening, dining across from one of his favourite fine artists whose work hangs in his home.

Koos believes Melville still has "that spark," especially at night. He loves the energy, the shopkeepers, and that the community "feels like a family." To him, it's a place where different people mix in a heritage setting, offering some of the best property value in Jozi while being close to everything.

If you have family coming into town, or just need a "staycation" to escape City Power woes, give the old girl a visit. Let’s support a place that has supported Melville for over a century!

For Bookings: 083 414 0298

If you enjoyed this week’s sweet digest, consider buying us a coffee

What’s Happenin’ 🤔

Januworry Blues? Not Here. Even in "Januworry," you can still get out and about. (Just don't check your bank balance until February!)

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

Melville Weather For The Week ☔️

Thursday  

26° 🌡️ 15° | 🌦️ | 🌧️ 55% | NNW 13 km/h 💨

Friday 

29° 🌡️ 16° | 🌤️ | 🌧️ 2% | W 9 km/h 💨

Saturday 

29° 🌡️ 16° | ⛅ |  🌧️ 55% | WNW 9 km/h 💨

Sunday

29° 🌡️ 17° | 🌥️ | 🌧️ 2% | NE 6 km/h 💨

Monday 

29° 🌡️ 19° | 🌥️ |  🌧️ 58% | NNW 4 km/h 💨

Tuesday 

32° 🌡️ 19° | 🌤️ |  🌧️ 1% | NNW 7 km/h 💨

Live & Music Events Lowdown 🎸

 Music events slowed down at the end of last year, here is how 2026 is unfolding.

23/01 | Friday | 3 pm | Ratz Bar | All Night Long ft. DJ Kongisto | Free

26/01 | Thursday | 7.30 pm | chiesa di PAZZO LUPi | Echoes of Marabi | R200

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

Business Bites 📂

Sweet Spot: The Mtshali Sisters Deliver

Towards the end of last year, we introduced the neighbourhood to a new guilt-free chocolate brand, Sorella that had found a home at 27 Boxes, run by the dynamic Mtshali sisters.

Initially, the business opened up in Melville purely as a production house, selling online, at markets, and through a few select retailers. But they had a vision: a proper storefront in 2026. Well, the sisters did not disappoint!

The storefront at the Joburg Artist Market (JAM) is officially open for business. However, they operate on a strictly "production weekdays" schedule. This means they are open now until the 27th of January, and will then close briefly before reopening on the 16th of February.

Top Tip: If you want those Valentine’s Day gifts, you need to move fast. Get them before the 27th of Jan, or order online during the break!

Civil Matters👷‍♀️

The 7th Street Upgrade Update & Road To The Happening

In Civil Matters, Creass takes the spotlight with an update on the 7th Street project and upcoming work. While many were taking a break, Creass Community Services pushed on. Owner Danny Nunes took a well-deserved breather this week and is due back at the end of the month, but his team made excellent ground while the strip was quiet.

They submitted a progress report to the MBA last week:

• Curb painting: 65% complete. White paint to receive a second coat on all blocks; half the block near Book Dealers to receive the black coating. Expected completion: End of January.

• Pave coat: 20% complete. Expected completion: February/March (in time for The Happening).

• Road markings: Scheduled for March. Work will happen early in the morning to minimise disruptions.

• Civil tasks: 94% complete. Only two curb repairs and paving replacements near Hotel Hope Interiors remain (materials on order).

Progress is firmly on track for 'The Happening'.

Look Out

The Creass team plans to cut brushes along Rustenburg Road next week, specifically on the 28th of January. If you travel or live along that road, keep an eye out for them. Thank you, Creass, for keeping Melville looking snazzy!

Art In Melville 🎨

Bigger, Better, & Back on Route

The Melville Art Mile is back for its grand 2026 season kick-off! December’s pilot event surpassed all expectations. While there were a few hiccups, nothing was unfixable.

This time, we have more participants chipping in and a new sponsor in Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, who will handle way-finding (the arrows marking the route between venues). We heard you wanted more hands-on activities, and our participants responded. No one has planned "just" an exhibition; everyone has something special on—workshops, activities, and entertainment.

New Anchors & Zones

After the cluster of shops at the Carlow Road node (across from Bamboo Lifestyle Centre) rocked their end of Melville with the Trov and Oksijen launch, we knew we had to step up. This time, we’ve invited Bamboo tenants to celebrate the spirit of first Thursdays and serve as our northern anchor.

• The Route: Our VIP tour will now start at Bamboo. There will still be an amazing show at Die Pienk Kerk and a new exhibition in their gallery, but we’re giving Bamboo the spotlight to kick things off.

• 51 4th Art: A new addition is the Melville Market at the Kruisgemeente Church, rebranding only for the Melville Art Mile as "51 4th Art." Expect a heavy art focus with exhibitions and demos, alongside only a few of their very best stalls.

• The Hub: 27 Boxes is emerging as a central hub, housing many of Melville’s galleries, the Titanic Museum SA and a large, safe underground parkade.

• JAM & Child Welfare: JAM Management and Joburg Child Welfare are showing incredible support, encouraging tenants to match the Art Mile energy. Expect an art and wine fair, a night market in the square, and live music. From the ground floor to the rooftop, the crates will be buzzing!

Getting Around (in Style)

We’ve resolved the Tuk-Tuk issues from last time. Re/Max Masters have stepped in to support us as well, allowing us to offer free rides for paid ticket holders. Free ticket holders will pay per ride, but the Tuk-Tuks will be there—pimped out in Melville Art Mile and Re/Max style! Re/Max is taking it a step further with a raffle at their station where participants can win a big prize.

This solves the connectivity issue for the Main Road collective. We hope this drives traffic to places like chiesa and the Melville Mudroom—a beautiful, interactive space that too many people missed last month.

Community Champs

A huge thank you to Picobella Trattoria and Xai Xai, who are sponsoring pizzas for our security and marshals. We are still a way off from our ultimate vision, but we have another 11 tries this year to get it right! As long as the safety element is secured by the MSI and MRA, we have an amazing platform to grow.

A few shops, restaurants and bars have also stepped up to host artists and art mile activities like Hotel Hope Interiors, SIX Cocktail Bar, Arturo Tequila, Anti-Social Social Club, Ratz and even Café Picobella Trattoria, where Theo Bunge is exhibiting a selection of photos from his Melville homage, photo essay "7th Street".

A full participant list and the official event map and program will be released on all our channels soon!

Tickets:

• Free: Roam freely and pay as you go.

• R120: Includes free Tuk-Tuk rides and activities.

• R350: Private tour hosted by Snaps On Seventh (a Jozi My Jozi & Jozi Walks 2025 champion!).

Get your tickets here via Quicket

The Tail End 🐾

Koppies Check-In ⛰

Fresh Air & Fresh Ideas

It’s an exciting year for the Koppies team. New energy is pouring in, and fresh ideas are emerging for even more ways to enjoy and interact with Melville's very own nature escape.

Get Involved & Get Out There

First off, a reminder that the Koppies are open every Sunday morning from 08:00 to 11:30 (and occasionally in the afternoons if there’s a morning event at Marks Park).

On top of the usual favourites, storytelling with Merle (every second Sunday) and the guided 8km hike (last Sunday of the month), there is plenty to keep you busy. You can tackle the 5km hiking trail, the 3km heritage trail, or just choose your own route. For the little ones, there’s now a Scavenger Hunt to see how many Koppies treasures they can find!

If you want a deeper dive, you can book private guided tours focusing on geology, history, or nature, or even organise school tours and corporate team-building events. Call 072 348 0578 to book.

On The Horizon

Some fresh offerings are coming soon, including Art Mornings (or afternoons) and Spruit clean-up parties facilitated by WITS Freshwater Ecologist student Siphelele Mbangata. Further down the pipeline, keep your eyes peeled for a dedicated Birdwatching trail and a Trail run route!

How You Can Help

The team is calling on the community to chip in:

• Weed Warriors: Join the weeding team on Sunday mornings. It’s very therapeutic, and community service letters are provided (tell your teenagers!).

• Become a Guide: If you love the Koppies, why not train to show others around?

• Accessibility Project: The Koppies team want to build a fully wheelchair-accessible path. Do you have any knowledge or ideas on how to make this happen?

To help with the wheelchair path or to get involved, contact 072 348 0578.

Up Next: Join the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation Melville Koppies tour this Saturday, the 24th. Tickets are R200 on Quicket.

Market Watch 🎪 

51 4th Art Melville

Exciting news from the Melville Market at the Kruisgemeente church: the new 51 4th Art Melville project! This initiative turns the church into a gallery that can hold its own amongst Melville’s best on first Thursdays. Owner Ernest Korkie, a fully-fledged artist himself, isn't treading lightly. They are stomping in to celebrate Melville’s art heritage at the Melville Art Mile starting with a group exhibition, Material Traces, launching 5 February at 6:30 PM.

The normal Saturday Markets resume for 2026 on the 31st of January with a host of new vendors. Mark your calendars!

Extra Sprinkles 🧁 

Sing Your Heart Out

A cute programme has popped up at chiesa di PAZZO LUPi on Monday evenings: Vula Choir – "A Choir For All". Sessions started on 19 January and cost R150. If you love to sing, come express yourself with a group of like-minded people and certified vocal coach Hannah Foster. Like how you sound in the shower? Maybe it’s time to get pitch perfect!

Contact Hannah at ‪+27 72 219 4948‬ and tune up those harmonies!

Thank you! 🙏

Thank you for checking back in with your favourite community news source. Let’s do 2026 together! We’ll keep you in the loop and do our best to make each week in Melville more enjoyable, convenient, and intriguing. Stick with us, we’ve got you!

Enjoyed this week’s newsletter? Consider giving us a tip or buying us a coffee.

Advertise with us: Reach out and let's chat!

Reply to this email: Did you enjoy it? What did we miss? Got a scoop?

’Til next Wednesday, Melville. Stay optimistic, stay original, stay open-minded.

Hwyl fawr. ✌️