Happy Tuesday, Melville! As promised, we wrestled information from the past's shadows, unearthed some visuals, and bring you a digest piece we're proud to present. Welcome to another interesting issue of Melville Untold!

In today’s newsletter,

• The Legendary Long Tables 📜🍴

• Bambanani vs Melville Resident Association 🛝

• Good News From The MSI About Safe Streets 🏘️

Let’s go. 

— Aubrey Moloto, 

The Digest

The Legendary Long Table 📜🍴

Melville has an enormous history of hosting some of the country's most iconic events and street festivals. The ones we've had here rank among the best in people's memories! In light of recent efforts to bring that culture back with the highly-rated "The Happening" and the nostalgia it provoked, this week we're celebrating Melville's festival culture by paying tribute to the city-stopping events we're capable of holding.

This week, we want to talk about an event for the books - one that will always go down in Melville history as one of the greats! When reminisced upon, eyes light up, vocal pitches heighten, and excited shakes occur. Introducing... The Visa Long Long Long Table by Starfish Greathearts Foundation.

The first time we heard about it, we were highly intrigued, and we think you will be too. I can't tell it like some Melville legends told me, but let's give it a shot. Here goes!

A Brief Overview

Imagine a dinner table in the middle of a road. Now imagine a longer one - the longest you've ever seen. A table that stretches from the circle on the corner of 7th Street by Spilt Milk, all the way down to De Baba, bends around the corner, past Smoking Kills, and ends at Tilt.

Picture this table packed with people elbow to elbow, funky and creatively dressed in one theme (the last one was Starfish Islands). Now imagine every restaurant (there were a lot back then!) the table passed competing to deliver the best 3-course meal in the given theme, only for 150-300 bucks!

Imagine every establishment decorated in island vibes and Caribbean styles. Live entertainment at every block, clubs and bars jamming island music; reggae, ska, calypso, and tropical rhythms echoing out into the streets. Residents, people from far and wide, celebrities, and participating restaurants mix in a vibrant, happy, and positively competitive atmosphere.

Celebrity chefs judge the food, and guests lost in laughter, drinking, and dining, all for a good cause. This was the Visa Long Long Long Table - a world-class food festival that happened annually in the late 2000s, right here in our Melville.

Prelude

Okay, let's take it back a bit. In 2001, the Starfish Greathearts Foundation was founded by a group of friends who wanted to help children in South Africa made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS. They came up with a creative idea to raise funds while engaging donors in a delicious way - The Dinner Of Hope. With an ambitious goal of raising 1 million rand by 2005, people were encouraged to host dinners, gather their friends, and donate to the foundation. It was a hit! By 2005, 13,000 people in 17 countries participated, and a staggering R800,000 was raised. The result? Nearly 2,000 children receiving nutritional, primary caregiver, and educational support in underprivileged areas around the country.

Enter Melville

In 2006, a Melville icon and local food writer, Marie-Lais Esmond, saw the great work the SFG was doing and had a lightbulb moment - shiiing! She thought the Dinners Of Hope could have a trifecta effect (tri-effect?) in Melville: raise funds for the SGF, promote local businesses, and create a vibrant community atmosphere in our neighbourhood. And boy, was she right! She approached the foundation, and together they created the biggest Dinner Of Hope in the world. In 2006, they managed to manifest her lightbulb moment and brought 1,500 people from around the city to sit down and eat together, right on the strip.

Pulling It Together

Here's how it came together... The event was sponsored by Visa. Representatives from the SGF started by physically approaching businesses in Melville, showing them plans, and asking them to join in. Alana Aylmer, one of the main event organisers, remembers this as being her favourite part - being right there on the ground, engaging with the community. Restaurants were encouraged to sign up to compete and rent out space on the street in front of their establishment. Clubs, bars, and shops were asked to participate by decorating their places and donating to the charity.

Some of the key participants were The Xai Xai Lounge, Paros Taverna, Soi, Pomegranate, The Loft, Yasuqui, Die Kombuis, The Ant Café, Unplugged On 7th, Mezza Luna, Melville Grillhouse, Buzz 9, The Orange Acorn, Sakura Sushi, Sahib, De La Crème, The Portuguese Fish Market, The Sleepy Gecko, Bar Social, SIX Restaurant & Cocktail Bar, TranceSky Beat Bar, Studio Gesso, Nuno's, and Soulsa. Hmm, what a treat it must have been to have such a wide range of restaurants here!

The next step was getting the intricate logistics right. Organising such a massive event involved significant logistical challenges, including road closures, security, ticketing, and coordination with the Johannesburg City Council. They had to get the road closures approved by the Johannesburg Road Agency with marshals at access points. The roads were closed off from 7th Street, around 4th Avenue, to 6th Street, and back around 1st Avenue to connect back to 7th Street at the top. From 10 in the morning till midnight, only residents in these blocks were allowed access.

After the infrastructural logistics were approved, ticketing was set up. Each establishment was given several tickets to sell. Tickets were also available through Computicket, with a target to sell 1,000. In the first event, prices ranged from R100 to R180 per ticket; by the final one in Melville, it was R150 to R300 per ticket. This would get you a 3-course meal at any of the participating restaurants and access to the entertainment venues. A significant portion of the ticket sales went to the foundation.

Next was involving the media. Not only was a media launch held, but radio, newspaper, and magazine print ads were released too. Publications like House & Garden, the One-Time in-flight magazine, and True Love covered the event. More publications like Elle, Cosmopolitan, Dekat, Men's Health, and Food & Home gave positive responses too. The media launches got so popular that participating chefs would present their food for tasting at the press events. Such diligent appeals to the media probably had a great impact on reaching these enormous ticket sales and generating the hype and excitement an event of this magnitude deserved. The tickets sold like hotcakes!

How it Went Down

And here's how it went down... Once everything was in place, plans were set in motion. Restaurants would receive communications on event updates via an email newsletter. The theme was Starfish Island, and the colour theme was orange. Flower leis and t-shirts were dropped off at each participating restaurant. The flower leis were given to guests to wear on arrival to tie the theme together with the guests, staff, decor, food, and music - all island vibes. Restaurants had to submit their island-themed menus a few weeks before the event.

The competitions were:

• Most Creative Menu - 1st and 2nd Prize

• Most Creative Table Setting - 1st and 2nd Prize

• Most Creative Display for a Non-Restaurant - 1st and 2nd Prize

• Best Dressed Guest - 1st and 2nd Prize

A hilarious bidding war occurred at the last one, where Conway, who owned Lucky Bean, and Ebs, owner of SIX, competed to pledge the highest amount of the night to the charity. Sounds like clean fun for a positive cause!

The event MC was Rob Van Vuuren of "Corné & Twakkie." Judging would start at 6:30 pm. The judges were celebrities and chefs from the South African Chefs Association. All starters were sampled first, then mains, and then all the desserts. Each restaurant or chef was welcome to approach the judging stations when their dishes were presented. The event officially began at 7 pm. The entertainment included live music, poi dancers, and a drumming show.

Speaking to people who attended and participated, the overwhelming sentiments are positive. There were meals served by over 30 Melville restaurants, and guests enjoyed a variety of dishes and cocktails from all the vendors, fostering a happy atmosphere and lots of conversation! It brought together a diverse group of people to share a unique dining experience and support a good cause.

The Aftermath

All in all, Alana feels that the event received an "amazingly positive response" from merchants and residents. It got raving reviews from the media as well, with many blogs online anticipating the next one. The last event was so highly anticipated that the SGF held a second media launch. The festival left a lasting legacy of connection, awareness, and collaboration in Melville, bringing together residents, business owners, and visitors. It boosted local business by showcasing our local establishments to a wider audience while contributing to a worthy cause. It created a sense of unity and shared purpose among everyone involved.

The event was seen as an extraordinary concept, which made it easy for people to get behind and want to be involved. By the turn of the century, it became increasingly harder to hold closed road events. The SGF eventually moved the event to Melrose Arch. It happened for a few more years and then, for whatever reasons, fizzled out. 

Though the event may have come to a close, its spirit lives on in the hearts of those who experienced it. The Long Long Long Table remains a cherished memory, a testament to the power of creativity, community, and connection. Its legacy continues to inspire, reminding us that even the most extraordinary events can leave an enduring impact on our lives.

If you enjoyed today’s in-depth read about Melville’s Long Table food festival consider buying us a coffee. 

What’s Happenin’ 🤔

More family-friendly things to do and some minor updates on regular events.

Melville Weather For The Week ☔️ 

It's autumn, and still, the rain keeps going... climate change? 🤔

Wednesday 

27° 🌡️ 15°  | 🌩️ |  🌧️ 45% | NW 9 km/h 💨

Thursday  

28° 🌡️ 16° | 🌩️ | 🌧️ 78% | WSW 9 km/h 💨

Friday 

30° 🌡️ 16° | 🌤️ |  🌧️ 7% | E 7 km/h 💨

Saturday 

28° 🌡️ 14° | 🌤️ |  🌧️ 1% | NE 7 km/h 💨

Sunday

26° 🌡️ 14° |  ⛅️ |  🌧️ 25% | NNW 9 km/h 💨

Monday 

26° 🌡️ 14° | 🌧️ |  🌧️ 56% | N 4 km/h 💨

Live & Music Events Lowdown 🎸

It's another action-packed week with lots of gigs to attend and too little time. Reply and let us know which one you're hitting. Tag us in all your pics on Insta!

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

Tuesdays | 7 pm - 10 pm | Coca Lounge | Rock Night: Butch & The Lone Wolf and Gemini | Free | Contact Dylan 0833447288

Wednesdays | SIX Cocktails Bar | Live Jazz Sessions | 8 pm til late | Free

07/03 Friday | 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm | Chiesa di PAZZO LUPi | 4 Da Poyets With Eternal Echoes | Tickets R100

07/03 Friday | 7 pm - 2 am | Smoking Kills Bar | Rumbling Bass Vol 2 - .RAR, Bra Smoove, Donny Basco, DRVGGS, Inpulsa DNB, Levi, Kiefke, Rossby Waves | Limited Free Tickets, Early Bird: R75, Presale: R100, Door: R120

08/03 Saturday | 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm | Chiesa di PAZZO LUPi | Lex Futshane Quintet | Tickets R180

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

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

Melville Koppies Check-in ⛰️

In our last issue we gave you a heads-up that, Merle Grace will be hosting a storytelling event every second Sunday of the month on Melville Koppies Central from now on. This weekend is it! There was a mistake in their comms saying the 8th; we'd like to clarify that it's this Sunday, the 9th of March, not the 8th.

You can also catch the usual ongoing activities and things to do on the Koppies, all for the usual price of R100 per adult, R50 for under 18s, and free for under 5s.

Story telling at Melville Koppies
Sunday, 9 March at 9am
Storyteller: Merle Grace
Ages: All welcome!

See you there!

Civil Matters 👷‍♀️

The civil news keeps coming! Yesterday, we attended this month's Melville Residents Association meeting. If you didn't get a chance to attend, we think there are a few things you should know...

Bambanani vs Melville Resident Association: A Comprehensive Guide To The Complexities

In last week's issue, we discussed Bambanani's amusement licence troubles. Since then, we attended a Melville Residents Association meeting, spoke to the MRA chairman Darryl Gouws, heard the views of residents who attended the meeting, and then spoke to Caryn Cohen, the owner of Bambanani, to hear all sides.

Today, we want to give the community more clarity on the situation. We've noticed a lot of misinformation and narratives antagonising the MRA and turning this into a battle.

Let's break down the situation in chronological order.

1. Bambanani is the only establishment that specifically caters to families and children in the strip's tenant mix. It's currently a very groove-heavy strip.

2. Residential neighbours closest to Bambanani on 5th Avenue and around 4th, within earshot of the restaurant, feel troubled by the noise levels of the kids playing in the back area and constantly report this to the MRA and the Environmental and Health Department.

3. Due to these continuous reports, the Environmental and Health Department has issued Bambanani a notice for a "Consent Use Application For Establishing A Place Of Amusement" - meaning that Bambanani must apply for an amusement licence in order to carry on with its events and plans for their theatre. Furthermore, they have also submitted a rezoning application to add a garden at the back of their establishment near the current children's play area.

4. Due to several of these noise complaints from residents, the MRA as well as several other residents objected to their general place of amusement application. The MRA has a responsibility to protect the residents' best interests and also fears that the “general place of amusement” licence is too broad. They worry that if a full amusement licence is issued (which no establishment really has except the old Roxy's), then if for any reason whatsoever Bambanani leaves the property, it opens the door for a "problem business" to come in.

5. The MRA wants the people of Melville, and especially Caryn, to know that they are FOR business in Melville. They appreciate the type of suburb we are, and as much as they are obliged to fight for the best interests of our residents, they want to find common ground with the businesses and find ways for both residents and businesses to coexist and thrive here. Residents near the strip have had massive problems with some of the current business tenant mix, with one at the MRA meeting last night sadly expressing that the new clubs at the top of the strip operating at illegal hours with music reaching illegal levels are starting to have huge effects on his mental health.

6. Darryl Gouws, chairman of the MRA, and Caryn Cohen, owner of Bambanani, had a conducive conversation. The chairman explained the issues from a resident's perspective and that residents have the right to object. The conclusion of the conversation was for Caryn to amend her application and make it a licence for a theatre. She promptly did and included a few of the other children's activity types. Bambanani’s town planner is expected to resubmit the application by tomorrow the 5th of March.

7. From there, Bambanani will have to await the verdict. They’re hoping for a speedy turnaround, as the sunken cost of waiting may push them to find more fertile ground for their business endeavours. This would be heartbreaking for Caryn because she loves Melville deeply, has owned two homes here, and actively participates in every upliftment project she can. From the concerns and reactions of the community, we'd all be sad to lose them as well.

So, just to quell the Bambanani vs MRA narratives, there is no battle. A discussion took place and progressive dialogue was opened. Caryn understands their worries, and the MRA are willing to engage with businesses that want to be part of the community and “respect that Melville is a residential suburb first where people have homes and families”. 

Caryn feels that the biggest danger to Bambanani is the unhappy handful of neighbours within earshot. She wants them to understand that “people who want to live in Melville, behind 4th avenue or anywhere close to the centre of Melville, the same as Parkhurst, get a lot of cars parked outside of their house. People who live close to the centre live there for a reason. They want to walk quickly to the centre. Most of them are young and actually love that kind of lifestyle.” She feels that Unfortunately for residents who find themselves living close to the centre they have to have a level of understanding that it is not a quiet place to be and that Bambanani is not one of the “problem businesses” of Melville.

MSI's Safe Streets Initiative 

The MSI has been working on the Safe Streets initiative for a long time. Processes on the JRA's side have been moving at a snail’s pace. The last time we reported on this issue, we were told that the MSI were waiting on a response for a meeting date for their section 45.2 request. Today, news came out from the MSI that it has been received. This means the project takes another step forward - great news for the community!

The Resident’s Fight Against Noise Pollution

As much as Melville is a vibrant hotspot, noise regulations must be followed, and peace maintained between residents and businesses. Since Q3/Q4 last year, several new businesses on the strip have been blasting their sound levels to unhealthy heights, threatening the peace that long-term establishments have enjoyed with residents, especially near the strip.

Many concerned residents voiced their struggles in last night's MRA meeting. The MRA has been mounting a fight against these "bad actors," and together with CRUM and the JMPD, they have taken another significant step towards dealing with them.

In the meantime, the MRA encourages residents and victims of continuous noise pollution to keep reporting and lodging complaints, saving their reference numbers. These reference numbers will help them mount a stronger case against problem businesses that continue to disturb the peace and operate outside the law, infringing on the rights of nearby residents.

Safety Dealing With Meter Readers

Another issue discussed at the MRA meeting was being safe when dealing with people coming to read your water meter. City Power sends subcontractors to check residents' meters to ensure the accounted amount is the same as the power you're using.

• If the smart meter system stops working, it stops sending signals to City Power, and they'll need to send somebody out.

• If consumption has changed either too much or too little, they have to send somebody to check.

• In many instances, people switch to solar energy, and the usage amount drops drastically. This flags on the City Power side, and they send somebody out.

These subcontractors don't usually come in City Power uniforms or branded cars, and many of them have old and faded identity cards. Recently, criminals have been taking advantage of this grey area, using it as a way to gain access to people's properties, holding them up, and as Trump would say, "doing bad things."

Danny from the MSI and CREASS helped us give our community some tips on dealing with unannounced meter readers:

1. When a person comes to read your meter, deny them access and call your private security company to send someone that can marshal them in and out of your property. The MSI is looking into getting Beagle Watch to assign a security vehicle when these readings are scheduled to escort these subcontractors around the neighbourhood for their whole shift here.

2. Take all precautions when dealing with these guys. If you can't get a security guard to marshal them, ask to reschedule the reading for a time that suits you better.

3. If they really must get the reading right then and there, offer to take their phone and shoot a picture of the meter for them.

4. Do not take your phone out or attempt to take a picture of them to try to identify them, as this risks losing your phone.

5. If they threaten to cut you off at the electricity pole, call Jonathan Thompson for advice at 065 808 6245.

Updates On The Community Upliftment Day 

Following up on the MRA and CREASS community upliftment day, CREASS has identified 15 tasks in 11 locations to work on.

They urge the community to lodge any areas they identify as needing attention on the My Smart City app. They frequently check for things to add to their upliftment task list there, and anything they can't handle will also be seen by the correct government departments that can deal with them.

Markets Watch 🎪

Melville Artisanal Market

This week at the Melville Artisanal Market, the focus is on their veritable plant nursery. Between 4 of their stalls, you can put together an amazing nursery.

Kagiso sells a wide selection of indoor plants. Ridwaan, who usually sells free-range eggs, now stocks a small selection of organic seedlings as well.

Hannes puts succulents in little logs and rocks in a splendid way. Kathy's stall also sells succulents.

Together, you have a small nursery right in our Melville. Every Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm at the tennis courts on Rustenberg Road.

Extra Sprinkles  ✨

Another Melville Icon On The Rise

We have another superstar bubbling up in our hood! We may have a new icon coming up in Melville. We briefly covered her in Issue #12 when she starred in a pantomime at the Franklin Players Theatre, playing the part of a hilarious troublesome crocodile in The Elves And The Shoemaker.

Author of the critically acclaimed book "Who Looks Inside" and Melville resident Anna Stroud takes centre stage again. Anna will be part of BBC Africa's cast in the new season of "Come Dine With Me SA". The show will air at 8 pm every Wednesday on BBC Lifestyle on DSTV. The first episode comes out this week. Join Anna and her friends as we get glued to the tube for a small watch party at Reserved Café this Wednesday, the 5th of March.

Cake And Comedy For Our Elder Residents 

Last week Friday, Melville resident Nastassja de Valence brought the community together for a lovely little initiative. She held the first of her Elderly Residents Initiative events, "Cake and Comedy," where local businesses like Chiesa di Pazzo Lupi, The Service Station, and Piccobella contributed to sponsor the event with snacks, treats, and a venue to host the event. 

The screamingly funny local comedian Dakes and a few others who frequently perform at the Monday Night Comedy at SIX Cocktail Bar came along to put a smile on our older community members' faces. Well done, Tash, and good luck with your next one!

Thank you! 🙏

And there you have it, another one for the books! Thank you for reading this week's Melville Untold newsletter. Enjoyed it? Consider buying us a coffee.

You can also support Snaps On Seventh by booking us for your content needs. We specialise in creating quality video, photography, and copywriting content for businesses and personal brands. We tell engaging stories.

Simply reply to this email or call me - Aubrey, personally on 060 529 3425 or 081 826 2904 on WhatsApp. Let's make some magic!

Stay passionate, stay connected, and let's continue to make Melville a community we're proud of!

‘til next Tuesday,

Arrivederci! ✌️