MyJHB

Stuff from Johannesburg

A timely dissection of the Anthropocene

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa in the news:

  1. A timely dissection of the Anthropocene: This reviewer always learns something new from Kolbert, whose prose is as often as powerful as her passion for the planet.  I first recall coming across the term ‘Anthropocene’ in her previous book … – “Johannesburg” – BingNews
  2. Influential mayor of Mozambique city dies of COVID-19: Daviz Simango, the leader of Mozambique’s opposition MDM party and the mayor of the major port city of Beira, has died in a South Africa hospital, according to local media. – “Johannesburg” – BingNews
  3. InMed Pharmaceuticals (INM): Phase II Enrolment to Begin in Second Half: LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / February 22, 2021 / Following the safety and tolerability data from the two Phase I trials in healthy volunteers, INM-755 is moving forward into a Phase II (755-201-EB) trial … – “Johannesburg” – BingNews
  4. Rwanda Opposition Figure Is Killed in South Africa: South African authorities said that for now they were treating the case as a robbery, but the political allies of the man who was shot, Serge Ndayizeye, had their suspicions of an assassination. – “Johannesburg” – BingNews
  5. New Federal Theatre Announces Virtual Reading of WINDOWS by Mfundi Vundla: As part of ‘New Federal Theatre Celebrates Black History Month,’ Woodie King, Jr.’s New Federal Theatre is offering a live streaming virtual reading of ‘Widows’ by Mfundi Vundla on February 27 at 7:00 … – “Johannesburg” – BingNews

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Have you tried: Visiting Port Elizabeth?

Did you know this about Johannesburg? At the northern extremity of Johannesburg was Parktown, already known for its exclusivity and extreme wealth. Sir Lionel Phillips was the first Randlord to build a mansion in Parktown. “Hohenheim” was built in 1894 and demolished in 1972 to make way for the Johannesburg Academic Hospital. Sunny Side Park was designed by Frank Emley for Hennen Jennings and completed in 1896. Today it is part of the Sunny Side Park Hotel. “The View” was completed in 1897. It was built by Charles Aburrow as the residence of Sir Thomas Cullinan.

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The Socio-Political Crucible of Soweto

You cannot understand Johannesburg without understanding Soweto (an acronym for South Western Townships). Originally established as a “labor dormitory” to house black miners away from the white city center, Soweto grew into a sprawling metropolis of over 1.3 million people and became the epicenter of the struggle against Apartheid.

The township is home to Vilakazi Street, the only street in the world to have been home to two Nobel Peace Prize winners: Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. It was also the site of the 1976 Soweto Uprising, when thousands of students protested against the forced use of Afrikaans in schools. The police response and the subsequent death of 13-year-old Hector Pieterson catalyzed international condemnation of the Apartheid regime. Today, Soweto is a vibrant cultural hub, blending historical landmarks like the Orlando Towers (now used for bungee jumping) with a booming tourism industry and a sophisticated middle class. It represents the city’s resilience—a place born from segregation that transformed into a symbol of liberation and modern South African identity.