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In a city as grit-glamorous and complex as Johannesburg, we're used to tough love. We defend our potholes and our power cuts (only we're allowed to complain about them), but we also fiercely guard our "hidden gems".
One of those gems is currently blooming in the most unexpected of places, from the historic Shepstone Gardens to secret underground clubs. It's called EDEN, and its "Mother," radio personality and sex educator Leah Jazz, is on a mission to make the city a safer, more pleasurable place for everyone.
I sat down with Leah Jazz to talk about the reality of women's health, the difference between the sexual and the erotic, and what to expect at an EDEN The Fruit event.
From Port Edward to the City of Gold
Leah Jazz's journey to becoming the face of South African sex positivity wasn't a straight line. Growing up in the tiny river town of Port Edward, she arrived in Joburg as a graduate, working the agency grind. "Joburg is a tough one to love," she admits, "but when you love her, you see the beauty. I've become a fierce defender of this city."
After a stint in the UK that stripped away the shame surrounding sexuality, and a career at 5FM that recently earned her a radio award, Leah Jazz realised Johannesburg was missing something vital: a space where sensuality and safety coexist.
Not a "Sex Party"
Let's clear up the biggest misconception right away. "It's not a sex party," Leah Jazz laughs. "EDEN is an erotic space, not a sexual one. The erotic is tantalising; it's in what you don't show."
While South Africa remains "extremely conservative," Leah Jazz argues that this repression is directly linked to our high levels of gender-based violence. "When you feel safe, you feel pleasure. We can't talk about safer sex without including the fact that it's also supposed to feel good."
Leah Jazz describes EDEN The Fruit as a community-driven initiative that prioritises the safety, pleasure, and agency of women and queer people, aiming not only to entertain but also to redefine nightlife with a strong focus on consent and vulnerability.
The "EDEN" Experience: What To Expect
If you're a first-timer, walking into an EDEN event can feel daunting. The dress code is strict: Kink-inspired attire only, like lace, latex, lingerie, or even full-body leather. "You're dressing to express, not to impress," Leah Jazz explains.
"The dress code also keeps out anyone who's not actually willing to put themselves out there and meet everybody at the same level of vulnerability, because it is vulnerable when you're in a state of undress," she adds.
The kinky dress code doesn't necessarily mean you have to have lots of skin on show. "You can be completely covered from head to toe; it's all about how you express yourself. That being said, if you show up in a hoodie and jeans, you won't get in."
The Essentials of Eden
- The Saints: A voluntary safety team visible throughout the party. If you've lost your phone, your friend, or your comfort zone, they are your first port of call.
- Sensory Stations: Dedicated spaces for those curious about the "kinky and weird." Think Shibari (decorative rope tying) and spanking benches managed by professional "spankstresses" with strict consent protocols.
- The Fruit Table: A massive, literal platter of fruit for guests to taste and enjoy, grounding the experience in the five senses.
- No-Photo Policy: To protect everyone, from teachers to high-profile celebrities, phone cameras are stickered at the door. "Being anonymous is not the same as being a bystander," says Leah Jazz.
At the heart of EDEN is a rigorous, non-negotiable culture of consent that governs every interaction, from a simple greeting to the more provocative sensory stations. This isn't just a background rule; it is the event's primary infrastructure. To make boundaries visible in a crowded room, EDEN utilises a clever system of colour-coded wristbands that allow guests to communicate their comfort levels, whether they are open to being approached or prefer to remain undisturbed, without saying a word.
This atmosphere of mutual respect extends beyond the attendees to the people behind the scenes; even the venue staff and bartenders must explicitly opt in and consent to working the event, ensuring that everyone in the space, from the person in latex to the person pouring the drinks, feels safe, empowered, and respected.
Beyond the sensory stations and lush gardens, the pulse of the night is driven by a world-class soundtrack, featuring a curated rotation of DJs who understand that the right beat is essential to creating an atmosphere as electric as it is erotic. Local Heavyweights like Das Kapital, Timo Odv, and Abby Nurock have all graced the EDEN stage, further testament to the event's quality.
Why Shepstone Gardens?
There is a delicious irony in hosting a kink-adjacent event at Shepstone Gardens, one of the city's premier wedding venues. "The fact that they host us over and over is a testament to the fact that what we're doing is not seedy," Leah Jazz says. It's about high-quality production, respect for the staff, and a community that tips well and cleans up after themselves.
How to Join the Garden
With several events planned for 2026, Eden is moving toward a regular summer schedule. For those ready to take the plunge at the next event (scheduled for February 7, just in time for an alternative Valentine's), Leah Jazz's advice is simple: "Shop local, look at brands like Im.Mortal, Sea Lemon, or Nouveau. And if you're nervous, come covered up; we have a free coat check where you can shed your 'normie' layers when you're ready."
In a city that often feels on edge, EDEN offers a rare moment of vulnerability. Whether you're 21 or 70 (and yes, they've had 70-year-olds in harnesses), it's a place to let it all hang out.
The next EDEN event takes place on February 7, 2026. Follow Eden.The.Fruit on Instagram for info and dress code inspiration, or grab your tickets right here. See you on the dance floor, Joburg!
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