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Johannesburg is a lively city, and one of the things that truly gives it character is its vibrant street-vendor culture. Walk along almost any busy street corner, especially near offices, taxi ranks, or places where pedestrians gather, and you’re likely to find a vendor selling small snacks and sweet treats.
These vendors, affectionately known by many Joburgers as abomalume/abogogo/sisters, are more than just people selling snacks. They are part of the city's heartbeat. With small setups that may include a chair, a crate, or a tiny table displaying packets of sweets, they spend long hours trading from the early morning rush until late afternoon when the streets begin to quiet down.
Whether you pass by at 5 am, 8 am, or after work in the evening, these vendors are there, catering to commuters, office workers, and schoolchildren alike. Over time, many Joburgers form relationships with them. They learn your favourite snacks, greet you by name, and sometimes even let you buy on credit if you’re a little short on cash. In many ways, they become familiar faces in the community - the people you visit after a long day when you simply need a small sweet treat to lift your mood. These simple interactions are part of what makes the streets of Jozi feel alive.
And of course, the snacks themselves are a big part of the experience. Here are five common treats you’re likely to find being sold on the streets of Johannesburg.
Gum (chappies)
Gum has always been a staple at street vendor stalls. In the past, many people referred to gum as 'chappies' - a brand that dates back to the 1940s and is one of the most iconic bubble gum brands.
Aside from its sweet flavour, part of the fun was opening the wrapper and discovering the little trivia messages printed inside. Today, vendors sell a variety of colourful gum brands, but the nostalgia around Chappies still lives on.
A single gum can cost around 30 cents, and many vendors sell three pieces for R1.
Cadbury and smoothie sweets
Another sweet treat you’ll often find is small chocolate candies called Cadbury. These are bite-sized chocolates that have been popular for decades.
Alongside them, vendors also sell smoothies, which are sweet and refreshing. They’re not overly sugary and are often enjoyed for their breath-freshening properties. Smoothies also come in different flavours.
Typically, these sweets sell for about 50 cents each, or three for R1.
Dizimba
Mazimba, or simply simbas, are crunchy snacks similar to NikNaks, but with their own distinct flavour.
They’re usually packed in small transparent plastic bags and come in different flavours and colours:
- Red: tomato or chilli tomato
- Orange: cheese
- Brown: beef
These snacks are particularly popular with school children and are a quick, savoury bite for anyone on the move.
A packet usually costs between R3 and R5.
There is also mashwamshwam - a beloved puffed snack that is light, airy, and full of flavour. These soft puffs come in different shapes and colours, with flavours such as tomato, cheese and spicy varieties.
Some are even known for temporarily colouring your tongue - something kids find particularly entertaining. Because they’re easy to snack on, mashwamshwam are especially popular with younger customers.
Packets usually cost between R4 and R5, depending on the size.
Skopas
Lastly, there is Skopas, a colourful, flavoured popcorn that many Joburgers love. Unlike traditional popcorn, skopas are slightly sweet and coated in bright colours.
They’re crunchy and delicious. Sold in clear plastic packets, their bright colours often catch the eye from afar.
A packet of Skopas typically sells for around R5.
With just R10 in your pocket, a quick walk down a busy street in Jozi can easily leave you with a handful of sweets, a packet of Zimbas, and something crunchy to nibble on during your lunch break.
But beyond the snacks themselves, the vendors represent something deeper - the warmth, familiarity, and community spirit that makes Johannesburg’s streets feel like home.
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