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“Johannesburg is just an amazing city,” says Thato Vincent Maleka, a proud Joburger and passionate tour guide who has dedicated much of his life to exploring and sharing the city’s hidden gems.
Born and raised in Johannesburg, Thato has lived in and experienced various parts of the city, giving him a deep appreciation for its diversity and character. From a young age, he made it his mission to discover some of the best spots that Joburg has to offer, many of them hidden in plain sight.
A true creative at heart, Thato wears many hats. He is a model, has featured as an extra in local television productions, worked in the commercial space, and served as a tour guide for the Underground Booksellers Walking Tour, a three hour tour which explores some of the best bookstores in the city. He says it was through guiding others that his love for the city grew even deeper.
“Working as a tour guide has taught me a lot,” he says. Through his work, Thato has helped both locals and tourists understand why Johannesburg remains one of South Africa’s most sought-after tourist destinations.
According to Thato, Joburg caters to everyone’s tastes. “If you want traditional meals, if you want a steak, chicken, the best coffee, the greatest bar or a sports centre - it’s all here,” he explains. Over the years, he has taken pride in introducing people to the many hidden gems scattered across the city.
Having lived in different parts of the city and being exposed to neighbourhoods such as Maboneng, Braamfontein, Marshalltown, Gandhi Square Precinct, Yeoville, and Berea, Thato believes Johannesburg’s richness lies in its unmatched neighbourhoods. “My favourite was Braamfontein, where the students are. That’s where I spent most of my time, just chilling with students,” he recalls.
One of the rich heritage sites that Thato loves is Constitution Hill, a former prison complex which has now been transformed into a living museum. This is struggle where veterans such as Nelson Mandela spent years behind bars fighting for the freedom of South Africa.
Thato is convinced that no one can visit Johannesburg and leave without falling in love with it. “Everyone loves Johannesburg once you get to experience what it has within. There’s so much love in Joburg. There are stories - stories in the food we eat, stories in the arts, stories in the buildings, and stories in the streets,” he says.
One aspect of the city he is particularly passionate about is its literary culture. Thato says Johannesburg is filled with incredible spaces where people can discover books that carry the country’s history and educational value. His time as a guide for the Underground Booksellers Walking Tour left a lasting impression. “Getting to see the city library opening, travelling underground, seeing four floors of archived sections - the whole history. You get newspapers from the 1800s, old Christmas cards from years back,” he explains.
“There are booksellers all over Joburg, and quite a lot of street libraries too,” he adds. “The booksellers themselves can tell some of the greatest stories.”
Another thing Thato appreciates about Johannesburg is that it caters to all budgets. “Joburg is not that expensive - it just depends on what kind of entertainment you’re looking for,” he says. From live performances in Maboneng and art galleries across the city to cycling routes from Maboneng to Newtown and back, there is always something to do.
He also recommends the Carlton Centre Shopping Mall, where visitors can watch a movie, play games or shop until they drop. One of his favourite hidden gems is The Rand Club. “You get mind-blowing art and the whole history. There’s a strict dress code. There’s live jazz, a nice restaurant - although it is quite pricey,” he says.
For accommodation, Thato highly recommends The Franklin, which he praises for its live performances, bar and restaurant.
When it comes to a great place to get drinks, Bank City tops his list. “It’s fun. There’s Food Lovers, a bar, 101 on Fraser - that’s where I usually go for drinks,” he says.
For meat lovers, Thato suggests Weed Lovers near Gandhi Square for the best steak. When hunger really strikes, he says Pata Pata in Maboneng is a must-visit. “The art inside the restaurant is amazing, and there’s also live performances,” he adds.
For Thato, Johannesburg is more than just a city - it’s an experience, and through his work, he continues to show people why Joburg is a place worth exploring, and falling in love with.
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