Welcome to Local Intel, your ultimate guide to experiencing Johannesburg like a true insider. In this series, we sit down with local personalities, tastemakers, and city enthusiasts to unlock their most cherished spots, their go-to experiences, and the untold stories that make this city so utterly captivating. Forget the guidebooks, this is your direct line to authentic Joburg.
From Ponte Tower to prime-time radio, Bryce Clarke, better known as DJ Ankletap, or Malume Tap to his fans, knows Joburg like few others. The seasoned broadcaster, who recently joined Jacaranda FM, brings his signature wit and deep love for the city to Time Out’s Local Intel series.
A true Joburg loyalist, Ankletap has lived in 13 different locations across the city over 15 years, giving him a unique perspective on its vibrant and diverse offerings.
"I actually lived in Hillbrow. I lived in Ponte Tower on the 51st floor. The views were ridiculous. I mean from the one side of my apartment, I could see all the way to the Union Buildings, and on the other side of the apartment, I could see all the way to the Dome in Northgate."
Ankletap believes that Joburgers often take for granted that their city "doesn't sleep" and is a true "cultural and pop culture hub."
"We've got everything except an ocean, and even then, if you're looking for water-based activities, we have that too. Joburg hosts nearly all major concerts, sporting events, and cultural gatherings in South Africa. People from other cities often have to travel hundreds of kilometres to experience events that Joburg residents can access with a short Uber ride, and we sometimes take that for granted."
We asked him to spill the beans on his perfect day in Johannesburg, from where he gets his coffee to the spot with the best shisa nyama (traditional barbecue) in town.
My go-to spot for a coffee date would have to be Motherland Coffee Co in Dunkeld. It’s a cosy spot, nestled away in the corner of the Dunkeld shopping centre, right next to the flower market. The coffee is great, and they’re just so awesome. I’ve been going there for years.
There’s a little place called Cnr Café in Craighall Park right next to Delta Park, and it’s an underrated spot in the city for coffee and great food. I discovered it when I lived in Craighall Park for two years. I actually lived above the Café, so I was a regular there.
When it comes to comfort food, I’m definitely heading to Soweto for shisa nyama. As a South African, that’s my idea of comfort food. Sakhumzi Restaurant on Vilakazi Street is one of my favourite spots. Another is Chaf Pozi, near the Orlando Towers. The Orlando Towers is also great for adventure seekers, you can bungee jump or do the SCAD free fall off the towers, but I go there for the meat. I think they’ve got some of the best braai meat in the country.
If timing allows, attending a Soweto Derby at Soccer City or Orlando Stadium is probably one of the best cultural experiences someone could have in Johannesburg. This football rivalry between Premiership teams, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, is one of the biggest rivalries in the country and always attracts a full house. The vibe and camaraderie between supporters are an amazing experience.
Honestly, there's no better place than JoJo's Rooftop Lounge in Maboneng for a night out at a live music venue. Located on the rooftop of the Lifestyle Centre on Fox Street, JoJo's has three dance floors and live music five nights a week. You never know what you're going to get when you go there, but one thing is for sure: you’re guaranteed to see a major local artist performing, and I love it for that. It's a versatile spot, accommodating both summer rooftop vibes and cosy winter nights downstairs.
Alto234 Bar is a great place to go to show off the city if entertaining guests from out of town, or just enjoy the city if you're a local. It's on the rooftop of The Leonardo in Sandton, and it's the highest urban bar on the continent, so you get beautiful 360-degree views of the city, and it's just a beautiful place to sip a drink and enjoy the sunset.
A cool cultural experience in Soweto is just walking down Vilikazi Street from top to bottom. While there, you have to visit Mandela House and the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum and get some traditional food.
I’m a very avid golfer, and there isn’t a better place for that than Joburg. Joburg is like a golfer's paradise with us having 27 of the Top 100 courses in South Africa right here in our backyard. My top 3 courses are Steyn City (a Jack Nicklaus-designed course), Blair Atholl(the third-longest course in the world), and Royal Johannesburg (one of the most prestigious golf clubs in the country).
To relax and unwind, I like to drive out to Hartbeespoort, specifically the Pecanwood side. There's a lot to do there, like the Upside Down House, you can also enjoy a boat ride on "The Alba" for a lunchtime or sunset cruise.
RECOMMENDED
🛏️ Where to stay in Johannesburg
🏨 The best hotels in Johannesburg
🍽 The best restaurants in Johannesburg
🍺 The best pubs and bars in Johannesburg
Follow Time Out Johannesburg on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram!
Discover Time Out original video
