Poelano Malema is an expert writer with over 15 years of experience producing work for some of the biggest radio station websites in South Africa. She holds a degree in Journalism with experience in print, digital and radio.

Her passions lie in food, travel, music and bringing people’s stories to life  something she has done successfully for more than a decade.

Her favourite saying is that your life is a book that is being read and will continue to tell a story even when you have transcended to the next life.

Poelano Malema

Poelano Malema

City Writer, Time Out South Africa

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News (22)

US stars Griff and Deon Cole booked for Laugh Africa Comedy Festival

US stars Griff and Deon Cole booked for Laugh Africa Comedy Festival

Prepare for non-stop jokes at this year's Laugh Africa Comedy Festival, which will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre from 2 to 4 May 2025. The event is aimed at comedy lovers from all across South Africa thanks to its diverse line-up of comedians and their different comedic styles.From stand-up to sketches and musical comedy, those with tickets are in for a treat.  As a special drawcard, this year's event will feature international stars Griff and Deon Cole. Big names within the South African comedy industry like Rob Van Vuuren, Celeste Ntuli, Trevor Gumbi, Tumi Morake, Loyiso Gola, Bongani Bingwa, Rian Van Heerden, Manilla Von Teez, Eugene Khoza, Robby Collins, Nina Hastie, Felix Hlophe, Ntosh Madlingozi, Kagiso ‘KG’ Mokgadi and Mark Banks will also be taking to the stage. 'The Roast of Helen Zille' will be recorded for Showmax on Friday, 2 May - and you don't want to miss that! The three-day festival promises to be lots of fun with not just comedy, but also thrilling games and fantastic prizes.  Tickets cost R425 and can be purchased on Ticketpro. RECOMMENDED🛏️ Where to stay in Johannesburg🏨 The best hotels in Johannesburg🍽 The best restaurants in Johannesburg🍺 The best pubs and bars in Johannesburg
Travelling by taxi in Johannesburg? Important phrases and hand signals

Travelling by taxi in Johannesburg? Important phrases and hand signals

Taxis are the most common form of public transportation in Johannesburg, although there are other varieties.Over ten million people in South Africa use taxis because they are an affordable, convenient option. They also offer the opportunity to connect with others while on the way to your destination.Taxis operate on designated roads, and the first step to getting a taxi is knowing where to stop. There are four main taxi ranks: Bree, Noord, Wanderers and Faraday. However, you can also get a taxi on routes such as Commissioner, Klein and Small streets. Getting a taxi that goes to your destinationMultiple taxis might use the same route. Therefore, it is important to use the correct hand signal so that the taxi going to your desired destination will stop.Pointing your index finger down indicates that you desire a local ride, meaning you want to go from one location to another inside the same zone.An index finger pointed up means you are going to town. Folding your fist and moving it up and down means you want to go to the train station. Indicating when you want to get offWhile in a taxi, there are common phrases used to indicate where you want to get off. 'Shot right' means you want the driver to stop at the next junction on the right. When you say ‘circle’, you indicate that you want to get off before or after the roundabout. Saying ‘after the robot’ means you want to get off after the traffic lights. When you say ‘bridge’, you want to get off next to the bridge.  RECOMMENDED 📍
The Rand Show 2025: What's on the cards?

The Rand Show 2025: What's on the cards?

Are you ready for some Easter fun? The Rand Show has officially kicked off. The event started with a bang on Thursday, 17 April, and will run until Monday, 21 April. The gates opened at 9am at the Johannesburg Expo Centre and crowds were already queuing outside, waiting to enjoy one of Gauteng's biggest entertainment events of the year.As you enter the venue, there is a big 'Welcome' sign at the gates where tickets can be bought, ranging from R90 to R120. There are multiple gates of entry, depending on where you have parked or what activity you want to start with. Parking tickets are R30. Time OutWelcome Rand Show Essential guide to activities Fun for the young onesThis year's event features a huge bounce castle, the size of a rugby field. The castle is at the entrance of gate 5. Time OutBig Bounce Rand Show Young and old will have the time of their lives at the Ocean Wanders experience in Hall 8. The section offers an incredible underwater digital world experience, with amazing displays, exhibitions and educational material.Right next to the Ocean Wanders is the MamaMagic Baby Expo – South Africa’s favourite parenting expo, and several stores that sell baby items.Inside the hall is a big stage for kiddies plays where kids will get to experience the Magic Man of Atlanta, MamaMagic, BeeBee the Bee, Dienkie en Doedels and many others.There is a section for feeding and changing nappies. Toddlers are also catered for in the colourful nursery room.Other fun activities for kids
A sneak peek at the new Waterfall Walk shopping centre

A sneak peek at the new Waterfall Walk shopping centre

The Waterfall Walk shopping centre has just opened in Midrand.  The centre looks neat and stunning with contemporary architectural design and beautiful scenery along with lush vegetation. It is an ideal place to go if you still want to shop and grab a bite. The centre is located on the corner of Allandale and Bekker Road next to Waterfall Ridge centre in Vorna Valley.  Waterfall Walk is easy to navigate with ample parking and 26 stores.  Time OutWaterfall Walk There is a big Woolworths food market for your grocery shopping.  Get yourself freshly baked treats at the Bakehouse or indulge in a delectable meal from Malt Barrel and Fire, and complete your dining experience with dessert from Paul's Ice Cream. Look stunning with outfits from Chirpy Chix and Eden Fusion. The new Waterfall Walk Shopping Centre is an ideal place to go for your beauty treatments at the IV bar or the Revive Skin & Body Clinic.  Other stores include Clicks and Absolute Pets. Kauai and Tiger's Milk are scheduled to open soon. Operating hours are Monday through Friday from 9am to 6pm, Saturday from 9am to 5pm, and Sunday along with Public Holidays from 9am to 3pm. Time OutWaterfall walk shopping centre
Visit Rietvlei Zoo Farm for a spectacular Easter celebration

Visit Rietvlei Zoo Farm for a spectacular Easter celebration

The world will be celebrating Easter this Sunday, 20 April. It is one of the biggest holidays of the year. Thousands of people, including scores of South Africans, attend Easter celebrations such as religious gatherings and events, while others visit family members or go on vacation during the long weekend. If you are in the Johannesburg area, the Rietvlei Zoo Farm in Alberton has a lineup of fun family events to ensure your Easter is one to remember. The zoo is hosting a fun walk this Easter long weekend. Dress in Easter Bunny ears, fun accessories, tutus, hats, and wigs and prepare to join the Rietvlei Park run. The fun run occurs on Saturday, 19 April, from 08h00. Whether you choose to run or just want to enjoy walking on the trail this Easter weekend – it’s fun and free! Dogs on leash are welcome to join you for the experience. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rietvlei Zoo Farm (@rietvleizoofarm) What’s a celebration without a great meal? Enjoy a picnic or braai with your loved ones on the farm. The zoo farm has stunning views and will open its picnic park daily from 09h00 to 17h00 over the long weekend. So, pack your Easter eggs, hot cross buns, drinks and snacks and enjoy a great meal with your loved ones. Remember to pack your picnic blankets. If you don’t want to prepare the food yourself, you can spoil yourself at the on-site restaurant, which sells a variety of delicacies, including African traditional food such as mogodu (tripe) and
Johannesburg to host World Union of Wholesale Markets Conference 2025

Johannesburg to host World Union of Wholesale Markets Conference 2025

For the first time in history, the World Union of Wholesale Markets (WUWM) Conference is coming to Africa.  Johannesburg, the continent's richest city, will host the prestigious event, which will bring together global leaders in the fresh food trade, market authorities, policymakers, and investors.  "Johannesburg is proud to serve as the gateway to Africa for this important gathering, which brings together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators from around the world," says Sello Makhubela, the Chief Executive Officer of Joburg Market.  The conference will be held from 14 to 16 May 2025 at Africa's largest fresh produce hub, the  Joburg Market, on 14-16 May 2025. "As South Africa’s economic hub and home to Joburg Market, the largest fresh produce market in the country, we are uniquely positioned to facilitate meaningful discussions on food security, sustainability, and the modernization of wholesale markets. I encourage you to take full advantage of this platform to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and explore innovative strategies that will shape the future of our markets," adds Makhubela.  The Joburg market includes retailers, shop owners, street vendors, and restaurant owners. It caters to roughly 5,000 farmers from all over South Africa and contains 55 cold storage units holding 4,561 pallets of fresh produce. It opens Monday through Saturday at 5 a.m.  For more than four decades, the WUWM has been hosting conferences in different cities around the world, focusi
Indulge in a culinary journey with the Sunday Seven Colours Lunch at Maslow Sandton

Indulge in a culinary journey with the Sunday Seven Colours Lunch at Maslow Sandton

Plan your perfect Sunday lunch at Maslow Sandton with their seven-colour meal special.   Many South African families have been enjoying the seven-colours Sunday lunch for centuries. This meal typically consists of colourful foods, including rice, meat, beetroot, pumpkin, potato salad, gravy, and chakalaka or coleslaw. It is served on a Sunday and is often enjoyed with a glass of fizzy drinks or ginger beer and music playing in the background. Dessert typically includes jelly and custard. This kind of meal brings families together and helps create beautiful memories.  The Maslow Sandton Hotel offers families the chance to savour the seven-colour meal without the stress of cooking a large meal or washing dishes after preparing such a feast. The special takes place on the first and last Sunday of the month from 27 April 2025 until the end of September, from 13h30 to 16h30. The cost is just R395 per person, and children aged 3-10 years pay R190. The restaurant serves traditional meals with a modern twist. Visitors can enjoy a variety of foods such as the famous steamed bread, dombolo,  rice, coleslaw, spinach, lamb and fish. Complete the meal with desserts such as ice cream, malva pudding or milk tart. FULL MENU Doughs· Selection of breads Focaccia| Amagwinya| Dombolo Salads· Curried 3 bean salad· Potato salad· Ruby red coleslaw· Pasta sausage salad Sides· Roasted cinnamon butternut· Creamed spinach· Broccoli and cauliflower gratin· Aromatic basmati rice· Creamy samp risotto· Has
Johannesburg restaurants shine at 2025 Eat Out Awards

Johannesburg restaurants shine at 2025 Eat Out Awards

Johannesburg's top restaurants stole the spotlight at this year's Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards. The awards ceremony took place at the Baxter Theatre Centre in Cape Town on Monday, 31 March, and industry leaders, chefs and restaurant owners gathered to honour the finest in the culinary field.  Restaurants were awarded with one, two or three stars based on their dining experience, food quality, technique, service, ambience and value. Restaurants that scored over 90 out of 100 got a three-star rating, those that scored between 80 and 89 received a two-star rating, while those who scored between 70 and 79 received one star. The Les Créatifs Restaurant in Bryanston, Johannesburg received a one-star rating. It was established in 2019 by Chef Wandile Mabaso. The restaurant serves four course meals for R1250 which consists of Hout Bay tuna, Midlands beef tongue, vegetable tartare, duck leg and calamari, goat and Karoo lamb loin. Wine pairing is R2050 while cocktail pairing is R1750. See the menu here.Marble Restaurant in Rosebank also received a one-star rating. Read more about it here.Culinary Table in Lanseria was also awarded with a one-star rating. This unique restaurant serves a variety of dishes that are made using ingredients picked from its own garden. So, there is no set menu. The dishes are seasonal, based on what is in their garden.Zioux in Sandton received one star for its Asian dishes coupled with amazing cocktails that are sure to impress anyone who is a food fa
Rea Vaya introduces free Wi-Fi for commuters

Rea Vaya introduces free Wi-Fi for commuters

Joburg commuters who use the Rea Vaya buses will now enjoy free Wi-Fi at Rea Vaya stations across the city. The free Wi-Fi service kicked off this week, with the launch taking place at the Soccer City Rea Vaya station on Monday, 31 March 2025. The Joburg Metropolitan Trading Company (MTC), which is a leading Johannesburg-based Broadband and Technology Company, is the service provider of the free internet connection. 'The initiative forms part of the City of Johannesburg's vision to connect our residents - whether they're commuting, working or staying in touch with their loved ones,' announced Rea Vaya.  The launch was attended by MMC for Transport, Cllr Kenny Kunene, and MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela.  “MTC is proud to deliver this essential service to Joburg’s commuters,” said MTC CEO Thedi Moropa in a statement. “We are committed to leveraging technology to improve the urban experience, and this rollout is a testament to that commitment. It’s about making Johannesburg a more liveable, efficient, and connected City for all,” Thedi added.  Cllr Kunene stated that providing commuters with complimentary internet access will empower them to thrive, especially in the days of technology where access to information is crucial.  “This initiative is about more than just internet access; it’s about building an inclusive and smart city where every commuter has the tools to thrive in the 21st century. It aligns with our vision of a modern, interconnected Johannesb
DJ Sbu to open online-only Johannesburg restaurant

DJ Sbu to open online-only Johannesburg restaurant

New restaurant alert for the people of Johannesburg.  Celebrity entrepreneur DJ Sbu is ready to serve you some flavour!  More than ten years after DJ Sbu launched his MoFaya energy drink, he has ventured into the culinary business. You can now enjoy his beverage alongside a hot, fresh meal from his restaurant.The media personality announced the opening of Mzakes Kitchen this week on social media. Taking to Instagram, he shared photos showcasing some of the food options that his restaurant will be specialising in. From wings and ribs to chips and steak, there is something for everyone!  He also announced that Mzakes Kitchen specialises in African flavours.  Renowned chef Simele Shange, who is the co-founder of Jozi Cloud Kitchens, is the main man behind the meals.   The entrepreneur announced that the restaurant will begin operating from the Easter weekend. Delivery will be available on Uber Eats throughout Johannesburg.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by DJ Sbu (@djsbulive) View this post on Instagram A post shared by DJ Sbu (@djsbulive)   Recommended 📍 The best things to do in Johannesburg🏨 Where to stay in Johannesburg☕️ The 11 best burger restaurants in Johannesburg
Gautrain announces R1 a day parking special from April until July

Gautrain announces R1 a day parking special from April until July

Gautrain has announced a four-month special for rail users in Gauteng.  The high-speed rail service, which operates in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Ekurhuleni, is currently running a R1 a day parking special from 1 April 2025 to 31 July 2025. This will see customers save big on their monthly parking fees at the stations. The normal parking rate ranges from free for 0-15 minutes to R134 a day.  The special is valid at any Gautrain parking facility and is subject to parking space availability and the provision of commuters completing a return train journey. Read more info here.  The news comes after the rail service announced in March that it would be 'adapting its products and services to make travel more accessible for a diverse range of passengers'.  According to the rail network's statement on their website, hybrid working has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, which has had an impact on the number of people who commute to work daily. “The days of a predictable 9-to-5, Monday through Friday commute are over. Passengers are demanding that we run a frequent service throughout the day and offer dynamic pricing to suit their hybrid work schedules. And with the rising cost of living, cost is increasingly becoming the sole determinant when choosing a mode of transport,” said Gautrain Management Agency CEO, Tshepo Kgobe. As a result, the operator announced that it will be introducing new services to meet the needs of its customers.  “The rapid rail extensions from current Gautra
Johannesburg Heritage Foundation to reopen Blockhouse Museum

Johannesburg Heritage Foundation to reopen Blockhouse Museum

After closing in January, The Blockhouse Museum is ready to open its doors to the public. The Johannesburg Heritage Foundation has announced that the museum, located 57km from the central business district (CBD), will officially reopen on Saturday, 7 June. The event will feature prominent guests, including Prof Kathy Munro, the chair of the Heritage Association of South Africa. The museum was closed due to renovations. “We were closed for exciting upgrades and additions to the property,” says Herman Venter, the property manager. He adds that the public must visit to see the thrilling additions to the property, including the new shops. Tickets for the re-opening cost R150 per person. All proceeds will be donated to the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation. The museum offers a journey through history. The Blockhouse Museum’s website states that ‘During the Anglo-Boer War, the British constructed “The Blockhouses” with the primary mission of safeguarding critical military structures, including railway lines, bridges, military bases, and essential supply routes.’ There is a 6km circular trail to undertake that passes by an original blockhouse, which has remained intact for over 120 years. The trail leads onto the Mule Trail, which was constructed by the British Army during the Anglo-Boer War to provide supplies to the blockhouses situated atop the Kalkheuwel hills. The hike is pet-friendly. The museum has an on-site pub and restaurant where visitors can enjoy delicious meals and drin