The economic jewel of SOWETO

The south western township of South Africa (SOWETO) has for a long time been entrenched in this South Africa's road to freedom. As you drive in to Soweto it is hard not to notice the past that our country has emerged from, tin shanties surrounded by emerging developments draped with reminders of South Africa’s political past still seen in some of the graffiti that line building walls.

Driving casually into Soweto taking in the scenery, I found myself thinking of how proud I am of being South African. As the road straightened, I saw in the emerging distance Maponya Mall for the first time.

This shopping mall was opened in September 2007 by visionary, Richard Maponya who actually bought the land in the 1980's and awaited the African Renaissance to 'make his dream come true'.

You may ask if it’s just another shopping mall that caters for your retail pleasure and the answer would be yes. Maponya Mall comes into its own as a destination that must be seen. When you are here, you start to realise were this beautiful country has come from. You can still see the broken chains that once bound its progress. Now free, South Africa an emerging nation that welcomes visitors into what was once considered the political centre for South Africa’s uprising.

Maponya Mall has an expansive parking space and is well secured. As you enter you can’t help but notice the grand elephant outside, surrounded by the glass, stone and steel, this is the feeling you are presented with, a modernistic Africa but still Africa. The large amount of natural light that is seen, softens the interior that otherwise would normally have been like any other mall. However Maponya Mall shines as the central meeting place where Africa open up her arms to learn and even mingle with the West.

There are trendy coffee shops and at least one very popular cocktail lounge and if its retail therapy you are looking for then designer and fashionable couture is what you have to have, Maponya Mall delivers this with a twist of Africa. At the moment all you will get to for fill your gastronomical requests would be fast food stores and popular SA restaurateurs catering to your needs, do keep in mind that the scene has been set for some fine African dinning.

Post courtesy of Mervyn Sigamoney

Madiba's second home

A few years ago a huge six metre bronze statue graced the ground at the then Sandton Square, a tourist destination located in the Sandton CBD. Now called, the Nelson Mandela Square, the significant big brother to Sandton City has become a gateway to luxurious shopping and feasting for the ordinary consumer.

South Africans call the Square, Madiba's second home because it is Nelson Mandela's life-like statue that graces it. One can find just about any type of fine eatery at the Square, which makes the day- and nighttime settings reminiscent to that of European cities that have similar versions called plazas.

Regular updates on the entertainment listings ensures that one will not go bored on a starry Summer's night at Nelson Mandela Square. Be sure when you visit to stop off at the Hagen Daaz or Baglios stores for some delectable and mouthwatering ice cream flavours that will titillate your taste-buds.

If shopping is what you planning to do then one floor up from the main entrance to Square are some of the best clothing stores that you can pick up a bargain or two. Young Designers Emporium or Y.D.E. as it is known has an awesome selection of young, hip local designers that you should check it if you're hunting for a once-in-a-lifetime outfit that you can be sure no one else in the world will be able to own once you buy it.

If opulent accommodation is what you're in search of then look no further than the stunning Michaelangelo Hotel. I have not yet had the opportunity to stay at the hotel, but the raving reviews that I've heard, definitely puts the Michaelangelo up there with some of the best hotel chains in the world. Lastly, one has no choice but to try out the hotel's scrumptious Afternoon Tea so if you have a few hours to spare. be sure to relax and catch up on a good cup of tea and a scone ;-)

Sandton City: A shopping haven

Living in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg almost guarantees you a regular pass into Sandton City, one of SA's most popular shopping malls. Now I've been visiting the center ever since I could walk, and that's due to the fact that one is never spoilt for choice with all the stores that entice you to come in and shop.

You'll find an array of shops that will offer you anything from shoes, food to toys for your pets. Sandton City has also changed quite a bit over the years and is now recognised as an international shopping and entertainment destination for tourists visiting South Africa.

With stores like Mango, Cartier and Louis Vuitton popping up in the line-up, visitors will be made to feel right at home, but I'm sure you've heard of the phrase, 'local is lekker', which means guests must be sure to try out the excellent range of local design talent that is on offer as well.

If you're looking for a good dining experience, Sandton City will not disappoint with its interesting array of restaurants and take-out food outlets. If you're looking for an affordable seafood dinner, be sure to try out the Cape Town Fish Market, which has the most divine sushi and seafood menu. I'd personally put my stamp on their prawn dishes, as they have some of the best meals I've tasted outside of my own Mom's cooking ;-)

Montecasino comes to Life

As I explained in my last post, I played tour guide to my cousins who visited me from sunny Durban and Pietermaritzburg during December. I wanted to truly show them some good entertainment spots in Jozi so we took a drive to Montecasino, one of Johannesburg's top entertainment spots.

'Monte' as I fondly call it, is a R1.4 million premier gaming, retail and leisure complex located near Fourways which is in the north of Johannesburg. It is run by the Tsogo Sun, a well-known international gaming company in South Africa.

Montecasino's design is aimed at replicating an old world Tuscan hilltop village, and the architecture does bring the spirit of Tuscany to life with its artistically rendered decor. Montecasino has a casino area with more than 1,700 slot machines and 70 gaming tables, as well as the 5-star InterContinental Palazzo Hotel, which boasts a first class conferencing venue.

The Pieter Toerien's Theatre and unique shopping and dining experiences make Montecasino a must-see and it has become a famous hang spot for many a celebrity. A local radio station, Jacaranda 94.2 fm even broadcasts its live radio shows from within Montecasino, which keeps the complex well within the trendy scene in Johannesburg.

There is something for the whole family at Montecasino, with the Magic Company family entertainment centre, the 15-screen Nu Metro cinema complex, Boogaloos skate park and the star attraction, the Montecasino Bird Gardens.

I've been to a show at the Bird Gardens and it was awesome, considering the great things the nature conservancies nearby are trying to do for the wild bird life in and around the area. "Nunsensations" is also an entertaining musical revue that you can catch at the theatre in Montecasino if you're looking for light-hearted entertainment.

The newly constructed Teatro was commissioned by Tsogo Sun at close to R100 million and is one of the 10 largest lyric theaters in the world. With this new construction came a host of famous eateries and the rugby field sized Piazza Hotel, and magical fountains, which is a real treat to watch in the evenings.

Montecasino is ideally located for everyone in Gauteng, situated only a few hundred metres from the off-ramps of major highways from Pretoria, the East Rand, the West Rand and O.R. Tambo International Airport.

Montecasino Teatro presents The Lion King

I hope you are well into the spirit of a new year upon us and are ready for some exciting new experiences in 2008! I spent part of my time over the holidays entertaining my cousins who were visiting from Durban and Pietermaritzburg.

Apart from the usual movie-going activities, we decided to make the holidays a little more memorable so I managed to land us tickets to one of the hottest musicals in South Africa, The Lion King.

The show is currently on at the Montecasino Teatro in Fourways, JHB. Due to its ever-increasing popularity, it has been extended for a second time and will go on till 17 February 2008.

The Teatro was packed to capacity in a well- air conditioned theatre that very likely looked like it could seat close to 1,962 people. The newly constructed Teatro was commissioned by Tsogo Sun at close to R100 million and is one of the 10 largest lyric theaters in the world.

The performance of The Lion King is a feast for the eyes and ears and should you be visiting Johannesburg in the next month, you should definitely book your tickets to the show as soon as possible, as they are hot property and go pretty fast.