A recent food tour in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, proved to be an eye-opening experience, transforming initial apprehension into delight. The tour, led by Kganyapa Kganyapa from Exotically Divine, began and ended at the historic Drill Hall, a 1904-built symbol of British victory over the Boers now transformed into a calm eco-sanctuary and community hub. The Drill Hall's parking lot served as a serene oasis amidst the chaos of the surrounding streets.
The guided tour took participants through various diaspora street markets, including Nigerian, Mozambican, Tanzanian, Congolese, and Ethiopian hubs. Kganyapa and his team, Ayanda Dludla and Nono, have spent years mapping out the exact locations and alleyways of these markets, earning the respect of the local community. As the tour progressed, participants were greeted with warm welcomes and exposed to a wide variety of flavors, sights, and sounds.
One of the key stops on the tour was the Nigerian market, where participants sampled jollof rice, plantains, yams, okra, and meat, while being warmly greeted by vendors. The tour also visited the area around Marble Towers, known as Little Addis, where traditional Ethiopian coffee was served with popcorn in a cozy coffee house. Throughout the tour, participants were treated to a range of local delicacies, from soursop and coconut water to fresh vegetables.
The food philosophy behind the tour is rooted in the Ital dietary practice, created by the Jamaican Rastafari movement, which emphasizes whole, plant-based foods provided by the earth. Kganyapa, a Lesotho-born guide, sees potential to shape lives in the inner city by creating work from waste and using it to make art. His team, including Ayanda and Nono, are passionate about community wellness, urban greening, and social media.
The Drill Hall, a site of significant historical importance, was the location of the preliminary hearings of the 1956 Treason Trial, in which 156 leaders of the Congress Alliance, including Nelson Mandela, were charged with high treason. After a fire in 2002, the Johannesburg Development Agency invested R10-million in refurbishments, but the site remained underutilized until Kganyapa and his team took over.
The tour culminated in a vegan meal at the Drill Hall's eating space, where participants sat on cushions on the floor to enjoy a plant-based meal. The meal was a testament to the team's culinary skills, honed from their previous experiences running a restaurant in Melville and trading at the Market on Main in Maboneng. The community-driven initiative has created a unique space that combines food, art, and community.
The Exotically Divine team, led by Kganyapa, aims to reimagine the city by transforming neglected spaces into vibrant hubs of activity. Their efforts have created a different wealth in Joburg, one that prioritizes nature, community, and creativity. As the tour came to a close, participants left with a newfound appreciation for the area's hidden gems and the people who are working to create positive change.
Key points
- The food tour showcases Hillbrow's diverse cultural heritage and community-driven initiatives.
- The tour is led by Kganyapa Kganyapa from Exotically Divine, a community hub that combines food, art, and nature.
- The initiative aims to reimagine the city by transforming neglected spaces into vibrant hubs of activity.
