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Woman Who Moves the City: Janice Wagner on Building Edge, Backing Yourself and Holding the Door Open
Driven. Curious. Slightly mad. That is how Janice Wagner describes herself, and considering she chose both recruitment and boxing voluntarily, she may have a point. A Chartered Accountant by training, Janice took an unexpected turn into recruitment and never looked back. In 2011, she founded Edge Executive Search from the loft of her home, with her cat Diesel as her first unofficial colleague. Today, Edge has grown into a Group of Companies, Janice is the Managing Director of Kestria South Africa, and in 2026 she was named Woman of Stature CEO of the Year. But despite the growth, awards and executive titles, the heart of her work remains simple: people. For our Women Who Move Joburg series, we spoke to Janice about building a business from scratch, leadership, 5am gym sessions, why she would box in heels if she could, and the importance of holding the door open for the women coming up behind you. Tell us a little about yourself and what you do. I’m Janice Wagner, a Chartered Accountant who somehow ended up falling completely in love with recruitment. I’m the CEO of Edge Executive Search, a business I started in 2011 from the loft of my home, with my cat Diesel as my first unofficial colleague. He was there at the very beginning of Edge and, sadly, we lost him this year, so he will always be a special part of the story. Today, Edge looks very different from that little business in the loft. We’ve grown into a Group of Companies, and I’m also the Managing Director of Kestria South Africa, representing South Africa within the world’s largest executive search alliance. At Edge, we find exceptional people for exceptional organisations, particularly at executive and senior leadership level. But I’ve never believed recruitment is simply about filling a vacancy. We’re dealing with people’s careers, livelihoods and ambitions, while helping businesses find the people who can genuinely change their trajectory. That human connection is still the part I love most. Outside of work, I box, train and love spending time with the people closest to me. I’m generally happiest when I’m being challenged, whether that’s in the boardroom or with boxing gloves on. What has been your proudest achievement so far? Winning Woman of Stature CEO of the Year 2026. It was an incredibly special moment. Building a business is not always glamorous. There are long days, difficult decisions, risks, mistakes and plenty of moments when you wonder what on earth you were thinking. To go from starting Edge in my loft with Diesel beside me to standing on that stage and being named CEO of the Year was quite surreal. I’m incredibly proud of it and very grateful for the people who have been part of the journey. Have there been women who have inspired or mentored you along the way? Absolutely. I think one of the greatest myths about successful women is that we somehow get there alone. I’ve been fortunate to meet and work alongside incredible women throughout my career, from colleagues and clients to fellow business owners and women I’ve met through Kestria and Woman of Stature. I’m inspired by women who are unapologetically themselves. Women who are kind without being pushovers, ambitious without apologising for it, and successful without pulling the ladder up behind them. I also think mentorship doesn’t always arrive with the label “mentor”. Sometimes it’s one conversation, one piece of advice, or simply watching another woman handle an incredibly difficult situation and thinking, “I want to remember that.” Describe yourself in three words. Driven. Curious. Slightly mad. You need the third one if you choose recruitment and boxing voluntarily. Early bird or night owl? Early bird. The gym waits for no CEO. Heels or sneakers? Heels. Always heels. If I could box in them, I would. Where do you get the best coffee in Joburg? Kauai at Virgin Active Cedar. Although I’m not entirely sure whether it’s the coffee or the added 5am gossip with my Fit Fam that makes it taste so good. What’s your favourite restaurant in Joburg? Pronto on Jan Smuts. A Joburg favourite for a reason. What’s one word your team would use to describe you? Driven. Although I suspect if you asked them when I wasn’t in the room, you might get some more colourful answers! I expect a lot from my team because I know what they’re capable of, but I also care deeply about them. I want people who work with me to grow, challenge me, have ideas and eventually become better at things than I am. Finally, if you could leave one message for every woman reading this, what would it be? Never let somebody else decide what you are capable of. Apply for the role. Start the business. Ask the question. Walk into the room. Learn the thing you think you’re too old to learn. Change direction if what you’re doing no longer makes you happy. Back yourself, even when doing so feels terrifying. And when you get through the door, hold it open for another woman. There’s room for all of us. A Woman Who Moves Joburg From a loft office with Diesel by her side to leading a growing group of companies and being named CEO of the Year, Janice’s journey is proof that careers do not always follow the route you originally planned. Sometimes the unexpected path turns out to be exactly the right one. And perhaps her most powerful measure of success is not simply getting through the door herself. It’s making sure another woman can walk through it next.
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Woman Who Moves the City: Yael Geffen on Courage, Authenticity and Making It Without Faking It
Courageous. Resilient. Candid. Those are the three words Yael Geffen uses to describe herself, and they tell you a lot about the woman behind the title. As CEO and shareholder of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, Yael leads a national premium real estate brand with 500 agents across South Africa. Although, ask her what she actually does and she’ll tell you she is the company’s “Chief Fireman or Bottle Washer.” Her journey to the top has been anything but conventional. At 22, she packed her bags and moved to New York City alone, ultimately spending six years in the United States. Along the way, she did everything from packing shoes in Queens and working as a receptionist at an animation studio to building a career in marketing, sales and strategy. Today, alongside leading the business, she is a professional speaker, writer, podcaster, mental health advocate and outspoken advocate against gender-based violence. For our Woman Who Moves the City series, we caught up with Yael about motherhood, courage, leadership, learning to ask for help and why women can absolutely make it without faking it. Tell us a little about yourself and what you do. My official work title is CEO and shareholder of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, a national premium real estate brand linked with Sotheby’s Auction House, which has a history spanning nearly 300 years. We have 500 real estate agents nationally, and I am the Chief Fireman or Bottle Washer! I also speak professionally, write articles and have my own little podcast called Podcast Parking Lot. I speak on stages about everything from property and entrepreneurship to female empowerment, personal branding and mental health. I am a staunch mental health advocate and an advocate against gender-based violence. Before all of this, I lived in New York and Los Angeles and did everything from packing shoes in Queens to being a receptionist at an animation studio before building my career in marketing, sales and strategy. What has been your proudest achievement so far? I am a rock star mom, and my boy is just the coolest, kindest human being. I'm also proud that I had the guts to leave at 22 and go live in New York City alone. I ended up staying in the USA for six years and made it by myself. A major career highlight was interviewing Dr Edith Eger. She was a Holocaust survivor from Auschwitz who went on to become a world-leading psychologist and New York Times bestselling author. I have the interview recorded, and it will always be an incredibly special moment for me. Have there been women who have inspired or mentored you along the way? Yes, I have a few, but I have to highlight Margaret Hirsch, who has helped shape my life. She is always available as a sounding board, whether it be professional or personal. It was always my intention to become a "mini Margaret" because I find her so inspiring and honest. I believe I now have a bit of a fan club myself, as women sometimes stare at me and then come up to tell me how much my content inspires them. At first, I honestly thought I had spinach in my teeth! Describe yourself in three words. Courageous. Resilient. Candid. What does a typical day in your life look like? I wake up and try to fit in a meditation while snuggling my pooch and my kid. Then it's the school run, followed by gym at 7am, a stretch, sauna and shower. I work best remotely because I'm more productive, but I check in with my team throughout the day. I also try to attend all the extra murals because I'm a hands-on mom. It makes life harder and more tiring, but we only have this time once. Then there's homework, a little mommy time with a candlelit bath and a podcast, supper with my little guy while watching a programme together, and usually a philosophical chat in bed. The weeks my son stays with his father look very different. I travel around the country visiting offices, signing new franchises, attending agent awards locally and internationally, having client dinners and delivering keynote talks. I've got packing down to a fine art! Exercise has also become a non-negotiable part of my life, whether I'm travelling or at home. It's more for my mental wellbeing than anything else. Early bird or night owl? I used to be a night owl, BC, before child! These days I'm normally awake by 5 or 5:30am. When my son is with his dad, I might occasionally binge-watch a series until late, but early mornings have definitely won. Heels or sneakers? Both! I'll wear sneakers to my events and then pop on the heels. When I lived in New York, I would strut around in heels for 20 blocks at a time and never even pack sneakers. These days, if I'm not at a glamorous event, it's fashion sneakers. My son has also contributed nicely to my collection. He used to be my shoe size and is now a size bigger, so I've inherited all his fabulous sneakers! Where do you get the best coffee in Joburg? At home! My Lavazza coffee with lactose-free milk and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. If I'm out, I enjoy Seattle Coffee. What's your favourite restaurant in Joburg? Modena in Parkhurst. Their spaghetti vongole is magic and the service is great. What's one word your team would use to describe you? Unstoppable. Is there a quote or motto you live by? I have a few. “Make it without faking it.” Whenever I go onto a stage to do a talk, I say out loud to myself: “I was born to do this.” There's also a Winnie-the-Pooh-inspired anecdote that has stayed with me. Piglet asks Pooh what the bravest thing he has ever said is, and Pooh's answer is simply: “Help.” I never used to ask for help, and I'm getting much better at it. I think that's a societal issue, especially for women. Finally, if you could leave one message for every woman reading this today, what would it be? You can make it without faking it. Lead from a place of authentic confidence. Ask questions. Put your hand up. Say yes to everything until you can afford to say no. And most importantly, celebrate your wins! A Woman Who Moves Joburg Yael's story isn't one of having all the answers or following the perfect path. It's about having the courage to get on the plane. To start at the bottom. To put your hand up. To ask questions. To ask for help. To keep showing up, and to own your wins when they come. From packing shoes in Queens to leading 500 real estate agents across South Africa, Yael has certainly made it. And she didn't have to fake it to get there.
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Woman Who Moves the City: From Receptionist to CEO, Meet Lourette du Toit
Curious. Ambitious. Compassionate. Lourette du Toit’s career is proof that where you start does not determine where you can go. Today, she is the CEO and owner of Dermology, a network of five advanced skin and laser clinics across South Africa. But her story with the business began on the other side of the reception desk, as a receptionist at the very clinic group she would one day own. Since then, she has built a career around an idea that extends far beyond business growth: when you grow people, you grow possibility. Today, Lourette not only leads Dermology, but lectures internationally on laser technology and leadership, helping to raise standards within the aesthetic industry globally. For our Woman Who Moves the City series, we spoke to Lourette about ambition, leadership, building people up and why women shouldn't wait until they feel ready before going after what they want. Tell us a little about yourself and your business. I'm the CEO and owner of Dermology, a network of five advanced skin and laser clinics across South Africa. My journey started as a receptionist of the clinic group I own today. My passion is building businesses that change lives, both for our patients and the incredible people who work alongside me. At Dermology, we combine globally recognised technology, evidence-based treatments and personalised care to help people feel confident in their own skin. Beyond the clinics, I also lecture internationally on laser technology and leadership, helping raise the standard of the aesthetic industry globally. What has been your proudest achievement so far? Without question, it's watching the people around me grow. Seeing therapists become leaders, leaders become business partners, and building a company culture where people genuinely believe in what they're capable of is something I'm incredibly proud of. Awards and recognition are wonderful, but seeing people build careers they never thought possible means the most to me. Have there been women who have inspired or mentored you along the way? I've been fortunate to learn from many remarkable women throughout my career. Some taught me technical excellence, while others showed me what resilient leadership looks like. I also draw a lot of inspiration from women outside my industry who lead with courage, authenticity and kindness. I believe every person you meet teaches you something if you're willing to learn. Describe yourself in three words. Curious. Ambitious. Compassionate. What does a typical day in your life look like? No two days are ever the same. One morning I might be analysing business performance with my leadership team, the next I'm treating patients, filming educational content, speaking at an industry event or travelling to train practitioners. Somewhere in between, I'm answering hundreds of WhatsApp messages, solving problems, coaching my team and making sure I'm home to spend time with my husband and our two children. It's busy, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Early bird or night owl? Definitely an early bird. My best thinking happens before most people have had their first coffee. Heels or sneakers? Sneakers. Comfort wins almost every time. Where do you get the best coffee in Joburg? Naked Coffee. Great coffee, great atmosphere, and it's one of those places where good conversations seem to happen naturally. What's your favourite restaurant in Joburg? SAINT. Great food and great company. What's one word your team would use to describe you? Visionary. Is there a quote or motto you live by? "Success isn't measured by how far you go alone, but by how many people you help grow along the way." Finally, if you could leave one message for every woman reading this today, what would it be? Don't wait until you feel ready. Confidence isn't something you find before you begin. It's something you build by showing up, making mistakes, learning and continuing anyway. Your greatest advantage will never be knowing everything. It will always be your willingness to keep learning. A Woman Who Moves Joburg From receptionist to CEO and owner, Lourette's journey is a powerful reminder that careers don't always follow a straight line, and that your starting point doesn't have to define your destination. But perhaps the most remarkable part of her story isn't how far she has come. It's how determined she is to bring others with her. Because for Lourette, success isn't simply about building a bigger business. It's about building people who believe they can become more.
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Woman Who Moves the City: Meet Natalie Stewart, the Woman Behind Melrose Arch
Bold. Brave. Glamorous. Those are the three words Natalie Stewart uses to describe herself, and after hearing her story, they're difficult to argue with. As Managing Director of Melrose Arch, Natalie leads one of Johannesburg's most recognisable mixed-use precincts. But behind the impressive title is a woman driven by purpose, passionate about people and shaped by a personal journey that has required extraordinary courage. In 2019, Natalie was diagnosed with leukaemia. She fought it, survived it and, in her own words, did it "with a smile". This Women's Month, as part of our Woman Who Moves the City series, we sat down with Natalie to talk about leadership, surviving one of life's biggest battles, running a "little city", the women who inspire her and why she believes no woman should ever make herself smaller to make someone else comfortable. Tell us a little about yourself and what you do. I am currently the Managing Director of South Africa's premium mixed-use precinct, Melrose Arch. I am driven by a passion to always pursue a bigger purpose. Making a positive difference to the community and the people of Melrose Arch is what drives me to excel in what I do. What has been your proudest achievement so far? Not many people are going to get the opportunity to drive the purpose and strategy behind an asset like Melrose Arch, so being the Managing Director is definitely my most significant career achievement. On a more personal note, in 2019 I was diagnosed with leukaemia. Being able to conquer and survive leukaemia, everything that came with fighting it, and doing it with a smile, is an achievement I will always admire about myself. Have there been women who have inspired or mentored you along the way? I love people and their stories. I have been inspired by different women, from all walks of life, throughout my journey of personal and professional growth. Some of the biggest and best lessons I've learnt from other women have come from the people I interact with every day. One important lesson continues to inspire me: be authentically yourself and know your value. Don't make yourself smaller or downplay your potential and worth to make other people comfortable. Describe yourself in three words. Bold. Brave. Glamorous. What does a typical day in your life look like? There is never a dull day at Melrose Arch! To the outside world, Melrose Arch needs to be this well-coordinated, smooth-running little city. Behind the scenes is an amazing team of people working incredibly hard, setting the strategy, planning the magic and keeping the precinct pristine. I generally get to work around 07:00 and leave well into the evening, ensuring that this amazing team has the direction and support they need. There are seldom two days that look the same. Running a little city is not for the faint-hearted. Early bird or night owl? Early bird. But I do love a good night out! Heels or sneakers? Heels. Where do you get the best coffee in Joburg? Melrose Arch, of course! What's your favourite restaurant in Joburg? I can't choose just one! My three favourites are Aduna, Sebule and Mr George, all at Melrose Arch. What's one word your team would use to describe you? Passionate. Is there a quote or motto you live by? "The magic cannot leave you, when it is you." Finally, if you could leave one message for every woman reading this, what would it be? The best version of you is being authentically yourself. Get to know who you are and fall in love with who you are. You are a gift to this world. A Woman Who Moves Joburg Natalie's story is one of leadership, resilience and knowing exactly who you are. She has faced boardrooms and battles, helped shape one of Johannesburg's most iconic destinations and, through it all, held onto something incredibly powerful: herself. Perhaps that's why her own motto feels like the perfect place to leave her story: The magic cannot leave you, when it is you.
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Mid Isle Spa Joburg: Why It's Worth the Trip
Mid Isle Spa Joburg brings a little taste of island living to Glen Austin, Midrand. Tucked away along Olifantsfontein Road, this tropical-inspired day spa offers a peaceful setting for massages, body treatments, facials and a few uninterrupted hours of doing very little.Why Mid Isle Spa Feels Like a Proper EscapeThere is something refreshing about finding a spa that feels removed from the usual city surroundings. Mid Isle Spa has created exactly that kind of setting, with its tropical island atmosphere, greenery and tranquil surroundings making it easy to settle into a slower pace from the moment you arrive.Located in Glen Austin, Midrand, the spa offers a variety of treatments and tailor-made packages designed around relaxation and pampering. Whether you want to book a single treatment or turn your visit into a longer spa day, there are plenty of ways to put together an experience that suits you.Treatments at Mid Isle Spa JoburgThe treatment menu covers everything from massages and facials to body treatments and more indulgent spa experiences. Guests can choose from moisturising body wraps, body scrubs, facials, foot massages, hand massages and Indian head massages, as well as back and neck massages and full-body treatments.For those looking for something more indulgent, there are also full-body hot stone and aromatherapy massages, along with jacuzzi sessions. The variety means you can keep your visit simple with one treatment or combine several to create a more complete spa day.The spa also offers a selection of set packages. Woman's Delight combines a moisturising body wrap, body scrub, facial and foot massage, while the Indulgence Package brings together several massage and beauty treatments with lunch and a jacuzzi experience.There is also an Isle de Surf package, which combines several treatments with refreshments, lunch and time to relax. For something more personal, guests can create their own package by choosing from a selection of treatments.That flexibility is one of the appealing things about Mid Isle Spa. You are not limited to one particular type of spa experience, and you can choose how much time you want to spend simply switching off.A Tropical Setting in MidrandThe tropical island atmosphere is one of the first things that sets Mid Isle Spa apart. The greenery and tranquil surroundings create a feeling that is quite different from the usual urban environment, despite the spa being conveniently located in Midrand.It is the kind of setting that suits a proper spa day rather than a quick appointment squeezed into a busy schedule. Give yourself enough time to arrive without rushing, settle into the surroundings and enjoy the treatments without immediately thinking about what you need to do next.For anyone looking for a thoughtful wellness experience for a mum, friend, partner or simply themselves, the setting adds something special to the visit. It feels like a small change of scenery without requiring a long drive out of Johannesburg.Making a Day of Your Midrand VisitMid Isle Spa can also work well as part of a longer Midrand outing. If you want to make a full day of it, our Taste Tour: Midrand's Best Eats is a useful place to start when deciding where to eat before or after your treatment.The spa itself also offers lunch as part of selected packages, as well as a garden picnic option. This makes it possible to extend the experience beyond the treatment room and turn a few treatments into a more leisurely day away.If you are planning a visit, it is worth resisting the temptation to schedule too much around it. The appeal of Mid Isle Spa is in taking your time, enjoying the surroundings and letting the visit feel like a genuine break from your usual routine.How Mid Isle Spa Compares to Other Joburg SpasJohannesburg has plenty of options when it comes to spa days, from luxury hotel spas to larger wellness destinations. Mid Isle Spa offers something a little different, with its tropical setting and more intimate day-spa atmosphere.If you are comparing different areas and styles of spa experiences, our Best Spas in Sandton for a Winter Glow 2026 and Best Spas in Rosebank Johannesburg 2026 Guide are useful guides to explore.Mid Isle Spa is particularly suited to those who like the idea of stepping away from the usual city surroundings without travelling too far. The combination of tropical surroundings, a broad treatment menu and tailor-made packages gives it its own place within Joburg's wellness scene.Plan Your Visit to Mid Isle Spa JoburgMid Isle Spa is open Monday to Saturday from 09:00 to 16:00 and Sundays from 09:00 to 13:00.The spa operates by appointment only, and bookings must be made at least one day in advance. It is therefore worth arranging your treatment ahead of time, particularly if you have a specific day or package in mind.If Gentle Wellness in Joburg is something you are trying to incorporate into your routine, Mid Isle Spa is worth adding to your list. Whether you choose a massage, body treatment, facial or a combination of treatments, the tropical setting makes the experience feel like more than just another appointment.Frequently Asked QuestionsWhere is Mid Isle Spa located in Johannesburg?Mid Isle Spa is located at 77B Olifantsfontein Road, Glen Austin, Midrand, within the greater Johannesburg area. Its location in the quieter Glen Austin area contributes to the peaceful atmosphere of the spa.What treatments does Mid Isle Spa offer?Mid Isle Spa offers a variety of treatments including moisturising body wraps, body scrubs, facials, foot and hand massages, Indian head massages, back and neck massages and full-body massages. Guests can also choose hot stone or aromatherapy massages and jacuzzi sessions.Can I create my own spa package at Mid Isle Spa?Yes. Mid Isle Spa offers a create-your-own-package option, allowing guests to select several treatments from a range that includes massages, facials, body scrubs, body wraps and jacuzzi sessions.Do I need to book in advance at Mid Isle Spa?Yes. Mid Isle Spa operates by appointment only, and bookings must be made at least one day in advance. It is therefore important to arrange your visit ahead of time.Is Mid Isle Spa suitable for couples?The peaceful setting and range of treatments can make Mid Isle Spa an appealing option for couples looking for a relaxed wellness outing. As the spa operates by appointment, it is best to contact the team directly to discuss options for booking treatments for two.What are the opening hours at Mid Isle Spa?Mid Isle Spa is open Monday to Saturday from 09:00 to 16:00 and Sundays from 09:00 to 13:00. Bookings must be made at least one day in advance.
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Beijing Opera Joburg: The Story Behind the Memorable Food
There are restaurants you visit because you happen to be nearby, and then there are restaurants you make a plan for. Beijing Opera Joburg falls firmly into the second category. There is more to Beijing Opera than what arrives on the table. Behind every restaurant worth returning to, there is a story behind the stoves, and at Beijing Opera that story is rooted in a genuine passion for Chinese food and a belief that Johannesburg diners are interested in something with a little more personality than the usual takeaway fare.Beijing Opera Has Found a New Home in BlairgowrieIf you remember Beijing Opera from its time at 44 Stanley, the move to Blairgowrie might have come as a surprise. The restaurant has since relocated to 98 Conrad Drive, Blairgowrie, in a more residential part of Johannesburg. The new setting is quite different from its former home at 44 Stanley, but that actually suits the restaurant: Beijing Opera has always felt like somewhere you seek out rather than simply stumble across while wandering around a shopping precinct. The current listing describes it as a cosy restaurant with a courtyard, giving the Blairgowrie chapter a more intimate and relaxed feel.We covered the move from 44 Stanley to Blairgowrie in more detail in our previous article, Beijing Opera Has Moved and Johannesburg Should Know. The new address marks another chapter in the restaurant's journey, which has taken it from its Cape Town beginnings to 44 Stanley and now to a quieter corner of Blairgowrie. What to Expect at Beijing Opera JoburgDumplings and potstickers are an obvious place to start when looking at the Beijing Opera menu. They have been part of the restaurant's story since its earlier days, when founder Yang Zhao was building a following through dim sum pop-ups and other food events in Cape Town. The appeal is easy to understand: order a few plates for the table, try different fillings and flavours, and see which disappears first.The menu goes beyond dumplings, with bao, noodles, wontons and other Asian-inspired dishes giving diners plenty of options for building a meal around several plates. Current listings also highlight dishes such as pork and chive potstickers, vegetable potstickers, prawn wontons, Korean fried chicken bao and noodles, while recent coverage has singled out the restaurant's fried milk as another dish worth trying.This is food that lends itself naturally to sharing. Instead of everyone choosing one large main course, the table can gradually fill with smaller dishes, bowls and plates that everyone gets to try. It is an easy format for a lunch with friends, a casual dinner or a longer evening where you keep adding another dish because something on the menu looks too good to leave behind.A Feast That Looks as Good as It EatsPart of the appeal of Beijing Opera is visual. The food arrives in colourful bowls and on patterned plates, with bright vegetables, sesame seeds, herbs and sauces adding plenty of texture to the table. Golden potstickers sit alongside bowls of noodles, bao are piled with colourful fillings, and the different dishes create the sort of table that makes you want to photograph everything before anyone starts eating.The presentation has plenty of personality, from the red chopsticks and patterned plates to the colourful bowls of noodles, dumplings and bao that arrive at the table. Bright vegetables, sesame seeds, herbs and sauces bring texture and colour to the dishes, while the carefully considered presentation makes the food feel as good to look at as it is to eat. It all comes together in a dining experience that feels vibrant, welcoming and made for lingering over a table with good company.The Story Behind Beijing OperaEvery restaurant has a team behind the food, but some stories are more interesting than others. Beijing Opera's story began long before the restaurant arrived in Johannesburg, when founder Yang Zhao developed the concept through markets, pop-ups and dim sum events in Cape Town before eventually establishing a permanent restaurant. Independent coverage of the restaurant's earlier years identifies Zhao as the person behind Beijing Opera and traces the concept's development from its Cape Town beginnings into a more established restaurant.Zhao has also spoken about growing up in southern China and learning to cook from her grandmother, giving the restaurant a more personal connection to food than its name alone might suggest. Beijing Opera was not simply created as a conventional restaurant concept and given a fixed menu; its identity developed through cooking, pop-ups, collaborations and a genuine interest in bringing people together around food.That background helps explain why the restaurant has always had a sense of personality. There is a clear respect for Chinese culinary traditions, but the food has also evolved over the years, with dumplings, dim sum, bao and noodles appearing alongside dishes and collaborations that explore a wider range of Asian flavours. Earlier Beijing Opera pop-ups, for example, included charcoal bao, gyoza, yakitori, tempura lotus root and rice bowls, showing how much room the concept has always left for experimentation.The Details MatterA good restaurant is not only about what arrives on the plate. The way a space feels, how food is shared across the table and whether the overall experience makes you want to stay a little longer all play a part, particularly at a restaurant where the menu is naturally suited to groups.That is where Beijing Opera's more relaxed approach works well. The food encourages sharing, the setting is intimate enough to feel personal, and the colourful dishes give the table plenty to talk about before you even get to the question of what to order next. The current Blairgowrie setting, with its courtyard and cosy feel, adds to that sense of a restaurant that is more about lingering over food than rushing through a meal.There is also a strong sense of personality running through the experience. The presentation, the Chinese-inspired touches and the combination of familiar favourites with more unexpected dishes make Beijing Opera feel like a restaurant with its own point of view rather than another generic option in Johannesburg's increasingly crowded food scene.From Cape Town to 44 Stanley and Then BlairgowrieBeijing Opera's journey to Johannesburg was not an overnight success story. The concept first developed in Cape Town, where the dim sum pop-ups and restaurant built a following before Johannesburg eventually became part of the story. By the time Beijing Opera arrived at 44 Stanley, Yang Zhao and the team were already bringing an established food identity with them, including the signature dim sum, bao and broader Pan-Asian flavours that Joburg diners came to know.Its time at 44 Stanley introduced the restaurant to a wider Johannesburg audience and helped establish its place in the city's independent food scene. Today, Beijing Opera has settled into a more intimate setting in Blairgowrie, where the focus remains firmly on the food, the atmosphere and the experience around the table.Plan Your Visit to Beijing Opera JoburgBeijing Opera is located at 98 Conrad Drive, Blairgowrie, Johannesburg. The restaurant is currently open on Thursdays from 18:00 to 22:00, Fridays and Saturdays from 12:00 to 22:00, and Sundays from 12:00 to 17:00.If you are planning a visit, it is worth checking Beijing Opera's current social media before heading out, particularly if you are interested in a special event or a particular menu. For a first visit, order a few dishes for the table rather than trying to choose one meal each; dumplings or potstickers make an easy starting point, while bao, noodles or one of the restaurant's more unusual offerings can round things out.Frequently Asked QuestionsWhere is Beijing Opera in Johannesburg?Beijing Opera is located at 98 Conrad Drive, Blairgowrie, Johannesburg. The restaurant previously operated at 44 Stanley before relocating to its current northern Johannesburg address.What is Beijing Opera known for?Beijing Opera is particularly known for its dumplings, dim sum and potstickers, while the wider menu includes bao, noodles, wontons and other Asian-inspired dishes.Who founded Beijing Opera?Beijing Opera was founded by Yang Zhao. The concept developed in Cape Town through pop-ups, markets and dim sum events before becoming a permanent restaurant and later expanding its story into Johannesburg.Did Beijing Opera used to be at 44 Stanley?Yes. Beijing Opera previously operated at 44 Stanley before moving to its current location in Blairgowrie.What should I order at Beijing Opera?Dumplings and potstickers are a good place to start, particularly if you are visiting with friends or family. You can add bao, noodles, wontons and other dishes to the table so everyone can try a few different things. Recent coverage has also highlighted the fried milk as a particularly interesting option.What are Beijing Opera's opening hours?Beijing Opera is currently open Thursdays from 18:00 to 22:00, Fridays and Saturdays from 12:00 to 22:00, and Sundays from 12:00 to 17:00.
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The 10 Best Wallpaper Suppliers in South Africa (And What Ea...
Wallcovering designs have undergone a major transformation across South Africa, moving from high-commitment renovations to dynamic, accessible interior styling solutions.Looking for a reputable wall decor offering? Here’s a look at 10 providers who know exactly how to knock it out of the ballpark when it comes to repurposing a dull wall.1. Wallpaper OnlineOperating from a Johannesburg studio, Wallpaper Online stands as the top rated direct-to-consumer wallpaper and wall-mural manufacturer in South Africa, offering traditional non-woven, luxury fabric and peel & stick wallpaper options. They solve the industry's notorious "guessing problem" – when customers find it tricky to imagine how a tiny sample will look across an entire wall, or even room – with the provision of a free, browser-based AI Room Visualiser. Users can photograph their actual space and view photorealistic digital renderings of any design on their own walls in less than a minute (See more, below). The business prints locally using GreenGuard Gold-certified inks, offering material options like peel-and-stick and specialised DuraMatte fabric for textured plaster walls.Choosing the right product can be intimidating. Customers frequently struggle to imagine how a tiny sample will look across a large room, a common issue known in the design industry as a "guessing problem".To eliminate this uncertainty, Wallpaper Online has introduced the AI Visualiser – which helps homeowners confidently select their designs.2. Cara Saven Wall DesignBased in Cape Town, Cara Saven Wall Design is an internationally acclaimed studio recognised for custom-printed, nature-inspired, and vintage aesthetics. They create seamless, made-to-measure wallpaper, canvases, and vinyl solutions that scale perfectly to a client's specific room dimensions.3. Robin Sprong WallpapersAs a multi-award-winning surface design studio from Cape Town, Robin Sprong Wallpapers focuses on bespoke wallpaper and fabric creations. They collaborate directly with local and international artists to produce high-definition, custom-printed statement walls for residential homes and luxury hospitality projects.4. Wallpaper InnEstablished in 1964, Wallpaper Inn is one of South Africa's oldest and most trusted wallpaper brands. They import a massive catalogue of luxury international collections, carrying household names like Laura Ashley, Cath Kidston, and Versace.5. Design SyndicateOperating as a leading bulk and commercial supplier, Design Syndicate distributes premium international collections across the African continent. They cater to large-scale professional builds, providing heavy-duty, hard-wearing wallcoverings alongside their residential design lines.6. Dreamweaver StudiosSituated in the design hub of Kramerville, Johannesburg, Dreamweaver Studios is an exclusive showroom dealing in high-end European imports. They bring sophisticated textures to South Africa, including Japanese grasscloth and luxury Italian velvet wallcoverings.7. WCI WallpapersWCI Wallpapers delivers curated architectural wallcovering solutions tailored specifically for interior designers, architects, and high-traffic commercial environments. They manage the entire decorative process, from layout specification and custom scaling to professional nationwide installation.8. Sasi WallpaperWith physical showrooms based in both Johannesburg and Cape Town, Sasi Wallpaper serves homeowners and trade professionals alike. They offer bespoke murals, expert measuring guides, and complimentary virtual design consultations to ensure highly accurate ordering.9. Decor WallpapersSpecialising in large-scale commercial contracts and luxury residential updates, Decor Wallpapers provides complete wall solutions from concept to reality. Their catalogue features bespoke custom printing, high-durability vinyl solutions, and certified project installation services.10. StickyThingsSticky Things focuses heavily on DIY-friendly wall décor, supplying an extensive and affordable selection of pre-cut wallpaper rolls and murals. Their products are curated for fast installation, making them highly popular for rental properties, nurseries, and accent feature walls.
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