This week on our My Joburg: The City Through The Eyes of a Local series, we'll be chatting to political activist and photograph enthusiast, Howard Sackstein. Keep reading to find out about Howie, his favourite spots to visit within Joburg, where he gets the best coffee, and where he likes to dine and unwind.
About Howard Sackstein
Howard Sackstein is many things. King of Social Media. Explosive Political Activist. Ringmaster of Zoom. Lover of Life. Meanderer of the Globe. And official photographer to life itself. Be sure to follow Howard on his adventures on Instagram.
Describe your ultimate night out?
Variety, I’m told, is the spice of life and Joburg is nothing but spicy. An ultimate night out must include somewhere new, where the food, décor and ambiance is different.
Cracker Zac’s the adult games room at the Zone in Rosebank is a great night of fun as is anything live at Montecasino. The Marabi Club in Town and Katzy’s in Rosebank are always great venues for some live music.
Where can we find the best cup of coffee?
I’m told by those who know that the little caravan in Birdhaven hidden in the parking lot at Get Bird and The Grind in Melrose Arch are the two best coffee’s in Jozi. What Jozi needs more of is exotic coffee and tea experiences like Gabriella’s Tea Room in Parktown North or remember the old Russian Tea Room in Dunkeld.
What is your favourite local store?
I suggest wandering through the imported African artifacts at Amatuli in Kramerville, the beautifully designed African inspired men’s clothing at Zeitgeist in Parkhurst or visiting the supermarket and upstairs deli at Super Sconto in Orange Grove for a truly authentic Italian experience.
Favourite spot(s) for dinner?
Judging by the shape of my tummy, eating may be my not-so-secret superpower. That having been said here are six restaurants that stand out as special:
- Proud Mary in Rosebank
- Bellinis
- The old Troyville Hotel's restaurant
- The Rand Club in the centre of town
- The Grillhouse in Rosebank
- Surasang Korean BBQ in Parkhurst
Your favourite adrenaline packed activity is?
Driving through the streets of Joburg, avoiding the potholes, trying to not hit any of the beggars and watching the proliferation of performers at every traffic light has become one of the most adrenalin pack things I ever do in the city. Another option, why don’t you try one of the cool new trendy running clubs like Sunday Shuffle which goes from Craighall or the Strength Volt Club which leaves from the Grind in Melrose Arch on a Saturday morning at the ungodly hour of 7am.
Where is a must visit place for a first-timer?
There are some unmissable things to do in Johannesburg that even locals should try.
- Do a photographic tour of the graffiti of Braamfontein.
- Visit the Apartheid Museum and the Hector Pietersen memorial.
- Scramble through the Sterkfontein Caves at the Cradle of Humankind.
- Don’t forget a visit to the Lion Park.
- Wander the sculpture gardens at Nirox.
- Visit the new digital dome at Wits University
- Sip tea on the veranda of The Four Seasons at the Westcliff.
