When do you know that you have almost become a ‘local’ in South Africa?

It has been three years since we exchanged Rotterdam for Johannesburg, South Africa. I do remember those earlier days really well. So many new impressions, so many new experiences and especially so many things to be amazed by and to marvel at. But I also started to find some things completely normally… So how do

Ponte Tower: a representation of South Africa’s history

The District Hillbrow is notorious and infamous, and not just In Johannesburg. Just read any travel guide and it was strongly advised not to walk around as a white person. But what makes Hillbrow so distinct? And what makes the Ponte Tower so special? This cylinder-shaped tower was built in 1975, 173 meters high and

Let’s get Jozilicious! A tour de Johannesburg

I was shot in Johannesburg. BAM! Yes, yes, the tone has been set! Nothing sweet like: I love New York or I Amsterdam. In Johannesburg they opt for a different marketing strategy. What’s so nice about Johannesburg? High crime figures, corrupt government, poor people in townships and power cuts … The question people often ask:

Becoming a ‘real man’ hurts like hell in South Africa…

‘This December Katiso is getting circumcised’. What a cheerful topic when you’re just enjoying your cup of tea in the morning. Sinnah, our nanny, looks at me with a serious face. ‘Seriously?’ Somehow I associate circumcision with the Jewish culture so I was quite surprised. It says more about my ignorance, just read Wikipedia (and