Hillbrow: Then and now
The suburb, once a Mecca for the middle-class, now reflects a pan-African ethic
10 June 2021 - 05:00
Pedestrians tussle for space with colourful traders hawking sim cards, weaves and plastic plates overloaded with apples, bananas and oranges. In Covid times, masks in bright wax print also feature strongly.
Energy radiates off broken pavements. Languages from across the continent meld with hooting taxis and rhythmic melodies, spilling from streetside shops. Residents walk with purpose, always wary of an opportunistic thief — quick to snatch a dangling cellphone, or unguarded wallet. Welcome to Hillbrow!..
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.