Jozi My Jozi Empowers Young People Through Women in Media Programme

 Jozi My Jozi Empowers Young People Through Women in Media Programme

By Nomakhosi Miya 

Participants pose for a group photo following the Women in Media programme hosted at 44 Main in Johannesburg.

High school learners, university students and members of the public gathered at 44 Main in Marshalltown on 29 May 2026 for a Women in Media event hosted as part of the Jozi My Jozi initiative. The event aimed to inspire and empower young people by exposing them to career opportunities in media through discussions, mentorship and engagement with experienced industry professionals.

The programme brought together media practitioners from various fields to share their experiences and encourage young people to pursue careers in journalism, radio broadcasting, podcasting, acting and digital content creation. Opening the programme, speakers highlighted the importance of creating platforms where young people can learn from industry professionals and gain insight into the evolving media landscape.

A presentation titled “From Analogue to Digital” was delivered by Bridget Hilton-Barber, who discussed the transformation of media over the years and the importance of adapting to technological advancements in the digital era. The audience also attended “The Art of the Podcast”, presented by Oliver Roberts, who explored podcasting as a

growing platform for storytelling and information sharing 

Radio broadcasting was another major focus of the event. Teacher and radio presenter Sipho Sibisi shared his experiences in the media industry and encouraged young people to remain committed to their goals while continuously developing their skills.

Radio presenter, actress and university graduate Kim Mbingo inspired attendees with her personal journey into the media industry. She explained that her career began through volunteering and dedication.

“I started by volunteering and showing dedication,” said Mbingo. She encouraged aspiring media practitioners to take advantage of digital platforms to build their profiles and connect with opportunities. “Use your social media to reach out, and remember that consistency matters,” she told participants.

The programme also featured a session on “Journalism for Citizenship” by Nicholas de Villiers, who highlighted the role of journalism in informing communities and strengthening civic participation.

During the interactive question-and-answer session, learners and students engaged directly with speakers, seeking advice on entering the media industry and building sustainable careers.

The event’s message of empowerment was further reflected on a feedback wall where participants shared inspirational messages. Statements such as “Your voice can change someone’s life,” “Shout out loud to be heard,” and “You don’t need a voice, you are already a voice” captured the spirit of the day. Speaking after the event, participants expressed appreciation for the opportunity to learn from industry professionals and gain practical advice on navigating the media sector.

The Women in Media event formed part of Jozi My Jozi’s efforts to empower young people through education, creativity and skills development. By connecting aspiring media practitioners with experienced professionals, the initiative continues to inspire the next generation of storytellers, broadcasters and journalists.

 JOBURG GOLDEN JULY 2026 SET TO BRING GLAMOUR, HORSE RACING AND YOUTH EMPOWERMENT TO JOHANNESBURG

By Nomakhosi Miya

Organisers of Joburg Golden July 2026 address members of the media during the official launch and briefing held in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg.

Photo by Nomakhosi 

21 May 2026

Johannesburg is preparing to welcome a new luxury lifestyle event following the official launch of Joburg Golden July 2026, which is expected to bring together horse racing, fashion, music and youth empowerment in one major celebration.

The event was officially announced by The Architects of African Elegance during a media briefing held at Melrose Arch on 20 May 2026. The launch introduced Joburg Golden July as an exclusive annual event aimed at restoring the glamour of horse racing while creating opportunities for young South Africans.

The main event is scheduled to take place on 25 July 2026 at Turffontein Racecourse, followed by a second fashion showcase on 26 July at Vilakazi Street in Soweto, where local designers will have the opportunity to showcase their talent.

Speaking during the briefing, Chief Executive Officer Ntombi Msiza outlined the vision behind the event. “Our aim is to bring back the glamour of horse racing to Johannesburg, to merge the traditional horse racing with fashion, music, and overall glamour, rather than a singular horse racing event. This event will showcase Joburg as the jewel of luxury entertainment.”

The event will feature several key attractions, including elite horse racing, pan-African fashion showcases, live music performances by top South African artists, luxury automotive exhibitions, VIP tasting lounges and best-dressed competitions.

Organisers say the event is designed to position Johannesburg as one of Africa’s leading luxury entertainment destinations. A major focus of Joburg Golden July is youth development. Through a partnership with the Ariobex Foundation, the event aims to recruit and train approximately 2 000 unemployed graduates over the next three years.

The programme will provide practical and professional training in areas such as tourism and experience management, logistics management, retail and hospitality, security and risk management, and technical event production.

Chairperson of the Ariobex Foundation Thabo Kubu highlighted the importance of equipping young people with practical workplace skills. “This allows us to ensure that we secure both theoretical and practical experience, thus producing young people who are employable with tangible skills.”

In a further development, Joburg Golden July has partnered with Base Pulse, formerly BET, to produce a six-part reality series titled The Velvet Rope vs The Trenches.

The series will follow selected graduates as they move from training to practical apprenticeship, documenting their growth and resilience as they prepare to work behind the scenes of the event.

Tickets for Joburg Golden July 2026 are already available through Howler, with organisers expecting the event to become one of Johannesburg’s leading annual lifestyle attractions. With its combination of luxury entertainment and social empowerment, Joburg Golden July is set to introduce a bold new chapter for horse racing and lifestyle events in South Africa.

Taxi Forum Honours Lt Colonel Moletsane, Calls for Unity in the Industry.

 Taxi Forum Honours Lt Colonel Moletsane, Calls for Unity in the Industry

By Nomakhosi Miya & Xolelwa Buthelezi 

Photo by N.P Miya

Members of taxi forum and Lt Colonel Moletsane in the picture.

The Greater Johannesburg Policing Taxi Forum on Thursday hosted a farewell celebration in honour of Lieutenant Colonel Moletsane at the Sports and Recreation Centre Bertha Solomon Hall in Johannesburg, On the 14 of May 2026 Thursday Morning. The event brought together taxi association leaders, South African Police Service (SAPS) officials, and transport sector representatives from across Gauteng to recognise Lt Colonel Moletsane’s service and contribution to strengthening relations between law enforcement and the taxi industry. Organised by the Greater Johannesburg Policing Taxi Forum under the leadership of Chairperson Mr R.N Mbatha, the farewell served as a tribute to Lt Colonel Moletsane’s years of dedication to building trust, cooperation, and stability between police and taxi operators.

Speaking during the event, forum leaders praised Lt Colonel Moletsane for his commitment to promoting peace and open communication within the industry. Chairperson Mr Mbatha described him as a leader who played a significant role in improving working relations between SAPS and taxi associations. “His leadership has strengthened cooperation and created a platform for constructive engagement between law enforcement and the taxi industry,” he said.

In his response, Lt Colonel Moletsane expressed gratitude for the farewell celebration and said he was deeply proud of the relationships he had built throughout his service. He thanked the taxi associations and law enforcement officials he worked alongside over the years and encouraged continued unity within the industry. Lt Colonel Moletsane called on taxi operators to tolerate one another and work together to end violence within the sector.

He stressed that violence in the taxi industry does not only affect operators but also harms commuters and the broader community who depend on public transport daily.

“The violence taking place in the industry does not only harm those directly involved, but it also affects innocent members of the community. Taxi associations must learn to tolerate each other and work together for peace and stability,” he said.

He further emphasised that cooperation between law enforcement and taxi stakeholders remains critical in ensuring commuter safety and maintaining order across Johannesburg’s transport routes.

The event concluded with messages of appreciation, well wishes for Lt Colonel Moletsane’s future, and renewed commitments from both SAPS and taxi leadership to continue fostering peace and collaboration within the industry.

The farewell marked not only the end of Lt Colonel Moletsane’s tenure but also highlighted the urgent need for unity and non-violence in an industry that remains vital to the daily lives of thousands of Johannesburg commuters.