South Africa: Going out in Maboneng, Johannesburg's hip neighborhood
Artists have been moving into old factories in Johannesburg's infamous downtown area. They've transformed the neighborhood into a hipster district that's now attracting tourists as well: Maboneng.
Main Street
The main street in Maboneng radiates positivity. At weekends, tourists and visitors from other parts of the city visit the galleries and chat in the cafés.
Arts on Main
On Sundays, there's a food market in Arts on Main. It's a hip weekend event and a place where Joburgers meet.
Street Market
There is also a market on Fox Street. Art of every conceivable sort is on offer here.
Fox Street
Only a few buildings are a reminder of the previous condition of the street.
Street Art
South African and international artists were commissioned to beautify Maboneng and the surrounding streets. Their work has become an open-air museum.
Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela adorns the facade of this modern apartment house. The bordering streets are much rougher.
Side streets
More than 50 graffiti murals adorn Maboneng and the surrounding streets. The plan is to spruce them up so that they don't seem so bleak and dilapidated – in contrast to Maboneng.
Squatted building
There are many buildings around Maboneng that have been occupied by squatters. The residents live in abject poverty.
Security
Without private security guards, like those in front of the Arts on Main, Johannesburg's inner city is still a relatively insecure place – only Maboneng plays a special role.