Thousands of Joburgers embraced the last bite of winter as they descended on the Ellis Park precinct for the 702 Jozi My Jozi Walk the Talk on Sunday, 26 July 2026. For a few hours, the streets belonged to the walkers. Hooting taxis were silent and the buzz of traffic that gives Joburg its dizzying energy disappeared.

Walkers navigated Jozi's nooks and crannies, uneven pavements, potholes and puddles, making their way through the streets of Doornfontein, once a thriving industrial hub, past Jeppe Police Station and into the vibrant Maboneng Precinct, with its galleries, cafés, contagious creativity and restaurants. Whether tackling the 15km, 8km or 5km route, everyone shared one goal – reaching the finish line.

Among the sea of participants were Executive Deputy Mayor of the City of Johannesburg Cllr Loyiso Masuku, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development Cllr Thapelo Amda, City Manager Dr Floyd Brink, 702 personalities Ray White, Nothemba Madumo and Bongani Bingwa.

Walking the CBD's colourful streets, lined with striking graffiti, the iconic bronze impala sculptures on Main Street, bustling hawkers and ageing infrastructure, offers a firsthand appreciation of the daily challenges residents and commuters face, from traffic signals on the blink and uneven pavements to uncovered manholes. Yet the vibrant street art along the route, the traffic-free Jewel City, the Maharishi Institute's continued investment in the inner city, including its Field of Dreams in Selby, and the pristine gardens surrounding Anglo American's headquarters all offer hope that a rebirth of sorts is under way in Joburg.

So, if you notice colleagues waddling into the office tomorrow, give them a high five or a pat on the back. They are paying the price for their enthusiasm, but sore muscles are a small price to pay for a memorable day out in Jozi. Besides, they earned a medal and enjoyed a well-deserved ice lolly at the finish line.

Written by Mongadi Mafata
26/07/2026
 
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