Going Native: Johannesburg

You can enjoy a trip to this buzzy, eclectic city with your nerves and your wallet intact, if you avoid doing anything stupid and you get out of the malls, says Brad Reilly, ECD at Net#workBBDO Johannesburg

What’s the best South African ad you have seen in the last year?

Given the context of this article, I would say the best piece of South Africana that came out last year was the Santam Insurance spot, One Of A Kind, which reflected South Africa through the conversations of foreigners. It was a light-hearted look in the mirror that negotiated both the good and the bad.

Who do you/would you love to work with in the industry?

My old art director, Jonathan Santana, who, unfortunately, is now too many miles away working at Mother London.

Where’s the best place to eat in Johannesburg?

The Leopard in Melville is a really cool little chef-owned restaurant that always manages to surprise with its small, but constantly changing menu of eclectic fusions. It’s got a down-to-earth cuisine feel that makes every visit special.

And the best place to have a drink?

Hell’s Kitchen, which is round the corner from The Leopard, so no Uber required. Alternatively, a Sunday sunset at the Living Room in Maboneng looking over the city and sipping on a naughty cocktail.

What advice would you give to a visitor?

Relax – people often arrive with preconceived notions that Jo’burg is a recreation of Grand Theft Auto. Jo’burg has dos and don’ts like any city in the world, and if you don’t do anything stupid, you should make it out with some good memories and your wallet.

Get out of Sandton – too many visitors go there and never leave the mall. There are many other amazing areas: bohemian Melville, hipster Braamfontein, the Afropolitan Maboneng and the cosmopolitan and historic metropolis of Soweto. Jo’burg is a city that can only be explored by car and Uber is strong here, so no excuses.

If Johannesburg were a product, what would it be?

Tequila. The first shot is taken with a measure of apprehension, but once it’s in, it feels kinda good and ends up being pretty fun.

One table, four places. You and who?

Haruki Murakami , Desmond Tutu and Kate Moss… playing strip poker.

What’s Johannesburg’s favourite pastime?

Shopping. It’s difficult to avoid the malls, and with Jo’burg being the City Of Gold, where people come to make their money, that money begs to be spent and Jo’burgers happily oblige. Beyond the malls however, there are more eclectic options in the form of weekend markets, like Neighbourgoods and The Farmers’ Market and creative retail hubs, like 44 Stanley Ave and 27Boxes.

What’s your one-line life philosophy?

What’s the worst that could happen?

If you could have one question answered, what would it be?

What’s the worst that can happen?