Maboneng receives global accolades
MABONENG – JOBURG’S urban neighbourhood, Maboneng, is making waves around the world.
In just one week, the precinct won two major global accolades. First, it was voted as one of the world’s coolest new tourist attractions to visit in 2015 by Travel and Leisure, a leading New York-based travel and tourism magazine.
The precinct shares the honour with the Shanghai Tower in Shanghai, China; Eiffel Tower in Paris, France; ICE Krakow Congress Centre in Krakow, Poland; and the Starry Night Bicycle Path in Nuenen, the Netherlands.
Second, it was the United Kingdom’s leading daily newspaper, The Times that waxed lyrical about one of the city’s favourite tourist attractions.
“This is not the place for tourists looking for beautiful architecture and city walks,” the newspaper stated.
“It’s for people prepared to uncover the diamonds in the rough – and when they do, they’ll find a city that is alive and kicking.”
Maboneng, a meaning place of light in Sesotho, has become Joburg’s poster spot because of its integrated urban regeneration efforts that encompass mixed-use spaces which enable small businesses, entrepreneurship, the arts, culture and fashion to thrive.
But there are also loads of seriously cool things for visitors and residents of Johannesburg to see and do.
Overall, the precinct offers an eclectic and cosmopolitan feel, colour and essence.
Councillor Ruby Mathang, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Development, said it was pleasing to be showered with global accolades such as these.
Joburg Tourism’s Laura Vercueil said the naming of Maboneng as one of the coolest places in the world is ‘thrilling news indeed’.
“It’s thrilling for the Joburg Tourism team to see all these well-deserved accolades mounting. It is a resounding testament to the spirit of the people who love the city, people who live, work, invest and innovate in it. Hats off to Destination Joburg and everyone who makes it happen,” she said.
Offering a pulsating and creative energy, the precinct has developed into an exciting urban artists’ hub, with several well-established artists, including William Kentridge and David Krut, having their studios and high-end art galleries there.
