Little Ethiopia is buzzing

Did you know about the flourishing Ethiopian community in Johannesburg?

At an interview with the MzansiGirl herself, Meruschka Govender directed City Buzz in the direction of an underground market scene in Johannesburg.

“I love to go to the little Ethiopian community,” Govender stated.

“They make the most amazing, authentic Ethiopian food, but you have to go there with someone who knows where they’re going because a lot of the great places are little alleys,” she continued.

Named Little Ethiopia by City of Johannesburg – and Little Addis by locals – the area found along Jeppe Street is inhabited by a number of Ethiopian nationals, now having become the largest community of Ethiopians in Johannesburg.

Stretching about 20 blocks, the community is buzzing with lively food and clothing stalls, and retailers selling their products at insanely low prices.

The district is also made popular by the taxi rank in the area, through which a number of commuters make their way daily to and from work and home.

The buildings in the area have been transformed into integrated formal and informal businesses, all of which are named after famous Ethiopian landmarks. According to The Africa Channel, the community “plays an important role in the city’s bustling informal economy, but holds deeper secrets”.

Reports of small organised crime circles have increased over the years.

While exploring Johannesburg is generally regarded as an activity to take part in with great caution, this area seems to be most dangerous for tourists.

Angela Rivers of JPoma (Johannesburg Property Owners and Managers’ Association) explained that there have been many cases where unaccompanied tourists were asked for their passports by civilians masquerading as police officers, and would only have them returned on presentation of a fee.

The mastermind behind the popular MzansiGirl blog also noted that the area was not one that she would visit alone due to high-risk factors.

Details: theafricachannel.com; joburg.org.za