I think we should be quick to separate writing blogs into the categories “professional writers” and normal folk. missmillib.blogspot.com should actually form into a special category of “award winning professional writers”.
Milli was born and raised in the Eastern Cape, making her one of the many Xhosa’s who are in Gauteng to carve a life out of the city of gold. The notches in her belt include her being a Rhodes Journalism Grad, extensive work in media and fashion, as well as playing her own significant role promoting the arts here in Joburg and South Africa. Her very first job was at McDonalds when she was 16 and the next was as a fashion assistant with no license and car at Cosmopolitan in Cape Town. “It was a great job. Don’t know how I managed without the car and license – many black stylists on that side have similar tales to tell, at least four years ago it was like that lol” Milli says.
After leaving CT for JHB, she wanted to come and work with fashion designers quickly did that, but also ended up working with musicians doing the pr and marketing. since then been freelancing at various fashion magazines including Elle, Dazed and Confused, Colors, True Love and Marie Claire. She now has a column (slice of life and social commentary) in the Friday section of the Mail and Guardian.
Why we like so much is because she’s living her dreams and carving this massive place out for herself here in Joburg.
Up until now, nobody has ever documented the city of Johannesburg via bycicle. Now that some amazing fixed gear bikes have been made available to residents of Main Street Life, and for rent to the public, the city can now be discovered. After a test run, the photos published in this journey mark the first official mission out into the city. From building raids, singing church goers, and amazing store discoveries, the bike is undoubtedly the best mode of transport.
College radio will always be cooler. That always seems like a universal law. It takes a college that knows what they’re doing! But after that, you can safely say that the selection will be edgier, more on the pulse, and less corporate! UJFM started out in a tiny hole on the wall, and now after a year or so, proudly broadcast out of their slick new studios in the Bunting Road Campus of UJ (University of Johannesburg)
Big props need to be given to JHBLive. These guys have been kicking it from the very beginning. They were the first to answer the question “what is there to do in Joburg tonight?”. Years of answering this exact question, have resulted in JHBLive literally owning current Johannesburg nightlife info. Go check them out and see whether its your scene, they try have something for everyone.
Everyone who lives here is painfully aware of our lack of a mountain or a large body of swim-able water. Often people are quite disillusioned. Then, all of a sudden, a simple campaign comes along, that somehow manages to put it all into perspective. It’s the people make Johannesburg what it is. There are conversations, moments, and interactions you can have in this city that could never happen anywhere else in the world. The man in front of you in that line can be your best buddy for the next two minutes. The car guard will greet you with a smile at 3 in the morning.
These guys took to the streets with giant cardboard signs with their message stenciled boldly for the citizens of the city to read. The first day they did it, the city was alive with buzz as to what they were up to. the message is simple though: to spread happiness and remind people why they love Johannesburg. They stand in traffic jams, at interesctions and public places. You’re encouraged to go the site and download the stencil in order to make your own sign.
Follow the campaign, and join them on one of their flashmob events.
A facebook group dedicated to helping you find stuff to do on the weekends in Joburg? Thankfully, they seem to have themselves a great niche focus, and are constantly generating content. There’s nothing worse then when people just put on events for the sake of it, that are so different from one another. Here we have ourselves details on gallery openings, more relaxed and mature cultural events, and shows of a more high-brow nature. Great stuff, all done with a real passion and love for the city.
Primarily, The Bag Factory is a studio space for artists in the heart of the city. They offer local and international artist residency programs as well as host exhibitions, events and community workshops linked the visiting and permanent artists’ work.
Super Sneaky Street Scene is Joburg’s first online fashion blog. What makes it great, is that it isn’t just about street fashion. Chris Wagner runs the site, and his interest and involvement in the fashion industry is evident and widespread. The site is filled with stills from fashion shows around the country and around the world, as well as young fashion-forward Joburg residents caught in the act. So if fashion is your thing, here’s one of the better places to go to get in the loop.
The idea is simple. In order to truly love something, you first have to understand it. Johannesburg is no different in this regard.
Connect with the real city through those who live and play here. The result? A catalogue of Johannesburg like no other.
