Few people in Johannesburg can say that they have not heard or been to Mayfair in Johannesburg. As a Pietermaritzburger, moving to Johannesburg, this was my first port of call and ended up being my home for the first two years of my stay. Historically, Mayfair during the dark days of the Group Areas Act, was a "Whites Only" area.
Following the abolishment of the above said Act, Mayfair saw a significant influx of Indians from Lenasia in the South West of Johannesburg and economic migrants from other provinces. The influx of these people saw a change in the cultural architecture of this suburb. This change saw the establishment of Mosques and at least two Hindu Temples coupled with Halal restaurants, and schools with an Islamic ethos. The converse effect was also noted in that the majority of the whites that used to live in this suburb have moved to other suburbs in the city. In the last 15 years, this suburb has also seen a significant influx of citizens from North Africa and the Indian Subcontinent. The best words to describe Mayfair would be "Vibrant" and "Cosmopolitan". From a commercial perspective, the key streets would include Church Street, parts of 3rd and Eighth Avenue. Eighth Avenue is colloquially referred to as Mogadishu and represents the area where there is a significant concentration of citizens of Somali origin. This is a unique area and is considered one of the safest spots in the suburbs. People are walking around and are awake till late. Whenever people ask me, "Why Should I Come to Mayfair?", the following is my answer:
Mosques and Temples
Mayfair has at least 20 Mosques, many Churches and at least 2 Hindu Temples. It is therefore a melting pot of all different cultures and beliefs. In the current world, where sectarian strife is rampant, Mayfair sets the scene for cultural, racial and religious harmony.
Good Food
The restaurants i frequent include, Akhals of Church Street which has tasty and value for money food, Alhamra, which makes in my view the best Chicken Tikka in Johannesburg and Pizza News which makes awesome pizza and a great breakfast menu. There are some other joints in the area, the best would be to try it for yourself and find what works for you.
Mogadishu
Eighth Avenue in Mayfair, as mentioned above, is colloquially referred to as Mogadishu. For those who don't know what this means, Mogadishu is the capital of Somalia. It is a place where the absolute majority of people are from Somalia with a few dudes from Eritrea and Ethiopia. This street was previously residential, but it is unique to see how houses have been converted to shops. The area is alive from 8 till late and boasts all kinds of shops. The common shops I have seen include, General Dealers, Internet Cafe's and Clothing.It is worth a visit. When I first moved to Johannesburg, Mogadishu was confined to 8th Avenue with a few expansions here and there. Currently, one sees a significant expanded Somalian presence in 9th Avenue, Church Street and Main Reef Road. A very interesting observation is that many years ago, this area was populated mainly by South African Indians. Where have all these dudes gone to or why did they pull out en masse. I would presume that many of these may have either moved to other parts of Mayfair, climbed over the hill to Auckland Park and other northern and western suburbs but the question of Why? I am uncertain.
Haircuts
If you are search for a hairdresser from 8 till late,Monday to Sunday, Mayfair is the place to be. The hairdressers established cater for men and woman and cost a fraction of what one would pay in the Northern suburbs. See below under the Fordsburg review for some tips on getting a haircut or shave. The suburb may be different but the dudes cutting your hair are the same.
Other Establishments
There are numerous other establishments for example, butchers and bakeries. The key is to experience these places for yourself.
Mosques and Temples
Mayfair has at least 20 Mosques, many Churches and at least 2 Hindu Temples. It is therefore a melting pot of all different cultures and beliefs. In the current world, where sectarian strife is rampant, Mayfair sets the scene for cultural, racial and religious harmony.
Good Food
The restaurants i frequent include, Akhals of Church Street which has tasty and value for money food, Alhamra, which makes in my view the best Chicken Tikka in Johannesburg and Pizza News which makes awesome pizza and a great breakfast menu. There are some other joints in the area, the best would be to try it for yourself and find what works for you.
Mogadishu
Eighth Avenue in Mayfair, as mentioned above, is colloquially referred to as Mogadishu. For those who don't know what this means, Mogadishu is the capital of Somalia. It is a place where the absolute majority of people are from Somalia with a few dudes from Eritrea and Ethiopia. This street was previously residential, but it is unique to see how houses have been converted to shops. The area is alive from 8 till late and boasts all kinds of shops. The common shops I have seen include, General Dealers, Internet Cafe's and Clothing.It is worth a visit. When I first moved to Johannesburg, Mogadishu was confined to 8th Avenue with a few expansions here and there. Currently, one sees a significant expanded Somalian presence in 9th Avenue, Church Street and Main Reef Road. A very interesting observation is that many years ago, this area was populated mainly by South African Indians. Where have all these dudes gone to or why did they pull out en masse. I would presume that many of these may have either moved to other parts of Mayfair, climbed over the hill to Auckland Park and other northern and western suburbs but the question of Why? I am uncertain.
Haircuts
If you are search for a hairdresser from 8 till late,Monday to Sunday, Mayfair is the place to be. The hairdressers established cater for men and woman and cost a fraction of what one would pay in the Northern suburbs. See below under the Fordsburg review for some tips on getting a haircut or shave. The suburb may be different but the dudes cutting your hair are the same.
Other Establishments
There are numerous other establishments for example, butchers and bakeries. The key is to experience these places for yourself.