The vibrant 7th Street in Melville was recently listed as one of the world’s coolest top 30 streets by global magazine Time Out but residents tell another story. File Picture: Moeletsi Mabe
Johannesburg - While the City of Joburg announced it was thrilled to be adding another accolade to its destination status after 7th Street – with Melville recently listed as one of the world’s coolest top 30 streets by global magazine Time Out – residents tell another story.
Sarah Hudleston, a resident, said the suburb has issues with homelessness and crime, but had, “funnily enough, brought our suburb together with a common purpose of not letting Melville become Hellville!”
Hudleston is part of the ward 87 committee with the community development portfolio.
“The community is rallying together to do volunteer, regular cleanups, monitor security and to improve the area. Although there are problematic spots with illegal dumping, many residents have come on board to keep the suburb clean,” she said.
“We are working with city authorities, but often action is not taken quickly enough. The Melville tennis and sports grounds have been taken over by squatters. Development of the land is up for tender and we really want it to be available for all residents.
“Currently, we are not allowed access to the sports field, which is our own remaining green space. There was a certain amount of corruption involved in allocating the soccer field and club (which was turned into a drug den) when it was given to Mayfair football club in 2010.”
There are also many people building illegally onto their properties for student accommodation. Many build without plans and ignore stop orders from the city.
Last year, Melville made it onto the magazine’s list of the world’s 40 coolest and kindest neighbourhoods, ranking at 33, and this year it came as no surprise the lively suburb and community topped that with 7th Street listed 12th in the line-up of the globe’s coolest top 30 streets.
Lawrence Khoza, a member of the mayoral committee for economic development in the City of Joburg said: “It is wonderful to share good news about our city and a listing like this is testament to Joburg’s appeal as a diverse and dynamic metropolis.
“We are an all-year-round global destination for everything from business, education and lifestyle to sport, events, the arts, culture and fashion.”
Aside from a welcoming youthful diversity and vibrancy, cosmopolitan and eclectic charm, Melville boasts a diverse array of quaint guest houses, restaurants, bars, antique, speciality and thrift shops, making it a popular destination for locals and travellers.
It is near the University of Johannesburg in Auckland Park and Wits University in Braamfontein, which offers the suburb a youthful and bohemian feel.
The community makes for a proud, creative and caring team, collaborating and working hard to maintain and improve the suburb’s appeal through initiatives like the “I Love Melville” Facebook page and a social media presence on other platforms as well.
“Despite the challenges we currently face in the wake of the Covid19 pandemic and many others, it is exciting to see that one of Joburg’s most popular suburbs has found its own space on the global stage among contenders like Melbourne, Barcelona and London,” Khoza said.
“We congratulate the Melville community and commend their efforts.”
Although it has become the main motivation to travel for some, it can also be compatible with other inspirations such as cultural interests or experiences – as in in 7th Street where visitors immerse themselves in the local vibe.
The city is cognisant of this and is embarking on collaborative arrangements to ensure safer and cleaner streets for freedom of movement throughout Joburg.
Yet residents say they have taken most matters into their own hands, doing their own cleaning and fighting constant battles with owners who are converting their homes into student accommodation which is great demand.
For years, residents have been running a Saturday Market at the Melville tennis courts. They are expanding it with the aim of giving people an opportunity to supplement their income and support themselves while making it a fun place to be.
The Star