As part of our latest feature at YOMZANSI, we’re curating the local experience with the city’s finest—from Joburg to Cape Town—to give you the ultimate city cheat sheet, curated by the people who live it best.
Think of it as your plug into each city’s culture. We’re sitting down with the tastemakers, the city-shapers, and the people who know where to go, what to eat, and how to dress when you get there.
Whether you’re looking for the best thrift spots, a fire African food joint, or just a vibey Sunday market to chill at—we’ve got you.
First up? Johannesburg. And we’re doing it through the lens of Nate Setwaba—Big Brother Mzansi alum, makeup magician, and one of the most unfiltered personalities repping the City of Gold.
Nate Setwaba isn’t just your typical Joburger—she’s a full-on force. At 26, the medical prosthetist and makeup artist made her mark as one of the standout housemates on Big Brother Mzansi. Born and raised in Johannesburg, Nate knows her city like the back of her hand—and she’s more than ready to show it off.
Ask her what’s hot right now, and she’ll tell you: Empire Clothing SA for that street drip, Studiopea for custom grills, and ARC Beauty to keep the glow on lock. When it comes to weekend plans, she doesn’t just go out—she curates the vibe. From club-hopping through Moja Café, Tempo and Room130 on Fridays, to brunch at Pantry by Gemelli and helicopter rides over Gold Reef City on Saturdays—Nate balances groove and glam like a pro. Come Sunday, it’s all about the softer life: hiking at Taroko, spa treatments at Saxon, and soaking in the scene at Fourways Farmers Market.
Outside of the spotlight, Nate is all about good food (Alkhalwayas and Kwamaemae are her go-tos), good music (Focalistic’s “Dlala Ka Yona” has Joburg in a chokehold), and authentic moments. She’s unapologetically herself—equal parts bold, funny, and thoughtful. Whether she’s gushing about stepezanas and crop tops as Joburg’s “unofficial uniform,” or showing love to Soweto’s raw energy, Nate’s perspective is unfiltered and deeply rooted in culture. If Joburg had a personality, it might just be Nate—vibrant, complex, and always ready to hit post.
HERE’S JOBURG ACCORDING TO NATE:
WHAT’S YOUR FAV HOTTEST LOCAL BRAND IN JOBURG RIGHT NOW?
- Definitely Empire Clothing SA
IF SOMEONE LANDS IN JOBURG TODAY, WHAT ARE THE TOP 3 STORES THEY MUST CHECK OUT FIRST?
- Because I love makeup and all things beauty. ARC
- Studiopea for some sick/cool grill designs and custom-made jewellery designs
- WE ARE EGG in Rosebank
IF SOMEONE GAVE YOU THE WHOLE WEEKEND TO EXPLORE JOBURG, WHAT’S THE PLAN FROM FRIDAY TO SUNDAY?
Friday: Club hopping from 2 PM: Moja Café, Tempo, and Room130 or Opera, end the night at Louis in that order
Saturday:
- Breakfast/Brunch: Pantry by Gemelli or Besos
- Gold Reef City helicopter ride
- Escape room
- Chill in Greenside: Altar Bar / Alpaca
- Go to the arcade at Cracker Zac’s
Sunday:
- Hiking at Taroko
- Spa date at Saxon Hotel and Spa
- Prison Break Market
WHAT’S THE ONE PLACE YOU TAKE OUT-OF-TOWNERS TO IMPRESS THEM?
- Fourways Farmers Market: I start them off on the chilled side to just enjoy the live performances, and after the calm before the storm, going to the groove side of the market
ANY SECRET FOOD GEMS HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT? (NOT THE USUAL NAMES!)
- Alkhalwayas
YOUR BEST THRIFT STORE OR THRIFT SPOT?
- Ehsahn, I don’t thrift, I wouldn’t know.
WHICH PART OF JOBURG HAS THE MOST ENERGY RIGHT NOW—AND WHY?
- JHB CBD side: The youth is there. Most creatives are there, and most creatives stay that side
IF JOBURG HAD A UNIFORM, WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE WEARING?
- Crop tops and Scepezana because I love them 😂😂😂
WHERE TO EAT? YOUR BEST FAST FOOD SPOT AND BEST AFRICAN CUISINE SPOT?
- Moja Café for African cuisine
- Smack Pizza at Green Valley Shopping Centre: The traditional cocktails are yum and always half-priced
WHERE DO YOU GO TO PARTY? WHAT’S YOUR TOP VENUE FOR GOOD VIBES?
- I’m a retired party baddie; I just like chilled vibes, nothing hectic
WHICH JOBURG-BASED EVENT FEELS LIKE “EVERYONE WHO’S ANYONE” IS THERE?
- Oviiii: House of YMZ and Soundset Sundays
WHAT’S THE BEST MARKET TO CHECK OUT ON A SUNDAY?
- Fourways Farmers Market: whether you want to chill or vibe, it’s a two-in-one.
ONE SPOT YOU TRUST WITH YOUR LIFE WHEN IT COMES TO KOTA?
- Buffet_official in Thembisa
WHAT’S THE MOST UNDERRATED PLACE FOR A PROPER TRADITIONAL MEAL?
- Kwa Mai Mai: A lot of people go, but not everyone goes because they think it’s hyped for nothing, but wow, what a gem
WHICH TOWNSHIP SHOWS THE REAL SPIRIT OF JOBURG?
- Definitely Soweto: From the culture, raw representation of what JHB is, and unfiltered hustling culture, the food, the vibes, deep roots
ONE SONG THAT HAS JOBURG IN A CHOKEHOLD RIGHT NOW?
- Dlala Ka Yona – DJ Maphorisa (feat. Focalistic, Ricky Lenyora, Uncool MC & Mellow & Sleazy)
BEST SNEAKER STORE?
- I’ve never bought there, but definitely, Shelflife.
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