Poelano Malema is an expert writer with over 15 years of experience producing work for some of the biggest radio station websites in South Africa. She holds a degree in Journalism with experience in print, digital and radio.

Her passions lie in food, travel, music and bringing people’s stories to life  something she has done successfully for more than a decade.

Her favourite saying is that your life is a book that is being read and will continue to tell a story even when you have transcended to the next life.

Poelano Malema

Poelano Malema

City Writer, Time Out South Africa

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News (4)

Johannesburg Zoo celebrates 121 years with fun activities

Johannesburg Zoo celebrates 121 years with fun activities

It’s been a whopping 121 years since the Johannesburg Zoo was established. The iconic landmark is celebrating the milestone with several fun activities. From 50% discounts on entrance fees to special guided tours; visiting the zoo during March will be an unforgettable treat. History of Johannesburg Zoo The Johannesburg Zoo, which is also called Jo’burg Zoo, was established in 1904. The land was previously owned by the firm of the late Hermann Eckstein, who donated it to the city. Since then, the landmark has been one of Johannesburg’s favourite recreational venues. Thousands of people from all different parts of the world visit the zoo. The zoo initially had one lion, one leopard, one giraffe, two Sable antelope bulls, one baboon, one genet, one pair of Rhesus monkeys, one pair of porcupines and one Golden eagle. It has since expanded to be a home to thousands of animals. It is home to 36 bird families, including the South American screamer, Mandarin ducks and Shuckeducks. Wildlife at the zoo includes the big five, snakes, monkeys and lots more. The zoo has been a place of fun and learning for many locals and tourists for many years. A nice zoo feature is visitors can have a braai or picnic on the premises. Ticket prices for Joburg Zoo To celebrate, the zoo is offering a 50% discount on all daily entry fees from 1 March 2025 to 28 March 2025. On Human Rights Day, 21 March 2025, the entrance fee will be R21. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jo
FlySafair soars to new heights with Lanseria to George route

FlySafair soars to new heights with Lanseria to George route

Fancy a holiday in the vibrant town of George? Now you can easily get there with FlySafair. The airline has just announced a new route from Lanseria to George. As of 14 March 2025, those in and around Gauteng can book to fly directly from Lanseria to George, with tickets ranging from R1,162 per flight. The airline will operate daily flights on this route: • Flight FA 356: Departs Lanseria at 10:10 AM, arrives in George at 12:20 PM• Flight FA 357: Departs George at 12:55 PM, arrives at Lanseria at 2:55 PM “Following our commitment to expand and optimise our network, we are thrilled to introduce this new route,” said Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair. “We have seen a growing demand for travel between Lanseria and George, and we are pleased to offer our customers more choices and flexibility,” he added. Why George is a great holiday destination George is situated in the Western Cape and is a popular holiday destination because of its clean beaches and stunning landscapes. Three of its five swimming beaches have earned Blue Flag accreditation. The Herold Wine Estate is also a popular place for visitors in George. The boutique winery in the Outeniqua mountains offers wine tasting, pizza and cheese platters, as well as a relaxing atmosphere. Visitors can walk along the vineyard while taking in the breathtaking views of Cradock Peak. Some of the recommended eateries in George are Meade Street, the Fat Fish, The Hussar Grill and Portobello Italian Kitchen. 📍 The be
Johannesburg restaurants win big at the 2025 Luxe Restaurant Awards

Johannesburg restaurants win big at the 2025 Luxe Restaurant Awards

Fancy a culinary experience of note? Johannesburg is home to a restaurant that offers the best fine dining experience in the country. Cyra, located at The Houghton Hotel in Johannesburg, has been named the Best Fine Dining Restaurant in South Africa at the 2025 Luxe Restaurant Awards. The awards were held on February 18 at The 11th Floor restaurant in Bedfordview. It was an unforgettable night, and the best South African chefs and restaurateurs came together to honour the country's most prestigious restaurants and exceptional chefs. The restaurant also received the Two Luxe Stars award, and Candice Philip, its founder and head chef, won the Chef of the Year award. Another Johannesburg restaurant that has proven to offer some of the best meals in the country is the Culinary Table, a garden-to-table restaurant in Lanseria. It won the Family Restaurant of the Year award. The restaurant is unique due to its set-up and uses fresh produce picked from its own garden. The Sin + Tax bar in Johannesburg won the Bar of the Year award, proving that Johannesburg is the best city to enjoy cocktails, beer or wine. Proud Mary restaurant in Rosebank won the Hotel Restaurant of the Year. The Club Como in Sandton won the International Restaurant of the Year. The Gemelli restaurant, also in Sandton, was honoured at the awards ceremony. It won the Lifestyle Restaurant of the Year. La Tarte restaurant has yet again secured the Patisserie of the Year award after it received the same recognition at
James Bay is coming to Johannesburg!

James Bay is coming to Johannesburg!

James Bay is coming to South Africa!   The Grammy Award-winning singer embarked on his international tour in January and is scheduled to perform in Johannesburg and Cape Town. The shows are part of his ‘Up All Night’ tour. The Johannesburg show will be held on 29 March at Marks Park Sports Club in Randburg, while the Cape Town show will be held on 27 March at Kirstenbosch Gardens. Tickets for the show range from R895 to R1,395. James, who is known for hits such as ‘Let It Go’ and ‘Hold Back The River’, promises to give his South African fans ‘performances of a lifetime’. This will be Bay’s first shows in South Africa. Bay started his tour in Europe on January 13. The tour is scheduled to take place in over 40 venues worldwide and will end in North America on 28 May. The tour comes ten years after he released his 2015 debut album, ‘Chaos and the Calma’, and a few months after the release of his fourth album, ‘Changes All The Time’ in October 2024. The singer has made a name for himself after releasing top-charting music and giving electrifying live performances over the past years. James has also been recognised for his artistry. In February 2015, he received the Brit Awards’ ‘Critics' Choice’ award, and the following year, he received the ‘Best British Male Solo Artist’ award. His South African fans are in for a treat. 📍 The best things to do in Johannesburg🏨 Where to stay in Johannesburg☕️ The best cafés and coffee shops in Johannesburg