Get to know the less-talked-about downsides of living in Johannesburg

Life in Joburg is a mix of hustle, bustle, and... power cuts. Photo by Simon Hurry on Unsplash

Living in Johannesburg is an adventure — sometimes exciting, sometimes frustrating. The city has a lot to offer, but let’s be real: the infrastructure could use some serious work. There’s a maintenance backlog of around $12 billion, which means things like power cuts, water shortages, and bumpy roads are just part of the daily grind.

Load shedding (scheduled power outages) happens regularly, which can throw off everything from your morning coffee routine to big business operations. Then there’s the water situation — some areas have gone up to 11 days without running water, which is rough. And if you drive, get ready to dodge potholes that seem to multiply overnight. A big part of the issue is the city’s leadership — Johannesburg has had eight mayors since 2019, making long-term planning pretty tricky.

A peek into the city's forgotten corners: hijacked buildings and a bit of urban decay. Photo by Ingo Stiller on Unsplash

Johannesburg is full of history and charm, but some parts of the city have seen better days. Take the main public library, for example — a beautiful, historic building with 1.5 million books inside. Sounds great, right? Except it’s been closed for four years because of safety concerns.

Then there’s the problem of hijacked buildings — abandoned properties taken over by illegal occupants, many without running water or electricity. These buildings can turn into crime hotspots, making parts of the city feel unsafe. It’s a tough situation because people need places to live, but the lack of proper management makes it hard to turn things around.

Water supply in Joburg is a bit like a game of chance! Photo by JJ Badenhorst on Unsplash

Water isn’t something you can take for granted in Joburg. About 60% of the city’s water infrastructure is past its expiration date, leading to frequent pipe bursts and leaks. On top of that, nearly half of the water supply (46%) is lost due to leaks or illegal connections, costing the city around R2.4 billion a year.

Johannesburg Water, the company responsible for keeping the taps flowing, needs about R27 billion to fix things — but that’s not happening anytime soon. So, if you’re living here, it’s always a good idea to keep some bottled water on hand and stay updated on possible cuts.

Copper cables are like hot commodities here — seriously! Photo by Calitore on Unsplash

You wouldn’t think of copper as something worth stealing, but in Johannesburg, it’s a huge problem. Thieves target electrical substations and even mines to steal copper, which then gets sold on the black market. This has serious consequences — when cables get stolen, it leads to power outages and broken infrastructure, affecting businesses and everyday life.

The demand for copper is skyrocketing globally, especially with its role in renewable energy. That’s made it even more valuable, and as a result, copper theft is more common than ever. If you’ve ever experienced a sudden power outage in Joburg, there’s a good chance it wasn’t just load shedding — someone might have taken off with the cables.

A look at South Africa’s past through the lens of the Apartheid Museum. Photo by Michael Schofield on Unsplash

If you love strolling through city streets, Johannesburg might not be the best place for it. The city was built with cars in mind, and pedestrians often get the short end of the stick. Sidewalks (where they exist) can be uneven or just disappear, forcing people to walk on the road.

Most people rely on cars to get around, and while public transport options like minibus taxis exist, they’re not always the safest or most reliable. If you’re planning to move here, having a car — or at least a solid ride-hailing app — is a must.

In Joburg, social gaps are right in your face. Photo by Gregory Fullard on Unsplash

Johannesburg is a city of extreme contrasts. On one side, you have fancy malls, high-end restaurants, and well-manicured suburbs. On the other, you’ve got communities struggling with basic services. The wealth gap is pretty visible, and it does affect how people interact.

That said, there’s a strong sense of community here. People are friendly, and once you find your crowd — whether in business, arts, or social spaces — you’ll start to see the heart of the city beyond the statistics.

Not just a photo op: those Soweto Towers are also famous for bungee jumping! Photo by Asher Pardey on Unsplash

Johannesburg itself doesn’t have the worst air pollution, but nearby industrial areas — like Sasolburg — can get pretty bad. People living near these zones have reported health issues due to high pollution levels.

This is one of those things that doesn’t always make headlines but definitely affects daily life. If you have asthma or other respiratory issues, it’s worth paying attention to air quality reports and planning where you live accordingly.

Color and creativity in Maboneng between the buildings. Source: www.facebook.com/TheMabonengPrecinct

For all its challenges, Johannesburg knows how to do food right. The city’s culinary scene is one of the best in South Africa, offering everything from high-end dining to street food gems. Here are a few must-try spots:

If you love a good steak and a bit of theatre with your meal, Marble is the place to be. This stylish spot in Rosebank’s Keyes Art Mile is all about open-fire cooking, and the giant wood-fired grill in the center of the restaurant sets the mood. The vibe is sleek and sophisticated, with big windows showing off Joburg’s skyline — perfect for sunset drinks. The grilled meats and seafood are the stars here, with dishes like a perfectly seared ribeye or wood-fired prawns stealing the show. Pair that with a glass of South African red, and you’re in for a treat. Expect to spend around R500-R700 per person, depending on how fancy you go with drinks.

Proud Mary is one of those spots that knows exactly what it’s doing. Located in Rosebank, it feels like the kind of place you’d expect to find in a trendy part of town, but somehow, it still feels welcoming. The interior has this effortlessly cool vibe — modern without being pretentious, and comfortable without losing that touch of class. The food is all about big flavors and bold moves. If you're into seafood, their grilled octopus will make you a believer, and the burgers are a treat that never disappoints. What really sets Proud Mary apart, though, is their wine list — seriously, it’s like they’ve handpicked each bottle to elevate the whole experience. All of this comes at a cost, of course, with the average meal landing around R300-R500 per person. But if you're looking for a spot that nails both the food and the ambiance, it’s well worth it.

Mozambik Linksfield is where you go when you want your food to have a bit of fire — and not just from the grill. This place delivers that perfect balance between bold, spicy flavors and an easygoing atmosphere. Their peri-peri prawns have a way of grabbing your attention — plump, smoky, and with just enough kick to keep things interesting. If you’re feeling hungry (or just want to impress your friends), the seafood platters are a showstopper: fresh, packed with variety, and practically begging for a side of bread to soak up all the deliciousness. The vibe is relaxed but vibrant, and it’s a solid pick for everything from a casual dinner to a celebration. You can fill up on these amazing flavors for around R200-R400 per person, making it an easy decision for a meal that's both satisfying and wallet-friendly.

Saint Restaurant is a place where the food makes a statement and the atmosphere does its best to keep up. Located in Sandton, it’s stylish without trying too hard. Their Neapolitan pizzas are crisp, light, and full of flavor, while truffle pasta will have you questioning whether you’ve ever really tasted pasta before. Every dish here feels like it was designed to make you stop and think, "How did they do that?" As for the cocktails, they are just as impressive — smooth, balanced, and dangerously easy to sip. Sure, it's not the cheapest spot in town, with a meal running about R400-R700 per person, but if you’re after top-tier food in a setting that makes you feel like you’ve made it, Saint delivers.

Inside The Living Room in Maboneng Precinct. Source: www.facebook.com/livingroom.jozi

Coordinates on Google Maps: Maboneng Precinct
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This lively, artsy district is packed with great restaurants, street food spots, and indie coffee shops, making it one of the best places in Joburg for a relaxed food crawl.

If you're craving some South African flair, The City Grill serves up delicious grilled meats. For a more polished vibe, check out The Living Room — a rooftop bar with killer cocktails, tasty snacks, and amazing city views.

If street food’s more your thing, Bumi Hills has awesome Asian-inspired bites, while The Blackanese dishes out fresh, flavorful sushi. And of course, coffee lovers can’t skip Father Coffee — it’s the perfect spot to kick back and take it all in. Maboneng is all about variety — you can go for a fancy sit-down dinner or simply enjoy a good coffee and some people-watching, and you’ll always find something to love.

Living in Johannesburg comes with its challenges — power cuts, water issues, and some safety concerns. But it’s also a city full of energy, culture, and opportunity. If you’re resourceful, open to adventure, and willing to embrace the chaos, you might just end up falling in love with it.