10 Souvenirs to Buy in Johannesburg

Time Anchor Distillery is the city’s first craft distillery and was started in 2015 by Shanna-Rae Wilby and Warrick Brown. The distillery produces a range of unique rums, gins and other liqueurs and is situated in the trendy Aerial Empire complex in Maboneng.

Love Jozi designs and manufactures homeware and wearable items incorporating elements and icons unique to Johannesburg. The Johannesburg skyline is one sight tourists will never forget, so what’s more ideal than a mug with the view wrapped around it?

Also known as The City of Gold, pure gold is definitely representative of Johannesburg and can be found in the form of gorgeous jewellery pieces, from big manufacturers as well as independent designers. We especially like jewellery designer Henriette Botha’s ranges, as her quality products have a unique African flair.

Vintage Zionist is a clothing brand popular for their rock ‘n’ roll style leather jackets. Situated in Maboneng, the store creates jackets by repurposing second-hand leather garments, recycling old garments and turning them into fashion forward pieces.

The Rosebank Sunday Market is on, as the name suggests, every Sunday from 9am to 4pm. The market is well-known for its authentic assortment of African crafts and is the ideal place to invest in a special piece that will forever remind you of Johannesburg.

A Kruger Rand is a fantastic souvenir if you’re willing to splurge, as you’ll take home a piece of gold with historic value. These gold coins were introduced in 1967, but international export thereof was banned because of its association with the apartheid government. Today however, Kruger Rands are being sold widely and are worth approximately R17,000 (£1,000).

Johannesburg was home to Nelson Mandela and icons of the Nobel Peace Prize winner and freedom fighter are seen all over the city. From The Apartheid Museum, the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory, Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton to inner city statues and street art. Nelson Mandela memorabilia, in the form of artwork, coasters, t-shirts, books and more, is available in most curio stores, galleries and markets in Johannesburg.

A visit to The Lesedi Cultural Village is the best way to experience the cultures of traditional South African tribes, including Ndebele, Zulu and Xhosa. The village is situated in the historic Cradle of Humankind area and visitors can purchase beautiful arts and crafts – characteristic of the different cultures that call the village home.

A visit to Johannesburg is incomplete without visiting the Apartheid Museum, and of course, browsing the museum gift shop for the perfect souvenir. Whether you’re after something small, like a magnet or coffee mug, or a more substantial souvenir like a book or poster, an item from the Apartheid Museum gift shop will forever conjure up memories of your visit to this important site.

Stitch and Steel is a Johannesburg-based clothing and accessories brand with distinctive African inspired pieces. Fabrics and prints are sourced from all over Africa and garments include dresses, tops, jumpsuits, shoes and more. To ensure that each product is unique and not overly produced, only a few of each garment is sold, ensuring exclusivity.