Vilakazi Street is legendary as the only street in the world where two Nobel Prize winners — President Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu — lived at the same time. Vilakazi is one of Joburg’s biggest tourist attractions. 

But Vilakazi Street is also a place where local Sowetans meet up and spend time with each other. The Box Shop, a relatively new retail development built from shipping containers, is about half a kilometer up Vilakazi Street from the busy area around Mandela’s house and feels a bit more local than the other Vilakazi attractions. 

The downstairs half of the Box Shop is a small store selling locally made clothing — for both adults and children — and African design items. The upstairs has a coffee shop/café called Kofi Afrika, with a shady outdoor deck overlooking the street. The Box Shop also includes a local radio station, an art gallery, and a small meeting space. 

On any given day you’re likely to find half a dozen people spread out on Kofi Afrika’s comfortable furniture, pecking at laptops and sipping caffeinated drinks. (The Box Shop has free wifi.) The iced coffee is particularly good — just African coffee, ice, and milk. Iced coffee like this is difficult to find in Johannesburg.  

Kofi Afrika also has a simple food menu with sandwiches and salads and a great view looking down on the Vilakazi Street action. Troops of dancers and other artists and performers frequently pass on the street below. 

The Box Shop is far enough away from the touristy madness that one can enjoy a tasty, affordable coffee in peace. It’s close enough to the touristy madness to enjoy the overflow street entertainment. Stop in for a coffee and shop for some authentic Soweto souvenirs while you’re at it. 

The Box Shop is at 7166 and 7176 Vilakazi Street, Orlando West. Follow them on Facebook or call +27-11-048-9900 for more information.