TTPod 5.2: "The Chaos Precinct" - In conversation with Author and Planner, Dr. Tanya Zack

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Talking Transformation

Pete Ahmad

102 episodes

4 days ago

An open conversation addressing contemporary city building and spatial transformation issues in South Africa.

Society & Culture

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An open conversation addressing contemporary city building and spatial transformation issues in South Africa.

Society & Culture

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TTPod 5.2: "The Chaos Precinct" - In conversation with Author and Planner, Dr. Tanya Zack

Talking Transformation

45 minutes 5 seconds

2 months ago

TTPod 5.2: "The Chaos Precinct" - In conversation with Author and Planner, Dr. Tanya Zack

Welcome back to the Talking Transformation Podcast! We'redelighted to welcome back Tanya Zack, a renowned urban planner and author, joining us from Johannesburg.

Tanya first graced our podcast in February 2023 when shediscussed her book "Wake Up, This is Joburg!", a fascinatingexploration of inner-city Johannesburg urban landscape and the vibrant communities operating within that space.

In this episode, Tanya is here to talk about her latestbook, "The Chaos Precinct", set in the so-called, 'Ethiopian Quarter' in the inner city of Johannesburg, a vibrant area known for its cross-border shopping. This precinct, pioneered by Ethiopian migrants, has transformed theCBD’s office towers into bustling shopping centers filled with small, cupboard-sized shops.

These shops, which sell fast fashion, have repurposed whatwere once medical buildings into a thriving commercial hub. The book delves into the dynamic and ever-evolving urban spaces of Johannesburg, offering deep insights into the lives of the people who live and work there. It explores theeconomic potential of this area and the challenges faced by its inhabitants, providing a compelling narrative of transformation and resilience, policing and governance: identity and belonging.

This is the second book Tanya has discussed on the TalkingTransformation podcast, and we couldn't be more excited to hear about her latest work.

"The Chaos Precinct" promises to be another compelling read, offering deep insights into the dynamic and ever-evolving urban spaces of Johannesburg.

For those of you watching this via YouTube, you’ll also getto see some of the images included in the book, celebrating another collaboration with photographer Mark Lewis, our co-guest back in 2023 when we first discussed Joburg with Tanya.

Orders for "The Chaos Precinct", published byJacana Media, can be made via:

https://jacana.co.za/product/the-chaos-precinct-johannesburg-as-a-port-city/

Email the Talking Transformation Podcast ontalkingtransformation101@gmail.com

Find us on Bluse Sky @TTpod

Recorded: 17th July 2025