THE LOCAL NEWSLETTER FOR MARSHALLTOWNBY THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE.
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MARSHALLTOWN
STORIES

FREE COPY

PLEASE SHARE IN YOUR BUSINESS & COMMUNITY

ISSUE 01 • 19 MAY 2026 Your Community. Your Voice. Your Marshalltown. EVERY MONDAY
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COVER STORY

“I FEED 80 WORKERS EVERY MORNING FROM THIS TINY KITCHEN.”

– THANDI, FOOD VENDOR, MARSHALLTOWN

Rising costs, load shedding and low foot traffic are making it harder for small businesses to survive in the CBD.

BUT WE KEEP GOING.
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OTHER LOCAL BUSINESSES REPORTED SIMILAR CONCERNS THIS WEEK.

SEE PAGE 2 FOR THE FULL BREAKDOWN.

HAVE A STORY TO SHARE?

We want to hear from you. Your story could help someone else.

SEND US YOUR STORY

071 123 4567
stories@1pulse.online
or scan the QR code to submit online.
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SOLUTIONS START HERE

Find useful contacts, support services and platforms that can help with challenges like yours.

SEE PAGE 3 →

THE STORY OF MARSHALLTOWN CONTINUES IN

2026
Let’s build it together.
POWERED BYREAL PEOPLE. REAL STORIES. REAL IMPACT.
FOLLOW US ONLINE

www.1pulse.online

@1pulse.online

When one voice speaks, change begins.
When many voices speak, change happens.
MARSHALLTOWN STORIESISSUE 01 | 19 MAY 20262
Meet

BABALWA
NQOKOTO

“I didn’t just start a business. I started a way to survive, to serve, and to stand tall in my community.”– Babalwa Nqokoto
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COOKING WITH PURPOSE.
BUILDING WITH COMMUNITY.

Babalwa Nqokoto is the founder of Skhafthini – a home-cooked food business born in the heart of Marshalltown. What started as cooking meals for neighbours has grown into a trusted brand known for warmth, quality, and care.

Her journey is one of resilience. In a township and city where small businesses are often pushed aside by big companies that cut corners and undercut prices, Babalwa chose a different path: one built on honesty, community, and consistency.

THE STRUGGLE IS REAL

Small businesses face big challenges:

High rental and operational costs
Competition from large chains that cut corners
Limited access to funding
Loadshedding and municipal issues
Lack of support and visibility

BUT WE RISE TOGETHER

Babalwa is not alone. Through partnerships and community support, we:

Share resources and skills
Buy local. Support local.
Recommend and refer each other
Create opportunities for everyone
Build a stronger Marshalltown

HER MESSAGE TO MARSHALLTOWN

“Let’s support each other. When one business grows, our whole community eats.”

Thank you for choosing Skhafthini.
Thank you for believing in local.

MORE STORIES. MORE BUSINESSES. ONE COMMUNITY.

In every issue, we’ll bring you the stories of business owners, workers, creatives, and residents who are shaping the new Marshalltown.

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THE ENTREPRENEURSBuilding the future
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THE WORKERSKeeping things moving
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THE CREATIVESBringing life to the city
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THE RESIDENTSThe heart of our community

SHARE YOUR STORY

Do you have a story to tell? We want to hear from you!

WhatsApp/Call:
071 123 4567
Email:
stories@1pulse.online
Submit online:
www.1pulse.online
Marshalltown Stories is powered by 1Pulse.online – Your voice. Our mission. Our future.#WeAreMarshalltown
MARSHALLTOWN STORIESYOUR COMMUNITY. YOUR VOICE. YOUR MARSHALLTOWN.ISSUE 01 • 19 MAY 2026 • PAGE 3

WHERE TO DO BUSINESS
IN MARSHALLTOWN

YOUR MAP. YOUR NETWORK. YOUR OPPORTUNITY.

Marshalltown is open for business. Discover key places, essential services and local gems that keep our community moving.

SUPPORT LOCAL. BUILD LOCAL.
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LEGEND

FOOD & DRINK
SHOPPING
SERVICES
GOVERNMENT
HEALTH
EDUCATION
TRANSPORT
PARKING
Joburg MallShop, dine and connect
Bean There CaféGreat coffee. Local vibes.
Premier’s OfficeGauteng Provincial Government
The Wellness ClinicAffordable healthcare for everyone
Home Affairs MarshalltownOffice
St. Martin’s HallEvent & community venue
SAB KickStartBusiness support & training
Crafted in MarshalltownLocal goods & gifts
Main Street DeliFresh food. Local flavour.
Park CentralSecure parking available
Marshalltown Taxi RankConnections across Joburg
Silulo Ulutho Trading AcademySkills for the future

A THRIVING HUB OF ENTERPRISE, PEOPLE & POSSIBILITY.

Marshalltown has everything you need to start, run and grow your business. From government services to skills training, from great coffee to wholesale suppliers – it’s all right here.

EAT & MEETGrab a coffee, host a meeting or treat your team. Local cafés and eateries ready to welcome you.
SHOP & SOURCEFind everything from office supplies to fashion, tools and tech at local shops and wholesalers.
GET THINGS DONEAccess offices, business support, print, IT services, banking and more – all in one place.
GOVERNMENT SERVICESHome Affairs, the Premier’s Office and other departments are based right in Marshalltown.
LEARN & GROWBuild your skills, attend workshops and connect with training providers.
MOVE WITH EASETaxi rank, public transport and secure parking keep you connected.
SPOTLIGHT ON LOCAL BUSINESSES
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BEAN THERE CAFÉ

45 Commissioner St

More than just great coffee – it’s a space where ideas are born and collaborations begin. A favourite meeting spot for local entrepreneurs and remote workers.

Marshalltown inspires us every day. We’re proud to be part of its story.
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SIMUNYE HARDWARE

63 Pritchard St

Family-owned and community-focused. From big projects to small repairs, they stock what the neighbourhood needs and offer advice with a smile.

We don’t just sell tools, we build relationships.

HAVE A BUSINESS IN MARSHALLTOWN?

Add your business to our map!
Send us your details:

stories@1pulse.online

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SCAN TO SUBMIT YOUR BUSINESS OR STORY

HELP US KEEP THIS MAP UPDATED!

Spotted a new business? A closed one? Let us know and help your community. Together, we keep Marshalltown connected.

TOGETHER, WE BUILD A STRONGER MARSHALLTOWN.#SupportLocal#MarshalltownStories#ByThePeopleForThePeople
MARSHALLTOWN STORIESYOUR COMMUNITY. YOUR VOICE. YOUR MARSHALLTOWN.ISSUE 01 • 19 MAY 2026 • PAGE 4
BUSINESS

HEADLINE FOR THE BUSINESS PAGE GOES HERE

A one or two line summary that tells readers why this story matters to them.

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Start the story here. Click Edit to replace this text with the article. Keep paragraphs short so they read well in narrow columns.

Add quotes from the people involved, the facts readers need, and where they can go for more information.

End with what happens next, or how readers can get involved.

TOGETHER, WE BUILD A STRONGER MARSHALLTOWN.#SupportLocal#MarshalltownStories#ByThePeopleForThePeople
MARSHALLTOWN STORIESYOUR COMMUNITY. YOUR VOICE. YOUR MARSHALLTOWN.ISSUE 01 • 19 MAY 2026 • PAGE 5
BUSINESS

SECOND BUSINESS STORY HEADLINE GOES HERE

A one or two line summary that tells readers why this story matters to them.

Lead photo
Lead photo801 × 420px

Start the story here. Click Edit to replace this text with the article. Keep paragraphs short so they read well in narrow columns.

Add quotes from the people involved, the facts readers need, and where they can go for more information.

End with what happens next, or how readers can get involved.

TOGETHER, WE BUILD A STRONGER MARSHALLTOWN.#SupportLocal#MarshalltownStories#ByThePeopleForThePeople
MARSHALLTOWN STORIESYOUR COMMUNITY. YOUR VOICE. YOUR MARSHALLTOWN.ISSUE 01 • 19 MAY 2026 • PAGE 6
STORE FEATURE

I SEE
YOU.

REV TUMZA

A TRAIL BLAZER FROM MARSHALLTOWN.

In a time where reforms and modernization push culture to the margins, Rev Tumza stands firm—reminding the youth that their story, their style and their struggles matter.

I see your struggles. I see your peer pressure. I see that you want to fit in even though society has thrown you in the outcasts, in poverty, in townships.
I HAVE BEEN IN YOUR SHOES BEFORE AND I CHOSE BUSINESS. I KEPT THE CULTURE, BUT I ALSO MEAN BUSINESS.

Come push your township culture but do it with focus, with respect.

SAY NO TO DRUGS AND ALCOHOL ABUSE AND ALWAYS REMEMBER – YOU ARE NOT A CRIME.

Rev Tumza invites the youth to come to the city and dream for bigger without losing themselves.

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VISITGP GANGSTA21 LOVEDAY STMARSHALLTOWN

The culture from the townships is not a problem. It’s the solution. Let’s elevate it.

– REV TUMZA

AT GPGANGSTA, IT’S MORE THAN FASHION.

YOUTH TALKSReal conversations about life, pressure, identity and purpose.
PHOTOGRAPHY SESSIONSCapture your story. Express your creativity.
MUSIC STUDIO TOURSSee the process. Learn the game. Create the culture.
AND MOREWorkshops, pop-ups, mentorship and community initiatives.

CLOTHING. CULTURE. COMMUNITY.

A brand built from the streets, for the future.

21 Loveday Street
Marshalltown, Johannesburg
@gpgangsta.store
081 234 5678
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SUPPORT LOCAL. SUPPORT CHANGE.

Every purchase. Every share. Every visit. You’re investing in the future of our youth.

COME THROUGH.
SHOW SUPPORT.
BE PART OF THE MOVEMENT.

HAVE A STORY TO SHARE?

We want to hear from young entrepreneurs and change-makers making a difference. Send your story to: stories@1pulse.online

TOGETHER, WE BUILD A STRONGER MARSHALLTOWN.#SupportLocal#MarshalltownStories#ByThePeopleForThePeople
MARSHALLTOWN STORIESYOUR COMMUNITY. YOUR VOICE. YOUR MARSHALLTOWN.ISSUE 01 • 19 MAY 2026 • PAGE 7
EVENTS

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN MARSHALLTOWN THIS WEEK

List the week’s events, markets, meetings and community gatherings here.

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Event name, day and time, and where it happens. One short line on why people should come.

Event name, day and time, and where it happens. One short line on why people should come.

Event name, day and time, and where it happens. One short line on why people should come.

TOGETHER, WE BUILD A STRONGER MARSHALLTOWN.#SupportLocal#MarshalltownStories#ByThePeopleForThePeople
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TOGETHER, WE BUILD A STRONGER MARSHALLTOWN.

Advertise with Marshalltown Stories: stories@1pulse.online • 071 123 4567

POWERED BYREAL PEOPLE. REAL STORIES. REAL IMPACT.
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