THE CHAOS PRECINCT, Johannesburg as a port city

297pp., colour illus., maps, paperback, Jacana, Johannesburg, 2025

ISBN: 9781431436033

A compelling narrative of how migrant Ethiopians have created a trading post in the area of Johannesburg's city centre roughly bounded by Plein, Troye, Pritchard and von Brandis Streets. The area has been called 'The Ethiopian Quarter', 'Little Ethiopia' and 'Little Addis' and municipal officials refer it as the ‘Chaos Precinct’, while the traders themselves call it by the hallmark road – Jeppe. The annual revenue generated in this shopping hub is twice that of Africa’s wealthiest shopping mall.

"Nobody else could have painted as rich and thoughtful, and as respectful, a portrait of Johannesburg's global entrepôt. A landmark study of the city." Jonny Steinberg, author of Winnie & Nelson: Portrait of a marriage

"Cities often find the storytellers they need, and this text is testament to one such perfect fit. Tanya Zack's writing brings Jeppe to life, and holds the lives within it with care, savvy, respect, and even joy. The book feels as vital and rooted as the precinct itself while reminding us that Jeppe and Johannesburg are not just 'local' but sites that have much to teach the world. A wonderful read!" Guatam Bhan, Indian Institute for Human Settlements, Bengaluru

Tanya Jack is a South African urban planner, researcher at Wits School of Architecture and Planning, and a writer. She is the author of Wake Up, This is Joburg.