SALM TEAM 
The Johannesburg Inner City Partnership (JICP), in proud partnership with Moving into Dance Trust (MID) is thrilled to announce Mjaivo Jaiva – a vibrant celebration of International Dance Day 2025, now set to ignite the streets of Johannesburg on Friday, 16 May 2025.
Though globally observed on 29 April, the Johannesburg Dance Day celebration has been moved out to accommodate South Africa’s cluster of public holidays – ensuring maximum participation, community engagement, and urban energy.
This one-of-a-kind city showcase will see over 1,000 participants dancing through the heart of the inner city along a 1,5 km part of the Walkable Network – a pedestrian-friendly spine connecting people, places and public art. More than 1000 dancers, choreographed by the renowned MID team, will transform the pavements into stages of joy, rhythm, and collective creativity.
A Partnership with Purpose
Established in 1996, JICP is a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) dedicated to revitalising Joburg’s inner city through collaborative, cross-sector partnerships. For Mjaivo Jaiva, JICP is proud to partner with MID, who are joined by the Maharishi Invincibility Institute (MII). A Newtown stalwart and trailblazer in Contemporary African dance since 1978, MID pioneered Afro Fusion and Edudance, and continues to empower youth through its nationally recognised training and performance programmes. Based in the inner city since 2007, MII is a non-profit education hub that has transformed access to quality, holistic education for thousands of underserved youth, bringing vibrancy, learning and purpose to Joburg’s core.
“This is more than a dance event – it’s a living, breathing example of what happens when culture, creative expression and community power intersect,” says David van Niekerk, CEO of the JICP. “Partnerships like ours with MID and MII are crucial for transforming the city from the inside out. This is Jozi showing the world what it’s made of.”
A Moving Performance, Literally
The dancing will commence from two opposite points on the Walkable Network:
§ Jewel City (255 Fox Street), and
§ The Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court (corner of 23 Ntemi Piliso Street and Main Street, Johannesburg CBD).
The two groups will then meet up mid-way at Gandhi Square.
With rehearsals already underway for two weeks, participants have been trained by MID’s professional team in a unified dance piece that celebrates rhythm as a universal language. The choreography blends Contemporary African movement with street flair – expressing both identity and inclusion. “This is dance for everyone,” says Nadia Virasamy, CEO of MID. “We’ve trained students, community groups, and organisations from across the city. Whether you know the steps or just want to move your body, we invite you to join us – follow the rhythm, feel the vibe, or simply soak up the spirit of Mjaivo Jaivo!”
Safety, Clean-Up and City Love
§ The Community Policing Forum, SAPS, JMPD will ensure the safety and smooth running of the event.
§ JICP’s Woza Work and Social Employment Fund teams will manage pre- and post-event clean-up, showcasing the spirit of shared responsibility.
§ The parade route includes installations along the Walkable Network – a JICP led initiative designed to reconnect the city through walkable infrastructure, solar lighting (funded through Jozi My Jozi: 1 Million Lights), and urban activation.
Even after the music fades, the route will continue to shine – quite literally – thanks to the solar lights gifted by JICP to enhance night-time vibrancy and public safety. The streetlights are in the process of being installed.
A Celebration of Partners and Possibility
JICP’s Social Employment Fund (SEF) partners – including Boundless City, Clean City South Africa (CCSA), Dlala Nje, Makers Valley Partnership (MVP), Mould Empower Serve (MES), Urban Space Management (USM), Water for the Future (WFTF), Sports for Social Change Network (SSCN) and Constitution Hill Development Company (Con Hill) – will also take part in this energising experience. These organisations have been integral to driving social impact, employment, and youth development in the inner city. Students from The Maharishi Invincibility Institute (MII) will also be participating in the event.
In the long term, Mjaivo Jaiva is envisioned as an annual signature celebration for the city – growing cultural life, building pride of place, and possibly even breaking records for the largest number of dancers on an inner-city walkable route.
Event Details at a Glance
§ Date: Friday, 16 May 2025
§ Start Time: 10:30 AM gathering, 11:00 AM performance start
§ Start Points:
Jewel City, 255 Fox Street
The Magistrate’s Court, 23 Ntemi Piliso Street and Main Street
§ Route: From both sides the teams will perform and end in Gandhi Square at approximately 11:30am, where they will come together and perform as one large group
§ Open to the public: Yes! Come dance, watch, or walk the route with us
Be part of the beat. Be part of the city. Be part of Mjaivo Jaivo.
Dj Chilu 
