I don't read fiction, I read the Bible

I love Johannesburg, its drama, its aesthetics and contrasts, the various characters you meet here. The drama in the strikes, the violence.

But I am not saying crime and violence are good. Take, for instance, last Sunday, when I was driving in Soweto—I saw people fighting in the morning. That was about 8.45am. All these things make Jo’burg what it is. The things that happen around the city are amazing.

I love the city because people here are gullible—everybody comes from somewhere to make it here in the City of Gold. Everybody here wants to feel important. All these people make Jo’burg what it is.

I also love the cultural diversity, the different languages, the different cultures. But I have to say I hate the pretence that you find in the city. Everything is happening here in Jo’burg. Cape Town doesn’t have what Jo’burg has.

I like the renewal taking place around downtown Jo’burg and in Braamfontein. This is really beautiful. I was in awe when I went to Jeppestown. What’s taking place around Arts on Main is cool. There is a beautiful movement taking place.

I don’t read fiction. I don’t relate to it. Nothing excites me when I read fiction, as I easily get bored. Maybe when I am older I will start reading fiction. But I am currently reading The Shack by William P Young.

I also read the Bible every day. There’s no one part of the Bible I would say I like. The Bible is the Bible. It speaks to you in different ways. Yet I think I relate to the New Testament more—it talks to me, it is more current and speaks about what we are going through at the moment.

I am currently listening to the latest CD by Toni Braxton and another by Eric Benét and, in between this, I listen to the latest by Joyous Celebration.

My favourite spot in town is the Grand Central restaurant at Melrose Arch. It’s an interesting place—very relaxed, the kind of place you could hang out at from 10 in the morning to eight at night. I do most of my meetings on Saturday. Even on Sunday I’m there. I really like the ambience.

I have plenty of favourite restaurants. But my all-time favourite is the Thomas Maxwell Kitchen in Benmore. When I am there I eat the duck and grilled sweet potato. My dessert varies from time to time.

I am not a huge fan of football but I have been watching some of the games. I am not really keen on sport but I enjoy watching tennis.

David Tlale, 2009 Designer of the Year, is one of 26 designers showcasing his work at the Africa Fashion Week. He spoke to Percy Zvomuya