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