In light of the recent destructive protests fuelled by xenophobic sentiments that spread through parts of downtown Joburg, many thriving, hard-working businesses - from shops and cafes to galleries and tour companies - have suffered as result of a sudden decline in confidence in inner-city tourism. As downtown tour company JoburgPlaces, who also run the Thunderwalker on Gandhi Square, put it "people simply decided to boycott the city all together".

To address the crisis head-on and drum up support from ordinary Joburgers and visitors alike, this weekend JoburgPlaces presents the Support the City! day with free walking tours through the historic Marshalltown area of the City Centre, taking in heritage buildings like Rand Club, Library Gardens and Chancellor House as well as public art, shops and cool downtown cafes and bars.

These two-hour 'mini-tours' are free of charge although booking is essential. Walks leave at 11:00, 13,00, 14:00 and 15:00 from the Thunderwalker on Gandhi Square. Email gerald@joburgplaces.com to book your place and remember even if all tours are fully booked the Scatterlings Restaurant and Zwipi Underground Bar at Thunderwalker will be open for breakfast and lunch regardless.