“Right to admission reserved” is written in front of many establishments. This clause is specifically written to give establishments the right to turn away individuals who are disruptive or intoxicated. But what about the safety of the individuals? In Hatfield, well-known establishments have had reports and have built reputations over time for being unsafe for students, even though they market themselves to students by creating an illusion of euphoria and a refreshing environment. They use tactics such as affordable drink specials, hosting events with popular DJ’s, and performing or collaborating with popular students to attract more of their peers.
Lynnwood Road, more commonly known as “The Strip” among UP students, is home to well-known nightclubs such as N’Joy and Jolly’s. Students seek a pause from academic stress and nightclubs offer spaces where students can gather, socialise, and simply just have fun.
From interviews conducted, various students reported that their preferred places, namely N’Joy and Jolly’s, are influenced by affordable drink prices dubbed “Happy Hour” specials which are appealing, considering students’ limited budgets. Another factor is curated entertainment experiences such as the selection of music that is popular among students and inviting popular artists to come and perform in the pursuit of attracting university students.
Even though some students end up having a great time and forming unforgettable university experiences, a concerning amount of students have reported quite terrifying experiences coming out of these places. One student described aggressive behaviour by bouncers at N’Joy, such as slapping and punching people, as a “regular occurrence.” The same student recalled something that happened as recently as 29 August where they remember sitting at one of the tables inside N’Joy and then waking up in their bed the next morning with no recollection of what happened the night before, despite them not drinking excessively that night. Another student shared their experience of being spiked in a section that is typically presumed safe as it limits access to other patrons. They continue to share their experiences and raise excellent observations. One of them explained: “I feel like it is quite sketchy and just ironic because you go somewhere where you go to drink, have fun in a safe environment with your friends, you all get spiked by the people who own it. So it doesn’t make sense to me. Where are we supposed to drink where it is safe? In the places where we are supposed to have control, drinking is dangerous.”
These experiences have changed these students’ perception of safety in Hatfield; they say they would rather go to house parties, host events in their own spaces, or just avoid N’Joy as a whole. Some opt for sharing their locations with their friends to ensure their and their friends’ safety.
Although these experiences are recent, this is not the first time these concerns are being raised. On 20 June 2023, an investigative report was published by Carte Blanche about Latino’s Bistro, a nightclub that was located on Lynnwood Road, next to where N’Joy is located today. Latino’s Bistro had a reputation for being a “nightmare club” due to the violence from bouncers and the occurrences of spiking and drug abuse. Leaked CCTV footage from 22 May 2022, showed a wounded individual who had been stabbed being dragged out of the club and into a back alley. The footage then shows staff rinsing away blood trails while the victim lay there dying. Although the bouncer and security guard faced charges of murder and defeating the ends of justice, they were released because the National Prosecuting Authority failed to prosecute them accordingly.
Another Hatfield nightclub called Zanzou that was located on Jan Shoba Street also had similar instances of violence in mid-February 2025. Disturbing footage surfaced showing patrons being physically and sexually assaulted by bouncers allegedly over unpaid bills and disputes. Following these reports coming to light, the Gauteng Liquor Board suspended Zanzou’s liquor license. Authorities emphasised that the club’s management failed in their legal obligation to report criminal conduct to the South African Police Services by choosing to prioritise their image and reputation over the safety of their customers. Following police manhunts, Zanzou’s operations were halted and they ultimately shut down.
Local authorities have continuously carried out law enforcement sweeps across clubs in Lynnwood and Hatfield and many establishments have been fined for non-compliance issues, including overcrowding, noise pollution and operating without proper permits. In September this year, The Flamingo Club and Bar was forced to close down twice for not just non-compliance issues; investigations revealed that the bar was also operating as an illegal brothel and accumulated a municipal debt of R3.2 million. Officials cut off supplies, emphasising that the venue would be closed until municipal requirements were met.
The issue with these establishments luring students in and then compromising their safety is not only harmful but exploitative as well. All these reports and investigations beg a crucial question: How are students meant to socialise and destress if they are not safe in places that are supposedly curated for them? How much more do students have to risk to catch a break and live their desired university experiences? Perhaps these establishments should change that “Right of Admission Reserved” sign to “Welcome in, at your own risk”.
Visual: Charney
