Local residents have nicknamed Johannesburg, "Jo'burg" or “eGoli” city of gold. Gold was first discovered in 1886, soon after it experienced an unprecedented gold rush. Today it is the biggest metropolis in Southern Africa, located centrally in the Gauteng Province. Gauteng, is the Sotho word for "Place of Gold", has 8 million Citizens with more than half of its population living in the suburbs of Diepkloof, Soweto, Rosebank, Sandton Benoni and Orange Farm and the nation’s capital Pretoria. Joburg is the nucleus of Gauteng with a population of 3.5 million.
To view live images of Joburg and its surrounds visit our Webcam Gallery. Johannesburg's economical backbone still is the gold and diamond industry.
Only a few of the initial mining operations are still active in the city area today, but the mine dumps have had a lasting impact on the appearance of this urban landscape. The JSE was founded in 1887 and is the centre of the capital markets for the whole of southern Africa. OR Tambo International Airport is the gateway for international air travel to and from the rest of southern Africa, it’s the main starting point for most tourists entering South Africa.
Steeped in culture and history this lively metropolis offers a wide spectrum of activities to explore on your own or with a tour guide. For activities see activities in Joburg. Joburg-direct has a wide selection of accommodation in Johannesburg and its surrounds from 5 star Hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, villas to safari lodges.