Johannesburg, South Africa or Jo’burg as it is commonly called in South Africa, is truly a tale of two cities. It is the economic and commercial heart of South Africa and at the same timr is universally described as a very dangerous city. Even with that reputation Jo Burgers really love their city.
How dangerous is Johannesburg? The short answer is not so dangerous that most Jo Burgers would ever consider leaving as most people universally love this city. Perhaps because it is hard to lose a bad reputation even after things improve. Over an extended visit we talked with a lot of locals and the general opinion is they will never leave Jo’Burg. That being said I was repeatedly given advice about times not to go out in general, especially alone, places to avoid and things to avoid so as to not draw attention to yourself. Even though Johannesburg has high rates of both petty and violent crime driven by economic inequality serious violent crimes like carjackings and armed robberies have been virtually eliminated around the city center. Visitors usually face risks like phone snatching, pickpockets, and purse snatching. That being said being situationally aware is actually good advice to consider as you travel anywhere in the world*.
People from the city of Johannesburg often called Joburgers and sometimes referred to as oke Jozi or oroke but more commonly as “Goliites” from eGoli, the original Zulu name for Johannesburg that means “City of Gold”, though Joburger is the standard nick name in English.
Transportation
Johannesburg offers multiple public transport options, including the high-speed Gautrain rail link, the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, the municipal Joburg Metrobus network, and informal minibus taxis. Rideshare services like Uber and Bolt are widely used for safer point-to-point urban travel.
For short time visitors wanting to get an overview of Johannesburg, the city has a good Hop-On-Hop-Off Big Red Bus with stops centered on Nelson Mandela Square.
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Currency
The South African rand, or simply the rand is the official currency of South Africa. It is subdivided into 100 cents, and a comma separates the rand and cents. Most credit cards are welcome but foriegn currences may not be accepted. ATMs are readily available but be situationally aware of what or who is around you. Recent exchange rates are :
One South African Rand equals US$0.062 United States Dollar
The South African People
Generally speaking South Africans are an extremely friendly and helpful people. Ethnically and culterally the population is very diverse with major ethnic groups broken down into catagories that include native indiginous peoples, whites / Afrikaners, multi-generational Indians with over a dozen official South African languages.
Seeing Johannesburg
Truth be told this is a beautiful and prosperous city and Johannesburg offers a diverse array of cultural, historical, and recreational attractions for visitors. A central theme in the city’s tourism is its complex history, showcased through must-see sites like the Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill, and the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory. Visitors can further explore this heritage by visiting Soweto, which includes Mandela’s House and the historic Satyagraha House.
For those seeking entertainment and leisure, Gold Reef City provides a mix of history and amusement park thrills, while Montecasino offers a variety of indoor activities. Nature lovers can find tranquility at the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens, The Wilds, or by navigating the Honeydew Mazes. Adventure seekers might enjoy Acrobranch Melrose or embarking on safaris located noy far outside the city.
The city also boasts vibrant urban hubs such as Maboneng, Rosebank, and Mandela Square, which are ideal for shopping and dining. For panoramic views, the Carlton Centre remains a notable landmark. Additionally, sports enthusiasts can visit iconic venues like Ellis Park or FNB Stadium, while those interested in local culture can browse famous flea and street markets.
Nelson Mandela Square is a shopping centre in Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa. It includes a large open area built to resemble a traditional European town square that features an 18 foot high statue of Nelson Mandela that was unveiled at the square’s renaming ceremony.
Apartheid Museum
The Apartheid Museum is a museum illustrating apartheid and the 20th-century history of South Africa. The museum, part of the Gold Reef City complex in Johannesburg, was opened in November 2001.
Montecasino is a massive 24/7 entertainment and casino complex located in Fourways, Johannesburg, South Africa. Opened in November 2000 and designed to look like an ancient Tuscan village, it features a 24-hour casino, two major theatres, a bird garden, multiple hotels, and numerous restaurants.
Additional Places Of Particular Note In Johannesburg
Johannesburg Zoo
Shop U 30 Keyes and Jan Smuts, Park Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196
South African National Museum of Military History
22 Erlswold Way, Saxonwold, Johannesburg, 2132
Wits Art Museum
Wits Art Museum Cnr Jorissen and, Bertha St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2017
Gold Reef City Theme Park
Northern Pkwy & Data Cres, Ormonde 99-Ir, Johannesburg, 2159
Soweto, The Heart Of South Africa
Soweto is a large urban residential area, or township, located about 12.5 miles southwest of Johannesburg, South Africa. Its name is an acronym for South Western Townships. It is famous for its major role in the fight against apartheid.
History and Origin
Started in the early 1900s as a camp for black mine workers. It expanded greatly under the apartheid system as a segregated area for non-white workers. It grew into South Africa’s largest black urban center.
Key Historical Events
- 1955: The Freedom Charter was signed here at Walter Sisulu Square.
- 1976: The Soweto Uprising began. Students protested mandatory Afrikaans-language education. Police violence against the youth sparked global outrage.
Famous Sights
- Vilakazi Street: The only street in the world to have two Nobel Peace Prize winners: Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu.
- Pieterson Museum: A memorial honoring the young victims of the 1976 uprising.
- Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital: Known as one of the largest hospitals in the whole world.
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