Joburg’s vitals for the visitor

Visiting Joburg? Here are some this buzzing African city’s vitals:

Location

Johannesburg is a city located in the Gauteng Province of South Africa.

(For an overview of South Africa for the (tourist) visitor, click here.)

Emmarentia Dam in the Parkview suburb of Joburg

Stretching all the way from Pretoria in the north to Vereeniging in the south, Gauteng (Sotho for place of gold, although the ‘gaut’ is also thought to originate from the Dutch ‘goud’ for gold) came about in 1994 after the country’s first democratic elections, uniting six regions, including part of the old Transvaal province, into what might be the smallest South African province, but serves as the gateway into Africa.

Whilst Gautengs history lies embedded in the discovery of gold, today Gauteng not only has one of the best infrastructures, but its population of over 9 million people form part of a vibrant mix of energy and diversity that make it one of the wealthiest provinces in Africa, and the entertainment epicentre of the country.

Tu-Nokwe on guitar performs at the Bassline

The energy of the Highveld, with its intense summers broken only by intermittent electric storms, is echoed in the sheer buzz of the place. In Johannesburg people walk and talk fast, they drive at high speed too, and the ever increasing skyline – as glass and chrome structures rise like mushrooms seemingly overnight – reflects the rapid development that has taken place in the city in the last 10 years.

There is more to Gauteng than the art of business and money-making. Johannesburg and Pretoria – the two major cities in Gauteng – are diametrically opposed. Pretoria provides a more laid-back, gentrified alternative – its jacaranda lined, wide streets and lovely old buildings a more sedate choice for many who readily make the daily commute to Johannesburg.

Violet Jacaranda Trees line Cradock Avenue in Gauteng

The Vaal River, which separates Gateng from the Free State Province, provides a number of avenues of escape; the Magaliesberg Mountains, virtually on Johannesburg’s doorstep, another effortless flight into days of heady blue quiet spaces; and Limpopo Province – just to the north of Gauteng, with its allure of game reserves, waterfalls, forests and streams – one more escape of note.

Dialling code

27; all local numbers dialled, even from within Johannesburg, should be preceded by the area code (011).

Population

Approximately 4-5 million (Johannesburg city); 8-9 million (Gauteng Province) – these are estimates.

From left to right:Thousands of young people fill the FNB stadium in Joburg on Youth Day, 16 June; A school trip to the Joburg Zoo; the Johannesburg Art Gallery (JAG) situated in the heart of the city.

Time zone

GMT + 2.

Electricity

220 volts AC, 50Hz; round three-pin plugs are standard.

A map of Joburg: a city of contrasts and diversity.

Left to right: The 1957 Bus Boycott in Alexandra township; Alexandra township today.

Average January temperatures

20°C (68°F).

Average July temperatures

10°C (51°F).

Did You Know? Gauteng is said to offer one of the world’s best climates: summer days are warm and wind free (relatively) and winter days are crisp and clear. Johannesburg and Pretoria differ in temperature by about 2% (Pretoria being the warmer of the two). [www.sa-venues.com]

Annual rainfall

720mm (28.8 inches).

For an updated 5-day Weather guide, click here.

(the above information extracted from www.cityguide.travel-guides.com)

From left to right: The Joburg railway station in the city; Newtown cultural precinct on the city’s outskirts and the Sandton Convention Centre in the Sandton Central Business District, and venue for Input 2008.

Airport Transfers for INPUT 2008 delegates:

Input delegates flying into O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg are encouraged to book transport between the airport and their accomodation beforehand with the recommended Input 2008 Transport Company SoWhere2.

Delegates can make suitable payment arrangement with SoWhere2 beforehand or upon arrival as long as you are registered for the Input 2008 conference and provided these are arranged before landing in Joburg.

For more information and to book your airport transfers now visit: www.sowhere2.co.za or email transfers@sowhere2.co.za

Happy travelling!

(All pictures from the City of Johannesburg website)