General Information
Johannesburg is the most populous city in South Africa. The City of Johannesburg itself has a population of 5,538,596, while the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality has a population of 6,599,190, making it one of the 100 largest urban areas in the world. Johannesburg is the provincial capital of Gauteng, the wealthiest province in South Africa, and seat of the country's highest court, the Constitutional Court. Situated on the mineral-rich Witwatersrand hills, the city has long been at the epicentre of the international mineral and gold trade. The richest city in Africa by GDP and private wealth, Johannesburg functions as the economic capital of South Africa and is home to the continent's largest stock exchange, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.
- Population: 5,900,000+ (Metro Area)
- Area: 1,645 km²
- Currency: South African Rand (ZAR)
- Coordinates: Latitude: -26.204444885254, Longitude: 28.045555114746
- Timezone: Timezone info not available
- Current Local Time: ailab
Johannesburg Latest News
IOL
Stellenbosch Municipality elects Dr Rudi Buys as deputy executive mayor
Dr Rudi Buys has been elected as the new Deputy Executive Mayor of Stellenbosch, bringing over 30 years of experience in education and public service to his new role. His deep community ties and commitment to local development promise to shape the future of Stellenbosch.
IOL
Israel refuses to withdraw from more south Lebanon areas at talks: source
As Israel and Lebanon engage in critical negotiations, the refusal to withdraw raises questions about future stability in the region.
The Citizen
Why migrants flee failed states and seek greener pastures abroad
The ongoing movement of migrants from Africa to other countries, including Europe, is due to governance failure and “sit-tight” leaders who refuse to vacate their cushy seats of power, say political analysts. One analyst cited the “push-and-pull” factors that are at play in international migration, particularly in Europe. Migration a global phenomenon Political analyst Ntsikelelo Breakfast said migration is a global phenomenon, not limited to the African continent. “If we frame it as an African issue, it means then we are targeting Africans because there are foreign nationals from Europe who are also here in South Africa who might be here to make ends meet, or for other reasons,” said Breakfast. But there is growing tension between South Africa and the west African states of Nigeria and Ghana over the eviction of the latter’s nationals in South Africa. Whether migrants are from Africa or other continents, they will always have an impact on the host nation, added Breakfast. “You will find locals may struggle to access economic and public resources like water, health and education facilities because they compete for them with foreigners. This generates conflicts, hence the birth of organisations like March and March in South Africa,” he said. Breakfast said it’s not only an African issue. In the US, President Donald Trump has tightened border control to prevent migrants coming in from Mexico. Not only an African issue African and Middle East migrants flee from their countries in search of a better life in Europe. “However, it is an indicator of failed states on the African continent,” said Breakfast. “It is important this matter be addressed at multilateral level, such as by the Southern African Development Community, the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union, so affected countries are held accountable for democratic values, such as holding regular elections and ensuring political stability.” But analysts say Africa is not alone in the immigration crisis. It is the worst affected because most of the continent’s leaders refuse to open up and democratise, while their economies suffer under bad governance systems. Another political analyst, Lesiba Teffo said most of the movements globally in the past 29 years “are informed by poor political governance”. “Remember good political governance is a necessary condition for socioeconomic development,” said Teffo. Movements informed by ‘poor political governance’ “Where there is no socioeconomic development, there is bound to be discontent. “Discontent yields conflict, and conflict leads to disaster that more often causes people to leave their countries to look for alternative safe bases.” Teffo pointed to “sit-tight” presidents, including the late Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni, Paul Biya of Cameroon and others, who overstayed their welcomes, as the basis of political instability in their countries. “There is no way you can run a country for 30 to 40 years as a family or an individual and there is no discontent. “When you reach that period, there is no way you are not going to misuse state power and suppress or kill people to stay in power,” added Teffo. People flee dictators and where there is no democracy and poor political governance. However some migrants are just seeking a better life elsewhere. Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Lesotho economic migrants chase stability In the SADC region, people in countries such as Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho, Swaziland and others are not running from political persecution, but are economic migrants facing “excruciating” economic conditions at home. “These are not asylum seekers – there are no wars in these SADC countries – these are economic migrants,” said Teffo. “Those from Pakistan, Bangladesh and other countries are not fleeing political persecution, but seeking greener pastures. “SA is targeted by migrants, whether legal or illegal, because, just like Europe and the US, it is relatively stable and has a relatively strong economy. “They are looking for alternative places of economic survival. “If Mugabe, for instance, did not mess up Zimbabwe, many people from that country wouldn’t have crossed into South Africa because previously Zimbabwe was economically superior to South Africa,” added Teffo.
The Citizen
Wits marks Joburg’s 140th year by seeing the unseen through Goldblatt’s lens
As the City of Joburg marks its 140th year, the Wits Art Museum is hosting a unique exhibition that honours the late photographer David Goldblatt’s 95th year. But what makes the exhibition interesting is that it not only features Goldblatt’s iconic works, but also spotlights the next generation of South African documentary photographers. Exhibition honours late David Goldblatt’s 95th year The exhibition, What We Do Not See, is curated by the legendary photographer’s daughter, Brenda Goldblatt, who has chosen to also honour the work of other photographers that her father inspired. David Goldblatt was one of South Africa’s greatest documentary photographers. For many years, he photographed the daily realities of people living under apartheid in South Africa. David spent many years documenting the ordinary lives of people living in Johannesburg, its landscape and architecture to reveal the political and social realities of South Africa. The exhibition seeks to examine photography as a way to bring to light what is otherwise unseen. Being planned around the idea of “Johannesburg being home”, Brenda Goldblatt said it reflects on memories, a sense of belonging, identity, history and emotional ties many people and communities have to Johannesburg. 9 Joburg photographers exploring belonging, identity and home Nine Johannesburg-based photographers – Gulshan Khan, Jabulani Dhlamini, Jo Ractliffe, Jodi Bieber, Lindokuhle Sobekwa, Madoda Mkhobeni, Mark Lewis, Sabelo Mlangeni and Tshepiso Mazibuko – explore several themes of living in and around Joburg. For Goldblatt, the exhibition serves as both a tribute to her late father and a celebration of the future South Africa has in photography. “I wanted to do something to remember my father in what would have been his 95th year,” she said. Looking at her father’s work, Goldblatt explained photography as part of his legacy. “My father’s real passion was taking photographs and enabling other photographers,” she said. Goldblatt portrayed her father as someone who wanted to build a culture of photography in the country that was supportive and enabling. Father wanted to build supportive, enabling culture of photography “I felt like now is the time to make other photographers’ work visible,” she said. Goldblatt plans not to make the exhibition solely about David; she placed other photographers alongside his work deliberately, so that they could tell their stories and share their passion for photography. “My father felt very happy if his work or exhibitions amplified the work of others. I don’t want my father’s work to be the centre of these photographers’ careers, but rather a starting point,” she said. She added Joburg was the most central place throughout her father’s photographic journey. The exhibition’s title comes from a passer-by who told David, “You show us what we do not see”, while he was photographing near a highway. The exhibition opened on Tuesday and will run until 24 October. Entrance is free and the museum times are: Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm.
The South African
CAF release statement to back FIFA update
The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) Executive Committee has unanimously endorsed FIFA’s joint update on the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). FIFA admitted mistakes during the proposed establishment of the FFE. It said the process should have involved more consultation. The governing body apologised. It also withdrew the proposal. FIFA will now conduct a review. It will present its findings at the next FIFA Council meeting. The organisation insisted it followed its regulations throughout the process. Also read: FIFA make U-turn on controversial private investment plan DR PATRICE MOTSEPE WELCOMES FIFA UPDATE CAF president Dr Patrice Motsepe welcomed the joint statement. He reaffirmed the confederation’s commitment to good governance. “CAF welcomes and endorses the Joint Update by FIFA president Gianni Infantino and secretary general Mattias Grafström,” Motsepe said. “For us in Africa, adherence to governance, due process and transparency is crucial and non-negotiable, as this is the practice and conduct we expect from our governments, business and other institutions and organisations. This is also the conduct that is expected from CAF.” Motsepe said CAF will continue working with FIFA and its Member Associations. He also pledged to uphold global governance standards. He believes they are essential for African football. He revealed that talks with sponsors and investors are progressing well. CAF wants to remain financially independent. It also plans to upgrade stadiums and football infrastructure across the continent. CONFÉDÉRATION AFRICAINE DE FOOTBALL LOOKS AHEAD CAF says youth development remains a priority. The confederation will continue investing in players, coaches and national teams. It also wants stronger amateur and professional leagues. The Executive Committee unanimously reaffirmed its support for Gianni Infantino. Members thanked the FIFA president and Mattias Grafström for supporting African football. They also praised the successful delivery of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Preparations for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda 2027 continue. CAF says planning remains on track. The Executive Committee also praised the ongoing TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 in Morocco. It described the tournament as a major success. It also hailed the quality of football on display.
The South African
Investigation launched after sudden death of Soweto nursing student
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched an investigation regarding the untimely passing of a 19-year-old nursing student at Chris Hani Baragwanath Nursing College in Soweto. Her body was taken to the mortuary after the Forensic Pathology Services team examined the scene. SOWETO NURSING STUDENT PASSES AWAY AT 19 In an official statement from the Gauteng Department of Health, the incident happened around 8:30 PM on 4 August. The first-year student was sadly found dead in her residence after a friend, accompanied by security personnel, went to check on her. “The student was found dead in her residence room on the evening of 4 August 2026 at approximately 20h30, after a concerned friend requested assistance to check on her. Security officials, together with the friend, accessed the room and found the student.” “The South African Police Service (SAPS) is investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident. The Forensic Pathology Service attended the scene and has taken the body to the mortuary accordingly.” The passing of the young student has gripped the nation, igniting questions about the cause of her death while heartfelt messages flooded social media. Nompumelelo Khawula wrote: Tell us what happened to her, and why does it seem like there’s a cover-up in this statement? NwaRamanala Fuli added: It never stops, does it? Pressure in that college has always tested and pushed students to their limits and beyond. Rest in peace, baby girl. Cindy Zietsman commented: May her dear soul rest in eternal peace, and her family, friends, and colleagues find peace and strength in this sad time. Mnguni Priscilla wrote: Condolences to her family and friends. May her soul rest in peace. SUPPORT FOR THOSE AFFECTED BY THE LOSS The department stressed that the well-being of the school community and the bereaved family remains paramount, with psychological and counselling support rolled out. “The Department is prioritizing the wellbeing of students and staff affected by this loss. Counselling and psychosocial support services have been activated for students, lecturers and staff at the College. Support is also being extended to the family during this difficult period.” Steve Mabona, spokesperson for the Gauteng Department of Health, extended his condolences to the student’s family, friends and the broader school community, calling for privacy during this time of mourning. “We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and fellow students of the late student nurse. We ask that their privacy be respected as they go through this period of mourning,” he said.
TechCentral
ICT is becoming the centre of gravity at Reunert
New Reunert CEO Anthonie de Beer is holding onto the cable business through the cycle and leaning on technology.
TechCentral
Why Discovery is going slow on AI coding agents
Discovery is measuring the gains from agentic coding tools while fencing in what they can do.