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
Communication blackout leaves Durban family fearing for son in cyclone-hit India
A Durban family endured an anxious wait after communication networks failed while their son rode out Cyclone Arnab in Visakhapatnam, India.Read the full article
IOL
Football cost them their life: Five tragic cases
Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel died on Tuesday as a result of injuries he suffered in a sickening collision with FC Andorra's goalkeeper in a Spanish second division match.Read the full article
The Citizen
Gauteng Health warns voters of heatstroke risk as they head to polls
As millions of Gauteng residents head to the polls, health authorities have issued an urgent warning about extreme heat linked to the El Niño weather phenomenon, cautioning that prolonged exposure to high temperatures could lead to dehydration, heat-related illnesses and medical emergencies. South Africans are casting their ballots in the 2026 local government elections on Wednesday, with many voters expected to spend hours travelling to and queuing at voting stations across the province. Health The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has urged residents to prioritise their health while exercising their democratic right, warning that the persistent hot weather poses a significant risk, particularly to vulnerable groups. Gauteng Health spokesperson Steve Mabona said prolonged exposure to high temperatures could have serious consequences for voters spending extended periods outdoors. “With many residents expected to spend time outdoors, travel and queue at voting stations, prolonged exposure to high temperatures can increase the risk of dehydration, heat-related illnesses and other serious health complications,” said Mabona. Children The department warned that children, babies, older persons, pregnant women and people living with chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, asthma and kidney disease are particularly vulnerable during periods of extreme heat. Mabona said excessive temperatures can strain the body and worsen existing health conditions. He also encouraged people taking chronic medication to continue their treatment as prescribed and ensure medicines are stored away from direct sunlight and excessive heat. Hydration The department has urged voters to stay hydrated throughout the day, even if they do not feel thirsty. “Residents going out to cast their vote are encouraged to drink water regularly throughout the day. Carrying a bottle of water when travelling or waiting in queues is encouraged,” Mabona said. He cautioned against excessive consumption of sugary drinks, alcohol and caffeine, warning that they can contribute to dehydration. Residents are also encouraged to limit direct sun exposure by seeking shade whenever possible, wearing lightweight, light-coloured clothing, using hats or umbrellas, and applying sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. The department further cautioned voters to familiarise themselves with the warning signs of dehydration and heat-related illness, including dry mouth, headaches, unusual fatigue, dizziness, nausea, difficulty concentrating and dark-coloured urine. Strokes Of particular concern is heat stroke, which health authorities described as a medical emergency requiring immediate medical attention. “Warning signs include dizziness, confusion, a severe headache, hot and dry skin, fainting and a very high body temperature. If someone displays these symptoms, move them to a cool place and seek immediate medical assistance or contact Gauteng Emergency Medical Services on 112 from a cellphone or 10177,” said Mabona. With temperatures expected to remain elevated across the province, the department has appealed to residents to take simple but effective precautions while exercising their democratic right.
The Citizen
R54m Khomotso Phahlane corruption case delayed until after elections
Former acting national police commissioner Khomotso Phahlane’s legal battles will continue after his R54 million fraud and corruption trial was postponed until next week, while a separate multimillion-rand police tender case against him remains unresolved. The High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division, Pretoria, postponed the matter to 9 November 2026 to allow for the conclusion of the local government elections and to enable some accused who reside outside Gauteng to cast their votes. “The postponement allows the conclusion of the Local Government Elections and gives some of the accused, who reside outside Gauteng, an opportunity to vote,” said Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson Henry Mamothame. Accused The accused are Phahlane, Lieutenant-Colonel Godfrey Mahwayi, Major-General Maanda Obert Nemutandzhela, Major-General Mankosana Agnes Makhele, and businessmen Inbanathan Kistiah and Avendra Naidoo. According to Mamothame, they face charges of fraud, corruption, theft and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) linked to two contracts valued at approximately R54 million. “One of the contracts relates to the alleged irregular procurement of software known as RIPJAR, which was intended for use during the October 2015 #FeesMustFall protests by university students,” said Mamothame. Second contract The second contract concerns the alleged irregular procurement of communication-encryption software known as Daedalus. “The software was allegedly used to encrypt calls and wipe cellphone records and messages at a time when Phahlane was under investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) in relation to the ‘Blue Lights’ police tender and other alleged irregular procurement matters during his tenure as Acting National Police Commissioner,” Mamothame said. Corruption The postponement comes as Phahlane is also linked to a separate corruption case involving a R191 million Saps emergency warning equipment contract. In that matter, IDAC provisionally withdrew charges against Phahlane and several co-accused pending further consideration of aspects of the case. The contract was valued at more than R191 million, with about R65 million paid to the company that secured the tender, while investigators prevented a further R22 million payment. The accused in that matter faced charges including corruption, fraud, theft and money laundering. Accused Among those charged in the separate case are former deputy national commissioner Bonang Mgwenya, former Gauteng police commissioner Deliwe de Lange, Gauteng deputy police commissioner Nombhuruza Lettie Napo, retired divisional commissioner Ramahlapi Johannes Mokwena, retired major-general Ravichandran Pillay and several business figures linked to the contract. The matter is expected to return to the Pretoria High Court on 9 November when proceedings in the R54 million software procurement case resume.
The South African
[Watch] Livid Leon Schuster: ‘You’re p*ssing me off!’
Leon Schuster has managed to pull off another epic prank, this time on his interviewer, Leanne Manas. The veteran comedy actor and comedian sat down with the Morning Live presenter to discuss everything from his health to relationships, and even his scariest prank! WATCH: LEON SCHUSTER PRANKS LEANNE MANAS In a snippet from the interview, which takes place in Leon Schuster’s house, Leanne Manas asks the veteran star about his response to being accused of using blackface in his candid camera films, which spanned several decades. The 75-year-old appeared visibly agitated at the question, responding: “That is a sensitive question and I dont want to answer that “You have affronted me now, and it p*sses me off, I thought we were going to get along. Now flustered and losing his cool, Schuster added: “Don’t ask me about stuff like that,please! Don’t do that again, beauce I will walk out of this interview “You don’t do that to me, not in my own house! The You Must Be Joking star eventually broke from his character, casually announcing: “You’ve been Shucks’d!” Leanne Manas – almost in tears at the prank – later shared that she had experienced heart palpitations and rush of emotions during Schuster’s pretend confrontation. She posted: “When I sat down with the legendary Leon Schuster and the conversation took an unexpected turn, my mind started racing. I was trying to work out how to bring things back on track before it all went too far! She added: “What happened next caught me completely off guard”. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Leanne Manas 🧿 (@leannemanas) Watch the full interview below… ‘I’LL DIE A PRANKSTER!’ During his interview with Leanne Manas, Leon Schuster added that he had no ill intent behind his candid camera pranks, some of which have courted controversy for its portrayal of “blackface”. He shared: “I’m a prankster, and I’ll die a prankster. It’s all part of the culture of this land” “It’s important you know your audience. I try to give the people what they want. I’m so sorry I can’t make one final candid-camera movie. But one more clap and my neck will break”. He added: “I want to be remembered as that okie from the Free State who stood firmly on the ground, who didnt a swollen head, and who contributed somehow to unify our nation through my movies”.
The South African
‘Kaizer Chiefs is bigger than Fernando Da Cruz’
Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz is under serious pressure after a dismal start to the campaign. Is he a good fit? What are Da Cruz’s strengths as a coach? Before his appointment, Da Cruz was known for his emphasis on tactical discipline and defensive structure. So far, the new boss has been insistent on a system using three central defenders, two wing-backs and a midfield pivot. The 3421 allows the front three to be more flexible. Injuries to regular central midfielders Lebo Maboe and Siphesihle Ndlovu were not ideal A Marcelo Bielsa STUDENT Fernando Da Cruz worked alongside legendary Argentinian Marcelo Bielsa at Lille. Da Cruz had three stints with the French outfit in several roles, namely, as a scout, caretaker manager and head coach of the B side, where he nurtured talents such as Idrissa Gueye, Lucas Digne, Victor Osimhen, and Eden Hazard. Da Cruz has been good to his word, but it hasn’t been good enough Mfundo Vilakazi has been handed 746 minutes. Only veterans Brandon Petersen, Inacio Miguel and Lebo Maboe have played more than the youngster. 20-year-old Luke Baartman has played 480 minutes, while 22-year-old Wandile Duba is proving his worth and winning the trust of the boss, playing 476 minutes so far. 22-year-old Mdu Shabalala has 442 minutes of playing time so far, but Langelihle Phili’s debut season with the club has been cruelly interrupted by a serious ankle injury. It’s clear that the youngsters are being trusted. Chiefs are out of the title race Kaizer Chiefs are already 12 points adrift of leaders Sundowns, and their season is only nine matches old. What conclusions can we draw here? Are the players at Da Cruz’s disposal simply not good enough, or is he not getting the most out of a talented young group? Add your thoughts by clicking the red comments banner below!
TechCentral
DJ Zinhle is launching a mobile network for her ‘besties’
DJ Zinhle's Bestie Connect is a prepaid mobile network on MTN, aimed squarely at her followers.
TechCentral
Telcos push for 20-Sim cap and accuse Icasa of overreach
ACT's Nomvuyiso Batyi says Icasa's draft Sim rules give the regulator powers it doesn't have.