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
Sandton
Business towers, upscale malls, Nelson Mandela Square, and city nightlife.
Johannesburg CBD
Downtown streets, Commissioner Street, Gandhi Square, and real urban life.
Soweto
Township streets, Maponya Mall, Protea North, and cultural walking tours.
Rosebank & Melrose Arch
Shopping areas, nightlife, and modern mixed-use districts.
Johannesburg Latest News
IOL
Pieter-Steph du Toit embraces nerves ahead of Springboks vs All Blacks showdown
On the eve of his 99th Test, Springbok captain Pieter-Steph du Toit admits he still gets nervous before facing the All Blacks in Rugby's Greatest Rivalry.
IOL
Tlotlo Tsheka, seven-year-old author of three books, passes away
Tlotlo Tsheka, a remarkable seven-year-old South African author, illustrator, and literacy ambassador, has tragically passed away following a sudden illness.
The Citizen
Saturday’s weather: Fine and warm day for most provinces as coast braces for damaging winds
The South African Weather Service (Saws) says Gauteng, Limpopo, North West and KwaZulu-Natal will be fine and warm to hot, while the Eastern Cape faces yellow level 2 warnings for damaging winds and waves. Meanwhile, the weather service has released its latest weather forecast for Saturday, 22 August 2026. Here’s what you need to know. Weather forecast for today and tomorrow, 21-22 August 2026: No significant weather expected today, but light rain is possible over the extreme south-western parts of the Western Cape tomorrow.#SAWS pic.twitter.com/BDLCq6LQcW— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) August 21, 2026 Weather warnings: Saturday, 22 August 2026 Impact-based warnings Saws issued a yellow level 2 warning for damaging winds resulting in localised damage to settlements, difficult driving conditions, and localised problems for high-sided vehicles are expected in places over Joe Gqabi and Chris Hani district municipalities, Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, as well as Kouga, Ndlambe, and Ngqushwa local municipalities in the Eastern Cape. The South African Weather Service also warned of damaging wind and waves, resulting in localised disruptions to beachfront activities and difficulty in navigation between Plettenberg Bay and Port Alfred from mid-morning, spreading to Kosi Bay in the evening. A yellow level 2 warning was issued. Fire danger warnings The weather service said extremely high fire danger conditions are expected in places over the extreme west of the Free State and the extreme east of the Northern Cape, as well as over Chris Hani and Joe Gqabi district municipalities in the Eastern Cape. Provincial weather forecast Here’s what to expect in your province on Saturday, 22 August 2026: Gauteng: Residents of Gauteng can expect fine and warm weather. The region’s expected UVB sunburn index is “high”. Residents should take the necessary precautions against prolonged sun exposure. Mpumalanga: Mpumalanga residents can expect morning fog in the east; otherwise, the conditions will be fine and warm but hot in places in the Lowveld. Limpopo: The day will start with morning fog in the east; otherwise, it will be fine and warm, but hot in places. North West: Fine and warm weather awaits North West residents. It will be windy in the extreme south-west. Free State: Residents of the Free State can expect a fine, windy, and cool to warm day. Northern Cape: The day will be partly cloudy in the southwest in the morning, where it will be cold; otherwise, it will be fine and cool to warm. It will be windy in the extreme east. Western Cape: Western Cape residents can expect cloudy conditions with morning mist in places over the southern parts; otherwise, it will be partly cloudy and cold to cool. Light rain is expected over the south-western parts in the evening. Eastern Cape (western half): The day will be cloudy with morning fog in places in the south; otherwise, it will be partly cloudy and cool but warm in the northeast. Light rain can be expected in places along the coast west of Gqeberha at night. Eastern Cape (eastern half): The day will start with morning fog in places south of the escarpment; otherwise, it will be partly cloudy and cool to warm but windy in places. KwaZulu-Natal: Residents of KwaZulu-Natal can expect fine and warm to hot weather, becoming partly cloudy in the east from the afternoon. The region’s expected UVB sunburn index is “very high”. Residents should take the necessary precautions against prolonged sun exposure.
The Citizen
[WATCH] KuGompo City march puts focus on foreign traders and by-law enforcement
Residents in KuGompo City have called for stricter enforcement of municipal by-laws. The concerns were raised during a march along Oxford Street in Buffalo City. Protesters called for action against foreign traders operating without valid licences. Residents of KuGompo City marched over concerns about unlicensed foreign traders and community safety. Picture: Shaun Holland/The Citizen Gus Arends, a KuGompo City resident, said frustration was growing among communities. He claimed some traders were operating without the required licences. Arends also raised concerns about the sale of allegedly expired products. He said these products were allegedly being sold to children. Concerns over crime and drugs Arends also linked the protests to wider concerns about crime. He alleged that drug dealing was taking place in the Vikings area. He claimed the activity continued throughout the day and night. Gus Arends takes part in a march in KuGompo City marched over concerns about unlicensed foreign traders and community safety. Picture: Shaun Holland/The Citizen Arends questioned the visibility of police in the area. He said residents wanted stronger intervention from law enforcement. “We cannot tolerate this,” Arends said during the protest. He warned that tensions could escalate if authorities failed to act. Arends said similar concerns were affecting communities around Buffalo City. Municipality says enforcement is underway Luzuko Buku, spokesperson for the executive mayor, defended the city’s response. Buku said multistakeholder teams were already enforcing the law. These operations were being led by the South African Police Service. The teams were also working to enforce municipal by-laws across the city. Residents of KuGompo City marched over concerns about unlicensed foreign traders and community safety. Picture: Shaun Holland/The Citizen Buku said authorities had already seen improvements in some areas. He said several streets had become quieter following enforcement operations in KuGompo City. Some businesses were also found to be operating outside legal requirements. According to Buku, authorities forced several businesses to comply. Others were reportedly closed after failing to meet the necessary requirements. Municipality rejects claims of lawlessness Buku said the city was working to restore law and order. He acknowledged concerns surrounding foreign nationals operating businesses in Buffalo City. However, he stressed that enforcement must follow existing laws. Residents of KuGompo City marched down Oxford street over concerns about unlicensed foreign traders and community safety. Shaun Holland/The Citizen The municipality’s response comes amid growing community frustration. Residents continue to demand action against illegal trading and criminal activity. The march highlights the tensions surrounding foreign-owned businesses in East London. It also raises questions about enforcement and accountability across the city.
The South African
PowerBall jackpot: Everything you need to know before tonight’s draw
Tonight, the PowerBall jackpot sits at an estimated R95 million, with the PowerBall Xtra draw following straight after for a second shot at a prize on the same numbers. The draw takes place at 21:00 on eTV and SABC, so ticket sales close earlier, at 20:40. If you haven’t got your numbers in yet, there’s still time, but not much of it. BOOKMARK | PowerBall results How to play tonight’s PowerBall A standard board costs R10 and requires picking 5 numbers from 1 to 50, plus one PowerBall number from 1 to 16. Adding the Xtra option costs an extra R5 per board and gives you a second chance to win on the same set of numbers in a separate draw straight after the main one. Why tonight’s jackpot has grown to R95 million Tuesday’s draw (18 August) produced the numbers 3, 7, 20, 31, 39, plus PowerBall 13, with no jackpot winner. That rollover is what’s pushed tonight’s estimated jackpot up to R95 million, continuing the streak we’ve been tracking for weeks now. You can check the full breakdown of prize divisions and payouts via Sizekhaya. Where to buy your PowerBall tickets Tickets are available at participating retailers, via the Sizekhaya website and app, through USSD, and via select participating banking apps. Winners of R50,000 or more are offered free trauma counselling and financial advice, and all PowerBall payouts are tax-free. This rollover streak just keeps building, and R95 million is no laughing matter, would you agree, Mzansi? The South African is the first to deliver PowerBall results. Check back tonight for the results. Are you playing tonight’s numbers, or sitting this draw out? Tell us in the comments below…
The South African
SAPS reacts as Crime Intelligence boss Khumalo charges dropped
Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane has welcomed the withdrawal of fraud and corruption charges against Crime Intelligence boss Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo and six other senior officers. In a statement on Friday, 21 August, Dimpane said the decision would allow the officers to focus fully on fighting crime. “The SAPS is confident that the withdrawal of the charges will allow the senior officers to refocus fully on their mandate of preventing and combating crime,” the statement read. Khumalo to refocus on organised crime Khumalo will continue as Divisional Commissioner of Crime Intelligence and project manager of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT). SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said he would strengthen intelligence-driven operations, dismantle highly organised criminal networks and disrupt syndicates. He will also oversee efforts to provide actionable intelligence for targeted police operations. SAPS has prioritised intelligence and leadership capacity under its Reset Agenda as it moves to strengthen its response to serious and organised crime. “The work is cut out for the SAPS, and the organisation remains resolute in taking down highly organised criminal networks and bringing serious and violent criminals to justice,” Mathe said. NPA drops charges against seven officers The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) formally withdrew the case against Khumalo and Major Generals Philani Lushaba, Nosipho Precious Madondo, Josias Lekalakala and Zwelithini Gabela, as well as Brigadiers Phindile Ncube and Dineo Mokwele. National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Advocate Andy Mothibi intervened after considering IDAC’s investigation, representations from the accused and evidence presented during the IDAC stream of the Madlanga Commission. In a separate statement, NPA national spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said evidence presented during the commission proceedings pointed to “serious irregularities on the handling of the case”. The NPA noted that the commission has not yet made findings or submitted its report to the President. Mothibi nevertheless decided to intervene to protect the interests of justice and the integrity of IDAC and the NPA. WATCH | The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has withdrawn fraud and corruption charges against Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo, Brigadier Dineo Mokwele and five co-accused in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court. pic.twitter.com/W7qFGx7Zxw— SABC News (@SABCNews) August 21, 2026 IDAC officials face disciplinary action The NPA has started disciplinary proceedings against three suspended IDAC officials over alleged improper conduct linked to the case. It is also conducting lifestyle audits and reviewing employees’ skills and qualifications as part of a broader overhaul of IDAC. The process to appoint an acting Investigating Director is underway.
TechCentral
Joburg says it has bought its way out of an Eskom blackout
The city and the energy department say the arrears are cleared and Eskom has dropped its threat to cut supply.
TechCentral
Paratus Uganda first to market with Starlink service
Paratus Uganda has become the first provider in the country to launch Starlink’s low-Earth orbit satellite service.