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
David Miller: Road to the 2027 Cricket World Cup starts with Australia challenge
Veteran Proteas batsman David Miller is targeting a dream home World Cup appearance in 2027 as South Africa prepares to face Australia in a crucial ODI series.
IOL
At least 10 killed in mass shooting in KwaMakhutha south of Durban
At least 10 people have been killed after gunmen opened fire on a group inside a house in KwaMakhutha, south of Durban, with police investigating the deadly attack.
The Citizen
Nsfas is ‘like a bad movie’ as students slam acting leadership
The South African Union of Students (Saus), representing the student body, has raised concern about the prevalence of acting appointments in leadership roles at the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas) – likening it to a movie. It believes this contributes to instability in the scheme’s governance, which has caused significant suffering for students. Saus rejects reliance on acting appointments at Nsfas Saus has firmly rejected the ongoing reliance on acting appointments as a viable solution to the leadership crisis plaguing Nsfas. It has called on the reinstated Nsfas board to prioritise the immediate appointment of a permanent CEO and to fill all vacant key executive positions. “If the minister of higher education and the Nsfas board are genuinely committed to restoring stability, then this stability must go beyond merely keeping the institution operational amid one crisis after another. It must involve establishing permanent, competent and accountable leadership that can make decisions and be held responsible for their execution,” Saus said. Nsfas has been facing a leadership crisis, highlighted by the recent mass resignations of its board, which has since been reinstated. No permanent CEO, CFO and HR executive “Currently, Nsfas has no permanent chief executive officer, no permanent chief financial officer, and no permanent human resources executive,” Saus said. “This has created an unacceptable situation in which crucial positions overseeing the strategic and operational functioning of one of the country’s most important public institutions are filled on an acting basis or left vacant.” Saus has demanded a clear, transparent and urgent process to appoint permanent executive leadership. “Nsfas cannot continue to be a movie where everybody is acting. It is time for permanent leadership, permanent accountability and institutional stability.”
The Citizen
BREAKING: Scores killed in mass shooting in KwaMakhutha, Durban
At least fourteen people have been shot in a mass shooting in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The incident occurred in KwaMakhutha, Durban, on Tuesday night, 22 September 2026. Shooting According to reports, at least eleven of the people are dead. All the victims – including a pregnant woman – were together at a house in the Ziko area before 11pm, when gunmen rushed in and opened fire on them. KwaMakhutha Saps and the eThekwini District Tracing Team are at the scene. The motive for the shooting is unknown at this stage. The Citizen has reached out to the South African Police Service (Saps) about the mass shooting. Condolences Meanwhile, KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli is expected to visit KwaMakhutha, south of Durban, on Wednesday, following the tragic shooting. Ntuli’s spokesperson, Lindelani Mbatha, said the premier will visit the scene to assess the situation and engage with law enforcement officials, community representatives, and affected families following this devastating incident. “The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives. The incident has left the community in profound shock and grief,” Mbatha said. *This is a developing story
The South African
Who is Shadrack Sibiya? From top cop to rape accused
Once responsible for South Africa’s detectives, Shadrack Sibiya is now in custody on rape, trafficking and child-grooming charges. He was sent to Kgosi Mampuru II prison amid intelligence that he could escape if detained at a police facility. The suspended Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection appeared in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 22 September, a day after members of the Commissions Recommendations Task Team arrested him. Sibiya, 59, faces five counts: rape, trafficking in persons, promoting the sexual grooming of a child and two counts of sexually grooming a child. Bail application set for 29 September The alleged offences took place between 16 May and 3 August 2026 and involve an 18-year-old woman and a 16-year-old girl. Prosecutors allege that Sibiya groomed the teenager through electronic communication and raped the adult complainant. The trafficking charge reportedly involves three people. The court granted a seven-day postponement for a formal bail application and remanded him in custody until 29 September. He has not yet pleaded, and the allegations remain untested. WATCH | NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago says Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya faces five charges, including rape and human trafficking. He adds that a minor is at the centre of grooming-related allegations, and the State will oppose bail. pic.twitter.com/IYHSdzrY5F— SABC News (@SABCNews) September 22, 2026 Rise to the top of SAPS Sibiya spent decades in policing before reaching the upper ranks of SAPS. He headed the Hawks in Gauteng and later led the City of Johannesburg’s Group Forensic and Investigation Services. In 2023, he returned to SAPS as Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection, placing him in charge of the country’s detective services. His career has previously faced controversy. SAPS dismissed him in 2015 over allegations linked to the unlawful rendition of Zimbabwean nationals. He challenged the decision and secured his reinstatement after the Labour Court found the dismissal unfair. Mkhwanazi allegations and suspension Sibiya came under renewed scrutiny when KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi accused him of interfering in sensitive investigations and helping to disband the Political Killings Task Team. Mkhwanazi also alleged that criminal syndicates had infiltrated parts of South Africa’s law-enforcement system. Sibiya denied wrongdoing and rejected claims that he had improper relationships with suspected criminals. The accusations sparked parliamentary scrutiny and wider investigations into alleged criminal and political interference within SAPS. National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola later suspended him. The sexual offence case deepens the crisis surrounding a man who once led South Africa’s detectives. Questions over Sibiya’s SAPS future SAPS has yet to clarify whether Sibiya remains suspended on full pay or will face a separate disciplinary process. Questions also remain over his security clearance, official access and service privileges. The case places further pressure on an institution already facing concerns about the conduct of senior officers and its ability to investigate violent and sexual crimes. Sibiya returns to court on 29 September for his bail application.
The South African
5th floor unlocked: Linda Sokhulu and Kholeka turn 50! [photos]
Acclaimed actress Linda Sokhulu and gospel music legend Kholeka Dubula celebrated their 50th birthdays in style, with their beloved fans and industry peers flooding their comment sections with well wishes for the next chapter of their lives. LINDA SOKHULU TURNS 50 The Felix actress shared adorable snaps from her surprise birthday celebration on Instagram. Linda Sokhulu looked youthful as ever in a short summer dress, surrounded by loved ones, with a chocolate cake ready to be devoured. Linda penned a short message to mark her birthday milestone: “I’m blessed to have you in my life. Thank you for a beautiful birthday surprise. 50 is feeling good.” Xolile.Tshabalala.7: Happy birthday to the extraordinary human. Lerato_Mvelase: Happy birthday, Linda. Blessed new season, sthandwa. Asanda Tuoane: Absolutely beautiful! Surrounded by love, exactly how you deserve to be. Happy 50th Birthday, Linda. Tumisho Masha: Happy birthday, Linda. Sending you lots of love and blessings. Sindi_Dlathu: Happy Birthday to you, my angel sister. KHOLEKA MARKS 50TH BIRTHDAY WITH ELEGANT PHOTOSHOOT Kholeka, who has been a trailblazing gospel star since the 1990s, also just unlocked the 5th floor and marked her birthday with an elegant photoshoot by talented photographer Enhle Visuals. The Khilikithi hitmaker wore a modest houndstooth two-piece with black silk peplum detailing, paired with flawless make-up and neatly styled hair. Staying true to her faith, Kholeka honoured the milestone with a Bible scripture: “Who is turning 50 today? Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate His rule with trembling,” she wrote. “Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to Him. You will eat the fruit of your labour, blessings and prosperity will be yours (Psalm 128),” she added. LaConco: Oh, my gorgeous sis. Happy, blessed birthday. Lufi_D: Happiest birthday to you, Sis. Love you lots. Alphi_Sipho: Happy happy birthday, gorgeous mom. Xolly Mnwango: Happy Birthday, beautiful Mamzo. Love you always. Ndu Shezi: Happy birthday, mama, love you so much!
TechCentral
Cell C boss buys into his own turnaround
The CEO who rebuilt Cell C from near-collapse has put R20.8-million of his own money in.
TechCentral
Nedbank: the cash economy won’t die until digital ID arrives
South Africa cannot bank the unbanked until it solves identity, Nedbank’s outgoing COO has said.