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 Travel Highlights
This Johannesburg video page is built for visitors who want real places, real streets, and real travel footage.
It focuses on the most searched destinations in Johannesburg, including Sandton, Soweto, Johannesburg CBD,
Rosebank, Melrose Arch, Parkhurst, Maponya Mall, and nearby city districts.
Johannesburg Latest News
IOL
Tate brothers fight UK extradition in US court
Andrew and Tristan Tate have appeared before a federal judge in Miami after Britain sought their arrest for rape, sex trafficking and other charges.
IOL
Murder trial opens for US mother accused of killing her three children
A shocking crime inside a seemingly ordinary American family has raised questions about mental illness and criminal responsibility.
The Citizen
Treasury reinstates R3.6bn for Joburg as municipalities comply
National Treasury reinstated the July equitable share allocation to 42 of 69 municipalities that had funds frozen over their failure to address governance issues. This was after Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana invoked Section 216 of the constitution in what he described as a corrective measure to spur municipalities to change their financial management positions. Treasury reinstates July allocation to Joburg and 41 others On Friday, Godongwana was on the carpet at parliament’s portfolio committee on cooperative governance and traditional affairs, telling it that Treasury has the legal right to withhold the equitable share transfer of municipalities without parliament’s approval. But some MPs remain divided on his approach. The Financial and Fiscal Commission, which advises government and parliament on financial matters, called for the decision to be scrutinised. Treasury director-general Duncan Pieterse said 42 of the 69 municipalities have complied with the requirements and already have their equitable share allocations reinstated. This includes the City of Joburg and Nelson Mandela Bay. ActionSA president and Joburg mayoral candidate Herman Mashaba has written to Godongwana, recommending a technical support team monitor the National Treasury funds that will be transferred to Joburg. Mashaba demands monitoring team to ensure funds used correctly “The letter also inquires whether the city has provided a satisfactory recovery plan before the funds are released and the mechanisms Treasury intends to employ to ensure the funds are used exclusively for their intended purposes,” said Mashaba. “This comes as the city battles a liquidity crisis, with nine days of funds left in its coffers and relying on the reinstatement of R3.6 billion in its equitable share allocation. “Millions of residents are victims of a government that has eroded public trust in its ability to act in its interests. “ActionSA’s position is clear – mayor Dada Morero and the city’s leadership have failed to uphold basic governance and fiscal management competencies outlined in the Municipal Finance Management Act,” he said. Mashaba said Joburg is facing significant risks to service delivery, infrastructure investment and investor confidence.
The Citizen
Saps condemns murder‑suicide by police officer, urges members to seek help
The South African Police Service (Saps) condemns a tragic murder-suicide incident in which a police officer allegedly shot and killed his wife before fatally shooting himself in the Eastern Cape. Preliminary information indicates that the couple was involved in an altercation in their residence at Parsonsvlei, Gqeberha, before the shooting on Saturday 18 July 2026 at about 12:05pm. Crime scene Police spokesperson Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa said officers were called to the scene, where they found the bodies of a 34-year-old female police official and her 44-year-old husband, who is also a police official. “Both individuals were found with gunshot wounds and were declared deceased on the scene. The 34-year-old female is a Sergeant based at Mount Road SAPS and the 44-year-old male is also a Sergeant based at New Brighton Saps. “The circumstances surrounding this tragedy form part of the ongoing investigation. The firearm believed to have been used in the incident has been recovered and confiscated by police,” Mawisa said. Saps wellbeing Mawisa said the SAPS Employee Health and Wellness Programme has been activated to provide counselling and support to colleagues, families, and minors affected by the incident. He said SAPS condemned the violence, particularly cases involving police members who kill their partners and then themselves, and urged officers to seek help when facing emotional challenges. Businessman arrested Meanwhile, a 60‑year‑old Mthatha businessman has been arrested for attempted murder after allegedly opening fire during a traditional ceremony, wounding an off‑duty female police officer in the upper body. The elderly man was handcuffed on Saturday, 18 July 2026, at about 11pm following the shooting. Investigation Police spokesperson Captain Welile Matyolo said investigations into the incident is continuing. “The 60-year-old male suspect handed himself over to Mthatha police after the incident and his licensed firearm was confiscated for further investigations. “The 39-year-old female victim was rushed to a nearby hospital, having sustained a bullet wound on her upper body. She is alleged to be in a stable condition. The motive for the shooting forms part of an ongoing investigation. He is appearing on Monday 20 July 2026 at Mthatha Magistrate’s Court,” Matyolo said. Matyolo said the OR Tambo District Commissioner, Major General Norman Modishana, condemned the unlawful shooting in a public place and urged investigators to thoroughly investigate the matter for justice to be served.
The South African
Why Namibia may become the next African country to leave the ICC
Calls for Namibia to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC) are gaining attention following the recent exits of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, with African political analyst Agbegnigan Yaovi arguing that the southern African nation should reconsider whether remaining a member serves its national interests. In a recent commentary, Yaovi said the debate over the ICC’s role has resurfaced as more African countries question the court’s effectiveness and impartiality. He argued that Namibia should assess whether continued membership aligns with its foreign policy objectives and sovereignty. Why Yaovi believes Namibia should reconsider According to Yaovi, one of the ICC’s biggest weaknesses is its inability to enforce its own decisions without the cooperation of member states. “The Court cannot enforce its own rulings; its reach is only as strong as the states willing to back it,” he said. He added that with countries such as the United States, China, Russia, India and Iran rejecting the court’s jurisdiction, its ability to influence major international conflicts remains limited. Yaovi also questioned the court’s credibility, pointing to recent controversies surrounding its leadership and decision-making. “Can the Court truly claim to be impartial and effective?” he asked, referring to allegations involving senior ICC officials and criticism over the handling of high-profile international cases. Concerns over Africa’s relationship with the ICC Yaovi argued that criticism of the ICC goes beyond enforcement, saying many African leaders and analysts believe the court has disproportionately focused on African cases while struggling to hold powerful countries to the same standard. He said critics have described the ICC as becoming a tool of “lawfare” in international politics and questioned whether it remains capable of addressing mass atrocities effectively. The analyst also referenced comments by Job Amupanda, leader of Namibia’s Affirmative Repositioning movement and a former presidential candidate, who has criticised the country’s continued participation in the court, arguing that it does not advance Namibia’s strategic interests. Why Namibia could leave Yaovi said Namibia’s withdrawal from the ICC would be consistent with the country’s independent foreign policy and confidence in its domestic institutions. “For Namibia, withdrawing from the ICC is a logical move in line with its multi-vector foreign policy and broader nation-building drive,” he said. He argued that supporting the court in its current form “only props up an international system tilted toward conflict rather than cooperation”, adding that Namibia should avoid legitimising what he described as a Western tool of political “lawfare.” Although Namibia has not announced plans to leave the ICC, Yaovi believes the debate is likely to intensify as more African countries reassess their relationship with the Hague-based court.
The South African
New signings integration: Orlando Pirates’ expected starting XI vs Al-ittihad
Orlando Pirates continue their European pre-season tour with a clash against Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ittihad. The game will be at the Marbella Football Center on Tuesday evening. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00. The fixture will be the Buccaneers’ third of five pre-season friendlies after a 1-1 draw against Córdoba CF and a 2-1 comeback victory over Cádiz CF.The clash should give a clearer indication of Abdeslam Ouaddou’s preferred starting line-up ahead of the new Betway Premiership season ABDESLAM OUADDOU SET TO NAME STRONGER XI Ouaddou is expected to recall several players who started the opening friendly against Córdoba CF before beginning on the bench against Cádiz CF. The coach is also gradually reintroducing players who joined the squad late after Bafana Bafana’s extended break. The expected Orlando Pirates starting XI is: Goalkeeper: Siyabonga Dladla Defenders: Deano van Rooyen, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Sbangani Zulu, Nkosikhona Ndaba Midfielders: Mthetheleli Mthiyane, Abdoulaye Mariko, Patrick Maswanganyi Forwards: Bohlali Ngwato, Mpho Padime, Evidence Makgopa. ORLANDO PIRATES FACE TOUGH TEST The clash against Al-Ittihad is expected to be Orlando Pirates’ toughest challenge of the pre-season. The Saudi club boasts strong quality and will provide another demanding examination of Ouaddou’s tactical approach and squad depth. With the Betway Premiership opener against Kruger United fast approaching, the Buccaneers are beginning to shift their focus from experimentation to building chemistry among what is expected to be their strongest team. A positive performance against Al-Ittihad would provide another confidence boost as Orlando Pirates continue fine-tuning their preparations for the new campaign. ALL SEVEN NEW SIGNINGS AT ORLANDO PIRATES Mthetheleli Mthiyane – Midfielder signed from Stellenbosch FC Neo Rapoo – Left wing-back signed from Siwelele FC Matome Mmolai – Midfielder signed from Leicesterford City Ghampani Lungu – Striker signed from Siwelele FC Bohlale Ngwato – Winger signed from Siwelele FC Sbangani Zulu – Central defender signed from Richards Bay Aphiwe Baliti – Left wing-back signed from Siwelele FC, before immediately returning on loan for the 2026/27 season.
TechCentral
Openserve hits back in fibre ISP row
Following industry criticism, Openserve has mounted a defence of its decision to launch its own ISP.
TechCentral
Best network, worst vibes: the puzzle of SA telecoms
The best mobile network in South Africa has unhappy customers; the worst-measured has the happiest. Why?