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
How Gauteng's new Human Resource Development Council aims to upskill its workforce
Gauteng's Human Resource Development Council launches with bold ambitions to equip workers for the future economy.
IOL
Delightful Carrot Cake recipe that will steal the show
Unleash your inner baker and treat your loved ones with this irresistibly fluffy carrot cake, topped with cream cheese frosting that’s sure to impress even the most discerning dessert lovers.
The Citizen
OPINION – Da Cruz’ mixed messages are not helping Kaizer Chiefs
Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz has barely stepped into his role at Naturena, and already he is flip-flopping on whether Amakhosi can challenge for this season’s Betway Premiership title. Chiefs want to win everything, or do they? Ahead of the Toyota Cup win over Scottland FC last weekend, Da Cruz told reporters at the Chiefs Village that his side would be going all out to win every trophy on offer in the coming season. After the unconvincing 1-0 win at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium, however, the Frenchman appeared to have changed his tune. Da Cruz effectively said that Chiefs could not challenge Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns without squad reinforcements. The Chiefs head coach has indicated that he wants four more attacking players to be signed by Chiefs. The problem is that with the start of the season just a few days away, none of these players have been signed. Stellenbosch’s Langelihle Phili is clearly a target, but the asking price seems to be a sticking point. There have been links with Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana winger Thapelo Maseko, but nothing concrete as yet. Was Da Cruz sending a not-so-subtle message to Chiefs’ management to get these deals over the line, having not been impressed with what he saw on Sunday? It is reasonable to ask why Chiefs hired Da Cruz, if they do not think he can challenge for the title this season. Amakhosi, after all, finished third in the Betway Premiership last season under co-head coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze. Potential tensions Why get rid off the pair if they do not now want Chiefs to fight Pirates and Sundowns all the way? It is hard to look at Da Cruz’ comments and not predict a potential clash between the head coach and management early in the campaign. Were promises made over new signings that have not been met? Maybe the signings will start to come in and Da Cruz will be a happy man before the transfer deadline. If not, however, one can certainly see tense times ahead. In the meantime, the Chiefs head coach would surely be better off sending a more positive message about the players he does have in his squad.
The Citizen
Paarl couple jailed for life after abusing minors who trusted them like parents
A Paarl couple has been sentenced to 16 life terms and an additional 12 years’ direct imprisonment after being convicted of raping, trafficking and grooming two 14-year-old girls. The Paarl Regional Court ordered the sentences run concurrently, meaning the couple will effectively spend the rest of their lives behind bars. The court also ruled their names be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders and declared them unfit to possess firearms, said the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). What happened The NPA said the husband, 51, and his 42-year-old wife preyed on the two girls from broken and disadvantaged homes, drawing them in with promises of food, shelter and support before subjecting them to repeated abuse. One of the victims had lost her mother and lived with a father battling alcohol abuse, while the other was left homeless after her family’s house burned down. Prosecutors told the court the couple created a relationship of dependence and trust, then exploited it for sexual abuse. One victim testified she feared being assaulted and thrown out if she refused, while evidence showed the wife actively facilitated the offences and was often present during the attacks. The pair tried to blame each other in their defence, but the court rejected both versions and accepted the state’s evidence, which included the consistent testimony of the two victims and corroboration from a neighbour. The prosecutor in the case “argued the husband repeatedly altered his version under cross-examination and became confused by the contradictions in his own testimony”, said NPA spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila. ‘Trusted them like parents’ Acting Western Cape director of public prosecutions, advocate Adrian Mopp, praised the prosecution and investigation teams, saying the sentence reflects the gravity of the crimes and the harm done to two girls who had trusted the couple like parents. “The sentences imposed reflect the gravity of these heinous offences and the profound harm inflicted on two vulnerable young girls. The NPA remains committed to ensuring that perpetrators of crimes against children are held fully accountable,” said Mopp.
The South African
All Blacks invite fans to free Cape Town Stadium ‘meet and greet’
Rugby fans will have the chance to welcome the All Blacks to Cape Town this Friday, 31 July when a free public event is held at the Cape Town Stadium ahead of the highly anticipated Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Test series. The event will run from 13:00 to 15:30 and is open to supporters of all ages, with organisers promising an afternoon of entertainment, live music and family-friendly activities. See players up close As part of the festivities, members of the New Zealand squad will take to the stage to share their thoughts ahead of the opening Test against the Springboks, giving fans a rare opportunity to see the players up close before the series gets underway. Organisers have encouraged supporters to bring along their families, friends and teammates to be part of the occasion. The welcome event forms part of the build-up to one of rugby’s most celebrated rivalries, with South Africa and New Zealand set to renew hostilities in a blockbuster Test series that is expected to draw capacity crowds and a global television audience. While entry to the event is free, those interested still need to obtain a (free) ticket, but clicking HERE. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the entertainment and secure a good viewing spot before the All Blacks make their appearance. Four provinces to test the All Blacks The All Blacks will play seven matches in South Africa on their ‘Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry’ tour, including three Tests and four matches against provincial sides. A fourth Test will take place in Baltimore in the United States on 12 September. Friday, 7 August: Stormers vs New Zealand, Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town – 19:00 Tuesday, 11 August: Sharks vs New Zealand, Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban – 19:00 Saturday, 15 August: Bulls vs New Zealand, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria – 19:00 Saturday, 22 August: First Test, Ellis Park, Johannesburg – 17:05 Tuesday, 25 August: Lions vs New Zealand, Ellis Park, Johannesburg – 19:00 Saturday, 29 August: Second Test, Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town – 17:05 Saturday, 5 September: Third Test, FNB Stadium, Johannesburg – 17:05 Saturday, 12 September: Fourth Test, M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, United States – TBC
The South African
Daily Snow Report: Keep an eye on these regions of South Africa
Wednesday, 29 July 2026 brings the most serious winter warnings South Africa has seen so far this season. SAWS has issued an Orange Level 6 warning for disruptive rain and an Orange Level 5 warning for disruptive snow over parts of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. After weeks of only isolated yellow-level alerts, today’s snow report for South Africa marks the most significant weather system to hit the country since heavy snowfall forced Sani Pass to close back in June. A cold front tightens its grip across the country According to SAWS, Gauteng can expect a partly cloudy, cool to cold day with isolated showers and rain. The southern Free State faces very cold, wet conditions, with light snowfall likely to set in from this evening. The Western Cape stays fine and cool by comparison. KwaZulu-Natal faces the sharpest impact today. An Orange Level 6 warning for disruptive rain covers the coast and adjacent interior between East London and Cape Vidal, alongside cloudy, cold conditions and widespread showers further south. SAWS has confirmed multiple active warnings for today, spanning both rain and snow. What today’s snow report for South Africa means for the mountains Light snowfall is expected from this evening over the higher-lying areas along the Lesotho border, with Africa’s highest ski resort, Afriski, likely in line for fresh snow. It follows Sani Pass closing under heavy snowfall in June, the season’s first major snow event. Forecasters are monitoring the cut-off low as it clears from the west by Thursday, and motorists planning to use high-altitude passes tonight should check conditions before setting out. Is it snowing in your area? If so, please send your photos to info@thesouthafrican.com
TechCentral
Russia charges Telegram founder with terrorism
Russia has charged Telegram founder Pavel Durov and issued an international warrant for his arrest.
TechCentral
The infrastructure behind smart account-based recurring payments in South Africa
Pay@ was the first third-party provider to integrate with Capitec, helping shape the payment method.
