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
The life and legacy of Shanthie Naidoo-Tweedie: A South African freedom fighter
Shanthavathi 'Shanthie' Naidoo-Tweedie, a prominent South African freedom fighter, passed away at 91. Her legacy of activism, rooted in a family history of resistance against apartheid, continues to inspire future generations.
IOL
Alleged mastermind behind DA councillor candidate’s murder arrested in Cape Town
Police in the Western Cape have arrested the man believed to be behind the murder of DA councillor candidate Sinovuyo Dyokwe, allegedly killed after she refused to keep paying protection money to extortionists.
The Citizen
Howe uncertain if Guimaraes will stay with Newcastle amid Arsenal interest
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe admitted on Saturday he does not know if Bruno Guimaraes will stay with his club amid interest from Premier League champions Arsenal. Brazil midfielder Guimaraes is reportedly the subject of a £70 million ($93 million) offer from Arsenal. Guimaraes is currently on holiday after Brazil’s World Cup last 16 defeat against Norway earlier in July. The 28-year-old is set to return to Newcastle on Friday ahead of the club’s pre-season training camp in Spain. But Arsenal’s mooted interest in Guimaraes is providing a headache for Howe, who lost Alexander Isak to Liverpool after a protracted transfer saga last year. Speaking after Newcastle’s 1-1 draw in a pre-season friendly at Gateshead Howe said: “We don’t want to lose our best players “I’ve spoken to him (Guimaraes) as I would do. Bruno is just a fantastic person. We’ve had some really good conversations, both before the World Cup, during the World Cup and after the World Cup. “I don’t know what’s going to happen with Bruno’s future. That’s for other people to, one, speculate about, but also conversations that I’m not part of.” Isak effectively went on strike, refusing to take part in Newcastle’s pre-season preparations 12 months ago, in a bid to force through his move to Anfield. Arsenal are keen on Guimaraes after opting not to match Chelsea’s bid in their British record £117 million swoop for England forward Morgan Rogers. But Howe is hopeful Newcastle captain Guimaraes will opt to stay at St James’ Park. “There’s nothing to say Bruno won’t be back training with us. You’ve got to look at it in its own right,” he said. “Bruno is the captain of our football club. He’s been an unbelievable player and person all through the time we have worked together. “I speak on behalf of everyone at the football club. We absolutely love him and, of course, everyone will want him to stay.”
The Citizen
Messi can skip All-Star Game after grueling World Cup, says MLS
Lionel Messi will not be required to play in next week’s Major League Soccer All-Star Game after representing Argentina in the recent World Cup final, the US domestic league said Saturday. Inter Miami superstar Messi had been sanctioned last year for skipping the annual showcase, which pits top players from across MLS against rivals from the Mexican Liga-MX. Participation is usually mandatory, with exceptions for injury. But this year, the World Cup took place in the middle of the MLS season, which paused for a seven-week break, and the league confirmed exceptions had been pre-arranged for players reaching the international tournament’s final stages. “Prior to the start of the 2026 season, Major League Soccer and the MLS Players Association agreed that upon a player’s exit from the World Cup competition, clubs would have individual conversations with each player to determine the appropriate rest and return to training and competition timeline,” said the statement. “Consistent with that agreement, Rodrigo De Paul and Lionel Messi will be excused from participating in the 2026 MLS All-Star Game.” Fellow Argentine De Paul also featured in last Sunday’s World Cup final in New Jersey, which Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time. Messi had been among the first 11 players named to the MLS squad for this year’s All-Star Game, which takes place in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Wednesday. In his absence, stars will include Los Angeles FC’s Son Heung-min, the Vancouver Whitecaps’ Thomas Muller, and US national team captain Tim Ream, who plays for Charlotte. Last year, Messi and then-Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba were slapped with a one-game suspension for skipping the All-Star Game at the last minute. MLS commissioner Don Garber at the time expressed sympathy for Messi’s grueling schedule, saying it had been a “very difficult decision” and that the league’s long-standing All-Star Game policy would be reviewed. Nonetheless, Inter Miami’s billionaire co-owner Jorge Mas said Messi was “very upset” by the suspension.
The South African
Transfers: Orlando Pirates add SEVEN players, Appollis latest
Today’s Orlando Pirates transfer wrap looks at potential incomings and the latest on Oswin Appollis’ future at the club. Where is Oswin Appollis going? As things stand, 24-year-old Bafana star Oswin Appollis is staying put with the champions. There were rumours of a big-money move to Portuguese giants Porto, but those whispers have died down. It might be an opportune outcome for Pirates, who have already sold Rele Mofokeng this window. Losing two marquee names in the same window might have been too much to handle. Links to Emile Witbooi persist, while Cemran Dansin might be handed more responsibility in the first team. Player arrivals at Orlando Pirates Pirates have welcomed seven new players aboard. They are Mthetheleli Mthiyane, Sbangani Zulu, Bohlale Ngwato, Ghampani Lungu, Neo Rapoo, Aphiwe Baliti and Matome Mmolai. Big-name exits from Orlando Pirates New champions Orlando Pirates will be a new-look outfit next term after several high-profile departures, notably Relebohile Mofokeng. The following players have left the club: Thabiso Sesane Selaelo Rasebotja Siyabonga Ndlozi Gomolemo Khoto Sonwabo Khumalo Blessing Ngiba Seth Green Thabiso Lebitso Bandile Shandu Sipho Mbule Tshegofatso Mabasa Relebohile Mofokeng A new season looms Milford FC are the visitors to Orlando Stadium on matchday 1 of the 2026-27 Betway Premiership season. The defending champions have lost several big names, although they are also looking to future-proof their squad by signing exciting youngsters. Pirates vs Milford kicks off on Saturday, 1 August at 15:30.
The South African
Police arrest alleged mastermind behind murder of DA councillor
The police in Western Cape have arrested a man suspected to be the mastermind behind the murder of the Democratic Alliance (DA) ward candidate Sinovuyo Dyokwe. #sapsWC [WESTERN CAPE SAPS ARRESTS ALLEGED MASTERMIND BEHIND THE MURDER OF DA CANDIDATE COUNCILLOR] The diligent investigation by #SAPS Western Cape Serious Violent Crime Investigation (SVCI) detectives into the murder of DA candidate councillor, Ms Sinovuyo Miranda Dyokwe, has… pic.twitter.com/9kvFTqnI20— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) July 26, 2026 THE ARREST The 37-year-old suspect was arrested during a joint intelligence-driven operation in Parklands on Saturday after he had allegedly been evading arrest. The accused was arrested after the police received a tip-off from the public about his whereabouts. Police recovered the vehicle allegedly used in the commission of the crime and seized seven cellphones during the operation. DYOKWE’S MURDER CASE Dyokwe was shot on her way home from a voting registration station in Dunoon last month. According to the police, Dyokwe was allegedly subjected to an extortion scheme before her murder and was reportedly coerced into paying protection money. “Preliminary investigations indicate that the deceased had allegedly been subjected to extortion and was reportedly forced to pay protection money. It is further alleged that after she refused to continue making these payments, threats were made against her.” “The investigation further revealed that on Friday, 20 June 2026, while returning home after participating in voter registration activities in Dunoon, she was allegedly followed before two armed suspects fatally shot her,” said the police. SUSPECT TO APPEAR IN COURT The suspect will appear in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Monday on charges of murder and extortion. Western Cape Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Luyanda Damoyi has praised the investigating team and all members involved in the operation for their swift action in making the arrest, as well as their dedication and perseverance. Police say further arrests are expected as the investigation continues.
TechCentral
Africa’s most popular phones have a tracking problem
Researchers have decrypted what Tecno, Infinix and Itel smartphones quietly send home: location, apps and camera activity.
TechCentral
Vodacom taps UJ, AWS to build its AI talent pipeline
Vodacom, the University of Johannesburg and AWS want their new AI lab to become a blueprint for the continent.
