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
Easy bran muffin recipe: To add raisins or not?
Join the debate: Do raisins belong in bran muffins? This easy and healthy recipe caters to both preferences, making it perfect for breakfast or a snack.
IOL
R326 Million Seized, No Arrests: Why Has There Been No Consequence for Hangwani Maumela Over Tembisa Hospital Allegations?
Civil society organisations call for justice in the R2 billion Tembisa Hospital looting case, insisting that businessman Hangwani Maumela be treated like any other citizen, regardless of his political connections.
The Citizen
Breakthrough in Tebogo Mothapo murder: Limpopo police arrest suspect
Limpopo police have scored a breakthrough in the murder of businessman Tebogo Mothapo, arresting a 29‑year‑old suspect linked to the victim’s stolen cellphone during an intelligence‑driven operation in Mankweng. The man was handcuffed this week. Arrest Police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said investigations are continuing. “On Monday, 20 July 2026, members of the Provincial Tracking Team and Investigation Unit swooped on Ga‑Mothapo, Tjatjaneng village, where the suspect – a naturalised South African citizen of Pakistani origin – was found in possession of Mothapo’s cellphone, stolen on the night of the killing.” The 43-year-old Mothapo was gunned down outside his home in Zone 1 on 16 December 2025. Motive Mashaba said the motive was unclear at the time, and the case was transferred to the Provincial Office for deeper investigation. “Police confirmed the suspect will appear in the Mankweng Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 22 July, facing charges of murder and possession of suspected stolen property.” Authorities said more arrests are expected as the investigation unfolds, signalling progress in a case that shocked the local business community. Rape Meanwhile, a 55‑year‑old suspect has been arrested in Thohoyandou in connection with a string of sexual offences, including a rape case dating back to December 2025. Detectives and members of the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit intercepted the man during a joint operation on Monday, 20 July 2026, after he allegedly kidnapped a 19‑year‑old woman in the CBD. Arrest Police say the suspect operated by luring women into his vehicles – a white GWM or silver‑grey Volvo – before driving them to the Nandoni River, where he allegedly raped and robbed them. He is also linked to attempted rape and theft earlier this month. Mashaba praised the swift arrest. “This operation demonstrates our commitment to protecting vulnerable women and ensuring perpetrators face justice. We will continue to pursue every lead until all cases linked to this suspect are fully investigated.” The man will appear in court soon.
The Citizen
Andrea Johnson under scrutiny as IDAC oversight office confirms complaints
The Office of the IDAC Oversight Judge has confirmed it is handling formal complaints against Advocate Andrea Johnson, head of South Africa’s anti‑corruption directorate, amid mounting public scrutiny and media pressure. The confirmation comes just days after the oversight office was formally established under retired Justice Takalani Raulinga, appointed to chair the newly created watchdog. Complaint Spokesperson Tiyisela Max Mpuzana said the complaints are receiving attention through the Office’s established processes. “The Office does not ordinarily comment on complaints received or matters under consideration. However, given the exceptional public interest in this matter, the numerous media enquiries received, and the fact that the existence of the complaints is already in the public domain, the Office considers it appropriate to confirm their receipt,” Mpuzana said. He added that the complaints are being assessed in line with the Office’s statutory mandate and applicable legal framework. Whistleblowers Mpuzana stressed that the Office remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting whistleblowers and complainants who make disclosures in good faith. “The reporting of alleged corruption and misconduct is an essential feature of constitutional accountability and the rule of law,” he said. He noted that there is no hard‑and‑fast rule regarding the protection or publication of the identity of persons against whom complaints have been lodged. Disclosure or confidentiality depends on the circumstances of each case, including public interest, legality, procedural fairness, and the rights of affected parties. Integrity “The receipt of a complaint does not constitute a finding of wrongdoing, nor should it be interpreted as evidence of misconduct. Every complaint is considered independently, objectively, and in accordance with the principles of procedural fairness,” Mpuzana said. To safeguard the integrity of its processes and the rights of all concerned, the Office said it will not comment further on the substance of the complaints or any investigative steps while the matter remains under consideration.
The South African
Seputla Sebogodi’s fourth wife at centre of bitter burial dispute
The funeral announcement of Seputla Sebogodi has been clouded in a family dispute about where he should be laid to rest. At the centre of the bitter burial disagreement is the veteran actor’s widow, Machuene Rosina Semenya. Seputla and Machuene, his fourth known wife, quietly wed less than six months ago. The TV and theatre star died last week of complications from diabetes. He was 63 years old. SEPUTLA SEBOGODI FUNERAL: DISPUTE OVER BURIAL Seputla Sebogodi will be remembered at two memorial services this week: the first on Thursday, 23 July, at the State Theatre in Pretoria, and the second on Friday at the Jack Botes Hall in Polokwane. On Saturday, the funeral service will take place at the same hall, and thereafter, he will be laid to rest at the Silicon Cemetery. However, a dispute has arisen between Seputla’s family and his new wife, Machuene Rosina Semenya, who has arranged the services mentioned above. Machuene – who wed the TV and theatre star in February – is a former politician who once served as the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The actor’s siblings believe that Seputla should be buried at his ancestral home in Ga-Mothapo instead. Our Brother , Seputla Sebogodi 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/OVLrQatAnQ— Ally M (@allym_za) July 20, 2026 Seputla Sebogodi’s sister, Mary Kau, told Africa Daily: “I want him to be buried here in Ga-Mothapo and not in Silicon. That’s where his family members are buried. Those who say his memorial services should be at Jack Botes Hall and he should be laid to rest in Silicon, I don’t know them” WIVES AND GIRLFRIENDS Over the years, Seputla Sebogodi has made headlines over his romantic relationships with multiple women. Seputla was married to three women, Deborah Futhi, Leonette Sebogodi and Shereen Maubane. According to the Sowetan, Seputla dumped his second wife via SMS, whilst his third reportedly left him due to infidelity. Seputla would go on to have two more high-profile relationships and engagements with younger women, radio station employee Makoena Francina Kganakga, and actress Mogau Sebaka. The actor broke off engagements with both women. It’s unclear when he began a relationship with his new wife.
The South African
Power outage to affect 16 Johannesburg areas on THESE DAYS
A total of 16 areas in Johannesburg will be affected by a planned power outage. The outage will occur at different substations on Wednesday 22 July 2026 and Thursday, 23 July 2026. City Power Johannesburg implemented the power outage to do maintenance work on their electricity network. AREAS AFFECTED BY POWER OUTAGE The power utility added that the power outage occurs to check that ageing infrastructure is serviced and faulty equipment is identified and replaced. These are the nine areas that will have no power on Wednesday, 22 July 2026: Leeuwkop Prison Atholl Melrose Atholl Oaklands Johannesburg Zoo VW Melrose Toyota Melrose Nissan Melrose Blu Bird Shopping Centre Areas that will be affected on Thursday, 22 July 2026 are: Corporate Park North Parts of Roan Crescent (North side of gate) End Street Fox Street Main Street Phillips Street Anderson Street “These activities also help protect the network during periods of increased demand, particularly during the winter season when colder weather places additional pressure on electricity infrastructure,” read the statement. CITY POWER URGES RESIDENTS TO UNPLUG APPLIANCES City Power has urged residents to unplug appliances during the outage to avoid possible damage when electricity supply is restored. “Customers are advised to treat their electricity points as live at all times during the interruption period, as power may be restored earlier than anticipated,” the statement read.
TechCentral
Home affairs opens visa fast lane – with tech talent a top priority
Pre-vetted employers get faster work visas – but the scoring shuts out smaller companies.
TechCentral
Skills authority to probe MICT Seta leadership crisis
Higher education minister Buti Manamela has referred governance concerns at the MICT Seta for assessment.