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
Nine-year-old boy dies after drowning at Kleinmond Main Beach Lagoon
A nine-year-old boy has died after being found underwater at Kleinmond Lagoon on Saturday. Police have opened an inquest.
IOL
Seabelo Senatla’s backflip and Stormers’ power make for a perfect ‘Men in Black’ tribute
The Stormers honoured their ‘Men in Black’ legacy with a dominant 39-22 victory over the Sharks, as Seabelo Senatla’s backflip added a touch of flair to a powerful six-try display.
The Citizen
Gauteng nursing diploma 2027: How to apply for free before 30 October
Young people who want to become nurses have until 30 October 2026 to apply for the Gauteng College of Nursing’s 2027 Student Nurse Intake, according to the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH). Applications will close on 30 October 2026. Successful students will study towards a Diploma in Nursing at four Gauteng College of Nursing (GCON) campuses, namely, Ann Latsky, Bonalesedi, Chris Hani Baragwanath or SG Lourens campus. Who can apply for the nursing diploma? “Applicants must be South African citizens who reside and matriculated in Gauteng,” said spokesperson Steve Mabona on Sunday. According to Mabona, people who already receive funding from a government department, state-funded scheme or public entity will not be considered. This includes the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas), as well as those already enrolled at a tertiary institution. “Prospective students must be in possession of a Senior Certificate (Standard 10), National Senior Certificate (Grade 12) or National Certificate (Vocational) Level 4 and meet the prescribed admission requirements,” Mabona detailed. How to apply online for the nursing intake Applicants will have to upload certified copies of their identity document and matric certificate in PDF format, according to the department. “Applications must be submitted online only through the Gauteng Department of Health nursing intake portal at said Mabona. “No walk-in applications will be accepted,” he added. Selection process and training requirements The department said it expects a high volume of applications, so only successful candidates will be contacted. “All shortlisted applicants will undergo a compulsory psychometric assessment, while successful candidates will be required to undergo medical surveillance and verification of all submitted documents,” said Mabona. Students will also face demanding practical training. “Successful applicants will be required to sign a learning contract with the Gauteng College of Nursing and participate in Work Integrated Learning (WIL), which includes working shifts, weekends, public holidays and night duty at GDoH facilities as part of the training programme,” said Mabona. Scam warning and contact details The department urged the public to stay alert and not fall victim to people who claim they can secure a place in the programme. “Applications for the GCON 2027 Student Nurse Intake are free of charge, and there are no application or admission fees payable at any stage of the process,” said Mabona. “For enquiries, applicants should contact the Gauteng College of Nursing Central Office on 060 541 4973,” said Mabona.
The Citizen
Ntshavheni: Only Zuma’s doctors can pronounce on his health status, with his consent
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has responded to the swirl of speculation around former President Jacob Zuma’s health, saying that only his medical team can comment on his condition with his consent. 84-year-old Zuma has been receiving treatment at the Netcare St Anne’s Hospital in Pietermaritzburg, KZN. His MK party said it was for a routine health check and that he was “healthy and in good spirits.” “His campaign programme will continue accordingly,” said MK party spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu on Thursday. President Cyril Ramaphosa recently confirmed that Zuma was unwell and wished him a speedy recovery, but his government has now said only Zuma’s medical team can comment on his health. “I need to indicate the health status of Baba Zuma. He’s under the care of the surgeon-general [of the SA National Defence Force], and you know the ethical requirements. “It’s only his medical doctors who can pronounce on his health status and health conditions, with his consent,” Ntshavheni said during an inter-ministerial committee migration briefing on Sunday. She said Zuma would be in capable hands and no one should speculate about his health. “The fact that a person holds a particular position in society does not entitle us to violate his privacy,” Ntshavheni said. KZN MK party slams claims Amid reports about Zuma’s illl health over the weekend, the MK party in KZN warned that speculation can cause unnecessary anxiety, fuel political uncertainty, and undermine public confidence. The party noted that, “according to the update communicated by the party’s national office, President Zuma is in good spirits.” “We urge the public to rely on official party communication and not to circulate unverified claims or sensational headlines. The party called on its members and supporters to “remain calm, disciplined and vigilant.” “We discourage the spread of unverified information and encourage everyone to seek updates concerning President Zuma directly from the party’s national office. “President Zuma’s health must not become a vehicle for sensationalism or unnecessary public anxiety. “The MK party in KwaZulu-Natal remains committed to peace, stability, democratic accountability and the dignity of our president and the party he leads.”
The South African
Orlando Pirates midweek fixture confirmed after MTN8 heartbreak
Following their MTN8 final defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates will be eager to dust themselves off and get back to winning ways. The Buccaneers have little time to dwell on their disappointment as they prepare to face TS Galaxy in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday evening. A victory could see Pirates move above Sundowns at the top of the league standings, providing some consolation after missing out on another MTN8 title. After seven league matches, Abdeslam Ouaddou’s men have won six and drawn once, underlining their impressive start to the campaign. However, their challenge will be to ensure that Saturday’s defeat does not affect their confidence and momentum in the league. TS Galaxy could capitalise if the Soweto giants struggle to put their MTN8 heartbreak behind them. The Rockets will be hoping to make life difficult for Pirates as they look to return to domestic action with a positive result. When Do Orlando Pirates Play TS Galaxy? Pirates host TS Galaxy on Tuesday evening at the Orlando Amstel Arena. The Buccaneers have enjoyed success against the Rockets in recent meetings, including an emphatic 5-0 victory at the Mbombela Stadium earlier this year. With only three days between the MTN8 final and their next league fixture, changes to the Orlando Pirates starting XI could be expected. The likes of Mohau Nkota and Thalente Mbatha could be in contention for their first starts of the season after recently recovering from injuries. Ouaddou will also have to manage his squad carefully, with Pirates set to turn their attention to the CAF Champions League preliminary round next weekend. The clash against Galaxy therefore presents an opportunity for the Buccaneers to respond immediately to their cup disappointment while maintaining their strong start to the league campaign. Will the Buccaneers bounce back?
The South African
In one year, drug crime increased by 57% in this Gauteng suburb
Drug crime in Gauteng is up 8.7%. According to the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) recent data, 11 619 drug-related crimes were reported in Gauteng between April and June 2026. But in a handful of police precincts, drug-related crime has increased by concerning figures. Drug-Related Crimes Up Significantly In Gauteng, drug-related crime is trending upward. About 76% of precincts reported a rise or no change in this kind of crime. Eden Park, however, recorded a 57.7% increase in drug crimes between April-June 2026 and the same period last year. Sebokeng in Sedibeng experienced the second-highest increase in the province. In one year, drug-related crime in the area rose 45.1%. Only 35 of the province’s 146 SAPS precincts recorded a decrease. Some of these weren’t even that substantial. Rosebank, for example, had drug-related crimes drop from 1 in the first quarter of 2025 to 0 in the first quarter of 2026. In Muldersdrift on the West Rand and Fairland in Johannesburg, drug-related crime also decreased by 1 incident, from 3 reported in the first quarter of 2025 to 2 reported in the first quarter of 2026. Police Precinct# Drug-Related Crimes% IncreaseEden Park11257.7%Sebokeng14845.1%Soshanguve9633.3%Sharpeville18329.9%Duduza10526.5% Johannesburg Central is Gauteng’s drug capital. In 3 months, 358 drug-related crimes were reported in Johannesburg, up 5.9% from the same time last year. Tembisa was next with 309 drug-related crimes, a 6.9% decrease from the year before. The township was 1 of only 3 precincts in the province’s top 10, where drug-related crimes decreased. In areas like Krugersdorp, Tsakane, Kliptown, and Orange Farm, all in the top 10, drug-related crimes are up double digits. Reporting Drug Crimes Drug-related crimes are frequently underreported. A 2025 study suggests all crime in South Africa, not only drug crime, is underreported. Therefore, when drug reporting spikes, it can point to more production, distribution and use rather than more informed policing efforts. Impact of this Worrying Trend The impact of drug-related crimes on a community is far-reaching. According to data from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) World Drug Report 2026, the number of people using drugs rose to 331 million in 2024, up 34% from a decade earlier. Seizures, production, and cocaine use also reached record highs in 2024. But as UNODC highlights in its report, besides impacting communities and families, drug use impacts healthcare, social services and the criminal justice system. Drug use drains resources. Furthermore, the report spotlights three areas where drug abuse has real financial and social impact on communities. Shoplifting: Affects shrinkage and raises grocery prices. Increase in car accidents: Drives up insurance premiums in addition to taxes and levies like the Road Accident Fund. Public drug use: Promotes drug use and drains healthcare and policing resources.
TechCentral
Shoprite ranks cybersecurity as its number one risk
Cybersecurity is Shoprite’s top-ranked risk, and the only one whose controls it rates as partially effective.
TechCentral
Standard Bank to take up to $200-million stake in OPay
Standard Bank will buy as much as 4.99% of Nigeria-focused fintech OPay as it files to list in New York.