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
R16,000 in monthly penalties? SARS has a warning for trusts
SARS has issued fresh final demands to trusts with outstanding income-tax returns, warning trustees that monthly administrative penalties may follow if returns are not submitted within 21 business days.
IOL
Job insecurity takes psychological toll on South African workers
As South Africa marks Mental Health Awareness Month, retrenchment fears and economic uncertainty are adding to pressure on workers worried about income, financial security and their professional identity.
The Citizen
Ultra-distance runners flaunt their speed over shorter distances
Some of South Africa’s top ultra-distance runners showed good form at the weekend, delivering impressive performances over shorter distances at home and abroad, indicating that next year’s domestic ultra-distance circuit could produce some thrilling contests. In the Netherlands, Comrades Marathon champion George Kusche set a 42km personal best of 2:10:09, taking 26th place at the prestigious Amsterdam Marathon. He was the second South African across the line, with Cwenga Nose taking 23rd place on his marathon debut in 2:09:13. A little further back, Samuel Moloi, who finished fourth at last year’s City2City ultra-marathon in Gauteng and led this year’s Comrades until shortly after the halfway mark, took 29th position in the Dutch capital in 2:11:13, also setting a personal best. Nelson Mandela Marathon At home, in Cape Town, Two Oceans ultra-marathon champion Arthur Jantjies won the inaugural Nelson Mandela Marathon in a 42km career best of 2:15:14. Jantjies crossed the finish line 10 seconds ahead of Tsepo Ramashamole of Lesotho (2:15:24) who had also taken the runner-up spot behind Jantjies at the 56km Two Oceans earlier this year. Another Two Oceans gold medallist, Siboniso Sikhakhane, grabbed fifth spot in 2:16:11. Hollywoodbets 10km Meanwhile, former Comrades Marathon winner Edward Mothibi took second place in 30:51 at the Hollywoodbets 10km race in Johannesburg. He was just eight seconds behind shorter distance specialist Thabang Mosiako, who won the race in 30:43. “This is part of my preparation for next year’s Comrades, as everyone can see that these days the Comrades Marathon requires a lot of speed, so you need to have fast legs to be able to keepup with the boys,” said Mothibi, who won the Comrades up run in 2019. In the women’s contest in Joburg, Irvette van Zyl – a multiple gold medallist at the Comrades and Two Oceans ultra-marathons in recent years – was third in 35:17, in a race won by fellow Two Oceans gold medallist Neheng Khatala of Lesotho in 33:40. Gerda Steyn, a seven-time Two Oceans winner and five-time Comrades champion, finished fourth in 35:42, and another Two Oceans gold medallist, Dikeledi Majara of Lesotho, ended fifth in 35:52. “I’ve really focused in the second half of this year to just get my speed back again, progressing towards next year’s focus of doing the Two Oceans and hopefully having more success than the last two years,” said Van Zyl, who bailed Two Oceans in 2025 and missed out on the top 10 in 2026. “And next year’s Comrades is the 100th one, so I think everyone wants to be part of it.”
The Citizen
‘He lost six months’: Police union urges Ramaphosa to extend Masemola’s contract
With national police commissioner General Fannie Masemola back at the helm of the South African Police Service (Saps), the South African Policing Union (Sapu) has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to extend the top cop’s contract. Masemola returned to official duty on Monday, after President Cyril Ramaphosa lifted his precautionary suspension. Suspension He was suspended in April after appearing in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court to face allegations of contravening the PFMA. Returning to work, Masemola struck a conciliatory tone, repeatedly emphasising unity, professionalism, and service delivery over personal grievances. Extending contract SAPU national spokesperson Lesiba Thobakgale said the union supports extending Masemola’s term, arguing that he had lost six months of his tenure and that Saps needed continuity in its crime-fighting strategy. “We are saying that the president must extend his term as National Commissioner. He lost six months of his term, and moving forward in terms of applying the strategy to fight crime, we need that continuity for the country,” He added that Masemola was “the right person well-placed” to take Saps to the next level, while expressing concern over what he described as police minister’s Firoz Cachalia’s “silence” following the commissioner’s return. “We are calling on him to give General Masemola support and not interfere in his responsibilities. The National Commissioner is responsible for the operational, day-to-day running of Saps, while the minister is responsible for his role as executive authority. “Let the National Commissioner receive support from the police minister,” he said. Saps reset Last week, Cachalia welcomed Ramaphosa’s decision to reinstate Masemola, saying his return comes at a critical time as the Saps pushes ahead with reforms aimed at restoring public trust and strengthening policing. Police ministry spokesperson spokesperson, Kamogelo Mogotsi, said the acting minister also expressed his appreciation to Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane for her professionalism, leadership, and dedicated service as Acting National Commissioner during this period. “The return of the National Commissioner provides an opportunity for the leadership of the Saps to maintain focus on operational priorities and the ongoing work to build a professional, capable and trusted police service as per the Police Reset Agenda,” said Mogotsi.
The South African
Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s value could reach R200 million by December
Since making his senior debut for Orlando Pirates, Mbekezeli Mbokazi has been a remarkable player to watch, with his rapid rise attracting attention both locally and internationally. The 21-year-old centre-back established himself as a key figure at Pirates after making an impressive first-team breakthrough. His performances during the 2024/25 season quickly earned him the trust of the technical team, while he also broke into the Bafana Bafana setup as a teenager. Mbokazi’s rise continued as he helped the Buccaneers win two trophies before making the move to Major League Soccer (MLS) side Chicago Fire in January. The defender has reportedly impressed in his first season in the United States, with several top European clubs said to be monitoring his progress. He has also been tipped as one of the standout defenders in the league, further strengthening his growing reputation. Mbokazi’s market value could rise With his market value estimated at €8 million, Mbokazi could be an attractive signing for European clubs looking to invest in a young defender with significant potential. A successful campaign with Chicago Fire could push his valuation beyond the €10 million mark, particularly if he plays a decisive role in the club’s pursuit of silverware. At just 21, Mbokazi has plenty of room to develop, and continued progress in MLS could put him in a strong position to secure another major move in the future. Mbokazi’s situation also brings to mind his former Orlando Pirates teammate Relebohile Mofokeng, whose reported market value was around €3 million before his move to Royal Union Saint-Gilloise. Mofokeng’s value reportedly doubled following his impressive performances in Belgium, highlighting how a successful spell abroad can influence a player’s market valuation. For Mbokazi, a similar rise could be possible if he continues to deliver consistent performances in the United States and attracts serious interest from Europe’s leading clubs. Having already made his mark at Pirates and earned recognition at international level, the young defender could be on course for another significant career milestone if his progress continues. How much should TLB go for?
The South African
SAWS warns of damaging waves, but is low tide any safer?
Low tide may expose more of the beach, but it does not always mean the sea is safe for swimming, fishing or other coastal activities. Strong winds, large waves and powerful currents can still create dangerous conditions, even when the water level drops. SAWS issued a warning of damaging winds and waves The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for damaging winds and waves along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline. Conditions could temporarily disrupt beachfront activities, small harbours and ports until Tuesday morning The warning could pose a risk to coastal activities, particularly for swimmers, anglers and people using small boats. Tides control the rise and fall of sea levels, but they do not determine how powerful waves will be. These waves can remain large and powerful during low tide. The shape of the seabed and coastline also influences how waves break and where strong currents develop. What about rip currents? Rip currents are strong, narrow, seaward flows of water that extend from close to the shoreline to outside of the surf zone. They are found on almost any beach with breaking waves and act as “rivers of the sea,” moving sand, marine organisms, and other material offshore A rip current can pull swimmers away from shallow water, even when the sea appears calm nearby. People caught in a rip current should avoid swimming directly against it rather they should try to remain calm. How can beachgoers stay safe? Check the latest weather forecasts, marine warnings and tide times before visiting the coast. Swim at beaches where lifeguards are on duty and follow their instructions. Knowing the tide times helps with planning, but checking the wind, waves and local conditions is just as important. Do you check the wave conditions before visiting the beach?
TechCentral
Celebrating South Africa’s rising stars: the leaders shaping what comes next
Twelve young professionals were named winners at the 2026 TransUnion Rising Star Awards.
TechCentral
Post Office wants R2.2-billion from government as it braces for another loss
A previously committed amount of R3.8-billion for modernisation and for creditors still owed money was never released.