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
Kaizer Chiefs fall further behind Mamelodi Sundowns after home draw with Stellenbosch
Kaizer Chiefs settled for a 1–1 draw against Stellenbosch, falling further behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns despite Mduduzi Shabalala cancelling out Sinoxolo Kwayiba’s second-half strike.
IOL
Orlando Pirates bounce back from MTN8 final defeat with 3-0 win over TS Galaxy
Orlando Pirates responded to their MTN8 final defeat by beating TS Galaxy 2-0, with Boitumelo Radiopane and Tshepang Moremi on target.
The Citizen
Gauteng traffic chief Samuel Mashaba dies amid suspension linked to cocaine bust allegations
Suspended Gauteng Traffic Police Chief Inspector Samuel Mashaba has died. The Gauteng Provincial Government, through the Department of Community Safety, confirmed that Mashaba died on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, at Milpark Hospital while receiving medical care. Condolences Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the Mashaba family and colleagues. “On behalf of the Gauteng Provincial Government, I wish to convey our deepest condolences to the Mashaba family following the passing of Chief Inspector Samuel Mashaba. “We also extend our condolences to his colleagues in the Gauteng Traffic Police and the broader law enforcement fraternity, who are mourning the loss of a colleague,” Lesufi said. Mashaba was placed on suspension after appearing before the Madlanga Commission in June 2026. Madlanga Commission Mashaba testified at the Madlanga Commission and faced sustained pressure as questions focused on his undisclosed personal ties to an informant linked to the Aeroton drug bust. On 9 July 2021, Mashaba – including informant Tumelo Nku, Warrant Officer Marumo Magane and National Intervention Unit Officer Warrant Officer Steve Phakula – intercepted a truck at a Scania warehouse in Aeroton, south of Johannesburg. Inside the vehicle, authorities uncovered 715.86 kilograms of cocaine concealed within legitimate cargo that had arrived via Durban Harbour. Drugs At least 136.46 kilograms of the drugs later went missing from the forensic laboratory of the South African Police Service (Saps), in what is believed to be an inside job. Mashaba, Nku, Magano and Phakula were arrested by the Hawks on the day of the cocaine seizure operation and charged with defeating the ends of justice and drug dealing. However, the case did not proceed, with the NPA provisionally withdrawing the matter in October 2022 before closing it entirely in early 2024. Suspension The Gauteng traffic officer testified that he was placed on a three-month suspension following his arrest, but indicated he still does not know the outcome of the internal disciplinary process. He resumed his duties and, in December 2025, was transferred to a different unit. He denied all the allegations during his testimony at the Madlanga Commission. Investigation Gauteng Provincial Government spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga acknowledges that the circumstances surrounding Mashaba’s suspension and appearance before the Commission formed part of an ongoing public process. “The Gauteng Provincial Government wishes the Mashaba family strength and comfort as they come to terms with this loss and reiterates its heartfelt support and solidarity with them.”
The Citizen
Katlehong memorial service shooting leaves two ANCYL members dead, five others wounded
A memorial service in Katlehong turned into a scene of bloodshed when a gunman allegedly opened fire on a group of mourners, killing ANC Youth League members and injuring five others, including a child. The shooting occurred on Tuesday, 13 October 2026 at about 6.50pm in Sophangisa Street, Katlehong North, shortly after victims had left a memorial service for a member of a political party at Mogobeng Primary School. Arrest It is believed that some of the victims had bullet wounds to their heads. Police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili have since confirmed that a suspect handed himself over and is now in custody, while the Gauteng Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) has taken over the investigation. “Seven people were shot. Two men, aged 23 and 21, were declared dead at the scene. Five other persons, aged between 12 and 27, sustained gunshot injuries and were taken to hospital for medical treatment.” Shooting Initial reports indicated that the victims had been travelling from the memorial service when a man allegedly opened fire on them. Muridili said they are investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack and have opened cases of murder and attempted murder. ANC shock The shooting triggered a major law enforcement response, with Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Gauteng Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni attending the scene alongside emergency medical teams and detectives. The ANC in Gauteng expressed shock and sadness over the attack. “The ANC extends its condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased and wishes those injured a speedy recovery during this difficult time,” the party’s Sochayile Khanyile said. Khanyile welcomed reports that a suspect had handed himself over to authorities and urged investigators to ensure accountability. “We urge the relevant law enforcement authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that those found responsible are held accountable in accordance with the law.” Ekurhuleni crime Meanwhile, DA Ekurhuleni Mayoral Candidate Khathutshelo Rasilingwane used the tragedy to renew calls for tougher action against violent crime in Ekurhuleni, describing the shooting as part of a growing pattern of bloodshed in the region. “Ekurhuleni cannot become a killing field while the national government responds with speeches. We need arrests, intelligence and accountability,” Rasilingwane said. Rasilingwane also called for Parliament’s police committee to summon senior police leadership to explain what it described as a failure to curb violent crime in the metro. Politically motivated? Investigators are expected to examine whether the shooting was politically motivated, given the circumstances surrounding the memorial service and the decision to transfer the case to the PKTT Police have not announced any arrests beyond the suspect in custody, and investigations are continuing.
The South African
‘Betray his whole family’: Angelique Gerber shades Jacques Potgieter?
Angelique Gerber has shared a cryptic post alluding to her ex, Jacques Potgieter. This comes after the actress and the former Springbok fuelled rumours that they had reconciled following a four-year separation. During that time, Jacques dated another woman, whom he split from in June. Jacques and Angelique married in 2016 and have three children together: son Jacques Jnr and twin daughters Annabella and Olivia. ANGELIQUE GERBER THROWS SHADE AT EX, JACQUES POTGIETER? On her Instagram Stories, Angelique posted several cryptic quotes about “exes”. One read: “Your ex is running someone else’s life. You are safe”. Another stated: “If you ever feel stupid….just remember a woman saw a man betray his whole family and still thought, ‘that’s my soulmate” Angelique Gerber’s IG Stories. The former 7de Laan actress appeared to be shading her ex, Jacqus Potgieter, and implying that he had moved on to another relationship. It comes as Jacques has deleted pictures of himself and Angelique, which followers believed alluded to their short-lived reconciliation. In several since-deleted posts, the former couple are seen embracing each other. In one pic, Jacques carried Angelique in the air, whilst in a third, she sat on his lap. “I hit the bullseye”, he captioned the post. Referring to his ex, he posted in another: “You make my heart beat fast again”. Jacques Potgieter deleted pictures of him with his ex.Images via IG WHAT WENT WRONG? Jacques Potgieter and Angelique Gerber wed a decade ago on a wine farm in the Western Cape. The couple began dating in 2014, when Angelique played the popular character “Clara” on the now-defunct SABC soapie 7de Laan. In mid 2022, Jacques allegedly admitted to being unfaithful to his Springbok wife, Angelique Gerber in a series of Instagram Stories. At the same time, Angeliqe posted a cryptic post on her IG Stories that read: “The truth always comes out”. Jacques later claimed his account was “hacked” and assured the public the accusations about his marriage and alleged affairs were false. Angelique then posted an apology on her account, implying the same. By Christmas, it was clear the couple had officially split after removing all romantic posts featuring each other. To further fuel the fire, Jacques began posting pictures with his new girlfriend, Lizane Wagner. Fast forward to 2023, and Angelique put Jacques Potgieter on blast for failing to financially support their three children. In June, the retired rugby player – now a head coach for Centurion Rugby Club – split from Lizane. This followed a four-year relationship with the woman many have accused of being behind his marriage breakdown. Speaking to an Afrikaans publication, Lizane confirmed their break-up, adding that she was not the “other woman” in her ex’s marriage.
The South African
Pensioner feeding several dependants on one SASSA grant shares his biggest fear
A Mpumalanga pensioner says his biggest concern is not his own survival but his children’s future. The Older Person’s Grant recipient, who asked to remain anonymous, shared his story in The South African’s SASSA grant survey. He has received the grant for three years. Five people depend on that single grant at home, and he says it simply does not stretch far enough. Children’s future weighs on the pensioner When asked about his biggest financial concern, the pensioner pointed to his children’s future. That worry is rooted in a hard reality. Someone in his household has gone without food in the past month. He regularly struggles to make ends meet and runs out of money before the month ends. He spends his grant on a mix of essentials, from food to everyday household costs. With several people relying on one income, every rand is already accounted for long before the next payment arrives. Owning his home gives the family a roof over their heads, but it does not guarantee food on the table. Still searching for work The pensioner is unemployed and actively looking for work. He has experience in construction and general labour and says he is willing to relocate for the right opportunity. He believes a job would give his family the security the grant alone cannot provide. Long queues and waiting times at SASSA offices remain his biggest challenge with the grant system, although he says his payments have been straightforward. He rates SASSA’s communication with recipients as poor and has never applied for additional government support because he did not know what else was available. His call for a bigger grant The pensioner acknowledges that the grant helps his household. “The grants does help a little bit,” he said. However, he wants to see the amount rise. “If it can be increased it will be better,” he added. He suggested R5 000 a month would make a real difference for families like his. If he could change one thing about SASSA, he would increase the grant amount. For now, he continues to stretch one grant across an entire household while hoping for a better future for his children. Win R2 000 in the South African SASSA grant survey If you receive a SASSA grant and want to share your story, we want to hear from you. Take part in our survey and stand a chance to win R2 000. Your responses help us tell the stories that matter.
TechCentral
Icasa’s R100-million surplus and its empty toolbox
Icasa left R333.7-million unspent in 2025/2026 while telling parliament it lacks money for regulatory tools.
TechCentral
iOCO profit jumps 39% as operating cash flow falls 44%
iOCO's profit rose 39% to R357-million in FY2026, but net cash from operating activities fell 44%.