Johannesburg

Johannesburg is an extraordinary city, born just over 120 years ago with the discovery of gold and since then it always has been a city of commerce and opportunity.

Even today Joburg continues to attract those looking for opportunity – it's a city populated by people who have come to realise their dreams. The area of Johannesburg began on a vast undulating grassy plain, interspersed with ridges and kopjes (small hills)in an area known as the Witwatersrand; named after the white water springs that coursed the land. Beneath that rough but serene country was gold. Until George Harrison, an Australian prospector, came pioneering, the mineral wealth of the Witwatersrand lay undiscovered. In 1886, after George had sold his gold claim for just £10, Johannesburg was born. He could not have envisaged the significant world history that would unfold here in the province of Gauteng, place of gold.

Since then, the city has grown and become the largest and most populous city in South Africa, and the largest city in the world not built on or near a major water source. It is home to Africa's tallest building, a large CBD and many smaller urban centres. The road infrastructure, telecommunicationss, health care, shopping, visitor attractions, dining and nightlife are world-class.

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(Credit: Johannesburg Tourism Company)