Johannesburg

Johannesburg...Joburg...Jozi...The City of Gold. It's a city that goes by a variety of names, and which has won acclaim around the world for various factors. From the urban vibes of Johannesburg's CBD, which has undergone a major rejuvenation, to many other areas such as Sandton, which has evolved from dirt roads to Africa's richest square mile, Gauteng's biggest city has much to offer.

In the 130+ years since Johannesburg was formed, the city has transformed, in various stages, from tents and rudimentary structures to skyscrapers and towers. Former muddy tracks are now world-class road networks and public transportation systems, and the Highveld's grasslands have evolved into one of the world's biggest urban forests.

Interesting facts about Johannesburg

• The fact that Gauteng has gained the reputation of being of being a concrete jungle is not even remotely fair. There are over six million trees in Johannesburg, as well as a number of green areas and nature reserves, such as Johannesburg Botanical Gardens and Emmarentia Dam and the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden.
• The city of Johannesburg exists because of a gold rush that began in 1886. According to the history books, the first man to discover gold on the Witwatersrand was Jan Gerrit Bandjes, while the discovery of the main gold reef was the work of George Harrison.
• Having only been founded in 1886, it is one of the world's youngest major cities.
• Johannesburg's Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital is not ony the largest hospital in Africa - it is also the largest in the Southern Hemosphere and the third largest in the world. The hospital dates back to World War II, when it opened its doors as a military hospital.
• Johannesburg is not seen as young and vibrant for nothing. According to the Johannesburg's Development Agency, approximately 40% of the city's population is under the age of 25.

Things to see and do in Johannesburg

• Johannesburg's Apartheid Museum offers an eye-opening glimpse into our country's troubled past. It's wide range of permanent exhibitions include, amongst many others, "The Significance of 1976", "Mandela's Release", "The rise of Black Consciousness" and "The Homelands". This dynamic museum provides a comprehensive portrayal of this tragic chapter in our country's history.
• One of Johannesburg's timeless icons is Gold Reef City, which is an amusement park on the site of an old gold mine. From thrilling roller-coaster rides to a fantastic history lesson, Gold Reef City has a lot to offer.
• If it's entertainment you're after, Montecasino is the place to go. With a casino, the Teatro Theatre and an abundance of shops and restaurants all set in an Italian ambience, there's something for everyone.
• Maropeng Visitor Centre, situated in the Cradle of Humankind, allows you to take a journey starting with the formation of the planet, and moving through all the evolutionary processes that created today's world. You'll discover how humankind was born, view million-year-old stone tools and enjoy an interactive self-guided tour.

Advantages of living in Johannesburg

If you are a fan of culture and the arts, Johannesburg is the place to be in South Africa. Every international act who visits Mzansi's shores is sure to make a stop here, and facilities such as the Joburg Theatre, Market Theatre and the Teatro at Montecasino, amongst others play host to a wide range of world-class performances. For those living and working in Johannesburg, the Gautrain provides a fantastic alternative to hours spent in traffic on a daily basis. This rail network connects Hatfield and Centurion to Sandton, Johannesburg's CBD and O R Tambo International Airport.

Seeff has the widest imaginable range of properties available to buy and to rent in Johannesburg. Your Johannesburg story starts here, and our agents will be happy to tell you more about this fantastic city and find the home that's just right for you.