Gauteng#Witwatersrand area

The name Gauteng is derived from Sotho-Tswana {{lang|st|gauta}}, meaning 'gold'. There was a thriving gold industry in the province following the 1886 discovery of gold in Johannesburg.{{cite web |url=http://www.gpg.gov.za/frames/gallery-f.html |title=About Gauteng |publisher=Gauteng Provincial Government |access-date=25 October 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080804052004/http://www.gpg.gov.za/frames/gallery-f.html |archive-date=4 August 2008 }} In Sesotho, Setswana and Sepedi the name {{lang|st|Gauteng}} was used for Johannesburg and surrounding areas long before it was adopted in 1994 as the official name of the province.

File:Sesotho-Gaudeng.PNG

Gauteng was formed from part of the old Transvaal province after South Africa's first multiracial elections on 27 April 1994. It was initially called Pretoria–Witwatersrand–Vereeniging (PWV) and was renamed "Gauteng" on the 28th of June 1995, the same day two other provinces were renamed.{{cite web | url=http://www.culturalguiding.com/Help/PDF/General_Overview_of_Gauteng.pdf | title=General Overview of Gauteng | publisher=Makiti Guides and Tours (Pty) Ltd. | access-date=2 May 2013 | archive-date=11 April 2005 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050411233106/http://www.statssa.gov.za/census01/Census/Database/Census%202001/Census%202001.asp | url-status=live }} The term "PWV" describing the region existed long before the establishment of a province by that name,{{cite web |url=http://www.sahistory.org.za/places/gauteng |title=Gauteng |publisher=South African History Online |access-date=3 May 2013 |archive-date=25 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190125205710/http://www.sahistory.org.za/places/gauteng |url-status=live }} with the "V" sometimes standing for "Vaal Triangle" rather than Vereeniging.{{Cite journal|url = https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12284151/|pmid = 12284151|year = 1990|last1 = Geyer|first1 = H. S.|title = Implications of differential urbanization on deconcentration in the Pretoria-Witwatersrand-Vaal Triangle metropolitan area, South Africa|journal = Geoforum; Journal of Physical, Human, and Regional Geosciences|volume = 21|issue = 4|pages = 385–96|doi = 10.1016/0016-7185(90)90019-3|access-date = 5 July 2020|archive-date = 5 July 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200705155050/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12284151/|url-status = live}}{{cite web |url=https://search.archives.un.org/united-nations-observer-mission-in-south-africa-unomsa-headquarters-johannesburg-pretoria-witwatersrand-vaal-pwv-vaal-triangle-weekly-operational-statistics-and-reports |title=United Nations Observer Mission in South Africa (UNOMSA) Headquarters - Johannesburg, Pretoria-Witwatersrand-Vaal (PWV) - Vaal Triangle - weekly operational statistics and reports - UNARMS |publisher=Search.archives.un.org |date= |accessdate=2022-03-17 |archive-date=5 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705155136/https://search.archives.un.org/united-nations-observer-mission-in-south-africa-unomsa-headquarters-johannesburg-pretoria-witwatersrand-vaal-pwv-vaal-triangle-weekly-operational-statistics-and-reports |url-status=live }}

At the Sterkfontein caves, some of the oldest fossils of hominids have been discovered, such as Mrs. Ples and Little Foot.

Events in this area were not written down until the 19th century; information from before that time is lost or difficult to confirm. The first records are from the early 19th century, when settlers originating from the Cape Colony defeated chief Mzilikazi and started establishing villages in the area.{{cite web |url=http://www.southafrica.net/za/en/articles/entry/article-southafrica.net-history-of-gauteng#.UYOA-6KBm2E |title=From mining village to commercial powerhouse – History of Gauteng |publisher=southafrica.net |access-date=3 May 2013 |archive-date=16 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116173102/https://www.southafrica.net/za/en/articles/entry/article-southafrica.net-history-of-gauteng#.UYOA-6KBm2E |url-status=live }}

The city of Pretoria, established in 1855 as the capital of the South African Republic, witnessed rapid growth until the discovery of gold in the Witswatersrand area in 1886, which led to the founding of Johannesburg. Despite slower development compared to Johannesburg, Pretoria maintained significance, notably due to its pivotal role in the Second Boer War. The nearby town of Cullinan gained international acclaim in 1905 when the largest diamond ever discovered, the Cullinan Diamond, was mined there.

Many events crucial to the anti-apartheid struggle happened in present-day Gauteng, such as the Freedom Charter of 1955, Women's March of 1956, Sharpeville massacre of 1960, the Rivonia Trial of 1963 and 1964, the little Rivonia Trial of 1964, the Soweto uprising of 1976 and Sharpeville Six of 1984. The Apartheid Museum documents this era.

{{Main|Government of Gauteng}}

File:Johannesburg City Hall.jpg

Gauteng is governed by the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, a 73-person unicameral legislature elected by party-list proportional representation. The legislature elects one of its members as Premier of Gauteng to lead the executive, and the Premier appoints an Executive Council of up to 10 members of the legislature to serve as heads of the various government departments. The provincial government is responsible for the topics allocated to it in the national constitution, including such fields as basic education, health, housing, social services, agriculture and environmental protection.

The most recent election of the provincial legislature was held on 8 May 2019, and the African National Congress (ANC) won 50.19% of the vote and a 37-seat majority in the legislature. The official opposition is the Democratic Alliance, which won 27.45% of the vote and 20 seats. Other parties represented are the Economic Freedom Fighters with eleven seats and the Freedom Front Plus with three seats. The Inkatha Freedom Party and African Christian Democratic Party hold one seat each.{{cite news |last1=Deklerk |first1=Aphiwe |title=ANC holds on to Gauteng by a whisker |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/2019-05-11-anc-holds-on-to-gauteng-by-a-whisker/ |access-date=1 December 2020 |agency=TimesLIVE |date=11 May 2019 |archive-date=26 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026075016/https://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/2019-05-11-anc-holds-on-to-gauteng-by-a-whisker/ |url-status=live }} Premier David Makhura of the ANC was re-elected as premier on 22 May 2019, at the first meeting of the legislature after the general election.{{cite news |last1=Mahlati |first1=Zintle |title=David Makhura re-elected as premier of Gauteng |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/david-makhura-re-elected-as-premier-of-gauteng-23736752 |access-date=1 December 2020 |agency=IOL |date=22 May 2019 |archive-date=7 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107235746/https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/david-makhura-re-elected-as-premier-of-gauteng-23736752 |url-status=live }} Makhura resigned from the position on 6 October 2022 and Panyaza Lesufi of the ANC was elected to replace him. In the 2024 South African general election, held on 29 May, the ANC received 34% of the vote, while the DA received 28%.

The Gauteng Division of the High Court of South Africa, which has seats in Pretoria and Johannesburg, is a superior court with general jurisdiction over the province. Johannesburg is also home to the Constitutional Court, South Africa's highest court, and to a branch of the Labour Court and Labour Appeal Court.

File:Farm Views.jpg

Gauteng's southern border is the Vaal River, which separates it from the Free State. It also borders on North West to the west, Limpopo to the north, and Mpumalanga to the east. Gauteng is the only landlocked province of South Africa without a foreign border. Most of Gauteng is on the Highveld, a high-altitude grassland (circa {{convert|1500|m|0|abbr=on|disp=or}} above sea level). Between Johannesburg and Pretoria, there are low parallel ridges and undulating hills, some part of the Magaliesberg Mountains and the Witwatersrand. The north of the province is more subtropical, due to its lower altitude and is mostly dry savanna habitat.

{{See|Witwatersrand}}

In the southern half of Gauteng, the Witwatersrand area is an older term describing a 120 km wide oblong-shaped conurbation from Randfontein in the West to Nigel in the East, named after the Witwatersrand, a geologically and economically important series of low ridges and their associated plateau that greater Johannesburg developed on. This area is also often referred to simply as "Witwatersrand", "the Rand" or "the Reef" (archaic, after the gold reefs that precipitated the development of the area), and was the "W" in PWV, the initial name for Gauteng. It has traditionally been divided into the three areas of East Rand (governed by the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality), Central Rand (approximately today's Johannesburg Municipality) and West Rand.{{cite book|title=South African Journal of Science|date=1975|publisher=South African Association for the Advancement of Science|page=365|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gEkqAAAAMAAJ|language=en|access-date=23 September 2020|archive-date=5 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005121322/https://books.google.com/books?id=gEkqAAAAMAAJ|url-status=live}}{{cite web|publisher=BMS-Verlage GmbH|title=Maps - Johannesburg (South Africa) – Gold mining belt Witwatersrand|url=http://www.diercke.com/kartenansicht.xtp?artId=978-3-14-100790-9&seite=161&id=17664&kartennr=3|website=Diercke International Atlas|access-date=27 November 2017|archive-date=27 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327001857/http://www.diercke.com/kartenansicht.xtp?artId=978-3-14-100790-9&seite=161&id=17664&kartennr=3|url-status=live}}

The climate is mostly influenced by altitude. Even though the province is at a subtropical latitude, the climate is comparatively cooler, especially in Johannesburg, at {{convert|1700|m|0|abbr=on}} above sea level (Pretoria is at {{convert|1330|m|0|abbr=on|disp=or}}). Most precipitation occurs as brief afternoon thunderstorms; however, relative humidity never becomes uncomfortable. Winters are crisp and dry with frost occurring often in the southern areas. Snow is rare, but it has occurred on some occasions in the Johannesburg metropolitan area.{{cite web |url=http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Johannesburg-marvels-at-rare-snowfall-20120807 |title=Johannesburg marvels at rare snowfall |publisher=News24 |date=7 August 2012 |access-date=19 May 2013 |archive-date=15 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715143441/https://www.news24.com/News24/Johannesburg-marvels-at-rare-snowfall-20120807 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/snow-forces-road-closures-across-sa-1.1358507#.UYJE-qKBm2E |title=Snow forces road closures across SA – South Africa | IOL News |publisher=IOL.co.za |date=7 August 2012 |access-date=19 May 2013 |archive-date=15 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715143845/https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/snow-forces-road-closures-across-sa-1358507#.UYJE-qKBm2E |url-status=live }}

{{Pretoria weatherbox}}

{{Johannesburg weatherbox}}

{{See also|List of cities and towns in Gauteng}}

{{div col|colwidth=10em}}

• Alberton
• Atteridgeville
• Benoni
• Boksburg
• Bronkhorstspruit
• Brakpan
• Carletonville
• Centurion
• Cullinan
• Edenvale
• Ga-Rankuwa
• Germiston
• Hammanskraal
• Heidelberg
• Henley on Klip
• Johannesburg
• Kempton Park
• Krugersdorp
• Mabopane
• Mamelodi
• Magaliesburg
• Meyerton
• Midrand
• Nigel
• Parkhurst
• Pretoria
• Randburg
• Randfontein
• Roodepoort
• Rosebank
• Sandton
• Soshanguve
• Soweto
• Springs
• Tembisa
• Vanderbijlpark
• Vereeniging

{{div col end}}

Image:Map of Gauteng with municipalities labelled.svg

{{main|List of municipalities in Gauteng}}

The Gauteng Province (as of May 2011) is divided into three metropolitan municipalities and two district municipalities. The district municipalities are in turn divided into six local municipalities:

• Sedibeng District
• Emfuleni
• Lesedi
• Midvaal
• West Rand District
• Merafong City
• Mogale City
• Rand West City

• Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality (Pretoria)
• Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality
• Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality

The former Metsweding district consisting of Nokeng Tsa Taemane and Kungwini in the North of the province was incorporated into Tshwane in 2011.

[[File:Gauteng population density map.svg|thumb|Population density in Gauteng

{{legend-col

|{{legend|#ffffcc|<1 /km²}}

|{{legend|#ffeda0|1–3 /km²}}

|{{legend|#fed976|3–10 /km²}}

|{{legend|#feb24c|10–30 /km²}}

|{{legend|#fd8d3c|30–100 /km²}}

|{{legend|#fc4e2a|100–300 /km²}}

|{{legend|#e31a1c|300–1000 /km²}}

|{{legend|#bc0026|1000–3000 /km²}}

|{{legend|#800026|>3000 /km²}}

}}]]

[[File:Gauteng dominant language map.svg|thumb|Dominant home languages in Gauteng

{{legend-col|{{legend|#8dd3c7|Afrikaans}}|{{legend|#ffffb3|English}}|{{legend|#bebada|Ndebele}}|{{legend|#fb8072|Xhosa}}|{{legend|#80b1d3|Zulu}}|{{legend|#fdb462|Pedi}}|{{legend|#b3de69|Sotho}}|{{legend|#fccde5|Tswana}}|{{legend|#bc80bd|Swati}}|{{legend|#ccebc5|Venda}}|{{legend|#ffed6f|Tsonga}}|{{legend|#d0d0d0|No language dominant}}

}}]]

As of the 2022 census, Gauteng had a population of 15,099,422, an increase of 23.0% from the last census in 2011. Despite being the smallest province by area, it has the highest population of any South African province, with 24.3% of the total South African population.{{cite web |title=Statistical Release - Census 2022 |url=https://census.statssa.gov.za/assets/documents/2022/P03014_Census_2022_Statistical_Release.pdf |access-date=2024-08-22 |website=statssa.gov.za}}

As of 2022, there are 5,318,665 households in Gauteng. The population density is 831/km². The density of households is 155.86/km².

About 22.1% of all households are made up of individuals. The average household size fell slightly between the 2011 census and 2022 census, from 3.1 to 2.8 persons.{{cite web |url=https://census.statssa.gov.za/assets/documents/2022/P03014_Census_2022_Statistical_Release.pdf |title=Census 2022 Statistical Release |website=statssa.gov.za}}

The province's age distribution was 23.6% under the age of 15, 19.6% from 15 to 24, 37.9% from 25 to 44, 15.0% from 45 to 64, and 4.0% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 27 years. For every 100 females there are 101.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 102.3 males.

According to the 2022 census, in Gauteng, the most spoken languages at home were:

• Zulu: 23.1% of residents
• Sesotho: 13.1%
• Sepedi: 12.6%
• Setswana: 10.4%
• English: 9.2%
• Afrikaans: 7.7%
• Xitsonga: 7.0%
• IsiXhosa: 6.7%
• IsiNdebele: 3.1%
• Tshivenda: 2.4%
• SiSwati: 0.9%
• South African Sign Language: 0.02%
• Other languages: 4.3%

Of residents, 86.1% are Christian, 4.3% have no religion, 1.6% are Muslim, 0.1% are Jewish, and 0.7% are Hindu; 6.0% stated Traditional African religions as their faith.

Of residents, 8.4% aged 20 and over have received no schooling, 11.2% have had some primary, 5.5% have completed only primary school, 34.3% have had some high education, 28.0% have finished only high school, and 12.6% have an education higher than the high school level. Overall, 40.6% of residents have completed high school.

Of housing units, 56.1% have a telephone and/or mobile phone in the dwelling, 41.5% have access to a phone nearby, and 2.3% have access that is not nearby or no access; 82.8% of households have a flush or chemical toilet, while 84.2% have refuse removed by the municipality at least once a week and 2.6% have no rubbish disposal. For running water, 47.2% have it inside their dwelling, 83.6% have running water on their property, and 97.5% have access to running water. Of households, 73.2% use electricity for cooking, 70.4% for heating, and 80.8% for lighting; 77.4% of households have a radio, 65.7% have a television, 15.1% own a computer, 62.1% have a refrigerator, and 45.1% have a mobile phone.

Of the population aged 15–65, 25.8% is unemployed.

The median annual income of working adults aged 15–65 is R 23 539 ($3,483). Males have a median annual income of R 24 977 ($3,696) versus R 20 838 ($3,083) for females.

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Gauteng is the province with the second highest life expectancy in the country in 2019 with females having a life expectancy of 69 years and males having a life expectancy of 64 years.

Historically described as the {{vanchor|PWV complex}},{{cite web|title=South Africa - Languages|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/South-Africa/Languages#ref920704|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|access-date=27 November 2017|language=en|archive-date=26 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326051352/https://www.britannica.com/place/South-Africa/Languages#ref920704|url-status=live}} the urban conurbation of Gauteng, referred to as the Gauteng City Region,{{cite web |url=http://www.gcro.ac.za/ |title=Home |website=gcro.ac.za |access-date=21 January 2019 |archive-date=23 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323025120/http://www.gcro.ac.za/ |url-status=live }} contains the major urban populations of Johannesburg (7,860,781 {{As of|lc=y|2011}}), Pretoria (1,763,336), Vereeniging (377,922), Evaton (605,504) and Soshanguve (728,063), coming to an urban population of over 11 million.{{cite web|title=South Africa: Provinces and Major Urban Areas|url=http://www.citypopulation.de/SouthAfrica-UA.html|website=www.citypopulation.de|access-date=27 November 2017|language=en|archive-date=6 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306142835/http://www.citypopulation.de/SouthAfrica-UA.html|url-status=live}} Thomas Brinkhoff lists a "Consolidated Urban Area" in Gauteng as having a population of 13.1 million {{As of|January 2017|lc=y}}.{{cite web|title=Major Agglomerations of the World - Population Statistics and Maps|url=http://www.citypopulation.de/world/Agglomerations.html|website=www.citypopulation.de|access-date=8 December 2017|language=en-us|date=1 January 2017|archive-date=4 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100704112702/http://www.citypopulation.de/world/Agglomerations.html|url-status=live}} The future governmental plans for the region indicate the gradual urbanisation and consolidation towards the creation of a megalopolis that connects these metros. The GCRO is a collaboration between the Universities of Johannesburg and Witwatersrand, the city of Johannesburg, Gauteng Provincial Government, and SALGA-Gauteng. The GCRO's purpose is to collect information and create a database on the Gauteng City Region to provide to government, lawmakers and civil society an informed understanding of the fastest urbanizing region in Southern Africa.{{primary source inline|date=March 2023}}

{{Main|Economy of Gauteng}}

Gauteng is considered the economic hub of South Africa and contributes heavily in the financial, manufacturing, transport, technology, and telecommunications sectors, among others. It also plays host to a large number of overseas companies requiring a commercial base in and gateway to Africa.

Gauteng is home to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange,{{cite web | url= http://www.joburg.org.za/index.php?option=com_content&id=106&Itemid=58 | title= Johannesburg Securities Exchange | publisher= The City of Johannesburg | access-date= 14 April 2013 | archive-date= 6 March 2016 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160306160705/http://joburg.org.za/index.php?id=106&itemid=58&option=com_content | url-status= dead }} the largest stock exchange in Africa. Some of the largest companies in Africa and abroad are based in Gauteng, or have offices and branches there, such as Vodacom,{{cite web | url=http://www.africanwireless.com/vodacom_history.htm | title=Vodacom History | publisher=African Wireless | access-date=14 April 2013 | archive-date=27 March 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327001945/http://www.africanwireless.com/vodacom_history.htm | url-status=live }} MTN,{{cite web | url=http://www.mtn.com/Pages/Home.aspx | title=MTN Home | publisher=MTN Group | access-date=14 April 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130410135813/http://www.mtn.com/Pages/Home.aspx | archive-date=10 April 2013 | url-status=dead }} Neotel,{{cite web | url=http://www.neotel.co.za/wps/portal/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gL52AnczcPIwMLMw9DA0_vAB9_M2NjYwsXQ_2CbEdFAA_iEqQ!/?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT= | title=Neotel Contact Us | publisher=Neotel | access-date=14 April 2013 | archive-date=3 November 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141103195913/http://www.neotel.co.za/wps/portal/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gL52AnczcPIwMLMw9DA0_vAB9_M2NjYwsXQ_2CbEdFAA_iEqQ!/?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT= | url-status=live }} Microsoft South Africa{{cite web | url=http://www.microsoft.com/southafrica/press/Pages/Contact-us.aspx | title=Microsoft ZA Home | publisher=Microsoft | access-date=14 April 2013 | archive-date=29 April 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150429184724/http://www.microsoft.com/southafrica/press/Pages/Contact-us.aspx | url-status=live }} and the largest Porsche Centre in the world.{{cite web | url=http://www.porsche.com/middle-east/_johannesburg_/ | title=Porsche South Africa | publisher=Porsche | access-date=14 April 2013 | archive-date=17 March 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190317015714/https://www.porsche.com/middle-east/_johannesburg_/ | url-status=live }}

Although Gauteng is the smallest of South Africa's nine provinces—it covers a mere 1.5% of the country's total land area, the province is responsible for a third of South Africa's gross domestic product (GDP).{{cite web |url=http://www.geda.co.za/ |title=Gauteng Economic Development Agency |access-date=11 April 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080405132757/http://www.geda.co.za/ |archive-date=5 April 2008 |url-status=dead}} Gauteng generates about 10% of the total GDP of sub-Saharan Africa and about 7% of total African GDP.List of African countries by GDP (nominal) Gauteng has the highest GDP and GDP per capita of all South Africa's provinces.{{cite web |title=Four facts about our provincial economies |url=https://www.statssa.gov.za/?p=12056 |website=www.statssa.gov.za |publisher=Statistics South Africa |access-date=15 November 2023}} Gauteng is also the province with the most taxpayers and the highest average taxable income per taxpayer according to the South African Revenue Service.{{cite web |title=Tax Statistics 2022 Highlights |url=https://www.sars.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/Docs/TaxStats/2022/TStats-2022-Highlights-booklet-A5.pdf |website=sars.gov.za |publisher=South African Revenue Service |access-date=15 November 2023 |page=21}}

File:Sandton Gautrain Station.JPG Gautrain Station in August 2010]]

File:Ekurhuleni_Aerotropolis.jpg

SANRAL, a parastatal, is responsible for the maintenance, development and management of all national road networks in South Africa.{{cite web | url=http://www.nra.co.za/live/index.php | title=SANRAL | publisher=National Roads Agency | access-date=2 May 2013 | archive-date=7 May 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507175600/https://www.nra.co.za/live/index.php | url-status=dead }} SANRAL is responsible for instituting the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project, which was met with a lot of opposition due to the tolling of Gauteng motorists.{{cite web | url=http://www.politicsweb.co.za/politicsweb/view/politicsweb/en/page71656?oid=266915&sn=Detail&pid=71616 | title=COSATU, DA, SANCO agree joint petition on Gauteng tolls | publisher=Politicsweb.co.za | access-date=2 May 2013 | archive-date=2 February 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202220450/http://www.politicsweb.co.za/politicsweb/view/politicsweb/en/page71656?oid=266915&sn=Detail&pid=71616 | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=http://www.transport.gov.za/Portals/0/Roads/35756_25-10_TransportPU_1.pdf | title=Government Gazette | publisher=South African Government Printing Works | date=25 October 2012 | access-date=2 May 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130313115335/http://www.transport.gov.za/Portals/0/Roads/35756_25-10_TransportPU_1.pdf | archive-date=13 March 2013 | url-status=dead}} Many important national routes run through Gauteng such as the N1, N3, N4, N12, N14 and the N17. Johannesburg is quite dependent on freeways for transport in and around the city. The R21, R24, R59, M1 and M2 all run through Johannesburg while the R80 connects Pretoria Central to Soshanguve.

The Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project led to a large decrease in traffic congestion when construction finished 2011–2012. Cape Town, for the first time in decades, is now the most congested city in South Africa.{{cite web|title=TomTom Traffic Index|url=http://www.tomtom.com/en_gb/trafficindex/#/list|access-date=29 November 2015|archive-date=1 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151201021928/https://www.tomtom.com/en_gb/trafficindex/#/list|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=R750 million to fight traffic in SA's most congested city|url=http://businesstech.co.za/news/general/103039/r750-million-to-fight-traffic-in-sas-most-congested-city/|access-date=29 November 2015|archive-date=8 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208104036/http://businesstech.co.za/news/general/103039/r750-million-to-fight-traffic-in-sas-most-congested-city/|url-status=live}}

PUTCO, the largest commuter bus operator in South Africa,{{cite web | url=http://www.idrive.co.za/blog/2007/09/04/learnership-opportunity-with-putco/ | title=Learnership Opportunity with PUTCO | date=4 September 2007 | publisher=idrive.co.za | access-date=2 May 2013 | archive-date=18 November 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118132308/https://www.idrive.co.za/blog/2007/09/04/learnership-opportunity-with-putco/ | url-status=dead }} services the Gauteng area extensively.{{cite web|url=http://www.putco.co.za/068.asp |title=About Us: Mr. Franco Pisapia, the MD of PUTCO Ltd. |publisher=PUTCO |access-date=2 May 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120210200859/http://www.putco.co.za/068.asp |archive-date=10 February 2012}} The bus rapid transit system Rea Vaya also serves to transport people from Johannesburg's southern neighbourhoods into and around the CBD.{{cite web| url=http://www.reavaya.org.za/| title=Home| publisher=Rea Vaya| access-date=23 October 2011| archive-date=29 March 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329195126/http://www.reavaya.org.za/| url-status=live}} In an interview, Parks Tau stated that by 2040, Johannesburg will be dominated by pedestrians and public transport as opposed to the use of private transport or informal transport, such as minibus taxis.{{cite web | url=http://www.reavaya.org.za/news-archive/april-2013n/876-idp-plans-for-the-future/ | title=IDP PLANS FOR THE FUTURE | publisher=Rea Vaya | access-date=2 May 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118161815/http://www.reavaya.org.za/news-archive/april-2013n/876-idp-plans-for-the-future/ | archive-date=18 November 2018 | url-status=dead }}

Gautrain and Metrorail both service the province's public transport sector where trains are concerned{{cite web | url=http://www.gautrain.co.za/about/about-gautrain/objectives/ | title=Objectives, Gautrain – The Gautrain Project | publisher=Gautrain | access-date=2 May 2013 | archive-date=9 October 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009151327/http://www.gautrain.co.za/about/about-gautrain/objectives/ | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=http://www.metrorail.co.za/ | title=Welcome to Metrorail. | publisher=Metrorail | access-date=2 May 2013 | archive-date=5 May 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130505042158/http://www.metrorail.co.za/ | url-status=dead }} and Gautrain offers a bus service that transports commuters to and from various train stations and predetermined bus stops.{{cite web | url=http://join.gautrain.co.za/Buses.aspx | title=Gautrain – Buses | publisher=Gautrain | access-date=2 May 2013 | archive-date=2 November 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171102035543/http://join.gautrain.co.za/Buses.aspx | url-status=live }} Metrorail trains are considered one of the most cost-effective methods of transportation in and around Gauteng.{{cite web |url=http://www.joburg.org.za/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=64&Itemid=71 |title=City of Johannesburg – Trains |publisher=Joburg.org.za |access-date=19 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731082235/http://joburg.org.za/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=64&Itemid=71 |archive-date=31 July 2013 |url-status=dead}}

The O. R. Tambo International Airport, Rand Airport, Lanseria International Airport, Wonderboom Airport and Grand Central Airport are located in Gauteng.{{cite web|url=http://www.airports.co.za/home.asp?pid=228&selAirport=jhb |title=Airports Company South Africa – O.R. Tambo International Airport |publisher=Airports Company South Africa |access-date=2 May 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523133155/http://www.airports.co.za/home.asp?pid=228&selAirport=jhb |archive-date=23 May 2013}}{{cite web | url=http://www.randairport.co.za/ | title=Rand Airport – Your Aviation Hub | publisher=Rand Airport | access-date=2 May 2013 | archive-date=14 April 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414174723/http://www.randairport.co.za/ | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=http://www.lanseria.co.za/ | title=Lanseria International Airport – Home | publisher=Lanseria International Airport | access-date=2 May 2013 | archive-date=14 March 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190314055539/https://lanseria.co.za/ | url-status=live }}

There is a large informal transport sector in Gauteng, consisting of thousands of minibus taxis, which many of the urban and rural population makes use of.{{cite web |url=http://www.joburg.org.za/index.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=60&limitstart=1 |title=City of Johannesburg – Taxis |publisher=Joburg.org.za |access-date=19 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150430013248/http://www.joburg.org.za/index.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=60&limitstart=1 |archive-date=30 April 2015 |url-status=dead}} However, it is noted that taxis are often unsafe as their drivers ignore the rules of the road and the vehicles are often not roadworthy. The City of Johannesburg stated that: "major initiatives are under way to completely reform the taxi industry and provide more comfort and safety to customers." In March 2017, it is reported that Gauteng alone has 4,7 million registered vehicles under the "GP" abbreviation via the eNatis system.{{Cite web |date=28 Mar 2017 |title=You'll never guess how many vehicles are registered in SA |url=https://www.news24.com/Wheels/youll-never-guess-how-many-vehicles-are-registered-in-sa-20170328 |access-date=23 Jun 2022 |website=News24 |archive-date=23 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220623131657/https://www.news24.com/Wheels/youll-never-guess-how-many-vehicles-are-registered-in-sa-20170328 |url-status=live }}

File:Old Arts Faculty Building, University of Pretoria.jpg's Old Arts Building|257x257px]]

File:The Wits University East Campus (archived) (square).jpg located in Johannesburg|172x172px]]

Gauteng is a large centre of learning in South Africa, and it has many universities and educational institutions of higher learning.

• [[Monash South Africa|Monash

University South Africa Campus]]

• Tshwane University of Technology
• University of Johannesburg
• Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
• University of Pretoria
• University of South Africa
• University of the Witwatersrand
• Vaal University of Technology

{{columns-list|colwidth=17em|style=width:70%|

• African Leadership Academy
• CTI Education Group
• Damelin
• Lyceum College
• Midrand Graduate Institute
• Rabbinical College of Pretoria
• St Augustine College of South Africa
• Milpark Education
• Stadio

}}

In 2002, the Gauteng Department of Education founded an initiative called Gauteng Online in an attempt to get the entire province to utilize a wide assortment of electronic and telecommunications systems.{{cite web |author=Mariné Jacobs Johannesburg |date=17 May 2013 |url=http://www.itweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=64159:Govt-denies-Gauteng-Online-is-ineffective&catid=69 |title=Govt denies Gauteng Online is ineffective |publisher=ITWeb |access-date=19 May 2013 |archive-date=18 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018042040/http://www.itweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=64159:Govt-denies-Gauteng-Online-is-ineffective&catid=69 |url-status=live }} In 2007, this initiative was handed over to the Gauteng Department of Finance.

In the 2013 national budget speech, it was announced that the Gauteng Department of Education would be granted over R700 million to improve education and to alleviate issues concerning the overcrowding in schools, a shortage in teaching staff and transport for poor pupils.{{cite web | url = http://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/education-get-lion-s-share-of-gauteng-s-funds-1.1481100#.UYLRSaKBm2E | title = Education get lion's share of Gauteng's funds | publisher = iol.co.za | date = 5 March 2013 | access-date = 2 May 2013 | archive-date = 13 June 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130613173101/http://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/education-get-lion-s-share-of-gauteng-s-funds-1.1481100#.UYLRSaKBm2E | url-status = live }}

In 2017/2018, the Gauteng Provincial government spent R42.4 billion on education which accounted for 38% the province's total expenditure.{{cite web|url=http://www.statssa.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/prov2.jpg|title=Limpopo spent almost half of its budget on education in 2017/18|date=2019|website=Stats South Africa|access-date=11 April 2020|archive-date=14 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191114041401/http://www.statssa.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/prov2.jpg|url-status=live}}

Although Gauteng province is dominated by the urban areas of Johannesburg and Pretoria, it has several nature reserves. Gauteng is home to the Cradle of Humankind UNESCO World Heritage Site which includes the Sterkfontein caves and the Wonder Cave Kromdraai. Johannesburg is home to the largest human-made urban forest in the world.{{cite web |url=http://www.gauteng.net/guide/green_tourism/ |title=Green tourism – Gauteng Tourism Authority |publisher=Gauteng.net |access-date=19 May 2013 |archive-date=16 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516204212/http://www.gauteng.net/guide/green_tourism/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.joburg.org.za/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1553&Itemid=201 |title=City of Johannesburg – Joburg's urban forest to grow |publisher=Joburg.org.za |date=30 August 2007 |access-date=19 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150430002313/http://www.joburg.org.za/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1553&Itemid=201 |archive-date=30 April 2015 |url-status=dead}}{{cite news |author=Hamilton Wende |url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/africa/11/18/johannesburg.urban.forest/index.html |title=Johannesburg expands its urban forest |publisher=CNN.com |access-date=19 May 2013 |archive-date=19 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219081401/http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/africa/11/18/johannesburg.urban.forest/index.html |url-status=live }}

{{col-start}}

{{col-3}}

• Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden
• Johannesburg Botanical Garden
• Pretoria National Botanical Garden

{{col-3}}

• Rietvlei Nature Reserve
• Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve
• Groenkloof Nature Reserve
• Dinokeng Game Reserve

{{col-3}}

• Kromdraai Conservancy
• Krugersdorp Nature Reserve
• Rietvlei Nature Reserve
• Wonderboom Nature Reserve

{{col-end}}

Image:Maropeng in June 2009.jpg]]

{{Main|Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Conservation, Environment and Land Affairs}}

There are 5 provincial reserves managed by the Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Conservation, Environment and Land Affairs:

• Abe Bailey Nature Reserve
• Alice Glockner Nature Reserve
• Marievale Bird Sanctuary
• Roodeplaat Nature Reserve
• Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve

File:URC trophy on display at Loftus Versfeld.jpg Stadium, one of Gauteng's various stadia and venue for the 2010 FIFA World Cup|249x249px]]

File:FNB Stadium, Johannesburg.jpg South Africa and Africa's largest stadium]]

File:Wanderers Stadium 2024.jpg South Africas largest Cricket stadium]]

File:Kyalami air.jpg]]

File:20080216_97_Johannesburg_Gold_Reef_City.jpg amusement park]]

Gauteng's favourable weather conditions throughout the year make it an ideal hub for sports and other outdoor activities.{{cite web |url=http://www.gauteng.net/guide/sports_and_outdoor_events/ |title=Sports and outdoor events – Gauteng Tourism Authority |publisher=Gauteng.net |access-date=19 May 2013 |archive-date=16 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516211451/http://www.gauteng.net/guide/sports_and_outdoor_events/ |url-status=live }}

The province is home to many stadiums and sporting grounds, notably Soccer City, Ellis Park Stadium, Odi Stadium, Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Lucas Moripe Stadium, Giant Stadium, Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg Stadium, the Wanderers Stadium and SuperSport Park.

Several teams from Gauteng play in the country's top-level soccer league, the Premiership, including Mamelodi Sundowns, SuperSport United, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. The national squad Bafana Bafana frequently play at Soccer City in Johannesburg. During the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the first world cup held by an African nation,{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/germany2006/news/newsid=25395.html |title=Host nation of 2010 FIFA World Cup − South Africa |publisher=FIFA |date=15 May 2004 |access-date=3 May 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091112201002/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/germany2006/news/newsid%3D25395.html |archive-date=12 November 2009}} Gauteng's stadia hosted many games. The first FIFA world cup match on African soil took place at Soccer City on 11 June 2010.{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/germany2006/news/newsid=25395.html |title=Host nation of 2010 FIFA World Cup – South Africa |publisher=FIFA |access-date=3 May 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091112201002/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/germany2006/news/newsid%3D25395.html |archive-date=12 November 2009}}{{cite web | url= https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/southafrica2010/destination/stadiums/stadium=5007759/index.html | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101208171505/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/southafrica2010/destination/stadiums/stadium=5007759/index.html | url-status= dead | archive-date= 8 December 2010 | title=Soccer City Stadium – Johannesburg | publisher=FIFA | access-date=3 May 2013}} Along with Soccer City, Loftus Versfeld Stadium and Ellis Park Stadium hosted matches in Gauteng.{{cite web | url= https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/southafrica2010/destination/stadiums/ | archive-url= https://archive.today/20130629045541/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/southafrica2010/destination/stadiums/ | url-status= dead | archive-date= 29 June 2013 | title=A guide to all the stadiums to be used at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa – FIFA.com | publisher=FIFA | access-date=3 May 2013}}

Rugby, or more accurately rugby union, is a popular sport in South Africa, and in Gauteng in particular. Two rugby teams from Gauteng participate in the United Rugby Championship: the Pretoria-based Bulls, and the Johannesburg-based Lions. Three Gauteng-based teams play in the country's domestic competition, the Currie Cup: the Blue Bulls from Pretoria, the Golden Lions from Johannesburg and the Falcons from the East Rand. In 1995, South Africa hosted the 1995 Rugby World Cup and proceeded to win the tournament at Ellis Park Stadium on 24 June 1995.{{cite web | url=http://www.espnscrum.com/2011-rugby-world-cup/rugby/match/22973.html | title=IRB Rugby World Cup – Johannesburg, 24 June 1995, 15:00 local, 13:00 GMT | publisher=ESPN | access-date=3 May 2013 | archive-date=13 December 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121213104613/http://www.espnscrum.com/2011-rugby-world-cup/rugby/match/22973.html | url-status=live }} The events surrounding the world cup formed the basis of the story for the movie Invictus.{{cite web | url= http://www.slashfilm.com/first-look-clint-eastwoods-the-human-factor-with-matt-damon/ | title= First Look: Clint Eastwood's The Human Factor with Matt Damon | publisher= slashfilm.com | author= Stephenson, Hunter | date= 14 March 2009 | access-date= 3 May 2013 | archive-date= 20 June 2013 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130620010243/http://www.slashfilm.com/first-look-clint-eastwoods-the-human-factor-with-matt-damon/ | url-status= live }}

Many South African universities take part in the Varsity Rugby league. Of these, the Gauteng universities include the University of Pretoria, the University of Johannesburg and the University of the Witwatersrand.{{cite web |url=http://varsitycup.co.za/index.php/news/varsity-cup-news |title=Varsity Cup News |access-date=22 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130302154544/http://varsitycup.co.za/index.php/news/varsity-cup-news |archive-date=2 March 2013 |url-status=dead}}

Cricket is also widely popular among all cultural groups. The Highveld Lions represent both Gauteng and North West in the country's three domestic competitions—the first-class CSA 4-Day Domestic Series, the List A one-day CSA One-Day Cup and the Twenty20 CSA T20 Challenge.

Many marathons take place in Gauteng, such as the Soweto Marathon, Gauteng Marathon, the Arwyp Medical Centre 15 km Nite Race and the Trisport Joburg City Triathlon.{{cite web |url=http://www.runnersworld.co.za/event/the-gauteng-marathon/ |title= Running Race Calendar: The Gauteng Marathon|website=www.runnersworld.co.za |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130228051335/http://www.runnersworld.co.za/event/the-gauteng-marathon/ |archive-date=28 February 2013}}{{cite web |url=http://www.runnersworld.co.za/event-tag/the-gauteng-marathon/ |title=The Gauteng Marathon | Runner's World Magazine |publisher=Runnersworld.co.za |date=2 September 2012 |access-date=19 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120817075901/http://www.runnersworld.co.za/event-tag/the-gauteng-marathon/ |archive-date=17 August 2012 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=http://www.runnersworld.co.za/event/arwyp-medical-centre-15km-nite-race/ |title=Arwyp Medical Centre 15 km Nite Race | Runner's World Magazine |publisher=Runnersworld.co.za |date=26 January 2011 |access-date=19 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130311080619/http://www.runnersworld.co.za/event/arwyp-medical-centre-15km-nite-race/ |archive-date=11 March 2013 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=http://www.runnersworld.co.za/event/trisport-joburg-city-triathlon-incorporating-cgt-champs/ |title=Trisport Joburg City Triathlon (incorporating CGT Champs) | Runner's World Magazine |publisher=Runnersworld.co.za |date=6 February 2011 |access-date=19 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110207194800/http://www.runnersworld.co.za/event/trisport-joburg-city-triathlon-incorporating-cgt-champs/ |archive-date=7 February 2011 |url-status=dead}}

Golf, horse racing and swimming are also popular. The Vaal River facilitates water sports in the forms of jet skiing, water skiing and motor boating. Adventure sports are also quite popular in Gauteng, particularly skydiving, paragliding and hang-gliding.

The amusement park Gold Reef City is situated in Gauteng,{{cite web| url=http://www.goldreefcity.co.za/aboutus/Pages/default.aspx| title=Gold Reef City > About Us| publisher=Gold Reef City| access-date=2 May 2013| archive-date=11 March 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130311002532/http://www.goldreefcity.co.za/aboutus/Pages/default.aspx| url-status=live}} as is the Johannesburg Zoo{{cite web| url=http://www.jhbzoo.org.za/aboutthezoo.asp| title=About The Zoo| publisher=Johannesburg Zoo| access-date=2 May 2013| archive-date=30 May 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130530032720/http://www.jhbzoo.org.za/aboutthezoo.asp| url-status=live}} and the Pretoria Zoo.{{cite web|url=http://www.nzg.ac.za/aboutus/index.php |title=NZG – About Us |publisher=National Zoological Gardens of South Africa |access-date=2 May 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130413020010/http://www.nzg.ac.za/aboutus/index.php |archive-date=13 April 2013 }} Botanical gardens in the province include the Pretoria and Walter Sisulu national botanical gardens maintained by the South African National Botanical Institute as well as the Johannesburg and Manie van der Schijff botanical gardens.{{cite web|title=Gardens|url=http://www.sanbi.org/gardens|publisher=South African National Botanical Gardens|access-date=12 May 2013|archive-date=2 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502091923/http://www.sanbi.org/gardens|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=The Johannesburg Botanical Garden|url=http://www.jhbcityparks.com/index.php/conservation-contents-95/botanical-gardens-contents-96|publisher=Johannesburg City Parks|access-date=12 May 2013|archive-date=11 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160511152436/http://www.jhbcityparks.com/index.php/conservation-contents-95/botanical-gardens-contents-96|url-status=dead}}

The Ticketpro Dome and the Gallagher Convention Centre, which are both popular events and expos venues, are also located within Gauteng.{{cite web| url=http://www.ticketprodome.co.za/| title=The Ticketpro Dome| publisher=The Ticketpro Dome| access-date=2 May 2013| archive-date=28 March 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150328164142/http://ticketprodome.co.za/| url-status=live}}{{cite web| url=http://www.gallagher.co.za/about.html| title=About| publisher=Gallagher Convention Centre| access-date=2 May 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130410054547/http://www.gallagher.co.za/about.html| archive-date=10 April 2013| url-status=dead}} The province also has a Formula One racetrack, the Kyalami Circuit. The most recent F1 race at the venue was in 1993.

{{Portal|South Africa}}

• List of speakers of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature
• South Deep mine

{{reflist|30em}}

{{commons category|Gauteng}}

• {{wikivoyage-inline|Gauteng}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20100315073408/http://www.gautengonline.gov.za/ Gauteng Provincial Government]
• [http://www.gauteng.net/ Gauteng Tourism Authority]
• [http://www.mg.co.za/article/2008-10-07-mashatile-elected-to-lead-gauteng Mashatile elected to lead Gauteng]

{{Coord|26|S|28|E|type:adm1st_region:ZA_dim:230km|display=title}}

{{Gauteng Province}}

{{Provinces of South Africa}}

{{Municipalities of Gauteng}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Provinces of South Africa

Category:States and territories established in 1994

Category:1994 establishments in South Africa