Johannesburg travel article

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Johannesburg. A city immersed in a golden aura of optimism siobhรกn corley

The countdown is on for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. As 32 teams and their fans across the world prepare for the most important event in the soccer calendar, the focus moves south to its host country and the principal city for the event, Johannesburg in South Africa.

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01 The skyline of Johannesburg reflects the golden aura of optimism that this diverse city emanates.

02 An aerial view of the infamous Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg, ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Over 450,000 fans are expected to descend on the city during the month long event.

03 Colourful Mozambique masks on display in Gauteng Province, Johannesburg. It is believed that such masks represent the spirits of African ancestors.

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n old saying goes that “Life starts and ends in Johannesburg, the city of gold and happiness”. Spending a few days in this bustling, stylish and culturally diverse metropolis, these words come to life as an almost tangible shine rubs off on you. Johannesburg, also known as Jo’burg or Egoli, meaning the City of Gold in Tswana, is situated right in the heart of South Africa. Today it’s the country’s economic center, having held on to its roots as a prosperous Gold Rush City, the thrill of an era it still emanates.

While a sense of the dark years spent during the apartheid regime can also be felt in the air, there is also a feeling of positivity that radiates from a melting pot of African cultures flavored with international influences. Exceptional restaurants, fascinating township tours, eclectic shopping opportunities and exciting excursions can all be found here. All this, as well as being home to the continent’s most breath taking stadium, Soccer City, it’s no surprise that this decade’s first World Cup tournament will kick off in this illustrious city.

The largest city in the world without a lake, river or shoreline, Johannesburg boasts a population of 4 million; a combination of descendants from the original Tswana and Ndebele inhabitants and the European, Indian and Chinese settlers. Migrants still to continue to flock here in the hope that the city’s almost

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tangible shine rubs off on them.

Johannesburg first made its mark on the world stage in 1886 at the beginning of the famous Witwaterstrand Gold Rush, when widespread interest in the region’s mineral sources was generated. For many, however, Johannesburg is remembered for its role as a political hotspot during the apartheid years, a profile the city is determined to change.

On arrival, the first thing you notice is that Johannesburg is unexpectedly green. An abundance of trees has created a veritable ‘urban forest’. Culture also flourishes at every turn. A variety of intriguing museums and landmarks that exhibit the region’s tense history are waiting to be explored, while traditional markets selling oneof-a-kind antiques and unique souvenirs will lead you on a journey of cultural discovery.

Staying on the market theme, the Rosebank Craft and Arts Market is a good place to start exploring Johannesburg. The Mai Mai Market is another favorite, the oldest market in Johannesburg; it’s an easy place to while the time away discovering traditional remedies for all sorts of ailments. After picking up some unique gifts and souvenirs, take the conventional shopping route and enjoy an array of retail delights at the Sandton Towers Centre. If you have a love of the arts then the Market Theatre Complex in the

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04 Nelson Mandela, ‘South Africa’s Untouchable Hero’, is commemorated with a statue and square at the entrance of Sandton Shopping Centre in Johannesburg.

From a dark history to a bright future; no stay in Johannesburg would be complete without taking in Soccer City, one of the most artistic and awe-inspiring football venues on the African continent.

05 Two women chatting in front of the Orlando Power Station in Soweto. Soweto gained international acclaim for its role in the liberation of South Africa from the apartheid regime.

06 The Nelson Mandela Bridge in Gauteng Province, Johannesburg.

Another monument to the country’s legendary hero.

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heart of the city is not to be missed. A revitalized area in downtown Johannesburg, it is home to several theatres as well as the Workers Museum and MuseumAfrica. The latter, along with the Apartheid Museum, provide a touching insight into the history of Johannesburg and are both well worth a visit before making your way to the compelling Township of Soweto.

Soweto, standing for the South Western Townships, gained international acclaim for its role in the liberation of South Africa from the apartheid regime. It is edgy, moving, yet inspirational, and the only place in the world where two Nobel Peace Prize recipients lived on the same street; Nelson Mandela and Bishop Desmond Tutu both had homes on Vilkazi Street.

Soweto is in itself a monument to the fall of apartheid. Originally a place to house Black mine workers and servants to the White city residents, today Soweto is home to a vibrant Black South African scene. Don’t miss the Hector Pieterson Square and Museum. Built in memory of the brave 14 year old who took the first shot in the famous student protest on 16th June, 1976.

This event sent shockwaves through the rest of the world when a peaceful protest by 10,000 students from Orlando High School, against the government’s instruction of Afrikaans (the language of White oppression), turned into guns

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and gas. If the thought provoking history of this area intrigues you, a visit to Constitutional Hill, the site where the historical first constitution of the democratic South Africa was crafted, should also feature on your itinerary.

From a dark history to a bright future; no stay in Johannesburg would be complete without taking in Soccer City, one of the most artistic and awe-inspiring football venues on the African continent. Built in the 1980’s, based on a design inspired by the iconic African pot, known as the calabash, the stadium has hosted some of the most important matches and events in South African history. It hosted the first mass rally of Nelson Mandela after his release from prison in 1990 and a few years later thousands of mourners lamented Chris Hani’s assassination at the stadium in 1993. This year it adds two more historical events to its repertoire, the first and final matches of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. After all that shopping and sight-seeing, it’s time to reenergize and Johannesburg offers just the thing, with a wide choice of culinary delights and evening entertainment. Many who visit Johannesburg do so on their way on Safari and, bizarrely, they can taste some of the local species they will see there before heading into the outback! Such outlets as the Carnivore restaurant serve succulent pieces of crocodile, ostrich,

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07 Nelson Mandela campaigning at ANC in 1994. 2010 marked the 20th anniversary of Mandela’s release from jail, where he spent 27 years under white‐minority apartheid rule.

08 The apartheid museum in Johannesburg. The history of the apartheid regime is illustrated within its walls.

09 The striking modernity of Sandton Towers in Guateng Province, South Africa. Another symbol of Johannesburg’s emergence from the dark years of apartheid.

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09 giraffe, zebra and Kudu, providing a rare dining experience for even the most experimental pallet.

As the trendsetting capital of South Africa, the choice of evening entertainment is vast and varied. Popular nightclubs for the young and sophisticated include Taboo, Afrodisiac and Voodoo Lounge. So there’s lots of opportunity to show off the results of your earlier shopping spree in style. Get dressed to the nines and dance off that South African feast, who knows, you may even rub shoulders with a soccer player or two!

No matter how you decide to spend your time here, one thing is certain, Johannesburg is an exhilarating experience that will bring you on a journey through all of your emotions and that’s even before kick-off…

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