Heritage Attractions
The freedom struggle
June 16, 1976: the streets of Soweto – the famous township in what is now known as Gauteng province – are a hive of activity as thousands of students take to the streets to protest against the government’s introduction of Afrikaans as the language of… Read more
The gold rush
You need only look at the meaning of the word Gauteng to understand the most significant discovery in the province’s history. It means “place of gold” in Sesotho, and was given to the province to commemorate the Witwatersrand gold rush to this area… Read more
The Johannesburg banking district
Because of urban decay and crime, many Johannesburg locals were once likely to steer tourists away from the city’s central business district (CBD). However, in the wake of several ongoing inner-city regeneration initiatives, this is no longer the… Read more
The Magaliesberg
An hour from the bustle of Johannesburg and Tshwane lies the magnificent Magaliesberg – one of the oldest mountain ranges on Earth. An estimated 100 times older than Mount Everest, the mountains extend over 120km from Bronkhorstspruit Dam east of… Read more
The Nelson Mandela Bridge
The Nelson Mandela Bridge is a relatively new addition to the Johannesburg skyline, but has already gained iconic status, with an impressive 248m span that is lit up in all the colours of the rainbow at night.… Read more
The Origins Centre
The Origins Centre is a museum which provides an intriguing insight into the origins of mankind and human development. If you are fascinated by the theory of evolution, then this centre, attached to Wits University in Johannesburg, is a must visit… Read more
The Rand Club
The Rand Club in downtown Johannesburg has evolved over the years, moving away from being an exclusive gentleman’s club to welcoming women and children. However, the club remains a cocoon for the social elite, proudly upholding its sophistication.… Read more
The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)
Like South Africa itself, the country’s public broadcaster, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), has a rich and fascinating history.… Read more
The South African Mint
The South African Mint Company is a leading coin-maker, minting all South Africa’s coins and supplying coin blanks to many other countries. Although the Mint’s main function is to ensure that the country has enough coins in circulation, it is also… Read more
The South Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg
If a striking and rich history appeals to you as much as gorgeous architecture, then a visit to the South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg, with its magnificent bronze-domed roof and grand recessed arch entrance, won’t… Read more
The Standard Bank Gallery
The Standard Bank Gallery opened in downtown Johannesburg in 1990. Since then it has become one of the city’s leading fine art venues, hosting a revolving permanent collection of significant African and international works, operating a dynamic… Read more
The Westcliff
The Westcliff hotel is a five-star, luxury establishment perched on the rocky ridges of one of Johannesburg’s oldest suburbs. Some of the original houses on the Parktown and Westcliff ridges are heritage sites and are distinguishable by the signature… Read more
Tswaing Crater
Located about 40km (25mi) northwest of Pretoria, Tswaing is a 1 946ha conservation area that is home to a meteorite impact crater and surrounding wetland, as well as the remains of an old salt factory.… Read more
Turbine Hall
The Turbine Hall is an extraordinary corporate, conference and events venue in the heart of Newtown, Johannesburg’s cultural precinct.… Read more
Union Buildings
South Africa’s Union Buildings, the official seat of the national government, house the offices of the president and deputy president and are a South African national… Read more
University of Johannesburg
Established on 1 January 2005, the University of Johannesburg represents the formalised incorporation and merger of a series of tertiary institutions into a cohesive and centralised… Read more
University of Pretoria
The University of Pretoria is South Africa’s leading research university. It has six campuses, with the main site located in Hatfield, Pretoria, which houses six faculties and the central… Read more
University of the Witwatersrand
The history of the University of the Witwatersrand, one of South Africa’s premier tertiary academic institutions, dates back to 1896 when the South African School of Mines was established in Kimberly. In 1904, the school was transferred to… Read more
Voortrekker Monument
The huge Voortrekker Monument in Tshwane is a unique cultural and historic attraction that draws some 200 000 visitors annually. Built to commemorate the Voortrekker pioneers and their journey the Great Trek, it is located on a hill in a nature… Read more
World Cup heritage
Set in the gladiatorial arena we know as Soccer City, it was a moment that lifted the Rainbow Nation and catapulted African soccer into the international spotlight. Siphiwe Tshabalala smashed the ball past the Mexican goalkeeper 55 minutes into the… Read more