Named after a Glaswegian farm, the city of Germiston is situated on the Witwatersrand, southeast of Johannesburg and in the Ekurhuleni municipality. Germiston was founded in 1886 to provide accommodation for mine workers following the discovery of gold on the Witwatersrand. It became a town in 1903 and was declared a city in 1950.
Germiston is, to a large extent, an industrialised area, where the primary focus is on gold mining and processing, followed by textile, clothing and chemical manufacture.
The city is also South Africa’s most important railroad hub, and its very own privately owned Rand Airport boasts a number of flying schools, charter-flight operators, aircraft-maintenance companies and other aviation businesses.
From a visitor point of view, Germiston Lake is a perennial drawcard for family outings; the South African Airways Museum – with its array of restored aircraft – chronicles the history of flight in South Africa; and The Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association of South Africa meets in Germiston to view and purchase young horses for sale.
A number of high-end shopping centres – East Rand Mall, Eastgate Shopping Centre and Bedford Centre – attract crowds with their wide variety of retails stores, restaurants and entertainment options.
The Emperor’s Palace casino complex also offers shopping, eateries, gambling and entertainment, while the 120-year-old 18-hole Germiston Golf Club is a popular sports destination.
OR Tambo International Airport is 18km from Germiston.
