Johannesburg, October marks Transport Month—a time to reflect on the vital role mobility plays in powering South Africa’s economy, enabling growth, expanding access, and connecting people to opportunity and experience. In Gauteng, transport is more than just roads, airways, or rail lines; it is the rhythm of tourism, the engine of trade, the gateway to opportunity, and the heartbeat of daily life for the province’s 15.5 million residents.
Gauteng’s extensive network of roads, rail systems, and airports continues to shape how people live, move, and experience the province. For commuters, residents, business travellers, and tourists alike, this transport ecosystem offers seamless mobility and access to Gauteng’s dynamic lifestyle, vibrant events, and economic opportunities—on par with other leading global city regions.
Transport and Events: Powering the Lifestyle Economy
Gauteng’s mobility infrastructure does more than move people and goods—it powers the province’s lifestyle economy. It enables the successful hosting of world-class events, festivals, and sporting spectacles that define the province’s social and economic vibrancy. It supports township economies, facilitates the evolution of taxi ranks into future-ready mobility hubs, and plays a key role in reducing the cost of doing business.
The 15-year-old Gautrain system remains a cornerstone of this ecosystem, linking mobility with tourism. With shuttle services, extended operating hours, event-specific packages, and seamless integration with other transport modes, Gautrain delivers a reliable, high-quality experience for commuters and visitors alike.
Over the past year, Gautrain and its partners supported major events such as the DStv Delicious Festival, Scorpion Kings Live, the SAAF Museum Air Show, the Absa Run Your City Series, the Replenishment Concert, and the much-celebrated Travis Scott concert in Johannesburg.
Venues like FNB Stadium, Emirates Airline Park, Wanderers Stadium, and SuperSport Park, along with global conference and exhibition centres, have all benefited from Gautrain’s expanded services—enhancing the experience for fans, delegates, and media.
A standout moment came when the train itself became a stage for Amapiano and dance music, featuring a live performance by Grammy Award-winner Zakes Bantwini in collaboration with Castle Lite and Big Concerts. This activation transformed a routine commute into a celebration of music, innovation, and connectivity—a uniquely Gauteng experience where transport, entertainment, and lifestyle intersect.
Public rail remains a vital pillar. PRASA’s “Istimela Sabantu: The People’s Train” is restoring confidence in public rail by offering inclusive, affordable, and reliable travel across the province. It also integrates with Gautrain during major events, reinforcing the importance of accessible mobility for families, workers, and communities.
Air Connectivity: Reinforcing Gauteng’s Gateway Status
Air connectivity continues to elevate Gauteng’s position as a continental and regional gateway. Between November 2024 and September 2025, several new routes were launched, including:
- SAA’s Johannesburg–Lubumbashi (DRC)
- SAA’s Johannesburg–Tanzania
- SAA’s Gaborone–Johannesburg
- Fly Gabon’s Libreville–Johannesburg
- FlySafair’s Gqeberha–Lanseria
These routes expand travel options, stimulate tourism and trade, and create new opportunities for investment and job creation. Each new connection strengthens Gauteng’s reindustrialisation agenda and supports the Growing Gauteng Together 2030 vision.
With the highest concentration of foreign missions and embassies in the country, Gauteng’s growing air network also enhances diplomatic ties and regional integration.
This infrastructure growth lays the foundation for hosting major upcoming global events, including the G20 World Leaders Summit, international rugby tournaments, the 2027 Cricket World Cup, and South Africa’s bid to host Formula 1 between 2027 and 2030.
These events are expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors, boosting the visitor economy, creating opportunities for SMMEs and township tourism, and delivering direct community benefits.
Shaping the Future of Sustainable Transport
Johannesburg recently hosted the Smarter Mobility Africa Summit 2025, where global innovators and policymakers gathered to shape Africa’s sustainable transport future. The summit spotlighted technologies aimed at improving connectivity, reducing emissions, and promoting greener, smarter urban mobility—cementing Gauteng’s leadership in transport innovation.
The province’s automotive hub in Tshwane is also driving this vision forward. With BMW, Nissan, and Ford leading the charge in electric vehicle assembly and component manufacturing, Gauteng is positioning itself as a leader in smart, sustainable industries.
Driving Forward
Safe, efficient, and sustainable transport systems are the foundation of Gauteng’s social and economic development. Effective mobility connects people, drives tourism, attracts investment, and enhances global competitiveness.
With continued upgrades to road, rail, and air infrastructure; the formalisation and regulation of e-hailing services; implementation of electronic visa systems; revitalisation of taxi rank economies; and strong private sector collaboration—Gauteng is accelerating toward becoming Africa’s benchmark for integrated transport and tourism excellence.
When transport works, the economy moves. People move. Opportunities open. Tourism grows. And the province—and the country—moves forward.
Enquiries: Barba Gaoganediwe, Spokesperson Gauteng Tourism
0834467844
[email protected]
@Barba_G74 on twitter
124 Main Street, Marshalltown, Johannesburg
www.gauteng.net
