Fellow South Africans, Khotsong!
We owe you an apology—the kind that trends. After hosting an incident-free G20 World Leaders Summit in Joburg and entertaining over 345,000 revelers, runners, worshippers, punters, youth e’ndala, groovers, and more, we’re sorry that your only marathon was scrolling through our #VisitGauteng feed. Next time, we’ll send Gautrain to pick you up with a playlist curated by Black Coffee himself. Sorry, not sorry—Ke December Boss!
#ExcellenceMatters in the golden province of GAUTENG, and how we show up matters even more. We appreciate the stylish way you embraced our lifestyle and sporting events—even if most bet on the wrong horse (don’t worry, we’re still Googling its name). And yes, our city centre is so clean now that even Google Maps had to update its street view. For that, we sincerely apologise and hope you won’t miss Oskido’s Big Day Out (OBDO) next year—because #Gautrain took us there and back safely.
We apologise on behalf of the Deputy President for smashing Grootman’s 10km run record—next time, we’ll ask him to jog slowly so everyone feels better and in line with our government’s call to Leave No One Behind. Not even the rain could stop you from sprinting to Groover’s Prayer in the Cradle of Humankind and still making it to thousands more declaring loudly that Africa Is Not A Jungle—it’s home to Grammy-winning Ladysmith Black Mambazo and the annual Hugh Fest in Nirox.
Tick, Tock, Tock—here’s what you should clock as we power into Gauteng’s golden festive summer:
- Soweto Marathon remains one of the few marathons in the world that passes through UNESCO World Heritage Sites, FIFA World Cup Stadium, and streets lined with well- wishers offering Black Label to fuel your finish line hustle.
- In one weekend, Maropeng, Constitution Hill, Union Buildings, and Orlando West hosted mega sporting, lifestyle, and entertainment events—closing off with a Presidential address affirming Gauteng’s hosting prowess.
- Precision, discipline, and colour filled the calabash as worship and prayer ran G20, B20, Love Expo, and Rage Expo reminded us that #GautengMeansBusiness—and business means hosting world-class events.
To our new passengers landing in Gauteng—sorry for the Surprisingly Good Sets Experience at Lanseria Airport. We mixed #GPLifestyle beats with smooth landings and quality check-outs. Next time, board with dancing shoes on—because in GP, even arrivals groove.
With 100,000 worshippers at FNB Stadium, 25,000 youth e’ndala rocking OBDO, and sweat on Soweto’s slopes, we’re sorry Soweto Marathon made 30,000 smartwatches think you were training for the Olympics. Sorry but not sorry to 5,000 revelers at Mayonie Open Air Fest and the loud voices behind global beats reminding us Africa is rhythm, not jungle—thanks to Black Coffee and thousands of groovers praying for us every quarter. And yes, Bra Hugh’s trumpet— we owe you an apology too. We had enough voices to drive Betway Summer Cup horses and fashionistas to pole position—but oops, many still don’t know the winning horse’s name.
Behind all this groove? Jobs created. Livelihoods improved. From shuttle drivers to Soweto B&B owners who now know elite runners’ dietary needs, to event organizers, AV techs, makeup artists, food vendors, e-hailing services, and security—tourism and the visitor economy are thriving.
As we await Gauteng’s Medium Term Budget Policy Statement tomorrow, we do so knowing the visitor economy’s massive contribution. We apologise in advance—the MTBP will be biased toward partnerships and collaborations across public, private, and community sectors. Why? Because that’s how we boost the 10 high-growth sectors driving Growing Gauteng Together Vision 2030.
Shem, sorry for the FOMO—but at least your couch had VIP access. Catch highlights across our channels and stay plugged into #WhatsOnGauteng #VisitGauteng #GPLifestyle #MusicalGP #GautengFestiveSummer25 #SorryNotSorryGP #VisitGautengGlowUp.
Clocking out with love, laughter, and a groove, Gauteng Tourism Authority (GTA) – because in GP, even our apologies come with a beat.
Enquiries:
Barba Gaoganediwe, Spokesperson – Gauteng Tourism
083 446 7844 | [email protected] | @Barba_G74
