Vanderbijlpark, 27 May 2026 — The journey to the Vaal River Carnival 2026 begins today, as the Emfuleni Local Municipality…
Browsing: Visit Gauteng
South Africa (SA) has once again been ranked as Africa’s leading business events destination, strengthening the country’s position ahead of IMEX Frankfurt 2026, one of the world’s largest global trade shows for the meetings and conference industry.
South Africa’s tourism sector could become one of the country’s strongest economic recovery drivers if government, investors and industry stakeholders work together to unlock tourism growth, strengthen infrastructure and create opportunities for young people. That was one of the key messages shared by Tourism Director General Victor Tharage during a recent episode of Gauteng Life, where he discussed the future of the visitor economy, tourism investment and Gauteng’s strategic importance.
Gauteng residents looking for short winter breaks have several local getaway options within easy driving distance of Johannesburg and Pretoria. From Magaliesburg cottages and Muldersdrift country hotels to Dinokeng safari stays and Pretoria spa escapes, the province offers winter-friendly destinations without requiring long-distance travel.
President Cyril Ramaphosa officially opened Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026 in Durban on Tuesday, placing tourism, township economies and continental travel growth at the centre of South Africa’s economic recovery strategy. The event, taking place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, has brought together tourism leaders, investors, buyers and government representatives from across Africa and international markets.
As winter temperatures begin dropping across Gauteng, Johannesburg residents are increasingly looking for warm indoor spaces to work, socialise and escape the cold. Across suburbs like Braamfontein, Parkhurst, Rosebank and Linden, coffee shops continue drawing crowds searching for hot drinks, comfort food and relaxed atmospheres during the city’s colder months.
The Gauteng Tourism Authority has confirmed a broad network of tourism, transport, heritage and municipal partners that will form part of the Gauteng Pavilion at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026 in Durban.
Gauteng is using its presence at the Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026 to position music and cultural experiences as central drivers of tourism growth. The province is showcasing initiatives like KUNYE to international buyers, media, and investors attending the Durban-based trade show.
Johannesburg is heading into a rare double-event long weekend, with Ultra South Africa at the Expo Centre on Saturday 25 April and the Soweto Derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium on Sunday 26 April. The timing affects Gauteng residents, commuters, businesses and visitors because both events sit in the same southern corridor and are expected to draw heavy crowds over the Freedom Day weekend. It matters beyond logistics because the derby is rooted in Soweto’s football history, while the festival adds a global music audience to the same urban story.
Flu vaccines for the 2026 season are now widely available across Gauteng, with pharmacies, clinics and public health facilities offering access as the flu season starts earlier than usual. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases has confirmed that influenza activity began in early March, affecting residents across the province. Health authorities say early vaccination is critical, as immunity takes up to two weeks to develop, placing urgency on individuals, families and workplaces to act before infection rates peak.