The Sotho word, Gauteng, meaning “Place of Gold”, is the new name of the Pretoria-Witwatersrand-Vaal Triangle – one of the largest industrial regions in the southern hemisphere.  A more fitting label would be hard to find. 

The discovery of gold on the Witwatersrand in 1886 led to the rapid development of this region. Prospectors, speculators and adventurers arrived from the four corners of the globe to seek their fortunes, and in the process changed the pastoral landscape overnight. 

Gold rush towns of shacks, saloons and brawls were rapidly transformed into modern concrete cities graced with parks and manmade lakes. To support the mining industry, roads and railways were built, agricultural production increased and manufacturing industries were created. At the hub of this development, Johannesburg became the gold capital of the world. 

Today, Johannesburg, Pretoria and the towns of Vereeniging and Vanderbijlpark, comprise the industrial and financial heart of South Africa. But much of the region has escaped industrial encroachment and the area is also known for its agricultural output, rolling landscape and rich diversity. There are many opportunities to escape from the pressures of the cities. 

The Vaal River to the south of Johannesburg offers a variety of relaxation options to city dwellers and it is one of the most popular weekend destinations in the region. 

The Magaliesburg, a range of mountains to the north and west of Pretoria, is frequented by lovers of outdoor activities such as bird watching, ballooning, mountaineering, horse riding, fishing and hiking. Pleasure resorts and hospitable country inns abound in the area. 

West of Pretoria, the Hartebeespoort Dam is a haven of tranquility for visitors from the cities of Gauteng. Boating, watersports and mountaineering are some of the options in the area and interesting hiking trails provide ideal opportunities to explore. The town of Magaliesburg has a number of excellent hotels.

Gauteng offers the best of both worlds; a vibrant business environment and the pleasures of the open countryside.

A century ago, Johannesburg was a dusty, overpopulated, noisy and rough mining camp. Today it is the financial capital and the centre of the industrial powerhouse of South Africa. 

Johannesburg is a city of contrasts. Mine dumps and headgear stand proudly as symbols of its rich past. The busy streets ring out with the calls of fruit sellers and street vendors, and an exciting blend of ethnic and cultural arts and activities is reflected in theatres and open air arenas throughout the city. This is "e’goli", the city of gold, famous not only for its past, but also for its up-market hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, shopping centres, theatres and art galleries. This gateway city invites you to explore its many treasures and it offers an exciting start to a journey of discovery through this wonderful land.

Situated some 50 km north of Johannesburg, Pretoria’s ambience is more sedate than that of her next door neighbour. Surrounded by mountains the city is renowned for its colourful parks and gardens, shrubs and trees. The pace is relaxed and pervaded by a sense of history. 

Church Square, around which Pretoria developed, was the venue for trade, recreation and religious gatherings in the early days, and many buildings of historic and architectural importance have been retained. 

Progress has resulted in high tech shopping centres and arcades, art galleries and museums, multi-culinary restaurants and a comprehensive theatre complex - the State Theatre, which caters for cross-cultural interest, and stages classical and contemporary theatre, opera, ballet and concerts. 

Within easy reach of the city centre, there is an interesting selection of wildlife, art, crafts, entertainment and relaxation options, all of which ensure that your visit will be enjoyable and rewarding. (Source: SATOUR)

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