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Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest and most populous city, is the most cosmopolitan area of South Africa. A busy and vibrant metropolis, Johannesburg not only dominates South Africa's economy, but is also the key source of the country's commercial and cultural activities.

Johannesburg offers, without doubt, a truly exceptional experience – and is a very popular destination for both Expats and tourists.

As one expert on this city stated, “…if you want to be at the front edge of South Africa’s rapidly emerging markets, Johannesburg is where you need to stay.”

The city – often referred to as ‘Joburg’ - is the provincial capital of Gauteng, the country’s wealthiest province.

Johannesburg is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world, and is an instrumental centre for diamonds and gold. In fact, about 40% of the world’s gold comes from the Johannesburg region – hence its Zulu name, E’Goli, which means “place of gold”.

South Africa's largest city dates back to 1886, after the discovery of the plentiful goldfields. Very soon after, Johannesburg became the country's largest town, and is now the continent’s second biggest city (Cairo is number one).

Johannesburg’s population is estimated to be close to five million.

Economy

Johannesburg's Central Business District serves as South Africa’s economic and financial centre. Many mining companies are headquartered here, as are a vast number of manufacturing, banking and other industries. The city also houses Africa's largest stock exchange - the JSE Securities Exchange, which is the 16th largest in the world.

Johannesburg is often referred to “the economic powerhouse of South Africa, and southern Africa,” and has grown into a world-class city. This undoubtedly explains why more than 70 percent of South African companies have their headquarters here.

The city has undergone considerable restructuring, which led up to the adoption of Joburg 2030, a visionary strategy aimed at boosting investment and economic growth. The economic long-term strategy identified the central mechanisms to achieve success, including improving the efficiency of investment and accelerating business activities.

In recent years, Johannesburg has undergone a noteworthy financial metamorphosis, becoming a significant and robust investment market.

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Business Incentives

In certain areas – including Johannesburg - the South African government established a variety of business incentives aimed at foreigners who want to invest or open a business in South Africa. Among them:

  • Low interest rates on business loans for certain business initiatives;
  • Allowances to foreign companies which bring capital goods, equipment, and machinery into the country for the purpose of establishing a business;
  • The establishment of multiple industrial development areas for capital investment and government assistance. Businesses in the zones are eligible for tax-free imports of capital products;
  • Tax break for up to six years for manufacturing operations;
  • Investment incentive schemes for certain large industrial endeavours to attract foreign private entity investment. In recent years, Johannesburg has made noteworthy progress in many key areas, most markedly of which is economic growth.
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Leisure Time Activities

When you’re not busy working, Johannesburg has a long list of leisure time pursuits to choose from, too.

Thanks in large part to the city’s temperate weather, Expats and locals in Joburg embrace outdoor life with a passion. The city and its surrounding areas offer, among many other enticing pursuits, scenic nature trails, beautiful lakes and jogging paths. In addition, the Johannesburg Zoo is considered one of the world’s best.

Craft and flea markets abound and offer a truly African experience, with many African artefacts brought in by traders across the continent. The markets also feature a vast selection of stylish wrought-iron furniture, hand-painted ceramics, fine jewellery, bed linen and an assortment of foods.

In addition, the city is jam-packed with fine antique shops, which offer such unique finds as South African yellow-wood furniture, as well as fine jewellery and porcelain.

For museum enthusiasts, the Apartheid Museum powerfully introduces visitors to a story of the victory of the human spirit over adversity. The museum tracks the rise and fall of apartheid, and provides a deeper comprehension and appreciation of this wonderful country.

Also, you can partake of a guided tour through Soweto - the south-western areas of Johannesburg that were at the centre of the anti-apartheid struggle. Have a look at Nelson Mandela’s old home and/or visit the Hector Pieterson Museum, a commemoration to the Soweto student uprising of 1976.
Constitution Hill is another place to visit for an understanding of the country’s tumultuous history and its amazing move to democracy. This national site has witnessed a century of South Africa’s history, from British soldiers who fought with the Boers at the turn of the century, to the youths caught up in the Soweto Uprising, to the dawn of democracy and the building of South Africa’s new Constitutional Court.

The Constitutional Court of South Africa, a very worthwhile site, is the city latest historical landmark and a unique architectural symbol of South Africa’s democracy. On this site, political prisoners and common criminals awaited trial and sat out their jail sentences. Today, the Constitutional Court presides over this once-reviled place and stands as a proud monument to South Africa’s hard-earned freedom.

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Restaurants, Clubs & Gaming

Restaurants in Johannesburg offer gastronomic delights for even the most discerning palates, including traditional South African cuisine, as well as German, Greek, Italian, Thai, Cajun, French and Vegetarian fare. Many restaurants integrate uniquely African offerings – including kudu and warthog - into supreme international dishes.

If clubs are your thing, Joburg’s nightlife rivals the greatest global cities. Pop, rock, African, Drum 'n Bass, R&B, classical and loads of more music are featured in the wealth of clubs and pubs across the city. Quench your thirst at a gritty local pub or an upscale jazz club – and everything in between. The city has it all.

For the gaming aficionado, take your pick from an incredible array of luxury casinos, including the Roman-themed Caesars Palace to the grand Montecasino.

Last – but certainly not least – is that South Africa, including Johannesburg, will to be the first nation in Africa to host football's World Cup in 2010. The event, among the most popular and widely viewed sporting events ever, will bring even more excitement and wealth to this terrific city.

Johannesburg is truly the business and cultural capital of South Africa, and offers Expat IFAs the time of their lives!

For further information about Uganda we recommend that you visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johannesburg where you will find many useful links and informative articles to prepare you for your move.