Gauteng, meaning "Place of Gold" in seSotho, is South Africa's smallest province by land area but the most densely populated and economically vital. Situated on the Highveld, this province is the economic and financial hub of the country and is home to Johannesburg, South Africa's largest city and the provincial capital, as well as Pretoria, the nation's administrative capital.
This province is not only the heart of South Africa's commercial, business, and industrial sectors, but also makes up 33.8% of South Africa’s gross domestic product in 2016 and around 5% of the GDP of Africa as a whole.
The Gauteng City Region contains the major urban populations of Johannesburg, Pretoria, Vereeniging, Evaton and Soshanguve, coming to an urban population of over 11 million.
Here's a detailed look at Gauteng, its cities, and its administrative divisions:
South Africa is located at the southern tip of the continent of Africa, along both the Indian Ocean and South Atlantic Ocean. It borders Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe to the north. South Africa is the most populous country located entirely south of the equator with over 60 million people.
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Additionally, South Africa is the only country in the world to have 3 capitals - Cape Town, Pretoria, and Bloemfontein. While Bloemfontein is the judicial capital, Pretoria is the executive capital.
This map of South Africa displays major cities, towns, rivers, lakes, and roads. Satellite imagery and a terrain map display the Drakensberg Mountains to the Kalahari Desert.
Physical Geography and Climate
Situated on the Highveld, most of Gauteng lies on a high-altitude grassland approximately 1,500 m (4,921 ft) above sea level. The province's southern border is the Vaal River, which separates it from the Free State. It also borders North West to the west, Limpopo to the north, and Mpumalanga to the east.
The climate in Gauteng is influenced by its altitude. Despite being at a subtropical latitude, the climate is comparatively cooler, especially in Johannesburg, which is 1,700 m (5,577 ft) above sea level. Precipitation mainly occurs as brief afternoon thunderstorms, and winters are crisp and dry with frequent frost in the southern areas.
Administrative Divisions
As of May 2011, Gauteng is divided into three metropolitan municipalities and two district municipalities:
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- City of Ekurhuleni
- City of Johannesburg
- City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipalities
The province is governed by the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, a 73-person unicameral legislature elected by party-list proportional representation. The legislature elects a Premier to lead the executive, who then appoints an Executive Council.
Key Cities and Towns
Gauteng is home to several major urban centers:
- Johannesburg: The largest city in South Africa and the provincial capital, serving as a major economic hub.
- Pretoria: The administrative capital of South Africa.
- Midrand: A significant urban center between Johannesburg and Pretoria.
- Vanderbijlpark: An industrial city in the south of Gauteng.
- Sandton: An affluent area known for its business and commercial activities.
The largest township, Soweto, is also located in this province.
Demographics
Gauteng had a population of 15,099,422 as of the 2022 census, which is a 23.0% increase from 2011. The population density is 831/km2. The province's age distribution is as follows:
- Under 15 years: 23.6%
- 15 to 24 years: 19.6%
- 25 to 44 years: 37.9%
- 45 to 64 years: 15.0%
- 65 years and older: 4.0%
The median age is 27 years. For every 100 females, there are 101.2 males.
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Economy
Gauteng is considered the economic hub of South Africa, contributing significantly to the financial, manufacturing, transport, technology, and telecommunications sectors. It is home to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the largest stock exchange in Africa.
The province is a major center for mining, producing platinum, chromium, coal, and diamonds. Agriculture also plays a vital role.
The most important sectors contributing to GDP are:
- Finance, real estate, and business services
- Manufacturing
- General government services
Gauteng is also the financial services capital of Africa.
The tiny province punches way above its weight, making up 33.8% of South Africa’s gross domestic product in 2016 and around 5% of the GDP of Africa as a whole. Next is KwaZulu-Natal with 16%, followed by the Western Cape with 13.7%.
Street art in the Maboneng Precinct in Johannesburg, Gauteng.
Infrastructure and Transportation
Gauteng has a well-developed infrastructure and transportation network. SANRAL is responsible for the maintenance, development, and management of all national road networks in South Africa.
Many important national routes run through Gauteng, such as the N1, N3, N4, N12, N14, and N17. Johannesburg relies heavily on freeways for transport in and around the city. The Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project led to a significant decrease in traffic congestion.
The province also has extensive public transport options, including buses, trains, and the Gautrain rapid rail system.
O.R. Tambo International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Africa, located in Gauteng.
Map of Gauteng province divided into districts.
Tourism and Recreation
Although dominated by urban areas, Gauteng has several nature reserves and recreational areas. The Cradle of Humankind UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the Sterkfontein caves and the Wonder Cave Kromdraai, is a major attraction.
The province is also home to various sports teams and hosts national and international sporting events. During the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Gauteng's stadia hosted many games.
Bill to grow Gauteng's township economies
While Gauteng province is dominated by the urban areas of Johannesburg and Pretoria, it has several nature reserves.
Additional Information
Gauteng was formed from part of the old Transvaal province after South Africa's first multiracial elections on 27 April 1994.
The province's name, Gauteng, comes from the Sotho-Tswana languages, meaning "place of gold."
Historically described as the PWV complex, the urban conurbation of Gauteng is also referred to as the Gauteng City Region.
South African cities and towns offer the visitor a rich and interesting variety of cultures, history architectural styles, nightlife, shopping experiences and world class accommodation.
A variety of half- and full-day tours run everyday through the cities of Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.
South Africa has held three censuses in its recent democratic history: in 1996, 2001 and 2011.
Provinces of South Africa
There are 9 provinces in South Africa, which are divided administratively and geographically. Provinces are the first-level administrative unit but they can be divided further into districts.
The 9 provinces of South Africa are the Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, and North West.
The country is divided into nine provinces, each with its own legislature and executive council.
Depicted on the map is Southern Africa with the administrative divisions of South Africa, surrounding countries, international borders, provincial capitals, and major cities.
The nine provinces of South Africa in their current form have existed since 27 April 1994, the date of the first non-racial elections and the adoption of the Interim Constitution (it was superseded by the final Constitution on 4 February 1997).
| Province | Capital | Largest City |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Cape | Bhisho | Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) |
| Free State | Bloemfontein | Bloemfontein |
| Gauteng | Johannesburg | Johannesburg |
| KwaZulu-Natal | Pietermaritzburg | Durban |
| Limpopo | Polokwane | Polokwane |
| Mpumalanga | Mbombela (Nelspruit) | Mbombela (Nelspruit) |
| Northern Cape | Kimberley | Kimberley |
| North West | Mahikeng (formerly Mafikeng) | Rustenburg |
| Western Cape | Cape Town | Cape Town |
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