City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality
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| City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality | |
|---|---|
| Name | City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality |
| Settlement type | Metropolitan municipality |
| Coordinates | 26, 10, S, 28... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | South Africa |
| Subdivision type1 | Province |
| Subdivision name1 | Gauteng |
| Established title | Established |
| Established date | 2000 |
| Seat type | Seat |
| Seat | Johannesburg |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Kabelo Gwamanda |
| Leader party | Al Jama-ah |
| Area total km2 | 1645 |
| Elevation m | 1753 |
| Population total | 4,803,262 |
| Population as of | 2011 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Demographics type1 | Racial makeup (2011) |
| Demographics1 title1 | Black African |
| Demographics1 info1 | 76.4% |
| Demographics1 title2 | Coloured |
| Demographics1 info2 | 5.6% |
| Demographics1 title3 | Indian/Asian |
| Demographics1 info3 | 4.9% |
| Demographics1 title4 | White |
| Demographics1 info4 | 12.3% |
| Demographics1 title5 | Other |
| Demographics1 info5 | 0.8% |
| Demographics type2 | First languages (2011) |
| Demographics2 title1 | Zulu |
| Demographics2 info1 | 23.4% |
| Demographics2 title2 | English |
| Demographics2 info2 | 20.1% |
| Demographics2 title3 | Afrikaans |
| Demographics2 info3 | 9.6% |
| Demographics2 title4 | Sotho |
| Demographics2 info4 | 7.7% |
| Demographics2 title5 | Tswana |
| Demographics2 info5 | 6.4% |
| Timezone1 | SAST |
| Utc offset1 | +2 |
| Postal code type | Postal code (street) |
| Postal code | 2000 |
| Area code type | Area code |
| Area code | 011 |
| Website | www.joburg.org.za |
City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality. It is the largest city and economic hub of South Africa, forming the heart of the Gauteng province. Established as a metropolitan municipality in the post-apartheid reforms of 2000, it governs a vast urban area that grew from 19th-century gold rush mining camps. The municipality is a key financial, commercial, and transport node on the African continent.
History
The region's modern history began with the 1886 discovery of gold on the Witwatersrand, leading to the founding of Johannesburg. Rapid growth saw it become part of the Transvaal Colony and later the Union of South Africa. The city was central to events like the Second Boer War and the development of the apartheid system, with areas like Soweto becoming focal points of resistance, notably the Soweto Uprising of 1976. Post-1994, it was reorganized into a unified metropolitan municipality, incorporating former Bantustan areas and townships.
Geography and climate
Situated on the highveld plateau of the Witwatersrand at an average elevation of 1,753 meters, the municipality features a mix of urban landscapes, ridges, and waterways like the Jukskei River. It borders Ekurhuleni to the east and the West Rand District Municipality to the west. The climate is subtropical highland, characterized by warm, wet summers and dry, sunny winters with occasional frost. The region falls within the Crocodile River and Vaal River drainage basins.
Demographics
According to the 2011 census, the population was approximately 4.8 million, making it one of Africa's most populous urban areas. The population is predominantly Black African, with significant White, Coloured, and Indian/Asian communities. A multitude of languages are spoken, with Zulu, English, and Afrikaans being the most common. The municipality is a major destination for migrants from across South Africa and the continent.
Government and politics
The municipality operates under a mayoral executive system, with the Johannesburg City Council as its legislative body. The mayor, Kabelo Gwamanda of Al Jama-ah, leads the executive. Political control has shifted between coalitions led by the African National Congress, the Democratic Alliance, and others. The city is divided into seven administrative regions for service delivery and is the seat of the Constitutional Court of South Africa.
Economy
It is the economic powerhouse of South Africa, contributing a significant portion to the national GDP. Key sectors include financial services, headquartered in districts like Sandton, professional services, manufacturing, information technology, and retail. The Johannesburg Stock Exchange is the largest in Africa. While a center of wealth, the economy also contends with high unemployment and stark socio-economic inequality.
Infrastructure and services
The municipality is served by OR Tambo International Airport, Lanseria International Airport, and an extensive network of highways like the N1 and N3. Public transport includes the Gautrain rapid rail, Rea Vaya bus rapid transit, and commuter rail operated by Metrorail Gauteng. Utility provision, including water from the Vaal River system and power from Eskom, faces challenges due to rapid urbanization and infrastructure maintenance backlogs.
Culture and society
The city is a vibrant cultural melting pot, hosting institutions like the Apartheid Museum, Market Theatre, and Constitution Hill. It is a center for South African music, art, and media, home to broadcasters like the South African Broadcasting Corporation. Major sporting venues include FNB Stadium, which hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup final. Higher education is anchored by the University of the Witwatersrand and the University of Johannesburg.