In the centennial year of Nelson Mandelas birth, South Africa's largest city is where legacy and expectations meet.
The history Johannesburg, both in the ancient past and in recent times, outlines a story of human survival, struggle and triumph. The high plains in the northeastern region of this country at the tip of Africa have been home to hunter-gatherer tribes for a thousand years or more. But it was the discovery of some of the world’s richest deposits of gold here in 1884 that unleashed a tide of expansion and drew newcomers from Africa, Europe and across the world.
For a century and more, the wealth from that gold, as well as diamonds and other treasures from the earth, made Johannesburg – or Joburg, Jozi, Egoli, among its other names – the epicenter of business and commerce in South Africa, and hence, the African continent. Today, however, that status is being challenged by riches of a different color – black gold – as countries elsewhere in Africa transform themselves into leading producers of oil.
With that in mind, South Africa has turned its attention to cultivating other major industries to bolster its economy. One of the big beneficiaries of these efforts has been the travel and tourism sector which has drawn an increasing number of guests from across the rest of the continent and throughout the world; in fact, travel and tourism now outranks mining as a driver of GDP, contributing nearly 7 percent to the nation’s economy, according to data from the World Travel and Tourism Council.
The country enjoys a rich variety of places to visit, from the expansive beaches of Durban on the Indian Ocean to what is consistently voted one of the world’s best cities, Cape Town, on the Atlantic coast. There’s plenty in between as well, like the Stellenbosch wine country, cultural and archeological finds and of course, Big Five safari adventures.
This story is from the October 2018 edition of Business Traveler.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 2018 edition of Business Traveler.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Train of Thought
As Amsterdam’s airport curtails flights because of environmental impact, KLM suggests that its passengers take to the rails
Entry Level
Why travelers are waiting weeks or even months to receive a new passport or renewal
Big Wheels
American Airlines offers a TSA-approved ground service between Philadelphia and surrounding airports
Le Bon Goût
Air France partners with Michelin-starred chefs for its new menus
First Glance
United unveils new high-end seats
Ring of Fire
In October and April, solar eclipses will dazzle the United States
Just Say Know
To improve mental health, learn new skills on the road—and have fun doing it
Rebalancing Act
How Finnair CEO Topi Manner led the airline through two external crises to bring it back on track
New Look
With industry innovations and a star-studded roster of clients, designer Peter Dundas is changing the shape of fashion
Food for Thought
The pioneering Spanish restaurant EI Bulli is transformed into a museum and culinary laboratory