GAUTENG FACT SHEET
- Gauteng is the smallest and once the richest of South Africa’s nine provinces, measuring 18 810 square kilometers.
- Its cities are Johannesburg, Soweto and Tshwane (Pretoria).
- The population of Gauteng is about 8,8 Million (about 20% of nation total) Languages spoken are English, Afrikaans, Sesotho, Sepedi, Setswana and Zulu.
- It is the most industrialised province, the economic hub of South Africa and also the gateway to all of Africa.
- Domestic tourism contributes some 67% of the total SA industry, with annual spend of R17bn.
- Gauteng’s major international source of foreign visitors is Africa (25%), followed by the UK (15%), Germany (6%) and the rest of Europe (22%). The North American market constitutes 14% and the Far East at 9% is a growing market. The balance is Australasia (4%), South America (3%) and the Middle East (2%).
- International visitors to Gauteng are expected to increase 11%, year on year, by 2005, and domestic visitors by 3%, year on year, by 2005.
- During 2000, tourism contributed about 4.8% to the national GDP, making it the highest contributing economic sector during 2000.
- National investment in the tourism sector is estimated at R12.8 bn or 11.4% of total investment. Gauteng retains some 51% of investment.
SOWETO TOUR
A Soweto tour, ranked as one of Gauteng's most popular tourist attractions, offers insight into the best of South African township life. Enjoy the food, music and vibrancy of this city within a city; synonymous throughout the continent with South African politics, the Freedom Charter, kwaito music and community activism.
CITY LIGHTS
The City of Gold has evolved from a mining town to a truly Afropolitan city in less than 100 years. Yet it is at night that Joburg truly comes alive. However been warned Joburg is not for the faint hearted. Bluesy jazz clubs, bustling suburban meeting grounds or chic eateries and entertainment precincts light-up the Joburg night.
JOBURG FREEDOM TOUR
Taking a tour that highlights some of Joburg's world-famous historical sites is a great way to celebrate ten years of democracy in South Africa. At Constitution Hill and the Drill Hall gain insight into 100 years of conflict, determination and the search for justice. Visit the Nelson Mandela Bridge and Gandhi Square before uncovering the rich legacy of Alexandra which gave rise to the music of Boet Gashe, Dark City Sisters, the African Jazz Pioneers and Miriam Makeba.
The tour ends at Liliesleaf Farm - once the safe house of the ANC's armed wing and a site associated with the Rivonia Trial and the arrest of Nelson Mandela and other ANC leaders. Joburg Freedom Tour Duration: 6 hours, R 450,00 per person and includes all transfers, entrance fees and lunch.
TSWAING METEORITE CRATER
As one of the world's youngest meteorite craters, Tswaing has become famous for its visibility, size and proximity to a major urban centre. Situated on the northern boundary of Tshwane, this meteorite crater and nature reserve provides an excellent opportunity to experience the South African bushveld while observing and photographing a unique natural phenomenon.
A bonus is watching a glorious African sunset from the rim of the crater with sundowners. Tswaing Meteorite Crater Tour, Duration: 3 hours R 850 per person and includes all transfers, entrance fees, snacks and sundowners. Bophelo Tours and Safaris,
Tel: +27 12 362 9800,
Email: marius@bophelo.com
LESEDI CULTURAL VILLAGE
Experience African hospitality at its best during a tour to one of South Africa's leading cultural villages. Situated within the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, Lesedi evokes traditional Africa and its rich diversity. The tour includes a lunch or dinner of fine African dishes. Lesedi Cultural Village, R 595 per person and includes all transfers, entrance fees, lunch or dinner. Ntsu Tours & Safaris,
Tel: +27 83 272 1677 / +27 83 218 3329,
Email: ntsutours@mweb.co.za