Introducing Gauteng
Fast, bustling and a cabaret of contradictions, Gauteng (pronounced ‘how-teng’) covers just 1.5% of the country’s land surface, yet accounts for 34% of its gross domestic product (GDP) and, perhaps more extraordinarily, 10% of the GDP of the whole of Africa. The laid-back, friendly atmosphere of Pretoria, the country’s administrative capital, belies a turbulent past. Fifty or so kilometres down the M1 motorway away is Johannesburg, the provincial capital and third-largest city on the continent. Sprawling and booming, it’s a strange conurbation of opulent suburbs set alongside some of the country’s starkest urban poverty.
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Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Gautrain from Johannesburg to Pretoria opens 2 August
by Jeroen 29 July 2011
"Of the route between Rosebank and Park Station, Gauteng transport MEC Ismail Vadi said: "It is envisaged that the section could be opened…
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RE: South Africa 1st time, solo, non-driver and other hurdles..
by Zamukulungisa 24 June 2011
Don't forget the Wild Coast either. If you're wanting SA's most beautiful, unspoiled beaches and rich African culture then that's the…
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RE: A lot of questions for my Jo'burg-Cairo trip (visas, transport, books etc)
by drobnost 02 June 2011
Yes, I got a Sudanese visa in Addis. They were friendly enough, but it took 24 hours and a lot of waiting in line (bring your visa in…
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