Johannesburg: a city built on gold with a poor past
Johannesburg is the capital of the Guateng province, which also includes Pretoria, the capital of South Africa. Luxurious golden mines were located directly in the city. Gold was first discovered in 1886 and in the 1970s the mining moved to rural areas.
The golden era is long gone
Golden mines have been closed for a long time. However, they forever changed the landscape and the whole structure of the city, which is also the headquarters of all mining companies from all of Africa, large banks and important investment companies.
Johannesburg: empire of crime?
After the apartheid, Johannesburg was one of the cities of Africa where criminality sky rocketed. The standards of living dropped significantly and many original citizens left Johannesburg due to the high amount of crime, which left the city empty and devastated.
A large number of people from surrounding smaller towns and villages started to move here for a chance of a better life and with a vision of becoming rich. However, many of them did not find their fortune. They ended up in the slums and live the same life as before.
Hopeful future
Johannesburg, also called Jo'burg or Jozi, is ever-changing, where restoration is often replaced by deterioration. Currently the citizens look into the future with optimism. Luxurious houses and offices are being built in the city center, new restaurants, cafés and shops are being opened.
Tourists are also slowly returning to Johannesburg; however, most of them prefer Pretoria or Cape Town located nearby.
You may have never visited Johannesburg, but it is likely that you have heard about it. Many famous movies were shot here, such as District 9, Tsotsi, Chappie or The Hunted.
