JOHANNESBURG

BusinessTravel Guide

Johannesburg

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South Africa’s golden child continues to find the winning formula

J O H A N N E S B U R G

Evolving from a mining nucleus to a role model of economic modernity, Johannesburg’s road to global recognition has been one borne out of concerted business acumen and development Writer: Matthew Staff

Johannesburg ohannesburg claims barely any of South Africa’s official titles but nearly all of the accolades, as the country’ largest city and most globallyrenowned representative.

Despite not being one of South Africa’s three capital cities, its fame - and fortune - derives from its origins as a gold mining hub described as a modern day El Dorado upon its discovery in 1886. As such, the area has never been lauded for its deep historical significance like so many national cores around the world, and has subsequently

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become the modern option for locals and visitors alike; its image perfectly depicting the current status of the wider country’s maturity over the generations.

Of course, in more recent history, this depiction has been less than positive at times - and there are elements of Joburg’s infrastructure and museum array that still allude to these pivotal eras - but on the whole, the city serves as a glimpse of the present and to the future.

Comprising numerous CBDs and what seems like a continuous overhaul of older buildings into newer

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constructs, the city skyline is an indictment of its global recognition as one of the world’s leading industrial and cultural hubs, and while this has not necessarily transcended into tourist prosperity on the scale of its neighbours in Cape Town and Durban, it still has more than enough to thrive as a popular business travel destination.

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Transport links Ironically, the fact that Johannesburg lags behind Cape Town and Durban in the tourism stakes, means that its long-haul transport infrastructure is even more refined; having played its role as a link between international visitors and the surrounding cities over the years.

However, as landmarks including the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill found their feet; as areas such as Soweto and Alexandra benefitted from the city’s urban sprawl; and as Joberg’s approach to fine dining and globally appealing entertainment became more refined, so too did the city’s internal transport system.

Upon arriving at OR Tambo International Airport, the ability to get around the vast landscape efficiently, safely and speedily is now easier than in any other South African hub; catered for by everything from metered and minibus taxis, to its Metrorail Gauteng commuter rail system, its Gautrain link outside of the city, and its more recently unveiled Rea Vaya bus rapid system based on a

Facts and figures

Country:

South Africa

Languages:

English, Zulu, Afrikaans, Xhosa

Area:

335 square kilometres

Population (2011): 4.4 million GDP:

US$83.9 billion

Currency:

Rand

Time zone:

UTC+2

Climate:

Subtropical highland

Highest recorded temperature: 41.4°C

smartcard payment system.

Topping all of those options though, is the plain and simple open road.

As an inland city, Johannesburg has had to build an extensive highway network over the decades as a link to the rest of the country, and visitors equally benefit to this day; initially via the Johannesburg Ring Road, and branching out to the country’s most extensive collection of freeways.

MAP The city serves as a glimpse of the present and to the future

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J O H A N N E S B U R G

Nelson Mandela Square at night

As a knock-on effect, its attractiveness to the leading business executives embedded into this culture has become similarly unparalleled over the years too, as it continues to live up to its billing as the soul of Gauteng, and arguably the most financially attractive city on the continent.

Being ranked 47 in MasterCard’s 50 top cities in the world from a commerce perspective back in 2008

Sandton is an affluent suburb and business centre in Johannesburg

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BY NJR ZA - OWN WORK, CC BY-SA 3.0,

The business end

With inevitable interests in mining given its inception, the city’s evolution from an industrial and economic perspective is nothing short of remarkable. Mining was the foundation of the Witwatersrand region, but as reserves depleted and as mining operations sprawled outwards from what is now the city centre, Joburg’s core was replaced by a sector compliment ranging areas of manufacturing, finance, retail, and art and culture.

Now, as Africa’s economic powerhouse, the once mining-reliant domain is littered with the most modern of CBDs - including Sandton, Rosebank and Roodepoort - hosting some of the biggest names in global business. IBM, BHP and Absa are complemented by the cream of the finance crop including Nedbank and Standard Bank as just a minute sample of Joberg’s unrivalled appeal.

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enforces this role, and it doesn’t take a long walk around any one of the city’s CBDs to understand why.

Encapsulating a mix of modernity and subtle glances back down South African memory lane, the final blend of business, art, culture and fine dining results in one of the more sophisticated stays you will enjoy over the course of your business travel adventures.

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INDABA HOTEL, SPA & CONFERENCE CENTRE CONFERENCE

YOUR AFRICAN DESTINATION IN JOHANNESBURG

EPSOM BISTRO

BANQUETS

Just north of the fast paced business world of Sandton lies the 258 bedroom Indaba Hotel, Spa & Conference Centre; a compelling blend of business-like efficiency and relaxed country atmosphere within close proximity of the International Airport making the Indaba perfect for groups and leisure travellers.

CHIEF’S BOMA

LUXURY SUITES

The hotel features 24 multi-purpose conference venues ranging from Executive Boardrooms to large Banquet Venues seating up to 500 people. Boasting 2 world class restaurants and the renowned MOWANA Spa, the Indaba Hotel is sure to meet your business and leisure requirements.

MOWANA SPA

Phone: +27 11 840 6600 | Email: indaba@indabahotel.co.za Website: www.indabahotel.co.za

Sandton skyline from the Village Walk Center looking over the Balalaika Hotel towards Sandton City and the Michelangelo hotel

Maude Street in central Sandton

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J O H A N N E S B U R G

Outlook recommends

ACCOMMODATION

MUSEUMS

NATURE

Indaba Hotel, Spa & Conference Centre

Liliesleaf Farm

Johannesburg Zoo

A setting for luxury, pampering, business, fitness and socials, the Hotel continues to grow on an almost yearly basis to facilitate similarly increasing popularity and demand.

Liliesleaf

Hector Pieterson Museum Indaba Hotel Conference Centre

Alcazaba Lodges The only four-star self-catering lodge in the Fordsburg region of Johannesburg offers a flexibility and all-encompassing experience matched only by the incredible views surrounding it.

RETAIL Carlton Centre

Johannesburg Zoo

Lion & Safari Park Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens

ART & CULTURE Johannesburg Art Gallery The Market Theatre Joburg Theatre

FOOD & DRINK Carlton Centre

Private Family room at Alcazaba Lodges

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Moyo Melrose Arch

Sandton City

Gilroy’s Brewery

Nelson Mandela Square

Trio Cafe

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BY NJR ZA - OWN WORK, CC BY-SA 3.0

“Johannesburg – a ‘World Class African City of the Future’ – a vibrant, equitable African city, strengthened through its diversity...” – joburg.co.za

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your home away from home

work relax enjoy

As the only Halaal Four Star self-catering lodge in Fordsburg, Alcazaba offers a variety of accommodation with no compromises on taste and services.

We are perfectly positioned in the heart of this multi-cultural suburb with every cuisine imaginable on your doorstep, shopping of every kind, the largest eastern shopping mall in Africa, just a block away and every imported and authentic local items available at various shops, fĂŞtes and flea markets.

exhibit of style, class and comfort Have a look at the timeless design that went in to build Alcazaba Lodges.

One of many reasons we have a 4 star rating!

Contact us on: T: +27 11 492 1756 F: +27 86 561 8750 E:Reservation@alcazabalodges.co.za

Nelson Mandela bridge

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J O H A N N E S B U R G

Constitution Hill

Apartheid Museum

Within the walls of Constitution Hill’s Old Fort

Mandela House

“Mandela House strives to be a world-class visitor attraction and a leading centre for the preservation, presentation, and research f the history, heritage and legacy of the Mandela Family. The Mission of Mandela House is to provide an effective, efficient and meaningful experience to all visitors, informing them of President Nelson Mandela’s story, both in the context of his home, and in the context of his life as a whole, in a manner that promotes human rights, democracy, reconciliation, mutual respect and tolerance amongst the peoples of South Africa.” - mandelahouse.com

IMAGE: A. BAILEY - OWN WORK, CC BY-SA 3.0

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IMAGE: LIBRARY OF THE LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS & POLITICAL SCIENCE

“The Apartheid Museum opened in 2001 and is acknowledged as the pre-eminent museum in the world dealing with 20th century South Africa, at the heart of which is the apartheid story. For anyone wanting to understand and experience what apartheid South Africa was really like, a visit to the Apartheid Museum is fundamental.

The museum is a beacon of hope showing the world how South Africa is coming to terms with its oppressive past and working towards a future that all South Africans can call their own.”

- apartheidmuseum.org

IMAGE BY THE HERITAGE PORTAL - OWN WORK, CC BY-SA 3.0

“Constitution Hill is a living museum that tells the story of South Africa’s journey to democracy. The site is a former prison and military fort that bears testament to South Africa’s turbulent past and, today, is home to the country’s Constitutional Court, which endorses the rights of all citizens,” the landmark’s website states. Within the walls of Constitution Hill’s Old Fort, Women’s Jail and Number Four, the likes of Nelson Mandela, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi have all been incarcerated.

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The Grand White Johannesburg 2017

“The Grand White Dinner 2017 is a pop-up picnic event at a secret location, which only gets revealed on the morning of the event. These dinners are a lively social gathering of people, all dressed in white with a touch of green. During the afternoon and evening, guests will enjoy delicious food, live music, speeches, entertainment and much more.”

- joburg.co.za

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THE MAIN EVENTS Chinese New Year at Old China Town

“A celebration will break out into the streets of Old China Town as the New Year festivities get underway.

There will be plenty of entertainment, including a lion and dragon performance, a kung fu and tai chi display, traditional dancing, drumming and singing, and a jaw-dropping fireworks display!” - joburg.co.za

Date: 1 April, 2017 Venue: Secret location, Johannesburg

International Festival of Language and Culture

Date: February, 2017 Venue: Old China Town

Soweto Wine Festival 2017

“Discover the art of wine in SA’s most vibrant hood! Here, the best kind of magic happens when good vibes collide… you get to partake in some of the best wines, mouth-watering gourmet food, rub shoulders with some of our A-listers and hit the floor while an amazing music line-up of local artists take to the stage.” - joburg.co.za Date: 3-5 March, 2017 Venue: Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication, Kliptown, Soweto Website: http://www.sowetowinefestival.co.za/

“This Festival is the largest and most prominent global project for promoting world languages and cultures. The ILFC is dedicated to cultivating and educating the youth, creating a platform to share their cultural heritage with their peers around the world. This year, it will showcase exceptional song and dance performances by students of diverse nationalities.” - joburg.co.za

Date: April, 2017 Venue: Nelson Mandela Theatre, Braamfontein

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