Johannesburg Property

Known as the Place of Gold, Johannesburg is certainly living up to its name, with Johannesburg property becoming increasingly sought after for its exclusivity and affordability.

Johannesburg is considered the commercial powerhouse of Africa. From its exciting beginnings, the economic and financial hub of Africa is twinned with cities like Birmingham and New York City. This, coupled with Johannesburg’s pleasant and consistent climate, has been a big draw card for many to invest in South African real estate in this hot spot.

Johannesburg is also the springboard to the rest of Africa, with connecting flights to all the major African cities. As the most popular city on the continent, Johannesburg boasts some famous residents including: Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Albertina Sisulu, Bruce Fordyce and Helen Suzman.

The attractions are endless and include everything from fossil excavations, nature reserves and mines to casinos and world-class shopping malls.

A Brief History

Johannesburg's reputation as the City of Gold began in 1886, when Australian prospector George Harrison first struck gold on the Langlaagte farm in the Highveld. Harrison then obtained a free prospector's license, which he sold for £10.

This prompted a major gold rush and people from all over Europe came to settle in the tent town in the Witwatersrand (White Water's Ridge) which grew to become a bustling shanty town. The city has been through everything from the Anglo Boer War and World War I and II, to the secret ANC gathering at Lilliesleaf farm and the student uprisings of 1976.

Johannesburg has also seen many of the world's famous statesmen in their youth, like Mahatma Ghandi who came here as a young attorney and Nelson Mandela who held secret meetings in the city during the apartheid era.

Through its rich and turbulent past, Johannesburg, known by affectionate names like Egoli (City of Gold), ‘Big Smoke’, Jozi and Joburg, is now the product of a mosaic of cultures, traditions and a language that is uniquely South African.

Popular Tourist Attractions

Although not generally known as a tourist destination, Johannesburg's tourism is rising thanks to its historical museums, art galleries and lively nightlife. Melville's Seventh Street is lined with bars and restaurants to suite any taste and the Johannesburg Civic Theatre is great for exciting theatre productions.
Popular attractions in and around Jo’burg

• Kilimanjaro
• Carfax
• Montecasino
• Apartheid Museum
• Hector Pieterson Memorial
• Gold Reef City
• Sterkfontein Caves
• Constitution Hill
• The Market Theatre
• Sandton City
• Mai Mai African Bazaar

For more information about Johannesburg property, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Jawitz Properties in South Africa and one of our friendly consultants will gladly assist you in finding the perfect match for your specifications.