Gauteng
For many people all over the world, South Africa is synonymous with gold and diamond mining. But it is the aptly named Gauteng, meaning "place of gold" in Sotho that is particularly well known for its tremendous wealth of gold. Since the discovery of gold on the Witwatersrand in 1884, the south of Johannesburg has developed into one of the largest mining and industrial centres in the world, which offers tourists great entertainment and cultural diversity. Today, the principal cities of Johannesburg and Pretoria make Gauteng the commercial and industrial heart of South Africa and an important powerhouse for the whole of Southern Africa. Today, Gauteng houses the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Pretoria was established in 1855 and grew from modest beginnings to become the centre of government administration for South Africa. The Union Buildings, designed by Sir Herbert Baker, dominate the skyline of this cultural, educational and government metropolis.
Cultural heart of South Africa
Gauteng is vibrant, sophisticated, cosmopolitan, and unmistakably the cultural heart of Africa. Its rich and diverse heritage developed from an infusion of global culture locked in purposeful economic and social endeavour for over a century. Gauteng Province now boasts the best cultural offering of Southern Africa. Music, performing art, visual art and craft from this region are globally sought after and admired.
Entertainment
Gauteng offers an unparalleled feast of entertainment and pleasure. The province has over 60 theatres and 100 museums. Pretoria is home of the renowned State Theatre which offers world-class opera and ballet. Johannesburg features the internationally-known Market Theatre, located in one of the most celebrated cultural precincts in Southern Africa.
An evening can be spent exploring the wonders of African cuisine and Jazz in and around Johannesburg. For a lively atmosphere and some excellent live Jazz or Blues, pop in to Kippies at the Market Theatre Precinct or head for the Blues Room at the Village Walk in Sandton. African cuisine can be enjoyed at Gramadoelas or Nikkis at the Market Theatre or Leipoldt's in Morningside. Other desirable choices include Anton Van Wouw in Doornfontein or Iyavaya in Muldersdrift.
Guests can wonder through the suburb of Melville in Johannesburg for great food and Jazz. For the experience of a more party atmosphere, the suburbs of Hatfield in Pretoria and Yeoville in Johannesburg can be explored.
Gauteng is also home to world-class entertainment centres that have turned their venues into fun places that offer entertainment for the whole family. With these entertainment centres spread out in different regions of Gauteng, you'll have easy access to any one of them no matter where you stay.
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