Gauteng is the smallest province in South Africa, yet it has the largest population and contributes the most to the country’s GDP. The province is divided into 5 metropolitan municipalities or districts: City of Johannesburg, City of Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, Sedibeng, and West Rand.
City of Johannesburg
The City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality is the largest city in Gauteng and serves as the provincial capital. It covers an area of 1,645 square km and has a population of over 4.9 million people (as of 2019). Some key facts about the City of Johannesburg district:
- Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa and the provincial capital of Gauteng.
- The city is governed by the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality.
- It covers an area of 1,645 square km.
- Population: 4,949,347 (2019)
- Johannesburg accounts for 34% of Gauteng’s population.
- Some neighborhoods and suburbs include Sandton, Soweto, Alexandra, Greenside, Rosebank, Auckland Park, Melville, Northcliff, and Parktown.
- The city is a financial and commercial hub not just for Gauteng but the whole country, with the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and company headquarters located here.
- It also draws tourists with destinations like the Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill, Gold Reef City theme park, Johannesburg Zoo, etc.
In summary, the City of Johannesburg is the bustling heart of Gauteng province. Its diverse neighborhoods showcase the province’s mix of economic riches and historical disparities. Johannesburg drives much of the provincial and national economy.
City of Tshwane
The City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality is the administrative capital of South Africa and Gauteng’s second largest city after Johannesburg. Here are some key details about Tshwane district:
- Tshwane is the administrative capital of South Africa where the government is headquartered.
- It covers an area of 6,368 square km.
- Population: 3,275,152 (2019)
- Tshwane accounts for 22% of Gauteng’s population.
- It was formed in 2000 after the amalgamation of various areas and municipalities including Pretoria.
- Tshwane is governed by the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality.
- Some major suburbs and townships include Pretoria, Centurion, Soshanguve, Atteridgeville, Mamelodi, Silverton, and Winterveld.
- Key landmarks are the Union Buildings, UNISA, Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Freedom Park, and Pretoria Zoo.
In summary, the City of Tshwane is politically significant as the seat of the South African government and home to foreign embassies. It is an educational hub with universities and technikons. Tshwane also draws tourists to its museums, monuments and sporting attractions.
Ekurhuleni
Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality is East of Johannesburg and forms the manufacturing and transportation hub of Gauteng. Here is an overview of Ekurhuleni district:
- Ekurhuleni means “place of peace” in XiTsonga.
- It covers an area of 1,975 square km.
- Population: 3,379,104 (2019)
- Ekurhuleni accounts for 23% of Gauteng’s population.
- The municipality was formed in 2000, amalgamating 9 towns and cities in the East Rand.
- Major towns and cities include Germiston, Springs, Nigel, Bedfordview, Alberton, Benoni, Boksburg, Brakpan, Kempton Park.
- OR Tambo International Airport, Africa’s busiest airport, is located in Ekurhuleni.
- Manufacturing, logistics, transportation, aviation, and mining industries are concentrated here.
In summary, Ekurhuleni is Gauteng’s major industrial and manufacturing hub. It leverages its transport links to Johannesburg and Pretoria and the presence of OR Tambo airport. Ekurhuleni provides work opportunities that draw in-migration from other provinces.
Sedibeng
Sedibeng District Municipality lies along the southern border of Gauteng. Here are some key facts about it:
- Sedibeng means “fountain” in Sesotho.
- It covers an area of 4,185 square km.
- Population: 957,369 (2019)
- Major towns include Vereeniging and Vanderbijlpark.
- Sedibeng contains the Vaal River and Vaal Dam which provide water to Gauteng’s major cities.
- Industries include steel, chemicals, and food processing centered around the Vaal River.
- Historically, Sedibeng was site of the Sharpeville massacre and other pivotal apartheid-era events.
- Tourist attractions include the Sharpeville precinct, Vaal Dam, Emfuleni Golf Course, and various nature reserves.
In summary, Sedibeng district provides essential water resources to Gauteng through the Vaal River system. It houses critical heavy industries that contribute to the province’s economy. Sedibeng also has historical and nature-based tourism offerings.
West Rand
West Rand District Municipality forms the western part of Gauteng province. Here is an overview:
- West Rand borders the Johannesburg and Sedibeng districts.
- It covers an area of 4,085 square km.
- Population: 834,202 (2019)
- Major towns include Randfontein, Westonaria, Carletonville, and Krugersdorp.
- Historically, it was the site of gold mining and development of gold mines like Robinson Deep.
- Key industries today are mining, manufacturing, explosives, chemicals, and tourism.
- Tourist sites include the Cradle of Humankind with its fossil sites, Sterkfontein Caves, Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve, Hartbeespoort Dam, and Maropeng Visitor Centre.
In summary, West Rand has been shaped by its historical significance in gold mining. It continues to depend on mining and related sectors. West Rand’s natural areas and fossil sites also make it an important tourism destination in Gauteng.
Comparative Data on Gauteng’s Districts
This table summarizes key data across the 5 districts of Gauteng to allow easy comparison:
| District | Population (2019) | Area (km2) | % of Gauteng Population | Major Towns/Cities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City of Johannesburg | 4,949,347 | 1,645 | 34% | Johannesburg, Soweto, Sandton |
| City of Tshwane | 3,275,152 | 6,368 | 22% | Pretoria, Centurion |
| Ekurhuleni | 3,379,104 | 1,975 | 23% | Germiston, Kempton Park, Boksburg |
| Sedibeng | 957,369 | 4,185 | 7% | Vereeniging, Vanderbijlpark |
| West Rand | 834,202 | 4,085 | 6% | Randfontein, Westonaria, Krugersdorp |
This table shows the relative populations, areas, and major cities and towns in each of Gauteng’s districts. Although Johannesburg and Tshwane have the largest urban populations, Ekurhuleni also stands out for its significant share of Gauteng’s population. Sedibeng and West Rand are more rural and sparsely populated districts.
Geographic Location of the Districts Within Gauteng
This map shows the geographical location and boundaries of the 5 districts within the Gauteng province:
The City of Johannesburg metropolitan municipality forms the heart of Gauteng province. City of Tshwane municipality lies directly north of Johannesburg. Ekurhuleni is east of Johannesburg and Tshwane, while Sedibeng borders the southern edge of Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni. Finally, West Rand municipality forms the western border of Gauteng province.
District Economies and Contributions to Gauteng
Although all districts contribute to Gauteng’s position as South Africa’s economic powerhouse, some districts play a larger role than others based on their dominant industries and economic output:
- Johannesburg – As the largest city and provincial capital, Johannesburg contributes significantly to finance, services, manufacturing and tourism sectors.
- Tshwane – Government, foreign affairs, education, and car manufacturing are major economic drivers.
- Ekurhuleni – OR Tambo Airport and manufacturing (steel, engineering, chemicals, textiles) are major contributors.
- Sedibeng – Steel manufacturing and petrochemicals are important industries situated along the Vaal River.
- West Rand – Mining and agricultural processing are still vital to the economy despite decline of gold mining.
However, Gauteng has a closely interdependent economy. There is economic cooperation across district borders. Many people commute daily between metros for work. The districts therefore should not be viewed as isolated economies.
Transportation Connectivity Between Districts
Gauteng’s districts are linked by an extensive transportation network that allows ease of mobility for commuters:
- A network of highways and freeways like the N1, N3, N12, and N14 connect the province’s major metros of Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Ekurhuleni.
- The highways also continue beyond Gauteng to link it to other provinces and neighboring countries.
- OR Tambo International Airport serves as Gauteng’s major airport hub, providing domestic and international air linkages.
- Lanseria International Airport provides alternative airport access towards the west of Gauteng.
- Metrorail operates commuter rail services linking towns and cities across districts.
- A Gautrain high-speed rail system also connects Johannesburg, Pretoria, and OR Tambo airport.
- Metrobus, Rea Vaya and other bus services enable movement within and between the major metros.
The connectivity enables economic integration and growth across the Gauteng City Region. Workers are able to access opportunities in different metro areas.
Conclusion
Gauteng province is divided into 5 metropolitan municipalities or districts – Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, Sedibeng and West Rand. The City of Johannesburg is the bustling financial and commercial hub. Tshwane is the administrative capital with government functions. Ekurhuleni serves as the province’s industrial center. Sedibeng and West Rand have traditionally depended on heavy industries, mining and agriculture but also have tourism offerings. The districts have close economic ties and transport links that enable high mobility and integrated development across Gauteng.