About South Africa

Did you know that Gauteng is South Africa's exhibition capital?

What's more, the province was chosen over all others to host the world's largest and most prestigious convention ever, the World Summit on Sustainable Development. With all it has to offer, it's small wonder Gauteng is a magnet for conference and exhibition delegates.

Gauteng's status as Africa's business hub is, undoubtedly, one of the major reasons for its popularity amongst delegates. Johannesburg, in particular, has established itself as a world centre, proudly playing home to such important industries as insurance, banking, information and communications technologies, automotives and, of course, mining. Even players in the burgeoning film industry have flocked to South Africa's golden province, eager to avail themselves of the convenience of doing business in modern African cities. Moreover, many multinationals and industry associations have elected to make Gauteng their home base.

These organisations are drawn by a number of factors, key of which is Gauteng's accessibility. The province is serviced by a number of airports (OR Tambo - Johannesburg International, Lanseria, Rand, Grand Central and Wonderboom). These, in turn, are attended by a number of domestic and international airlines, several providing direct flights from other African countries as well as Europe and the United States. Added to this is the province's excellent road and rail network, which ensures ease of travel around and through cities and suburbs.

This sophisticated infrastructure sets the pace for South Africa's most vibrant province. Gauteng may be the country's business gateway, but if Gautengers work hard, they also play hard. Visitors can therefore expect a wide variety of amusements, from outstanding restaurants catering to global tastes to interesting museums, art galleries and theatres. Malls are, of course, another huge attraction: Gauteng boasts some of the country's largest shopping centres, boasting a wonderful array of emporia. From designer labels to home grown fare, there's little you can't buy at retail meccas like Sandton City, Eastgate, Cresta, The Zone, Westgate and Hyde Park Corner.

All this sophistication doesn't detract from Gauteng's natural sense of African jubilation. Ask any out-oftowner what they like most about the province, and they'll answer, "Its energy". You can sense it on the streets, at the sidewalk cafes' in fact, anywhere you go.

Equally irrepressible is the province's charm. Again, this is largely due to its African optimism - or perhaps it stems from the often surprising mix of First and Third World cultures, like the herbs and elixirs of sangomas (traditional healers) sold just outside Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. This charm is expressed by all Gautengers - they're said to be amongst South Africa's friendliest people.

It also helps that they're efficient, creative, hard working and driven (just like the province itself), making them the perfect accomplices to host any conference.

But then, what would you expect from a province that built its reputation as South Africa's economic engine? Find more Accommodation in Gauteng