DESTINATION REVIEW: Johannesburg
The bustling city of Johannesburg, which is also known as Jozi, Joberg and eGoli is the largest city in South Africa. Although the city is the seat of the Constitutional Court, it is not one of the country’s three capitals, a common mistake made. Known as the City of Gold, Johannesburg was quite literally built on gold, and saw a gold rush in 1886 that led to the establishment of Johannesburg, South Africa. It was part of the Mineral Revolution. Johannesburg today is still the source of large scale gold and diamond mining. Johannesburg is the gateway to the rest of Africa, served by O.R. Tambo International Airport, and is the largest and busiest airport in Africa.
HOTEL REVIEW: Sandton Towers – Sandton
The Sandton Towers is conveniently located in the city’s most exclusive business and residential districts, Sandton. It is connected to the Convention Centre by a sky bridge as well as Sandton City Shopping Centre. The hotel is just a few minutes from Johannesburg’s local attractions including the Apartheid Museum, the Hector Pietersen Museum and The Cradle of Humankind is well worth the short drive to visit. Mainly used for business travellers, the ease of access to shopping and attractions also attracts the leisure market.
ATTRACTION REVIEW: Soweto City Tour
Beginning with a drive through Soweto to Vilakazi street and the home to 2 Nobel Peace Prize winners, Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. Next stop was Wandi’s Shabeen, a local bar and restaurant to fill the stomach before heading to a shanty township. With a bag of excitement including lollipops, stickers, shiny beaded necklaces and bubble blowers we came prepared to share some sunshine with the children at the local kindergarden. Seeing the group arrive, children of all ages came running to claim their treasures. We were surrounded by a sea of smiles, giggling and laughter filled the air with the occasionally shrill scream of excitement. In appreciation the children began singing and were excited to offer photo opportunities with plenty as cuddles and smiles. The interaction with the cameras and seeing their own photos was quite the humbling experience.