Gauteng
- Population: Approximately 15.8 million (2022 Mid-Year Estimates), making it the most populated province in South Africa.
- Municipality: Gauteng is home to three metropolitan municipalities:
- City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality
- City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality (includes Pretoria)
- City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality
- It also has two district municipalities (Sedibeng and West Rand), which are further subdivided into local municipalities.
- Province: Gauteng
- Area code: Varies by region within the province, but some key codes include 010 (Johannesburg), 011 (Johannesburg), 012 (Pretoria), and 016 (Vaal Triangle).
- Established: April 27, 1994 (initially as Pretoria–Witwatersrand–Vereeniging or PWV, renamed Gauteng on June 28, 1995)
- GDP: ZAR 2.2 trillion (approximately US$135 billion) in 2022, making it the single largest contributor to South Africa's GDP, accounting for 33% of the national GDP.
History
The name "Gauteng" comes from the Sotho-Tswana word "gauta," meaning "gold," reflecting its origins. While human activity dates back millions of years (Cradle of Humankind fossils), recorded history starts in the early 1800s with settlers. The 1886 gold discovery on the Witwatersrand sparked a rush and Johannesburg’s rise, while Pretoria, founded in 1855, became the South African Republic’s capital. Gauteng was central to the anti-apartheid movement, hosting events like the 1955 Freedom Charter, the 1956 Women's March, and the 1976 Soweto uprising. Formed after the 1994 multiracial elections from part of Transvaal, it is now South Africa’s economic and cultural hub.
Education
Gauteng is a leading centre for higher education in South Africa, attracting students from across the continent and beyond. The province boasts several world-class universities and institutions:
- University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University)
- University of Pretoria (UP)
- University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
- University of South Africa (UNISA)
- Vaal University of Technology (VUT)
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)
In addition to these universities, Gauteng has numerous TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) colleges and a vast network of public and private schools.
Law and Government
As the economic and administrative heart of South Africa, Gauteng plays a crucial role in the country's governance and legal system.
- Provincial Government: The Gauteng Provincial Government is led by a Premier, elected by the Gauteng Provincial Legislature. The legislature is a unicameral body with 80 members (as of 2024 elections) elected through proportional representation, located in Johannesburg City Hall. The Premier appoints an Executive Council (cabinet) responsible for various provincial departments.
- National Government Presence: Pretoria, within Gauteng, is the administrative capital of South Africa, housing the Union Buildings (the seat of the President) and numerous government departments.
- Judiciary: While South Africa has a single national court system, Gauteng is home to major divisions of the High Court. The Gauteng Division of the High Court of South Africa has seats in both Pretoria and Johannesburg. The province also has numerous magistrates' courts and regional courts.
