MyJHB

Stuff from Johannesburg

Are the days of short-haul flights in Europe numbered?

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa in the news:

  1. Are the days of short-haul flights in Europe numbered?: After France made aid to the national airline contingent on cutting some domestic links, could trains replace planes elsewhere? – “Johannesburg” – BingNews
  2. Protesters at Pretoria embassy demand accountability for Mozambique corruption: On Monday, a small group of civil society anti-corruption activists, mostly from Mozambique, held a picket outside the Mozambican High Commission in Pretoria. The picket included several activists … – “Johannesburg” – BingNews
  3. GGA’s Alain Tschudin: Providing context on SA’s major flashpoints – history helps with solutions to crumbling municipalities, EWC: It’s a lofty goal. But since opening its first centre in Johannesburg in 2012, the independent non profit has made huge strides. This year it opened its fourth office, in Harare, with the others in … – “Johannesburg” – BingNews
  4. Sunday Politics: Comrade Unity is missing in action: As the ANC prepares for what is bound to be a turbulent week because of its step-aside resolution, questions about the unity of the organisation are being asked. ANC officials, from party president … – “Johannesburg” – BingNews
  5. KZN Premier assigns four MECs to assist divided Zulu monarchy to prepare for Queen Mantfombi’s funeral: KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala has assigned four of his MECs to assist the troubled and divided Zulu monarchy to prepare for the funeral of the late Queen Regent Mantfombi Dlamini-Zulu. #Zulu #QueenMantfo … – “Johannesburg” – BingNews

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Have you tried: Visiting Port Elizabeth?

Did you know this about Johannesburg? City Deep is the world’s largest dry port: Johannesburg the world’s largest city that isn’t located near a coastline or navigable river. City Deep was developed 1977 by South African Railways to accommodate 50% of the city’s cargo (which comes from ports in Cape Town and Durban).

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The Socio-Political Crucible of Soweto

You cannot understand Johannesburg without understanding Soweto (an acronym for South Western Townships). Originally established as a “labor dormitory” to house black miners away from the white city center, Soweto grew into a sprawling metropolis of over 1.3 million people and became the epicenter of the struggle against Apartheid.

The township is home to Vilakazi Street, the only street in the world to have been home to two Nobel Peace Prize winners: Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. It was also the site of the 1976 Soweto Uprising, when thousands of students protested against the forced use of Afrikaans in schools. The police response and the subsequent death of 13-year-old Hector Pieterson catalyzed international condemnation of the Apartheid regime. Today, Soweto is a vibrant cultural hub, blending historical landmarks like the Orlando Towers (now used for bungee jumping) with a booming tourism industry and a sophisticated middle class. It represents the city’s resilience—a place born from segregation that transformed into a symbol of liberation and modern South African identity.