Johannesburg is a city with a rich history. 

The colony was born in 1886 when prospectors found gold in the area now known as the Witwatersrand. After the news spread, many people flocked to the area in search of fortune and new opportunities.

The town was named after two South African civil servants: Johannes Meyer and Johannes Rissik.

Characteristics of the town

Founded in 1886, Johannesburg has evolved into a world-class metropolis, serving as Gauteng's provincial capital and South Africa's financial center. 

The city is home to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE Limited), which is not only the largest stock exchange on the African continent, but also the sixteenth largest in the world. Contributing 16.5 % to national wealth, Johannesburg employs 12 % of the country's workforce.

More than 70 % of South African companies are based here. 

With a population of 3.2 million, Johannesburg is distinguished by the youthfulness of its residents: 42 % of the population is under 24 years old, and 49 % is under 34.

Its infrastructure, whether in finance, municipal services, roads or telecommunications, rivals that of the world's major metropolises. 

Johannesburg also has two power plants in operation, ensuring a stable energy supply for its residents and businesses.

History

The gold rush attracted prospectors from all over the world to the Witwatersrand, precipitating the Anglo-Boer War or South African War of 1899-1902.

After the war, a new wave of migrants arrived in Johannesburg. Some 60,000 Chinese workers were imported to revive the mines, also attracting European migrants to the city.

The first forced displacements took place in 1904, giving rise to the city's and the country's largest township, Soweto.

During this period, a certain migrant lawyer by the name of Mahatma Gandhi, of Indian origin, faced discrimination because of his skin color. He fought for equal treatment of Indian and Chinese residents and was imprisoned in Old Fort Prison in Hillbrow, the city's first jail, for fighting for the rights of his fellow countrymen. Decades later, Nelson Mandela was imprisoned in the same jail, but for reasons related to his fight against apartheid.

Apartheid period

During the apartheid era, Johannesburg was marked by strict racial segregation. Neighborhoods were divided along racial lines, and restrictive laws limited the movement and rights of non-whites. Soweto, a vast township southwest of Johannesburg, became a symbol of resistance against apartheid. It was here that numerous demonstrations and uprisings, including the 1976 Soweto riots, took place.

*The Soweto riots of June 16, 1976 saw thousands of students march peacefully to protest against the compulsory use of Afrikaans and English as languages of instruction in schools. Faced with tear gas and live ammunition from heavily armed police, the demonstration turned into a widespread revolt that began in Soweto and spread across the country, continuing into the following year.

The End of Apartheid

With the end of apartheid in 1994, Johannesburg entered a period of transformation and rebirth. The city worked to dismantle the structures of apartheid and promote reconciliation and equality.

Rapid development and industrialization

Thanks to its rich gold deposits, Johannesburg has undergone rapid development. Infrastructure such as roads, railroads and commercial buildings were built to support the flourishing mining industry. The city became a magnet for migrant workers, leading to rapid urbanization and population diversification.

Johannesburg Today

Today, Johannesburg is a cosmopolitan metropolis, home to millions of people and serving as Africa's financial and commercial center. The city continues to grow, attracting investment and talent from all over the world. It is known for its skyscrapers, art galleries, bustling markets and historic landmarks, such as the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill.