Johannesburg: The Golden City of South Africa

• HelloHallo
  [ha-lo]
• GoodbyeTotsiens
  [toht-see-ens]
• YesJa
  [yah]
• NoNee
  [nee]
• Please/You're welcomeAsseblief
  [us-se-blief]
• Thank youDankie
  [dahn-key]
• Excuse me/SorryJammer
  [yahm-mer]
• How are you?Hoe gaan dit met jou?
  [hu gahn dit met yoy]
• Fine. And you?Goed. En jy?
  [khoot. en yey]
• Do you speak English?Praat jy Engels?
  [praht yey eng-els]
• I don't understandEk verstaan nie
  [ayk fer-stahn nee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseEk wil asseblief die spyskaart sien
  [ayk vil us-se-blief dee spays-kahrt seen]
• I don't eat meatEk eet nie vleis nie
  [ayk ayt nee flays nee]
• Cheers!Gesondheid!
  [guh-sund-hayt]
• I would like to pay, pleaseEk wil asseblief betaal
  [ayk vil us-se-blief buh-tahl]

• Help!Hulp!
  [huhlp]
• Go away!Gaan weg!
  [gahn vehk]
• Call the Police!Bel die Polisie!
  [bel dee poh-lee-see]
• Call a doctor!Bel 'n dokter!
  [bel un dohk-tuhr]
• I'm lostEk is verlore
  [ayk is fer-loh-ruh]
• I'm illEk is siek
  [ayk is seek]

• I'd like to buy...Ek wil ... koop
  [ayk vil ... kohp]
• I'm just lookingEk kyk net
  [ayk kayk neht]
• How much is it?Hoeveel kos dit?
  [hu-veel kohs dit]
• That's too expensiveDit is te duur
  [deet is teh dyoor]
• Can you lower the price?Kan jy die prys verlaag?
  [kahn yey dee prayss fur-lahkh]

• What time is it?Hoe laat is dit?
  [hu laht is dit]
• It's one o'clockDit is een uur
  [deet is ayn oor]
• Half past (10)Half tien
  [half teeyn]
• MorningOggend
  [oh-ghent]
• AfternoonMiddag
  [mit-ahk]
• EveningAand
  [ahnt]
• YesterdayGister
  [gih-stuhr]
• TodayVandag
  [fuhn-dahk]
• TomorrowMôre
  [moh-ruh]
• 1Een
  [ayn]
• 2Twee
  [twee]
• 3Drie
  [dree]
• 4Vier
  [feer]
• 5Vyf
  [fayf]
• 6Ses
  [sehs]
• 7Sewe
  [seh-weh]
• 8Agt
  [ahg-t]
• 9Nege
  [neh-ghuh]
• 10Tien
  [teeyn]

• Where's a/the...?Waar is 'n/die...?
  [vahr is un/dee]
• What's the address?Wat is die adres?
  [vaht is dee ahd-rehs]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kan jy my wys (op die kaart)?
  [kahn yey may vays (ohp dee kahrt)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wanneer is die volgende (bus)?
  [vah-nehr is dee fuhl-guhn-duh bus]
• A ticket (to ....)'n Kaartjie (na ....)
  [un kahrt-kee-uh (nah)]

Johannesburg was founded in 1886 following the discovery of gold on the Witwatersrand. The city rapidly transformed from a small settlement to a bustling metropolis, attracting fortune seekers from around the world.

The gold rush era brought immense wealth and rapid industrialization to Johannesburg. This period saw the establishment of major mining companies and the construction of infrastructure that would shape the city's growth. By 1896, Johannesburg was the largest city in South Africa.

From 1899 to 1902, the Anglo-Boer War had significant impacts on Johannesburg. The British sought control over the lucrative gold mines, leading to intense conflict with the Boer Republics. The war ended with the Treaty of Vereeniging, and the British took control of Johannesburg.

The apartheid era, spanning from 1948 to 1994, was a period of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination in South Africa. Johannesburg was a focal point of apartheid policies, with areas like Soweto becoming symbolic of the struggle against racial oppression.

On June 16, 1976, the Soweto Uprising marked a pivotal moment in the anti-apartheid movement. Thousands of students protested against the enforcement of Afrikaans as the medium of instruction in schools. The brutal police response resulted in international condemnation and intensified resistance to apartheid.

Nelson Mandela was released from Victor Verster Prison on February 11, 1990, after 27 years of imprisonment. His release marked the beginning of the end for apartheid and set the stage for South Africa's transition to a democratic society. Johannesburg played a significant role in the subsequent political and social changes.

Following the end of apartheid in 1994, Johannesburg underwent significant transformations. The city became a symbol of South Africa's rebirth, with efforts to address historical inequalities and promote economic development. Johannesburg today is a vibrant, multicultural city with a rich blend of traditions and modernity.

Johannesburg is recognized as one of the largest economic hubs in Africa. The city is home to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) and numerous multinational corporations. It continues to be a center for commerce, finance, and industry, driving the economic growth of South Africa and the continent.

Johannesburg is a cultural melting pot, reflecting a diverse population with a rich tapestry of languages, traditions, and cuisines. The city's various neighborhoods, such as Maboneng Precinct and Melville, offer a glimpse into its vibrant arts scene, eclectic markets, and dynamic nightlife.

Johannesburg boasts numerous landmarks and heritage sites that reflect its historical and cultural significance. Attractions such as the Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill, and Gold Reef City provide visitors with insights into the city's past and its journey towards transformation.

Johannesburg is served by O.R. Tambo International Airport, one of the largest and busiest airports in Africa. It is located about 20 kilometers east of the city center. Direct flights from major cities around the world are available. Alternatively, you can arrive via Johannesburg's Lanseria International Airport, which is smaller but also serves domestic and some regional flights. From the airports, you can take a taxi, shuttle service, or rent a car to reach your destination within the city.

Johannesburg has a variety of transportation options. The Gautrain is a modern rapid rail system connecting the airport, Sandton, and Pretoria. Public buses, including the Rea Vaya BRT system, are available but may not cover all tourist spots. Minibus taxis are a common mode of transport but can be confusing for newcomers. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt are widely used and considered safe. Renting a car is also an option, but be prepared for heavy traffic and be cautious of carjacking hotspots.

The official currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful, but it is advisable to use those located in secure areas such as malls or hotels. Carry some cash for smaller purchases or in areas where card facilities may not be available.

Safety is a significant concern in Johannesburg. Areas like Hillbrow, Berea, and Yeoville have high crime rates and should be avoided, especially after dark. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur in crowded areas. Always be aware of your surroundings, avoid displaying valuables, and use reputable transportation services. Stay in well-known areas such as Sandton, Rosebank, and Melrose Arch, which have better security.

In case of an emergency, dial 10111 for police assistance or 10177 for medical emergencies. Private hospitals like Netcare and Life Healthcare offer high-quality medical services. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Keep a list of emergency contacts and the address of your country's embassy or consulate in Johannesburg.

Fashion: Do dress conservatively and avoid flashy jewelry. Casual wear is generally acceptable but dress up for fine dining or business meetings. Religion: Do be respectful of all religious practices. Some areas have conservative communities, so dress modestly. Public Transport: Do be cautious when using public transport. Don't use minibus taxis if you are unfamiliar with the routes. Greetings: Do greet with a handshake and maintain eye contact. Don't use someone's first name unless invited to do so. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies like biltong and braai. Don't drink tap water; opt for bottled water instead.

To experience Johannesburg like a local, visit the Maboneng Precinct for its vibrant arts scene and street food. Explore the Neighbourgoods Market in Braamfontein on weekends for local crafts and gourmet food. Engage with locals in safe, public settings to learn about the city's culture and history. For a unique experience, take a guided tour of Soweto to see landmarks like Nelson Mandela's former home and the Hector Pieterson Memorial.