The Vibrant Heart of Johannesburg: Sandton

• HelloHallo
  [HAH-loh]
• GoodbyeTotsiens
  [TOHT-see-uhns]
• YesJa
  [Yah]
• NoNee
  [NAY]
• Please/You're welcomeAsseblief
  [UH-suh-bleef]
• Thank youDankie
  [DAHN-kee]
• Excuse me/SorryVerskoon my
  [FUHR-skoon may]
• How are you?Hoe gaan dit met jou?
  [WHOH kahn deet met yoh]
• Fine. And you?Goed. En jy?
  [GUT. En yay]
• Do you speak English?Praat jy Engels?
  [praht yay ENG-uhls]
• I don't understandEk verstaan nie
  [eck fuh-STAHN nee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseEk wil asseblief die spyskaart sien
  [eck vill UH-suh-bleef dee speis-kahrt seen]
• I don't eat meatEk eet nie vleis nie
  [eck ayt nee flays nee]
• Cheers!Gesondheid!
  [guh-SUNT-hate]
• I would like to pay, pleaseEk wil asseblief betaal
  [eck vill UH-suh-bleef buh-tahl]

• Help!Help!
  [help]
• Go away!Gaan weg!
  [gahn vekh]
• Call the Police!Roep die Polisie!
  [roop dee poh-lee-see]
• Call a doctor!Roep 'n dokter!
  [roop un dohk-tuhr]
• I'm lostEk is verlore
  [eck is fuh-ROH-ruh]
• I'm illEk is siek
  [eck is seek]

• I'd like to buy...Ek wil koop...
  [eck vill kohp]
• I'm just lookingEk kyk net
  [eck kayk neht]
• How much is it?Hoeveel kos dit?
  [HU-vayl kohs deet]
• That's too expensiveDit is te duur
  [deet is tay doo-ur]
• Can you lower the price?Kan jy die prys verlaag?
  [kahn yay dee preis fuh-rahg]

• What time is it?Hoe laat is dit?
  [WHOH laht is deet]
• It's one o'clockDit is een uur
  [deet is ayn oor]
• Half past (10)Half tien
  [hahlf teen]
• MorningOggend
  [OH-khent]
• AfternoonMiddag
  [mi-daakh]
• EveningAand
  [ahnt]
• YesterdayGister
  [GIH-stuhr]
• TodayVandag
  [fuhn-DAHG]
• TomorrowMôre
  [moh-ruh]
• 1Een
  [ayn]
• 2Twee
  [tway]
• 3Drie
  [dree]
• 4Vier
  [feer]
• 5Vyf
  [vayf]
• 6Ses
  [says]
• 7Sewe
  [seh-vuh]
• 8Agt
  [ahgt]
• 9Nege
  [nee-juh]
• 10Tien
  [teen]

• Where's a/the...?Waar is 'n/die...?
  [vahr is un/dee]
• What's the address?Wat is die adres?
  [vaht is dee ah-drehs]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kan jy my wys (op die kaart)?
  [kahn yay may vays (ohp dee kahrt)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wanneer is die volgende (bus)?
  [vuh-NEHR is dee fuhl-GUHN-duh (buhs)]
• A ticket (to ....)'n Kaartjie (na ....)
  [un kahrt-chee (nah)]

Sandton's roots can be traced back to the mid-19th century, when it was primarily a farming area. The name 'Sandton' is derived from the 'sand' in the soil and 'ton' meaning town. During this period, it was known for its agricultural activities, particularly the farming of corn and wheat, as well as cattle ranching.

In the late 20th century, particularly during the 1970s and 1980s, Sandton began to transform into a major commercial and financial center. The establishment of the Sandton City shopping complex in 1973 marked a significant turning point, attracting both local and international businesses and signaling the area's emergence as the 'richest square mile in Africa.'

During the early 1990s, as South Africa transitioned from apartheid to a democratic society, Sandton became a focal point for political and economic discussions. The Sandton Convention Centre hosted numerous important events, including negotiations leading up to the first democratic elections in 1994, making it a symbol of the new South Africa.

Sandton's diverse population has contributed to a rich cultural tapestry. The area is home to various cultural institutions, including the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and numerous art galleries. Events such as the annual Sandton Festival showcase the area's vibrant arts scene and community spirit, reflecting the broader Johannesburg ethos of resilience and creativity.

Today, Sandton continues to evolve with the construction of high-rise buildings, luxury hotels, and an expanding network of transport infrastructure, including the Gautrain. This rapid urbanization has made Sandton one of the most sought-after locations in Johannesburg, both for businesses and residential purposes, while also presenting challenges such as traffic congestion and urban sprawl.

Sandton is easily accessible from various neighborhoods in Johannesburg. From the city center, you can take the Gautrain, a rapid transit system that connects you to Sandton Station in about 15 minutes. Alternatively, taxis and rideshare services like Uber are widely available. If you are coming from OR Tambo International Airport, the Gautrain offers a direct route to Sandton, taking approximately 30 minutes.

Sandton is well-connected and pedestrian-friendly, particularly around the Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square areas. The Gautrain operates between Sandton and other key areas. Buses and minibus taxis are available, but for convenience and safety, using taxis or rideshare services is recommended. Bicycles can be rented from various local services, and there are designated cycling paths in some areas.

Sandton is considered one of the safer neighborhoods in Johannesburg, but vigilance is still necessary. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in less populated areas. High-crime areas in Johannesburg include certain parts of Hillbrow and Alexandra; exercise caution when traveling to these neighborhoods. Always keep valuables close and avoid displaying them in public.

In case of emergency, dial 10111 for police assistance and 10177 for ambulance services. It's advisable to carry a local SIM card for easy communication. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. In Sandton, hospitals and clinics are readily available for urgent care.

Fashion: Do dress smartly, as Sandton is a business hub. Casual yet neat attire is acceptable for most places. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting religious sites. Public Transport: Do use Gautrain and taxis; don't rely on buses if you’re unfamiliar with the area. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly smile; don’t forget to say 'hello' or 'how are you?' Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes at restaurants; don’t drink tap water unless it's been purified.

To experience Sandton like a local, visit the Sandton Market on Main, which offers a variety of local crafts and food. Engage with friendly vendors and try traditional South African foods. For a unique experience, check out the nearby Delta Park for a relaxing afternoon. Keep an eye out for local art and cultural events that often occur in the area.