People who have never been to the province have misconceptions and concerns about Gauteng being unsafe, unfriendly and ‘just for business’. Dawn Robertson, CEO of Gauteng Tourism, explains why these are nothing more than myths.

Myth 1. Gauteng has no nature or wildlife

Less that 120km from the centre of Johannesburg is the Dinokeng Game Reserve, the only free roaming Big 5 Game Reserve in the province. This reserve near Hamanskraal is a collection of privately owned lodges and features a recently opened self-drive route. Askari Lodge also has the Big 5, but the elephants are habituated and the lions are in an enclosure where they are fed. But of course there are numerous other small reserves which are excellent such as Roodeplaat, Rietvlei, Groenkloof, Abe Bailey. Then there are small reserves like Kloofendal and Melville Koppies and botanical gardens in Johannesburg, Roodepoort and Pretoria. Tourists can also see many species of birds when birding in Pretoria.

Myth 2. Gauteng is unwelcoming to foreign nationals

If you walk through Johannesburg with a smile on your face, you may easily meet a car guard from the Democratic Republic of Congo or Nigeria, a restaurateur from Portugal or India and a professional from Zimbabwe or the UK.  There are Chinese communities in Cyrildene, Jewish communities in Yeoville and Ethiopian Communities in central Johannesburg.  These people may be the first, second or third generation from other parts of the world, and they contribute to making Gauteng more cosmopolitan and international and are welcomed by the vast majority of locals. Whether visitors or residents, they love Gauteng because of the province’s vast positive energy.

Myth 3. Gauteng is all work and no play

Gautengers work hard and play hard, so if you meet them in the work place you may think they are tough, uncompromising and very serious. But when you meet them outside of working hours they are hospitable, friendly and genuinely interested in people from other parts of the world. There is a growing body of residents in Gauteng who take great pride in the fabulous shops, restaurants, clubs, sports venues, shows, exhibitions and events that the city hosts and they are always willing to show friends and relatives a good time in Africa’s greatest urban centre.

Myth 4. Gauteng is expensive

Although there are certainly elite shops in parts of Johannesburg, there is also an excellent diversity of reasonably priced and high quality goods for discerning shoppers with limited funds.  Shopping tourism is on the rise as a niche market and Gauteng is the African destination of choice for people who want to have a huge range of goods for commercial resale or personal consumption.

Myth 5. Gauteng is grimy 

You can find grime in every city in the world if that’s what you are after, but Jo’burg in particular has created some inner city spaces that are remarkable models for inner city regeneration and rejuvenation. The Maboneng Precinct in downtown Jo’burg is an example, with art galleries, shops, restaurants and even a unique cinema. The Braamfontein Precinct where the Neighbourgoods Market is held every Saturday is another example. Areas like Parkview, Parkhurst and Rosebank continue to be clean, attractive and vibey. Rosebank is also accessible via the Gautrain, which also goes to Sandton, another highly sought after shopping and entertainment area.

Myth 6. Gauteng townships are unsafe

The area around Vilikazi Street in Soweto is entertaining, attractive and really vibey. There are historical sites such as Mandela House and Hector Pieterson Memorial and an increasing number of very professional and attractive restaurants, and despite the flow of entertaining musicians, dancers, singers and performers, the area has a very safe and friendly feel. From there, you can explore Soweto on a bicycle tour, or bungee jump from the colourful Orlando Towers with absolute peace of mind. Other similar hives of entertainment and hospitality are springing up in Alexandra, Tembisa and Mamelodi. Security is low key, but these precincts are kept absolutely safe because the community of local tourism operators, guides and entrepreneurs believe in looking after their visitors in the best way they can.

Myth 7. Gauteng is not a leisure destination

When you explore Gauteng properly you will be shocked at the variety of leisure options which exist in the province, such as the City Sightseeing Bus which makes a circuit and takes in about a dozen of Jo’burg’s hot-spots and places of interest like Constitution Hill, the Apartheid Museum and Gold Reef City. It also links up with the Gautrain at Park Station. A short train trip could get you to Pretoria which has the Freedom Park, the Ditsong Museum, the Union Buildings and a host of attractive historical sites. Nearby to this city is the village of Cullinan where the world’s largest diamond was once found, as well as Roodeplaat Dam and the Dinokeng area.  One should not forget about the many venues on the Vaal River, the Magaliesberg Mountains or the significant Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. The best way to start to understand this remarkable 53 000Ha site is to visit the Interpretation Centre Complex which consists of the Maropeng and the world famous Sterkfontein Caves.