Johannesburg, Jo'burg, Jozie is the economic capital of South Africa. It is 2 hours by air from Cape Town and was built on the gold fields, evident by the mine dumps that dot the landscape. It is a vibrant place. There is always something happening and if you like to shop Jo'burg is the place to be. It is a consumer paradise!
The difference between the haves and the have nots is obvious. On almost every street corner there are people trying to sell you their wares or begging for money. A place where squatter camps / shanty towns look out to the high rises on the skyline and the middle and upper classes protect themselves behind high walls, window bars, electrified fencing and wall spikes. (Security is a perceived essential rather than choice.)
A squatter camp (it is worth clicking on this picture to see it in more detail)
Shacks on the fringes of a squatter camp and motorway.
Selling wares at the robots.
I think this image above tells so much. When I was a child the socio-economic divide was almost always drawn along racial lines. Now it is not. You will find people of all races begging at the robots (aka traffic lights!)
I must also mention that I have seen more Porche and Mercedes in a day than I normally see in six months but then maybe I have been to the more affluent parts of town....
There are also interesting signs that you won't normally see while travelling.
Not sure who Jack is? Oh Hijack!!!
You should be warned that driving here is a bit like flying. Not only is the speed out in the jet stream but you must also arm all doors and stowe your hand luggage under the seat...
The greatest thing about Jo'burg and all of South Africa for that matter is this.. it makes no difference what your background is, there is always someone here with a cheerful smile to brighten your day!
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