Situated in the Highveld, Gauteng is the smallest province in South Africa, accounting for only 1.5% of the land area. Nevertheless, it is highly urbanised, containing the country’s largest city, Johannesburg, its administrative capital, Pretoria, and other large areas such as Midrand and Vanderbijlpark. As of 2019, Gauteng is the most populous province in South Africa with a population of approximately 15 million people according to estimates.

Gauteng was formed from part of the old Transvaal Province after South Africa’s first multiracial elections on 27 April 1994. It was initially named Pretoria–Witwatersrand–Vereeniging (PWV) and was renamed “Gauteng” in December 1994.

At the Sterkfontein caves, some of the oldest fossils of hominids have been discovered, such as Mrs. Ples and Little Foot.

The city of Pretoria was founded in 1855 as capital of the South African Republic (ZAR – Dutch: Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek). After the discovery of gold in 1886, the region became the single largest gold producer in the world and the city of Johannesburg was founded.  The older city Pretoria was not subject to the same attention and development. Pretoria grew at a slower rate and was highly regarded due to its role in the Second Boer War. The Cullinan Diamond which is the largest diamond ever mined was mined near Pretoria in a nearby town called Cullinan in the year 1905.

Many crucial events happened in present-day Gauteng with regards to the anti-apartheid struggle, such as the Sharpeville massacre of 1960, the Rivonia Trial in 1963 and 1964 and the Soweto Uprising of 1976. Today, the Apartheid Museum stands testament to these struggles in Johannesburg

The Gauteng climate is mostly consistent, with Pretoria typically two degrees warmer than Johannesburg. Gauteng does offer the perfect climate conditions with summer being warm and wind free, and winters although chilly and very cold at night, have clear skies during the day.

The mild climate in Johannesburg is never humid and is never uncomfortably hot either. Summer months average a minimum temperature of 17 degrees and a maximum of approximately 28. Only mid winter, the months of July and August, have the coldest weather. Winter days have been known to reach temperatures of 25 degrees but generally the winter months averages a low of 5 degrees and a maximum of 19 degrees. Pretoria experiences the same weather conditions as Johannesburg, but is the known rainfall region. Both Johannesburg and Pretoria experience summer thunderstorms in the late afternoon. These thunderstorms are accompanied by thunder and lightning, but are very brief. Hail is usually experienced during these thundershowers and snow is almost never found within this area. Summer in this region runs from October to March.

Due to the favorable Gauteng climate, many world class golf courses are located in this area, as the clear wind free skies guarantees a perfect round of golf. Gentle breezes over the landscape make adventures such a hot air balloon tour over Magaliesburg Mountains and relating area possible. Summer days spent touring the historical monuments, picnics in park and a day at Hartebeespoort Dam, are all possible because of the perfect weather. Late night festivities, a quiet glass of wine on a balcony or an evening spent barbequing (We South Africans Call it Braaing) outside with friends, are all activities that are enjoyed under starlit skies. Live concerts and markets all enjoy the warm climate provided by the Gauteng area.

Any adventurous holiday in the cities or on one of the game reserves in the surrounding areas, will be enhanced by the moderate climate. To plan a get away with guaranteed good weather is always a joy, and insures that you always know what to pack, according to the season. So remember to pack your sunscreen, hat and a jacket, and get underway to enjoying a spectacular tour of the Gauteng province.

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