They say dynamite comes in small packages. That is definitely the case with Gauteng!

South Africa’s smallest province is the driving force behind the entire South African economy. Gauteng is the seat of the South African financial, commercial and industrial sectors. The province contributes roughly a third of South Africa’s GDP. Those who relocate to Gauteng often do so because of the rich opportunities available there.

Did you know that the very meaning of the name Gauteng points to the wealth and affluence of the province? In the Sesotho language, it means “place of gold”. The discovery of gold here in 1886 kicked off a gold rush. This, in turn, initiated the development of Johannesburg, the city central to the province; and to-date, the area remains the world’s largest gold resource. In the time since the gold rush, business in Gauteng has diversified. There is an entire spectrum of industries apart from trade in precious minerals, where many major international corporations have offices in Gauteng.

Real estate options in Gauteng are exciting enough to attract the wealthiest individuals in the country. Reports show that at least half of the top earners in South Africa live here. Top-class apartment living in Sandton, ever-popular sectional title estates in Midrand, or suburban homes in Pretoria – the choice is yours.

It’s no stretch of the imagination to say that homeowners in Gauteng enjoy arguably the best weather anywhere on the planet. Visitors from all over the globe enjoy the South African climate. Gauteng in particular, with its summer rainfall, low relative humidity, and mild winters, stands out from the rest of the regions.

Gauteng’s flora will astound you. Residents of Gauteng love the amazing weather and live for the outdoors. Johannesburg’s garden culture has given it the title of “the largest urban forest in the world”. Further north we find the city of Tshwane (Pretoria), known as Jacaranda City. It is so named for the many trees which line its streets with vibrant purple streaks as they blossom each spring. You must truly see it to believe it!

Tshwane is also a key city in the South African landscape as it is South Africa’s administrative capital. It houses the Union Buildings, where South Africa’s political parties hold parliament.

The balmy weather leads residents to enjoy sporting lifestyles, too. Golf is very popular and your property in Gauteng will put you near some internationally-celebrated courses. Swimming is a favourite as well, and many homes feature their own swimming pools in the garden area.

Besides these attractions, you can visit some world-class stadia for sporting events. One example is the world-famous Soccer City stadium. These and other event venues, such as the Northgate Dome in Randburg, are also frequented by top international music talent. Coldplay, Sting, Michael Buble and many more have visited Gauteng. Organisers announce new concerts continually.

Moving to Gauteng also gives you a first-hand look into an exciting and fascinating cultural and political landscape. The area is as rich in history as it is financially rich. A visit to the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill is a must.

The amenities, infrastructure and transportation systems in Gauteng are among the best on the African continent. Commuters enjoy making use of the much-celebrated Gautrain system. This will take you from arrival at OR Tambo International Airport to key destinations across the province. It travels to locations in both Johannesburg and Tshwane.

Top residential locations in Johannesburg include the suburbs next to the commercial hub of Sandton. There is Rivonia, Sandhurst, Morningside, Illovo, Hyde Park and Parkhurst. Paulshof is sought-after, being central to Fourways, Randburg and Midrand. Melville and Bedfordview are north and east of Johannesburg CBD, respectively. Both offer easy access to campuses of the University of Johannesburg.

In Tshwane, buyers line up for properties in areas close to Menlyn Mall, such as Atterbury and Garsfontein. Waterkloof and Brooklyn properties offer amazing views over the city (and the Jacaranda season).

Further afield, there are notable properties at the scenic Vaal river at the southern border of the province, while there are also remarkable properties in Meyersdal to the South of Johannesburg.