The largest metropolis in Southern Africa is also the capital of the richest, most populous province with the smallest area in the country: Gauteng, the land of gold. Although romantic mining times have been left behind, Johannesburg concentrates much of South Africa's wealth and history: it is the nation's great economic engine. Its historical importance is directly related to the struggle for freedom in Africa and against the apartheid regime.

South Western Townships, the district known as Soweto, lies in the Greater Johannesburg region and was the main focus of resistance to the segregation regime. The Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill, Hector Pieterson Memorial and Mandela House are some of the must-see attractions for those who want to know more about this complex period and Mandela's life.