A history of the gold- rush mining camp that grew into Africa's economic powerhouse
Johannesburg is a young city, starting out in 1886 as a gold rush shanty town of wood and iron shacks.
Today that temporary town, built on the drive for fame and fortune has become the financial and commercial hub of Africa – home to most of South Africa's key corporations, the African headquarters of global businesses, and, of course, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.
And, in keeping with its early beginnings, Johannesburg has a rich history …
The discovery of gold in 1886 drew fortune-hunters from far-and-wide - a heady mix of rogues and heroes, and ordinary people just trying to make a living.
The city of the 20th century was never far from events globally or nationally, from the burgeoning workers movement in the 1920s and the World Wars, to the ever-tightening effects of apartheid and the on-going attempts to thwart it.
Read about the signing of the Freedom Charter, the events of 16 June 1976, how Mahatma Gandhi developed his philosophy of passive resistance, and much more.
Into a new millennium, and Johannesburg continues to move with the times, establishing itself as a world class African city, yet retaining much that makes it unique - taking centre stage in international events like the 2010 Soccer World Cup, setting the trend in economic and social developments, celebrating its cosmopolitan population and culture.
