Understanding the geography of Johannesburg can be confusing because the name Johannesburg is used in different ways. It can refer to the central city area, but it also refers to a much larger metropolitan municipality that includes many other towns and suburbs. This guide clarifies the distinction and provides a comprehensive list of the areas that make up the Johannesburg region.
List Of Cities In Johannesburg
Overview: Understanding Johannesburg’s Structure
Johannesburg is not a single city in the traditional sense but a metropolitan municipality that encompasses a vast and diverse urban area. Officially known as the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, it is one of three metropolitan municipalities in South Africa’s Gauteng province .
The city is divided into several regions and contains numerous towns and suburbs that have their own distinct identities. It is important to distinguish between the City of Johannesburg and the adjacent City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (East Rand), which is a separate metro but is often considered part of the greater Johannesburg urban area .
Here is an overview of the key administrative areas and major towns within and around Johannesburg:
Here’s a cleaner, more structured version of your table with consistent formatting and improved readability:
| Category | Name | Description / Key Areas | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan Municipality | City of Johannesburg | Official local government area covering 1,645 km² | Population approx. 4.8 million (2022) |
| Major Urban Centres | Johannesburg CBD | Historic and original city centre | Includes Braamfontein, Maboneng, Newtown |
| Sandton | Modern financial and business hub | Includes Rivonia, Fourways, Sunninghill | |
| Soweto | Large, historic township area | Located south-west of the CBD | |
| Roodepoort | Large area in the west of the municipality | Includes The Cradle of Humankind | |
| Randburg | Major urban area north-west of the CBD | Well-established residential and business node | |
| Midrand | Area between Johannesburg and Pretoria | Forms part of the City of Johannesburg | |
| Alexandra | Densely populated township north-east of the CBD | Often referred to as “Alex” | |
| Orange Farm | Large, semi-informal settlement in the far south | Part of the City of Johannesburg | |
| Adjacent Metro | City of Ekurhuleni | Separate metropolitan municipality to the east | Includes Germiston, Benoni, Boksburg, Brakpan, Edenvale, Kempton Park (OR Tambo Airport) |
| Adjacent Local Municipalities | Mogale City | Local municipality to the west | Includes Krugersdorp |
| Rand West City | Local municipality to the south-west | Includes Randfontein and Westonaria | |
| Midvaal | Local municipality to the south | Includes Meyerton | |
| Lesedi | Local municipality to the south-east | Includes Heidelberg |
1. City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality
This is the official municipal area that governs Johannesburg. It is a Category A municipality, meaning it has exclusive executive and legislative power over its area . The municipality was formed in 2000, consolidating several former local councils, including those of Sandton, Randburg, Roodepoort, Soweto, and the old Johannesburg City Council . It covers a vast area of 1,645 square kilometres .
2. Major Urban Centres Within the City of Johannesburg
The City of Johannesburg municipality is made up of many distinct urban centres, each with its own character and history .
Johannesburg CBD / Inner City
This is the historic core of Johannesburg, the original area that grew up around the goldfields. While it faced decline for many years, areas like Braamfontein, Maboneng, and Newtown have seen significant rejuvenation and are now vibrant cultural and residential hubs .
Sandton
Often called Africa’s richest square mile, Sandton has become the primary financial and business district of South Africa. It is home to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) and numerous corporate headquarters. The area includes affluent suburbs such as Rivonia, Fourways, Sunninghill, and Bryanston .
Soweto
Short for South Western Townships, Soweto is a large, historically significant area that was created to house black labourers under the apartheid regime. Today, it is a vibrant, diverse urban area with a rich cultural and political history. It was the home of Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu .
Roodepoort
Located in the west of the municipality, Roodepoort is a large residential and commercial area. It is also the gateway to the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site .
Randburg
Originally established as a separate municipality, Randburg is now a major residential and commercial node north-west of the CBD. It is known for its shopping centres and suburban character .
Midrand
Strategically located halfway between Johannesburg and Pretoria, Midrand is a fast-growing hub for business, technology, and residential estates. It is administratively part of the City of Johannesburg .
Alexandra (Alex)
A dense and historic township located just north-east of Sandton. Despite its proximity to one of the wealthiest areas in Africa, it faces significant socio-economic challenges .
Other Notable Suburbs and Areas
The City of Johannesburg also includes countless suburbs and smaller nodes, such as Parktown, Houghton, Melville, Greenside, Rosebank, Killarney, Emmarentia, Northcliff, and Orange Farm in the far south .
3. City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (The East Rand)
A common point of confusion is the status of Ekurhuleni. While it is often referred to as East Rand and is functionally part of the greater Johannesburg conurbation, it is a separate metropolitan municipality with its own government . Its seat is in Germiston. Key towns in Ekurhuleni include:
Germiston
Benoni
Boksburg
Brakpan
Kempton Park (home to O.R. Tambo International Airport)
Edenvale
Springs
4. Adjacent Local Municipalities
To the south and west of Johannesburg lie several local municipalities that fall under district municipalities. These are distinct from the City of Johannesburg but are part of the broader metropolitan region .
West Rand District Municipality
This district lies to the west and includes local municipalities that are integral to the Greater Johannesburg area:
Mogale City Local Municipality (Krugersdorp)
Rand West City Local Municipality (Randfontein, Westonaria)
Sedibeng District Municipality
This district lies to the south and includes:
Emfuleni Local Municipality (Vanderbijlpark, Vereeniging)
Midvaal Local Municipality (Meyerton)
Lesedi Local Municipality (Heidelberg)
How to Interpret This Information
Johannesburg has multiple meanings. When someone says they live in Joburg, they could be referring to the dense inner city, the sprawling northern suburbs like Sandton, or the vast metropolitan area that includes Soweto and Midrand. Context is key.
Ekurhuleni is separate, but connected. For visitors and many residents, the cities of Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni (East Rand) form one continuous urban expanse. You can drive from Soweto in the west through Johannesburg’s CBD and Sandton to Kempton Park in the east without ever feeling you’ve left the city. However, for municipal services and local government, they are distinct entities.
The north vs. south divide. Historically, the northern and southern parts of Johannesburg developed very differently, with the north becoming more affluent. This geographical and socio-economic division remains a defining feature of the city today .
Frequently Asked Questions About Cities in Johannesburg
What is the difference between Johannesburg and the City of Johannesburg?
Johannesburg is the popular name for the whole urban area. The City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality is the official government body that administers a large part of that urban area, including the CBD, Sandton, Soweto, Randburg, Roodepoort, and Midrand .
Is Sandton a separate city?
No, Sandton is not a separate city. It is a major financial and business node within the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality .
Is Pretoria part of Johannesburg?
No, Pretoria is a separate city about 55 km north of Johannesburg. It has its own metropolitan municipality called the City of Tshwane .
What is the East Rand?
The East Rand is a large region east of the Johannesburg CBD. It is officially governed by the City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality and includes towns like Germiston, Boksburg, and Benoni .
Where is OR Tambo International Airport located?
OR Tambo International Airport is located in Kempton Park, which is part of the City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality .
How many regions is Johannesburg divided into?
The City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality is divided into seven administrative regions for service delivery purposes. This has changed over time from an original eleven regions .
What is the largest township in Johannesburg?
Soweto is the largest and most famous township in the Johannesburg area .
With this comprehensive guide, you are now equipped to understand the complex geography of the Johannesburg region. From the historic streets of the CBD and the economic power of Sandton to the cultural heart of Soweto and the industrial centres of Ekurhuleni, the area is a tapestry of diverse cities, towns, and communities that together form South Africa’s economic powerhouse.