Top 10 Tips for Embracing Johannesburg as Your New Home

Originally planned as a brief 18-month stay, our relocation to Johannesburg, also known as 'Jozi', 'Joburg', the 'City of Gold', and 'Mzanzi', turned into an exciting extension of 2 years. Johannesburg boasts a savannah climate, featuring scorching summers with striking thunderstorms and lightning, as well as crisp blue skies in winter. Walking barefoot year-round is a common occurrence, as exemplified by my son. The city transforms into a purple landscape in Spring when the Jacarandas bloom and dominate the skyline.

Neither my husband nor I had ever planned or considered moving to Johannesburg. It was never on our radar. I never imagined that Johannesburg would become our new home, especially with my husband, our two-year-old son, in a place that typically has a poor global reputation.

But when the opportunity presented itself for Amol (my husband) and I, being the crazy adventure stricken couple that we are, we pretty much jumped at it. Despite facing skepticism from those unfamiliar with Jozi, who labeled us crazy for leaving our newly purchased home in England to relocate to what they deemed a dangerous place with lions roaming the streets, especially with a toddler in tow.

After talking to a small group of friends who had experience living in Johannesburg, including both locals and expats, we considered it a promising opportunity worth exploring.

Although Johannesburg faces numerous challenges, as does South Africa in general, it is also a remarkably welcoming city that can capture your heart...

10 reasons to consider when moving to Johannesburg

1. Weather - You cannot stop raving about it! I'd even say that Jozi boasts the finest weather worldwide. The city enjoys beautiful clear blue skies almost all year round. One of the main reasons for such a fantastic climate is Johannesburg's high-altitude location on a plateau, standing at approximately 1,753 meters / 5,751 feet above sea level, creating its own 'micro-climate'. Additionally, the presence of a gentle breeze often helps to alleviate the intense heat. The city almost has a savannah-like climate. During the winter months (June - August), the weather is cool, mild, and dry. Daytime temperatures hover around 15-16 degrees Celsius, while nights can plummet to zero degrees, becoming quite cold. Spring (September - November) marks the beginning of blooming season with temperatures gradually rising to the late 20s degrees Celsius. Summer months (December - February) are the warmest and wettest, ranging from light showers to thunderstorms. Although the thunderstorms can be dramatic, they are usually short-lived, followed by sunshine. Autumn (March - May) brings a change of colours to the city.

2. Accessibility -

Within a 15-20 minute drive, you can reach everything easily! Just 30 minutes away, you can leave the city. A few hours of driving can take you to the mountains, the bush, or a beach for a weekend getaway. The city provides a wide range of activities right at your doorstep. For instance, you could watch the Springboks at Ellis Park and be back home in half an hour. Moreover, the city has excellent connections to other African cities, making traveling and exploring the continent a fantastic experience.

3. Public Transport - Johannesburg lacks an official public transport system apart from the Gautrain, which operates on a limited number of lines within the city and is relatively expensive by local standards. The primary mode of transportation for the community is through mini buses referred to as SA taxis (you don't want to get in the way of an SA taxi). They don't follow any timetable, or any driving rules...and charge around ZAR 15-20 (roughly 50 pence or 1 GBP) for the journey.

The increasingly popular and convenient option for travel nowadays is the 'Uber Taxi'. While many people opt to drive, having a car is the most efficient way to navigate Johannesburg. Walking is not a common mode of transport in the city, except in parks, malls, or well-known safe neighbourhoods (one thing I do miss is just to get up and be able to walk anywhere around the city)

4. Food and Wine Culture -

Joburg has a variety of restaurants to offer. While it may not match up to London's diverse culinary scene, the value for money when it comes to good food and wine is truly remarkable. The city boasts fantastic urban food halls and charming markets that are perfect for weekend outings filled with food, wine, and art. Despite Johannesburg's culinary evolution, few things resonate with South Africans as much as a BRAAI (which means "to grill" in Afrikaans). There is a universal appeal to grilling meat outdoors that transcends race, culture, and economic background. Many South Africans believe that the ultimate spot for a BRAAI is in their own backyard, accompanied by wine, cold beers, kids playing in the pool, and a laid-back atmosphere.

5. Lifestyle and Culture - Johannesburg is a popular choice for expatriates due to its excellent work-life balance and pleasant weather. The city offers a unique blend of urban and suburban living, with ample green spaces. Sports are a big part of South African culture, and attending rugby, cricket, or football matches with locals is a great way to engage with the community. Johannesburg is a melting pot of cultures, where various languages can be heard on the streets, although English is widely spoken. The stark contrast between the wealthy and the poor is noticeable, a legacy of Apartheid that continues to affect society today. Despite ongoing challenges, progress is being made towards greater social cohesion. High crime rates necessitate security measures like electric fences and alarms, not only in Johannesburg but throughout South Africa. While living in fear is unnecessary, it is important to exercise caution and remain vigilant.

6. Education - South Africa offers excellent private and international schools that many expatriates prefer for their children's education. However, there may be lengthy waiting lists and high fees. It is crucial to choose the appropriate district or area to reside in, taking into account your children's age and the curriculum you wish them to follow.w.

7. Areas to live - Numerous expatriates opt to reside in secure or gated communities, where they can benefit from a close-knit expat community and enhanced safety in numbers. Dainfern, Bryanston, and Fourways are among the primary areas known for these types of estates. In contrast, we have chosen to live in Saxonwold, renowned for its streets adorned with purple Jacaranda trees in October. Situated closer to the city center, Saxonwold offers a vibrant urban environment right at your doorstep while still maintaining the tranquility and greenery typical of suburban living. Other excellent areas like Rosebank, Parkhurst, Parktown North, Illovo, and Morningside also provide a blend of local and expat residents, fostering a strong sense of community through local establishments such as shops, cafes, and restaurants. Ultimately, the choice between these different areas depends on whether you prefer to explore and integrate more or not.

8. City of Hope - Johannesburg is known as the city of opportunity, where it is evident that residents are driven to create opportunities for themselves and their families. The city has made substantial investments in supporting small businesses, exemplified by the establishment of the Ministry of Small Business Development in 2014. Engaging in conversations with strangers is more straightforward in Joburg, often leading to diverse and stimulating discussions and opportunities. This sets Johannesburg apart from other cities in South Africa, where it can be more challenging for newcomers to connect and engage with the international community.

9. Green city - Despite being referred to as the "City of Gold," Johannesburg could be described as green due to its abundance of trees covering the urban landscape. While many cities globally are witnessing a reduction in green areas, Johannesburg stands out with 24% of its public spaces dedicated to parks and gardens.

Spring (October / November months) is when the city transforms into a sea of purple with the blooming of Jacaranda trees, creating a mesmerising blend of colours. The sight of this vast man-made forest is truly awe-inspiring!

10. T-I-A (This is Africa!) - Whether it's dealing with load shedding (power cuts lasting for hours or even days), encountering burst pipes during roadworks, or witnessing mattresses tied to the roofs of small cars, there are always plenty of situations that will leave you shaking your head in amasement or chuckling to yourself.

When people start feeling annoyed and fed up with these never-ending scenarios, this phrase is often used to encourage them to go with the flow, take a moment to relax, and just chill out because, well, that's just how things roll in Africa. We often catch ourselves wondering, "How do South African taxis confidently navigate the roads despite blatantly flouting traffic rules?" or "How do they manage to cram so many people into one car?" or even "How is that taxi's door still hanging on?" But a good sense of humour will help you understand that sometimes you just have to embrace the local way of doing things, take it lightly, and have a good laugh about it.