The City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, located in the Gauteng province of South Africa, stands as a vibrant and dynamic urban center with a rich history and a promising future.
Stretching across an extensive area of approximately 1,975 square kilometers, Ekurhuleni is not only one of the largest municipalities in the country but also a crucial economic hub.
With a population that surpasses 3 million people, the city is a melting pot of diverse cultures, languages, and backgrounds.
The cultural tapestry woven by the residents reflects the nation’s unity in diversity, contributing to the unique character of Ekurhuleni.
The municipality encompasses various towns and neighborhoods, including Germiston, Benoni, Boksburg, Brakpan, and Kempton Park, each contributing to the city’s multifaceted identity.
Ekurhuleni has a deep historical significance, rooted in the discovery of gold in the Witwatersrand Basin in the late 19th century.
The ensuing gold rush led to the rapid growth of settlements, laying the foundations for what would eventually become the City of Ekurhuleni.
Over the years, the municipality has evolved into a pivotal player in South Africa’s economic landscape, boasting a diverse industrial base that includes manufacturing, mining, and logistics.
The O.R. Tambo International Airport, situated in Kempton Park, is a key component of Ekurhuleni’s economic infrastructure.
As the busiest airport in Africa, it serves as a major gateway for international and domestic travelers, facilitating trade and tourism.
The presence of the airport underscores the municipality’s strategic importance in fostering global connections and economic development.
In addition to its economic significance, Ekurhuleni is committed to enhancing the quality of life for its residents.
The municipality places a strong emphasis on sustainable development, striving to create a balanced and inclusive urban environment.
Initiatives such as improved public transportation, green spaces, and community facilities underscore Ekurhuleni’s dedication to building a city that prioritizes the well-being of its inhabitants.
Education is a cornerstone of Ekurhuleni’s developmental agenda. The municipality is home to numerous educational institutions, from primary schools to tertiary institutions, providing residents with access to quality learning opportunities.
| Population
 (2011)
|
|
|---|---|
|  • Total | 3,178,470 |
|  • Density | 1,600/km2 (4,200/sq mi) |
This focus on education aligns with the broader goal of empowering the community and preparing future generations for success in an ever-changing global landscape.
Ekurhuleni also places a high priority on social inclusivity and community engagement. Various programs and initiatives aim to uplift marginalized communities, fostering a sense of belonging and shared responsibility.
The municipality actively encourages civic participation, recognizing that a vibrant democracy relies on the active involvement of its citizens.
Despite its many strengths, Ekurhuleni faces its share of challenges, including issues related to infrastructure development, housing, and unemployment.
The municipality, however, is dedicated to addressing these challenges through strategic planning and collaborative efforts with stakeholders.
By doing so, Ekurhuleni aims to create a city that is not only economically prosperous but also socially and environmentally sustainable.
The 2011 census divided the municipality into inter alia the following main places:
| Place | Area (km2) | Population | Most spoken languages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alberton | 77.16 | 121,536 | Afrikaans 42%, English 34%, Zulu 6%, Sotho 5%, Xhosa 2%, foreign languages 2% |
| Benoni | 175.55 | 158,777 | English 41%, Afrikaans 19%, Zulu 17%, Pedi 5%, Sotho 3%, Tsonga 3%, foreign languages 3%, Xhosa 2%, Ndebele 2% |
| Boksburg | 162.35 | 260,321 | Afrikaans 28%, English 18%, Zulu 14%, Pedi 9%, Xhosa 8%, Sotho 7%, Tsonga 4%, foreign languages 3% |
| Brakpan | 182.81 | 73,080 | Afrikaans 47%, English 16%, Zulu 14%, Sotho 4%, Pedi 3%, foreign languages 2%, Tsonga 2%, Xhosa 2%, Tswana 2% |
| Daveyton | 14.45 | 127,967 | Zulu 37%, Pedi 13%, Xhosa 11%, Sotho 10%, Tsonga 9%, Tswana 5%, Ndebele 3%, English 2%, foreign languages 2% |
| Duduza | 11.23 | 73,295 | Zulu 64%, Sotho 16%, Xhosa 5%, Pedi 2%, Tswana 2% |
| Edenvale | 20.03 | 49,292 | English 72%, Afrikaans 11%, foreign languages 4%, Zulu 3% |
| Etwatwa | 20.83 | 151,866 | Zulu 44%, Tsonga 12%, Pedi 12%, Sotho 7%, Xhosa 6%, Ndebele 6%, Swazi 2%, Tswana 2% |
| Germiston | 143.27 | 255,863 | English 24%, Afrikaans 16%, Zulu 16%, Xhosa 9%, Pedi 7%, Sotho 7%, foreign languages 5%, Tsonga 4%, Venda 2%, Tswana 2% |
| Katlehong | 55.36 | 407,294 | Zulu 37%, Sotho 22%, Xhosa 13%, Pedi 9%, Tsonga 6%, English 2% |
| Kempton Park | 149.05 | 171,575 | Afrikaans 34%, English 26%, Zulu 8%, Pedi 7%, foreign languages 4%, Sotho 4%, Tswana 3%, Xhosa 3%, Tsonga 2% |
| Kwa-Thema | 14.70 | 103,727 | Zulu 55%, Xhosa 8%, Sotho 7%, Pedi 7%, Tswana 6%, Ndebele 4%, Tsonga 2%, English 2%, Swazi 2% |
| Langaville | 10.10 | 54,710 | Zulu 46%, Pedi 11%, Tsonga 10%, Xhosa 8%, Sotho 6%, Ndebele 4%, Swazi 3%, English 2%, Tswana 2% |
| Nigel | 139.07 | 38,318 | Afrikaans 43%, Zulu 23%, English 16%, Sotho 5%, Xhosa 2% |
| Springs | 183.50 | 121,610 | Afrikaans 30%, Zulu 20%, English 15%, Pedi 8%, Xhosa 7%, Sotho 5%, Tsonga 3%, foreign languages 3%, Tswana 2% |
| Thembisa | 42.08 | 463,109 | Pedi 33%, Zulu 21%, Tsonga 13%, Xhosa 7%, Sotho 6%, Tswana 3%, Ndebele 3%, Venda 3%, foreign languages 2%, English 2% |
| Tokoza | 9.43 | 105,827 | Zulu 40%, Sotho 21%, Xhosa 18%, Pedi 5%, Tsonga 3% |
| Tsakane | 19.75 | 135,994 | Zulu 57%, Sotho 10%, Pedi 7%, Xhosa 6%, Tsonga 4%, Tswana 3%, Ndebele 3%, English 2% |
| Vosloorus | 32.10 | 163,216 | Zulu 46%, Sotho 17%, Xhosa 8%, Pedi 7%, Tsonga 5%, Tswana 4%, English 3% |
| Wattville | 2.17 | 25,667 | Zulu 47%, Sotho 13%, Pedi 10%, Xhosa 7%, Tswana 5%, Tsonga 5%, English 2%, foreign languages 2%, Ndebele 2% |
In conclusion, the City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality stands as a testament to the resilience and dynamism of South Africa.
From its humble origins in the gold rush era to its current status as a bustling economic hub, Ekurhuleni embodies the spirit of progress and inclusivity.
As the municipality continues to navigate the complexities of modern urban living, its commitment to sustainable development and community well-being positions it as a beacon of hope and opportunity for all who call it home.