Economist.com Cities Guide: Johannesburg Briefing - December 2005

News this month

The last straw

December brought more trouble for Jacob Zuma, South Africa's former deputy president. Following several weeks of speculation, Mr Zuma—who was sacked from the deputy presidency in June and is expected to be tried on corruption charges next July—was on December 6th charged with rape. A 31-year-old, HIV-positive AIDS activist, from a family with long-standing ties to Mr Zuma, has accused him of raping her at his Johannesburg home in November.
Although Mr Zuma denies the allegations, they are likely to spell the end of his political career. His allies at the Congress of South African Trade Unions and the Communist Party, who have stood by him throughout his troubles, have started to distance themselves. He has also taken de facto leave from his position as deputy leader of the ruling African National Congress, although he retains the title. The rape trial is expected to start in Johannesburg in February.

Still devastating

December 1st—World AIDS Day—provided South Africans with an opportunity to contemplate the appalling effect the disease has had on their country, where the number of people living with HIV or AIDS is estimated at around 4.5m-6.2m. In a recent report, UNAIDS, the UN body focusing on the pandemic, underlined the speed of infection in South Africa, where about 1% of adults were infected in the early 1990s, compared with almost 25% today. The Mandela Foundation, a local organisation, published a comprehensive survey of the disease in South Africa. Unsurprisingly, it made grim reading, although it estimated the HIV-positive proportion of the population at just over 16%—lower than the UNAIDS figure.

Of the 500,000 to 900,000 HIV-positive South Africans thought to need treatment immediately, only 85,000 are receiving antiretroviral treatment through the public sector, with another 60,000 believed to be receiving private medicine. In Gauteng, South Africa's most populous province, which covers Johannesburg and Pretoria, the proportion of infected adults is the same as this national average—in Mpumalanga it is 23%; in the Western Cape 3.2%.

Back on track

There is some good news for the Gautrain, the proposed high-speed rail link between Johannesburg and Pretoria, South Africa's capital. In November, South Africa's parliamentary transport committee had recommended that the project be scrapped or delayed. However, on December 7th, the cabinet, which had greater confidence in Gautrain's benefits, duly approved the controversial 20 billion rand ($3.16 billion) enterprise. Construction should start in February and finish in time for the 2010 football World Cup, which South Africa is hosting.

The critics' major concerns involved costs and the fact that the Gautrain will benefit a minority of affluent passengers, while the rest of South Africa's awful public transport system deteriorates. The opposition Democratic Alliance is also worried about the link's incompatibility with the existing rail system. Supporters, on the other hand, have argued that the train will create jobs, boost the region’s economy and relieve the maddening traffic congestion between Johannesburg and Pretoria. The last point, in particular, was probably not lost on cabinet members.

What's in a name?

Johannesburg's airport may be getting a new name. Once known as Jan Smuts Airport, after a white former prime minister, it has been called simply Johannesburg International Airport since 1994. South Africa's transport ministry has proposed that it be renamed O.R. Tambo International Airport, after Oliver Tambo, an apartheid-era president of the African National Congress, who lived near the airport after returning from exile. South African law requires public consultation on proposed geographical name changes, and the public had until December 9th to make submissions on the suggestion. The proposal process is not quick, however, and it could be some time before the cabinet makes a final decision.

If accepted, the new name will add a finishing touch to a programme of changes at the airport, South Africa's busiest, which handles over 13m passengers a year. Since 1998, 850m rand has been spent on rebuilding the main terminals, the parking and public transport facilities, as well as the road network around the airport.

Oh, the humanity

Johannesburg is set to become a prime destination for evolution buffs. On December 7th, President Thabo Mbeki opened the Maropeng visitors' centre at the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage site, just outside Johannesburg. This is one of the most significant paleontological sites in the world and has produced about 40% of all human ancestor fossils. But as a long-term dig site, it was hardly tourist-friendly.

The new centre, built to resemble an ancient burial mound, could change that. It is part of a 347m-rand project to turn the heritage site into a tourist destination, by developing the entire area and upgrading access. Johannesburg’s Wits University, Standard Bank, Gauteng Province and the national government are among the many entities involved in the public-private partnership. The site has already earned impressive accolades, including an award from the British Guild of Travel Writers for best new tourism project worldwide. It is hoped that it will boost tourism in the Johannesburg area, with half a million visitors every year.

Catch if you can

December 2005

“Defending the Caveman”

Until February 5th 2006

This South African version of the Broadway hit should satisfy those craving some entertainment during the cultural desert of a Johannesburg summer. “Defending the Caveman” is a comedy tackling the eternal and baffling differences between men and women. Written by Rob Becker, it was the longest running one-man show in Broadway history. Tim Plewman, who has been the caveman for over 1,300 performances around South Africa, has incorporated a local flavour into the original text.

Pieter Toerien Theatre, Montecasino Shopping Mall, Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways, Johannesburg. Tel: +27 (0)11 511 1988 (box office). Bookings via Computicket. See the theatre's website.

More from the Johannesburg cultural calendar