General Information

About Johannesburg

Johannesburg or Jo'burg, as the locals call the city of gold, is the biggest metropolis in South Africa. With its 3,2 million citizens (census in 2001) the city on the Witwatersrand is the predominant commercial centre and the economic motor of the Republic of South Africa. One fifth of the country's Gross Domestic Product is being produced in Johannesburg. More than half of Jo'burg's population live in the suburbs of Soweto, Diepkloof and Orange Farm south-west of the city.

Johannesburg is the centre of the Gauteng Province, a densely populated Mega-Metropolis with numerous satellite towns as well as the South African capital of Pretoria. The population of Gauteng exceeds 8 million people by now.

Johannesburg's economical backbone still is the gold industry. Only a few of the initial mining operations in Johannesburg are still active in the city area, but the former mines and the mine dumps had a lasting impact on the appearance of the urban landscape and the industrial structure.

All mining companies and the big banking and investment institutions have their headquarters in Johannesburg. The Johannesburg Stock Exchange, founded in 1887, is the centre of the capital markets for the whole of southern Africa There are only a few South African companies which are not represented in Johannesburg.

Johannesburg is also the first address for international tourism. Most of the major airlines call at Johannesburg International Airport in the southeast of the city and most travel agencies and tour operators choose Johannesburg as the starting point for journeys through the country. The lively metropolis offers a wide spectrum of culture, combining European and African components.

Venue Information

The Sandton Convention Centre is Southern Africa's international leading and most prestigious, multi-purpose exhibition and convention centre.

Situated in northern Johannesburg, in the heart of Sandton's business, hotel and entertainment district, Sandton Convention Centre offers easy access to over 5 000 hotel rooms, is adjacent to the country's top shopping and entertainment complexes and provides nearly 11 000 secure parking bays.

South Africa's most technologically advanced convention centre.

Click here to download a Map to Sandton Convention Centre

Activities

Things to do in Gauteng include:

• Theatre
• Restaurants
• Hartbeespoort Dam
• The Cradle of Humankind
• Magaliesburg
• Sun City
• Vaal Dam
• Extreme adventures
• Hiking
• Johannesburg or Pretoria zoo
• Gold Reef City
• Adventure tours
• White water rafting
• Bird watching
• Fishing
• Hot air ballooning
• Horse riding
• Quad biking
• Museums
• Golf courses
• Art galleries
• Safaris

Transport Arrangements

Delegates will be responsible for their own transport arrangements throughout the duration of the conference.

The easiest and most cost effective way to travel from OR Tambo International Airport to Sandton is by using the Gautrain Detailed information on fares and schedules can be found at www.gautrain.co.za

Please consult the concierge desk at your hotel for assistance with a cab company for the duration of your stay.

Car hire include information from AVIS.

Flights

Official language

South Africa has 11 official languages but at the Conference only English will be spoken. No simultaneous translation will be provided.

Climate

At the Sandton Convention Centre: Day temperatures in August / September are mostly dry and mild: 14 -20 degrees during the day and 0-5 degrees at night. Midwinter occurs in June and July and Midsummer in December and January.
In South Africa: The climate ranges from Mediterranean in the Cape Peninsula to subtropical on the KwaZulu-Natal coast and in the North Eastern regions, while temperate conditions prevail inland: High 28 °C and Low 12 °C.

Medical service

South Africa does not have a national health scheme. The patient is individually responsible for settling all accounts. Travel insurance covering accidents, illness or hospitalization during your stay is strongly recommended. Private hospitals in South Africa are on a high international standard.

Malaria

Malaria is found only in the Lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo and on the Maputaland coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Although the incidence of malaria is rare, it would be best to take adequate precautions if you choose to visit these areas.

The cheapest, safest and most effective measures against malaria are physical barriers such as a mosquito net, and the use of a good insect repellent. If you decide to take malaria prophylaxis, it is essential that the drugs are taken according to the directions on the package insert. You will need to start a week or two before entering a malaria-endemic area and should continue taking the drugs for four weeks after leaving the malaria risk area. It is advisable to consult a medical professional before embarking on a course of malaria prophylaxis.

Vaccinations

Visitors entering South Africa from a yellow fever zone must have a valid international yellow fever innoculation certificate. Immunization against cholera and small pox are not required, nor are other vaccinations required when visiting South Africa.

Liability and insurance

Registration for the Conference implies that delegates agree that neither the Local Organizing Committee nor the Professional Confernence Organizer assume any liability or responsibility for any losses, accidents or damage to person's private property. Delegates are requested to make their own arrangements for medical, travel and personal insurance.

Currency and exchange

The South African Rand is the local currency. Foreign exchange can be done in any of the hotels, and there are many banking facilities within close proximity to the Sandton Convention Centre. A passport will be required for all transactions.

Credit cards, shopping

Foreigners can claim sales tax refunds and should ask salesmen to fill out a tax refund form when purchasing any goods. All major credit cards are accepted throughout South Africa, as well as Traveler's cheques. Various automatic teller machines are also available on the resort.

Electricity/Voltage

The voltage throughout South Africa is 220V/50hz. South Africa uses the large round three pin plug. Adaptors can be bought at the airport on your arrival, and may be available at your hotel.

Time Zone

Central European Time (GMT+2)

Water

Tap water is drinkable in all parts of South Africa.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited in public spaces and is restricted to specific areas.

Visa Requirements

For the majority of foreign nationals who travel to South Africa, entry is straightforward and hassle-free. All visitors must be in possession of a valid passport in order to enter the country and in some cases, a visa.

Requirements for a visitor's visa differ from country to country. Please consult South Africa's Department of Home Affairs website to find out if a visa is required, and if so, how to obtain it.