Ekurhuleni, Gauteng Province, South Africa

🇿🇦 The City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality is a metropolitan municipality that forms the local government of the East Rand region of Gauteng, South Africa. The municipality itself is a large suburban region east of Johannesburg. The name Ekurhuleni means place of peace in XiTsonga. Ekurhuleni is one of the five districts of Gauteng province and one of the eight metropolitan municipalities of South Africa. The seat of Ekurhuleni is Germiston. OR Tambo International Airport falls in the Kempton Park area of Ekurhuleni.

History The municipality was established in 2000, the result of a merger between the Eastern Gauteng Services Council, the Khayalami Metropolitan Council, and the previous municipalities of Alberton, Benoni, Boksburg, Brakpan, Edenvale/Lethabong, Germiston, Kempton Park/Tembisa, Nigel and Springs. The planned expansion of Ekurhuleni through the abolition of the Lesedi Local Municipality, which includes Heidelberg, and its absorption into Ekurhuleni after the 2016 municipal elections, were blocked by the High Court of South Africa in 2015.

The name Ekurhuleni meaning place of peace alludes to the fact that the East Rand townships were the site of severe political violence between supporters of the Inkatha Freedom Party and the ANC in the early 1990s, prior to South Africa's first non-racial elections in 1994.

Geography Ekurhuleni lies on the highveld plateau at about 1600 metres in altitude above sea level (asl). The highest elevation is at the Gillooly's Ridge – Bill Stewart Side – Fisher's Hill at 1772 metres asl. The lowest point is at 1552 metres asl. The city is rich in wetlands, pans, streams and rivers. The city is highly urbanised; however, the north especially has high-potential agricultural land.

Parks and nature Germiston Lake is a natural pan in the Elsburgspruit system and has a catchment area of 1174ha. It is fed mostly by surface runoff water and storm water drains. The lake is one of the cleanest bodies of water in South Africa. It has a size of 57.4 ha. Its depth is approximately 8 metres. On the banks of the lake are a recreational park with playground equipment and braai areas as well as a rowing club and golf club.

A wetland of note is the Blesbokriver wetland which stretches over an area of 1858ha.

The Bullfrog Pan is almost 10 hectares and is home to more than 150 bird species.

Landmarks In 2017, the Chris Hani memorial at Thomas Nkobi Memorial Park in Boksburg was revealed during the 22nd commemoration of his death. The Chris Hani memorial site consists of the Monument, the Walk of Remembrance and the Wall of Remembrance which recognizes the historical events, places and people associated with the liberation struggle of South Africa.

Chris Hani Monument in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni

The Thokoza Wall of Remembrance commemorates the people who died in the fight between the Inkatha Freedom Party and the residents.

Arts and culture Ekurhuleni has a rich cultural life. In 2017, the Thami Mnyele Fine arts award had its 30th anniversary.

The local music scene is well and alive and Ekurhuleni gave rise to a few notable music stars.

O.R. Tambo Narrative Centre tells visitors all about the lives and contributions of the Tambo couple towards the dismantling of Apartheid in South Africa. It is situated on the banks of the Leeupan Wetland. It also has an exhibition of environmental education aimed at children.

Since 2016, Ekurhuleni has hosted the Ekurhuleni International Film Festival.