Johannesburg is a very rich city. In fact, it is the richest city in South Africa. But one of the richest districts within the city is Sandton. Sandton, South Africa is one of the most posh areas in Johannesburg. This district is in two areas, Sandown and Bryanston. The combination of the two areas, and the two names produced the area now known as Sandton.
Sandton really is built for the rich and powerful. Here, there are many establishments that cater to the privileged. One testament to this is Sandton City. Sandton City is the biggest mall in Johannesburg, and likely, ranks as one of the biggest shopping malls in the whole African continent. Boutiques in this mall include Hugo Boss, Aldo, Chloe and other branded shops.
Aside from the shopping experience here, there is one other reason why this area is important to the country. It’s because the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and the Johannesburg Central Business District is found in Sandton. Almost all of the city’s Grade-A offices are in Sandton. Hewlett-Packard (HP) is just one of the big companies housed in this district. Moreover, you can find the Sandton Convention Center here. This place is where many world summits are held. Examples of such are the World Summit on Sustainable Development, or the “Rio + 10,” and the African National Congress victory party.
Another tourism site in Sandton is the Nelson Mandela Square, which was formerly the Sandton Square. Here you can find a 6 meter bronze statue of the first non-Apartheid president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela; a man who is considered to be one of the most influential individuals in the world. Just a few meters from the square is Lilies leaf Farm, the place where President Mandela lived in the 1960’s and the site where political activists were arrested.
Sandton is a paradise in South Africa. This is a place where people indulge themselves to shop. Sandton is so rich it is touted as Africa’s richest square mile. Take time to visit Sandton when in Johannesburg.