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Achievements as a City
Accounting for 30% of South Africa’s GNP, and with an economy larger than Nigeria, Gauteng province is not just the economic powerhouse of South Africa, but the entire African continent as well. The Ekuruleni metropolitan economy is larger and more diverse than many of the smaller countries in Africa. It accounts for nearly a quarter of the Gauteng economy. While an economy dominated by mining interests, the City of Ekurhuleni also hosts a thriving manufacturing and engineering hub, providing employment for thousands of residents. This places Ekurhuleni at the top of any investor's list of places in Africa for doing business. Its infrastructure, facilities, location and business climate all help make Ekurhuleni highly attractive to South African, African and international investors.
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Smart, Creative Developmental City
South Africa is experiencing something of an economic boom at the moment. This is bringing unprecendented development investment to the city, which in turn attracts people with a true entrepreneurial spirit. Smart, dynamic, creative, can-do attitude, are all words that describe these poeple. Architects, engineers, artists and craftspeople all find themselves at home in this thriving city. And as you travel around here you’ll almost feel the electricity in the air.
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Business
Ekurhuleni has to be one of the best cities for doing business in Africa. Its infrastructure, facilities, location and business climate all help make Ekurhuleni attractive to South African, African and international investors. Known as "Africa's workshop", Ekurhuleni is the industrial and commercial centre of Africa. It is also the transportation hub of the country – home to Africa’s busiest international airport, South Africa’s largest railway hub, and serviced by a highly advanced road network.
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Health
Healthcare in Ekurhuleni is provided by both city-run and private hospitals and clinics. State-of-the-art equipment, operated by highly trained and skilled medical staff, is on hand in the larger institutions which deal the most severe cases of trauma or illness. Prior to arriving at a clinic or hospital, patients will have been attended to by world-class paramedics, trained to deal with virtually any emergency. Know that if you require medical attention in Ekurhuleni you are in very good hands.
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Events
If you’re planning any special events during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, you’ll find the perfect venue in Ekurhuleni. The people you need are here, too. Experienced lighting and sound technicians, road managers, crews, backstage staff and front-ofhouse staff are available either in Ekurhuleni or nearby. Nor is there any shortage of performers. Whether you want traditional African sounds played on handmade instruments or techno rock, or symphonic melodies, there are world-class musicians and singers who can help provide the soundtrack for your event so there is no need to be burdened with the huge expense of bringing talent with you. A wealth of talent in the fields of dance and drama also resides in the city and there are magicians, comics, buskers and a host of other performers to entertain and delight your audience. And putting it all together couldn’t be easier with a number of event management companies and co-ordinators at your disposal.
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Conference Facilities
Teams wishing to discuss strategy and tactics, or business people wanting to network, will find a range of conference facilities to accommodate everything from large product launches to intimate brainstorming sessions or business meetings. Many of these establishments are very well equipped with state-of-the-art audio visual equipment, Internet and telecommunication connections, comfortable 1st grade accommodation and excellent dining and bar facilities. Several establishments also provide team building activities or health spa and wellness centres for those looking for some well-deserved rest and recuperation. If you wish to participate in sports such as tennis, bowls or golf (and many other sports) will either find facilities at the venue, or be able to gain access to facilities at nearby clubs.
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The Ekurhuleni Lifestyle
Although there are important differences, people accustomed to life in any European or American city will find themselves completely at home in Ekurhuleni. Although densly poppulated, a short drive out of the city can place one in the heart of the African bush. A year-round warm climate makes Ekhuruleni an ideal outdoor city.
Every week-end sees residents flock to local parks, lakes and dams for barbeques and relaxed family gatherings. The climate is also ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. And sporting activities like soccer, cricket, rugby, tennis, hockey, bowls, netball and baseball draw eager participants and crowds of vocal supporters. The city also offers a vibrant and varied nightlife, ranging from 5-star eateries to intimate jazz clubs to frenetic dance venues.
Those who want to take a turn at the gaming tables or slot machines will find these activities at the Emperors Palace Hotel Casino, which also offers live entertainment and a variety of dining options. The pace of business in Ekurhuleni is, like the rest of Gauteng, frenetic and fast paced. So weekends provide residents the opportunity to rest and recharge tired batteries. Essentially, Ekurhuleni is a collection of nine major towns, each with its own unique personality and profile. Which makes the city an interesting place to explore!
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Restaurants
Virtually every taste is catered for in Ekurhuleni. Whether you looking for a quick hamburger or a lavish five-course meal there is an establishment to cater for your needs.
The menu is varied and interesting, offering barbequed corn from a street vendor to expertly prepared sushi and everything in between. Whatever your preference, you will not go hungry in Ekurhuleni.
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Retail Therapy
With everything from the world’s most desirable brands to never-seen-before conversation pieces from skilled craftspeople, there is something for every taste and budget in the shopping emporia of Ekurhuleni. Whether you want to take a whirl around glitzy, air-conditioned super-malls offering the latest designer trends, or explore quaint, dusty flea markets with their unique home-spun craftwork, make sure you have your credit card handy.
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Museums
There are over 60 museums located in the province of Gauteng. Those not located in Ekurhuleni itself, are close by and easily accessible. Combined, they provide a comprehensive view of the history, culture, geography and art of the region. Constitution Hill and trhe Aprtheid ~Museum in Johannesburg are “must-see” attractions and give visitors a comprehensive overview of the struggle against apartheid in South Africa.
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Sport
Everyone coming to Ekurhuleni will feel at home in accommodation establishments ranging from exclusive, luxury resorts to homey guest houses and B+B offerings, from simple, well-equipped camping sites and backpacker lodges, to deeply immersive cultural activities. Regardless of budget restrictions, visitors to the city will find accommodation to suit their tastes and their wallets. Proximity to training grounds for teams, and major road, rail and air transport networks for supporters and teams, makes Ekurhuleni a destination of choice for 2010 participants and their fans, as well as business people who want to network and scout for opportunities in the country.
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