From tee time to show time: Johannesburg's rise as a global powerhouse

Johannesburg is a city shaped by resilience, ambition, and limitless potential. As the economic and cultural heartbeat of South Africa and the gateway to the African continent, our city consistently demonstrates its leadership and excellence on the global stage.

Successfully hosting major international events—sporting, cultural, or political—continues to cement Johannesburg’s status as a premier destination for investment, tourism, and innovation. In November last year, Johannesburg proudly hosted the G20 Summit, welcoming global leaders and delegations to our city.

This historic milestone demonstrated our capacity to convene the world’s most influential decision-makers, manage complex international logistics, and facilitate high-level economic dialogue. It was a moment of immense pride for our residents and a powerful declaration that Johannesburg is ready to shape and influence global conversations.

Alongside this achievement, events such as the Joburg Open, the Joburg Ladies Open, and the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival—together with international concerts and major sporting spectacles like the Springboks vs.

The All Blacks Test at Emirates Park, the Red Bull Race in Sandton, the Telkom Netball League at Ellis Park, and the African Forum on Urban Forest conference are much more than highlights on our calendar. They serve as powerful catalysts for economic growth, job creation, and global visibility.

Reimagining the City Through the Eyes of Its People

While these events firmly position Johannesburg on the global stage, our true measure of success is found in the quality of life enjoyed by our residents. Hosting world-class events must go hand in hand with elevating daily living conditions, upgrading infrastructure, and building a city that works for everyone.

By integrating community voices into urban planning, cultural programming, and public space development, we strengthen a sense of ownership and civic pride. Through participatory governance, revitalised precincts, and enhanced service delivery, Johannesburg is not just a host city—it is a city that belongs to its people.

A Platform for Global Exposure

The Joburg Open and Joburg Ladies Open are more than golf tournaments—they are global showcases of Johannesburg’s sophistication, vibrancy, and hospitality. Broadcastto millions of viewers in over 200 countries, these tournaments project the image of a modern African metropolis where sporting excellence meets cultural richness.

Beyond golf, Johannesburg’s cultural influence continues to grow. International concerts at FNB Stadium and the acclaimed Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival have firmly established our city as Africa’s entertainment capital.

These events amplify our global brand, attract new visitors, and unlock fresh investment opportunities.

Driving Tourism and Strengthening Hospitality

Our hospitality sector directly benefits from these major gatherings. International athletes, musicians, business delegates, and sports fans drive hotel occupancy, restaurant revenue, and the vibrancy of local attractions.

Domestic travelers also flock to Johannesburg for these events, further stimulating our economy and reinforcing our status as South Africa’s economic powerhouse. Creating Jobs and Stimulating the Economy The economic impact of hosting global events extends far beyond the main stage or stadium.

Thousands of jobs are created across event management, security, transport, hospitality, and media. These platforms also provide vital skills development, empowering residents, especially young people—to gain invaluable experience in delivering world-class productions. In the long term, our proven track record inspires investor confidence.

The presence of international sponsors, sporting bodies, and business leaders solidifies Johannesburg's position as a competitive, reliable host city and fuels continued commercial growth.

Attracting Investment and Driving Innovation

Strategic partnerships with organisations such as the Sunshine Tour, DP World Tour, and international business forums enhance Johannesburg’s standing as a premier investment destination.

Corporate sponsorship of major sporting events demonstrates the commercial viability of our sports and entertainment sectors while opening doors for broader economic opportunities. Our commitment to sustainability and progressive urban development was the cornerstone of the African Forum on Urban Forests, which was the first physical conference of its kind. By championing innovation in environmental planning and green infrastructure, Johannesburg is setting a benchmark for cities across the continent.

A Legacy Beyond the Arenas

The true value of these events lies not only in their immediate economic returns but also in the legacy they leave behind. International tournaments, concerts, and summits inspire our youth, promote excellence, and foster inclusion through sports development, arts programmes and entrepreneurial initiatives.

The successful hosting of the G20 Summit further elevated Johannesburg's global standing and demonstrated that our city can convene the world’s most powerful economies. It underscored our readiness to facilitate meaningful dialogue and contribute to shaping a more inclusive global future.

As highlighted by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his recent State of the Nation Address, "South Africa is ready to do business with the world and grow the economy of this country."

Johannesburg is actively answering that call, not only through policy and investment drives but also by strategically hosting world-class global events that position the city and the country as a premier global destination. International tournaments such as the Joburg Open and the Joburg Ladies Open do more than showcase elite sporting talent.

They contribute meaningfully to South Africa's tourism performance and visitor statistics, attracting players, officials, media, sponsors, and spectators from across the globe. Each international arrival feeds directly into national tourism numbers — supporting the growth targets articulated by the President and reinforcing confidence in South Africa as an events and investment destination.

These achievements are not accidental. They are the result of deliberate investment in infrastructure, strategic planning, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Hosting major international events is not an expense; it is a long-term investment in our city's prosperity. Johannesburg continues to assert itself as Africa’s premier destination for international sport, culture, business, and diplomacy.

Through flagship events such as the Joburg Open, the Joburg Ladies Open, and the African Forum on Urban Forest—building on the momentum of a successfully hosted G20—we are writing the next chapter of our city's story. With a vision that balances global engagement with local upliftment, Johannesburg stands ready to welcome the world—confident, capable, and committed to shared prosperity.

Dada Morero, Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg