Author: Nomthandazo Ntisa

Grammy award-winning artist Doja Cat will headline the South African leg of the Move Afrika tour in Pretoria on 20 March 2026. The concert, hosted at SunBet Arena in Time Square, Menlyn Maine, forms part of Global Citizen’s third edition of the pan-African touring circuit

Thava Indian Restaurant has officially opened a new branch at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park, expanding its footprint in Gauteng’s competitive hospitality sector. The Kerala-inspired restaurant, founded by Mathew Abraham, now operates inside one of the province’s busiest entertainment destinations in Ekurhuleni. The opening gives East Rand residents and visitors access to traditional South Indian cuisine within the Emperors Palace complex.

The Department of Basic Education has confirmed the official 2026 South African public school calendar, setting the academic year from 14 January to 9 December 2026. The calendar affects learners, parents, and educators across Gauteng and outlines 200 official school days across four terms. It also includes one special school holiday on 15 June 2026.

The Betway Premiership returns this week with eight Round 19 fixtures scheduled between 27 February and 1 March 2026. Clubs across Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, and the Western Cape are in action as the title race and relegation battle intensify. The standout fixture sees Kaizer Chiefs host Orlando Pirates in a Soweto Derby on Saturday afternoon, a result that could influence both the top four and bragging rights in Johannesburg.

Kaizer Chiefs are entering a decisive stage of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season, with confirmed fixtures against Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and several mid-table rivals scheduled through May 2026. The club has also completed notable squad changes this season, adding defensive and attacking depth while parting ways with senior players. For Gauteng supporters, where Chiefs remain one of the province’s most followed clubs, the upcoming derby and title-impact fixtures could determine the final league outcome.

The first Soweto Derby of the season lands in Gauteng this Saturday, with Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates set to meet at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg. For many fans, it is not only a match day. It is a full weekend plan that includes watch parties, pre-game meet-ups, and post-match hangouts across the province. With tickets often limited and demand typically high, many supporters will watch from sports bars, restaurants, and entertainment nodes that screen big fixtures.

LIV Golf has confirmed it will stage its first South African tournament at The Club at Steyn City in Midrand from 19 to 22 March 2026. The four-day event combines tournament play with nightly live music performances and is expected to draw local fans, international visitors, and major hospitality spend into Gauteng. The announcement matters now because ticket sales and event logistics are already underway, and the programme includes headline artists alongside a field featuring global golf names and South Africa’s Louis Oosthuizen.

The Gauteng Tourism Authority has confirmed the professional conference organisers and tourism partners who will represent the province at Meetings Africa 2026. The announcement outlines the SMMEs selected under the PCO Development Programme and details the confirmed co-exhibitors that will share Gauteng’s stand at the continent’s leading business events trade show.

Gauteng will mark 20 years of participation at Meetings Africa when the 2026 edition opens at the Sandton Convention Centre. The Gauteng Convention and Events Bureau will exhibit as part of the provincial pavilion under the Gauteng Tourism Authority, reinforcing the province’s long-standing role in Africa’s business events sector. The milestone comes as destinations compete for hosted buyers, conference organisers, and global associations seeking reliable delivery partners.

Gauteng continues to position itself as a leading leisure destination, drawing visitors to its mix of culture, food, heritage sites, and urban entertainment. Provincial tourism officials say domestic travel has rebounded steadily, with city-based experiences and township tourism seeing renewed interest. For residents and visitors alike, the province’s leisure offering now spans curated food districts, heritage landmarks, rooftop venues, family attractions, and outdoor escapes, all within short driving distances.