Article: Lonwabo Mtyeku – GP News Media, Community Newsroom | 18 October 2025
Johannesburg, 16 October 2025 — October marks Transport Month, and in Gauteng, mobility is more than movement — it’s the heartbeat of the province’s economy, tourism, and daily life.
For over 15.5 million residents, transport connects people to opportunity, fuels business and trade, and sets the rhythm for a province that never stops moving. From its roads and rails to its airports and e-mobility innovation, Gauteng is redefining how South Africa moves — and how the world connects to it.
Where Transport Meets Lifestyle
In Gauteng, transport doesn’t just move people — it moves culture.
The province’s integrated mobility network powers its lifestyle economy, enabling world-class events, festivals, and sports spectacles that shape its identity.
At the centre of this system is the Gautrain, celebrating 15 years as one of South Africa’s most reliable transport success stories. Its efficient connections, extended hours, and event-specific packages make it the go-to travel choice for major occasions like the DStv Delicious Festival, Scorpion Kings Live, the SAAF Museum Air Show, the Absa Run Your City Series, and the iconic Travis Scott concert.
Venues such as FNB Stadium, Wanderers Stadium, SuperSport Park, and Emirates Airline Park all benefit from this seamless mobility — ensuring that fans, tourists, and media can move effortlessly between experiences.
And in a uniquely Gauteng moment, the Gautrain itself became a stage when Grammy Award-winner Zakes Bantwini delivered a live Amapiano performance in collaboration with Castle Lite and Big Concerts — turning a daily commute into a celebration of creativity and connectivity.
Meanwhile, PRASA’s “Istimela Sabantu – The People’s Train” is rebuilding trust in public rail with affordable, accessible, and inclusive service — helping reconnect communities while complementing Gautrain’s network.
Air Connectivity Strengthening Gauteng’s Gateway Status
In the skies, Gauteng continues to fly higher as Africa’s gateway to the world.
Between November 2024 and September 2025, new international and domestic routes launched — including:
- SAA Johannesburg–Lubumbashi (DRC)
- SAA Johannesburg–Tanzania
- SAA Gaborone–Johannesburg
- Fly Gabon Libreville–Johannesburg
- FlySafair Gqeberha–Lanseria
Each new connection expands trade, tourism, and investment — while driving Gauteng’s Growing Gauteng Together 2030 vision of economic reindustrialisation and inclusion.
With the highest number of foreign missions and embassies in South Africa, the province’s expanding air network also enhances diplomatic cooperation and continental integration.
This growing connectivity is laying the foundation for Gauteng to host major global events — including the G20 World Leaders Summit, international rugby tournaments, the 2027 Cricket World Cup, and a potential Formula 1 Grand Prix between 2027 and 2030.
These events will bring thousands of visitors, creating opportunities for township tourism, SMMEs, and community upliftment.
Smarter, Greener, Better
Gauteng is not just moving — it’s moving smartly.
At the Smarter Mobility Africa Summit 2025, held in Johannesburg, global experts, innovators, and policymakers came together to map Africa’s sustainable transport future.
From electric vehicles to integrated mobility apps, the focus was on creating a cleaner, more connected continent.
In Tshwane, Gauteng’s automotive hub, manufacturers like BMW, Nissan, and Ford are leading the electric vehicle revolution, positioning the province as Africa’s epicentre for green mobility innovation.
The Road Ahead
Safe, reliable, and sustainable transport remains the foundation of Gauteng’s growth.
The province continues to invest in:
- Road, rail, and air infrastructure upgrades
- Formalisation of e-hailing services
- Introduction of digital visa systems
- Revitalisation of township mobility hubs
- Public–private collaboration for smarter connectivity
Because when transport works — the economy moves.
People move. Tourism grows. Communities thrive.
And Gauteng, the country’s economic engine, moves forward.
💬 Final Word
Transport Month 2025 isn’t just a celebration of mobility — it’s a reminder that every road, rail, and runway leads to opportunity.
In Gauteng, movement is more than momentum — it’s the pulse of progress.