1855
Pretoria is founded in 1855 by Marthinus Pretorius, a leader of the Voortrekkers – Afrikaans and Dutch peoples who migrated from the Cape Colony into the interior of South Africa to escape British rule. Image © peragro
1886
Gold is discovered in 1886 in what is now Johannesburg, leading to the Witwatersrand Gold Rush and the establishment of Johannesburg. Image © undone
1941
In 1941, the Royal Imperial Hospital was built in what today is Diepkloof, Soweto, for convalescing British and Commonwealth soldiers. The hospital was later renamed Baragwanath Hospital (and is now Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital). © Nigeria Health Watch
1976
Soweto comes to the world's attention on 16 June 1976 with the Soweto Uprising, when mass protests by students erupted over the apartheid government's policy to enforce education in Afrikaans. Image of Hector Pieterson Museum © Ina96
1994
In 1994, the area roughly covering Pretoria-Witwatersrand-Vereeniging, which was previously part of the old Transvaal province, is renamed Gauteng.
2010
In 2010, Johannesburg hosts the final of the FIFA World Cup, as well as the opening and closing ceremonies. Image © shanediaz120
The Gautrain is a rapid rail link from Pretoria and Johannesburg to the OR Tambo International Airport.
