Johannesburg is the disc of sky you see as you crane your neck up, standing in the core of the iconic Ponte Tower. Johannesburg is also gritty, grimy and fizzing with energy. And like Ponte, the tube of concrete that dominates the city’s skyline, Joburg is making a comeback. It is shedding its reputation as a wild and unfriendly frontier town to become the most cosmopolitan of African cities.

The most dramatic skyline in Africa. Jozi at night becomes a city of dreams. (Image: Darren Smith, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0, via Flickr)

The city skyline from the hip regenerated Maboneng District in inner city Jozi. (Image: South African Tourism, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr)

The iconic Mandela Bridge, dreamlike under a Jozi rainstorm. (Image: Jeppestown, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr)

Johannesburg is a city that remembers and celebrates its past. (Image South African Tourism. CC BY 2.0, via Flickr)

Jozi is green, the city of gold is also one of the largest urban forests in the world. (Image: Darren Smith, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0, via Flickr)

Jozi offers walks among the unique flora of the city’s koppies. (Image: Darren Smith, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0, via Flickr)

Johannesburg is a city of commerce and history. (Image: Marco Zanferrari, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr)

Egoli is a city of old business and new entrepreneurs. (Image: Pascal Parent, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. via Flickr)

It’s a city that offers multicultural food experiences. (Image: Laurice Taitz, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0, via Flickr)

And hip neighbourhood neighbourhoods with modish bars. (Image: South African Tourism)

It’s a city of young urban arty citizens. (Image: South African Tourism)

And old school storied culture. (Image:Gauteng Film Commission)

Johannesburg, the City of Gold, still shines as a beacon for people from across the continent. (Image: Gauteng Film Commission)

Traditional medicine is still important to the citizens of South Africa’s fastest growing city. (Image: Marco Zanferrari, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr)

The solemn quiet of the cells at Constitution Hill, once a prison, now a museum and home to the Constitutional Court. (Image: Africa Deluxe Tours, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr)

Maropeng, the cradle of mankind offers the opportunity to look ahead while looking back. (Image: Aquila, CC BY-NC 2.0, via Flickr)

Soccer City, the Calabash, hosted the opening game of the first Fifa World Cup held in Africa. (Image: Andrew Moore, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr)

But you can play anywhere. (Image: Darren Smith, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0, via Flickr)

It’s a city of passionate divided sporting loyalties. (Image: Darren Smith, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0, via Flickr)

The drama of Jozi at night. (Image: Wayne Kloppers, >CC BY 2.0, via )

The City at dusk. (Image: Walter Knir/Gauteng Film Commission)