What to do in Gauteng this long weekend

Your social life may have taken a knock as a result of the lockdown but there are lots to do in Gauteng. With the country on lockdown level 1, best you put it to good use as most establishments are operational.

You can treat yourself to a spa treatment or go for lunch with friends to catch up at your favourite restaurant in the spirit of supporting local businesses to recover from the effects of the pandemic. You can go for a hike at your nearest nature reserve, host a braai for family and enjoy the last days of summer.

But remember to wear a mask, sanitise and keep a social distance as you engage in all whatever activities. Whatever you plan, also bear in mind that the curfew is midnight. Here are a few suggestions of places you can try out. Go on and have fun.

The Soweto Derby

The soccer game between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, is big on the social calendar and not just for soccer fans. Since going to the stadium is not a reality, due to Covid-19, you can still get in the mood by arranging a number of activities for Sunday. Why not make an occasion of it by hosting a braai for friends to watch the game over at your place or go to your local pub. Get in the spirit and wear you team’s T-shirt.

The casino

Silverstar Casino in Krugersdorp, Gold Reef City in Johannesburg, Carnival City in Ekurhuleni and Emerald Resort Casinos in the Vaal are always a hive of activity. They have a number of activities you can get up to and they are all family-friendly.

• Silverstar Casino is running several promotions in some of their restaurants, so you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg on meals plus you can cruise around the casino for activities like the movies, ten-pin bowling or go to the arcade games.
• Gold Reef City Theme Park is opened and you can, “take your pick from 18 thrilling rides, 13 dedicated kids rides, Jump City Trampoline Park, the only authentic underground mine tour in Johannesburg, 12 dining options, multiple retail stores, plus 15 other attractions all set against a gold rush era backdrop.”
• Carnival City Big Top Arena brings you the East Rand Expo 2021 which is a family-friendly expo that will have exhibitioners in all family orientated categories, catering for dad, mom and children of all ages. Entrance is free.
• At Emerald Resort and Casino, not far from the Vaal River, you are spoilt for choice because you can, “take a dip in one of our heated Aquadome pools, enjoy the thrill of a game drive, indulge your senses at one of our spa.”

African Lane in Rosebank

Rosebank Art & Craft Market believes local is lekker and is running a campaign to highlight the best and brightest local arts and crafts in Africa. The African Lane at the Rosebank Art & Craft Market is a proudly African display at affordable local prices, by artists and traders from several African countries, including South Africa, Ghana, Congo, Cameroon, Malawi and runs from Friday to Sunday.

“The range of art and crafts is both beautiful and eclectic, and includes a wide range of ornaments, beadwork, handbags, décor items, paintings, animal skins, and a variety of gifting items, each showcasing the talent and creativity of their crafters,” says Mel Jeffries, marketing manager of Rosebank Mall.

Eat out

Don’t go to your usual restaurant for lunch. Rather make a trip of it and try 10 of the best restaurants in Muldersdrift, according to Tripadvisor: Roots Restaurant, Bellgables Country Restaurant, The Diner Krugersdorp, Casalinga Ristorante Italiano, Carnivore, Leafy Green Café, Doppio Zero, Gilroys Brewery, Pub and Restaurant, Rabbit Hole Restaurant and Biden Bistro. In the vicinity of the restaurants are lovely tourist attractions you can explore such the hot air balloon rides, Cradle of Humankind, Sterkfontein Caves and Happy Island Waterworld.

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