Quote:
Originally Posted by hipster duck
I hate to be a smug Canadian know-it-all, but why don’t you do a google search for Sandton? It’s a major business district for what might be the 5th largest metro in the English speaking world. I mean, because of this forum I’ve had to learn things I’m not familiar with all the time on here, like thinking in persons-per-square-mile and to be aware of American esoterica like differences in the built form of Cleveland vs Cincinnati, so you can too.
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While not a particularly impressive skyline, I wouldn't be surprised if Sandton actually has more class A office space than either of those American metros. And probably somewhere near as much hotel space (more high end, at least).
It's certainly obnoxious, but the branding of "Africa's richest square mile" is probably accurate - the area is home to the largest stock exchange on the continent, Sub-Saharan African head office of most multinational corporations, and the same for most media companies, big law firms, etc. Only 1 of the country's "big 4" banks has the HQ there though (the others stuck it out in the CBD).
The amount of money being flaunted is on a level that's hard to come by outside of a few select areas in North America - it's become
the area for rich locals and especially African expats to show off. I mean, that's why it's one of my least favourite parts of the city, but it's certainly... something. Did have a fun Sunday earlier this year drinking poolside at a rich condo/hotel while a friend was djing as it made for some interesting people watching. Also a disturbing number of escorts.