1. Arrival in South Africa - OR Tambo International Airport (JNB)
Upon Arrival
Proceed through Immigration and Customs.
Ensure your passport is stamped and you retain your arrival card.
Collect your luggage from the designated baggage carousel.
Do not engage with unofficial porters or taxi operators. Use designated counters and official staff only.
2. Getting to Indaba Hotel
Option A: Shuttle Services (recommended)
Recommended shuttle services:
EZ Shuttle - www.ezshuttle.co.za
Pogiso's Tours - www.pogisostours.co.za
BSD Shuttles & Tours - www.bsdshuttlesandtours.co.za
Harmony Shuttles - www.harmonyshuttles.co.za
Mega Bus - www.unitransafrica.com/solutions/mega-bus
You may pre-book and pay online.
Option B: Uber/Bolt
Download Uber or Bolt apps before arrival (both work well in South Africa).
Proceed to the Rideshare Pick-up Zone at OR Tambo (clearly signposted near the Parkade).
A ride from the airport to Southern Sun Rosebank takes 30-40 minutes.
Option C: Gautrain
From the Arrivals Terminal, follow signs to the Gautrain station (about a 5-10 minute walk via a covered walkway).
Purchase a Gautrain card and load value for a trip to Sandton Station (there might be a need to switch trains)
Board the Gautrain to Sandton, then take a bus to Fourways (you will need to take an uber from the bus drop off to the hotel)
Trains operate from 5:30 AM
3. Your Stay - Indaba Hotel
Address: Winnie Mandela Drive, Fourways, Johannesburg
Phone: +27 11 840 6600
Website: https://www.indabahotel.co.za/
Hotel Check-in time: 14h00
Hotel Check out time: 11:00
Hotel Highlights:
Set among tranquil Mokolwane palms, the Indaba Hotel is situated just 30 minutes from the heart of Sandton. It's also a short drive from Fourways Mall and Montecasino.
4. Essential Services Nearby
Shopping & Groceries:
Fourways Mall offer clothing stores, bookstores, grocery shops (Woolworths, Pick n Pay), and more.
Banking & Currency Exchange:
ATMs: Absa, Standard Bank, Nedbank, and FNB
Currency Exchange: Travelex (inside the mall) or Bidvest Bank Foreign Exchange.
Medical:Clicks Pharmacy and Dis-Chem - Dainfern Square / Leaping Frog, both around the corner from the hotel
For urgent care, Life Fourways is nearby (011 875 1000).
Restaurants: A variety of restaurants are available within walking distance - from local cuisine to international options.
5. Safety Tips
Johannesburg is a modern city with vibrant culture, but like any major urban area, safety precautions are important:
Avoid walking alone at night or in unfamiliar areas.
Do not display valuables (phones, jewellery, cash) in public.
Use registered taxis, hotel shuttles, or reliable ride-hailing apps (Uber/Bolt).
Keep your hotel room locked and store valuables in the in-room safe.
Always inform someone of your whereabouts if going out.
Be cautious when withdrawing cash - use ATMs inside malls or banks.
In case of emergency, dial 10111 (police) or 112 (any cell phone network emergency).
6. General Tips
Time Zone: South African Standard Time (GMT+2)
Power Supply: 230V, Type M plug (adaptors available at most stores or hotel concierge)
Language: English widely spoken
Tipping: 10%-15% is customary at restaurants and for services
Expected weather conditions for the period: Warm with temperatures ranging between 6° C and 23° C
7. Contact for Assistance
If you require help during your stay, contact:
Course Coordinator: nokhanyo.yolwa@wits.ac.za / asande.mahlaba@wits.ac.za
Hotel Front Desk: +27 11 840 6600
8. Visa Requirements
If you require a visa to enter South Africa, please initiate the process well in advance to avoid any delays in your travel arrangements.
Steps to Follow:
Check visa requirements for your country on the South African Department of Home Affairs website or consult the South African embassy in your country.
Send the following details to our course administrator as soon as possible:
Full name (as on passport)
Passport number
Nationality
Country of residence
Dates of intended travel
A copy of your passport
Submit this information to:
Asande Mahlaba
Email: asande.mahlaba@wits.ac.za
Once received, we will prepare and issue a formal invitation letter to support your visa application.
Important Notes:
Apply for a visitor's visa for business purposes, not a tourist visa.
Ensure your passport is valid for at least 30 days beyond your departure date, with at least two blank pages.
You may be asked to show proof of accommodation and return flight during your visa application or on arrival.
9. Welcome Dinner
To warmly welcome you to South Africa and allow you to meet fellow delegates, you are invited to attend the welcome dinner:
Welcome Dinner
Date: Sunday, 16th August
Time: From 18:00
Venue: Indaba Hotel, Spa & Conference Centre
Enjoy an evening of South African hospitality, delicious cuisine, and networking in a relaxed setting. Kindly ensure you arrive in Johannesburg by Sunday afternoon to attend.
Dress Code: Smart casual
RSVP: No need to RSVP if you are staying at the hotel - all course delegates are expected to attend.
10. Group Hotel Dinners
All Dinners will be held in a group setting. All delegates are expected to dine together.
Venue: Indaba Hotel, Spa & Conference Centre
Dates:
Monday, 17 August
Tuesday, 18 August
Thursday, 20 August
Time: 18:00
11. Extra-Curricular Activities
To give you a holistic experience of Johannesburg and its surrounding treasures, you are invited to take part in two specially arranged cultural excursions. These tours will offer a glimpse into South Africa's deep history, heritage, and resilience.
Constitution Hill
Constitution Hill is a living museum that tells the story of South Africa's journey to democracy. Once a prison complex that held political activists, ordinary citizens, and historical figures such as Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi, it now houses the country's Constitutional Court. The tour provides a moving account of South Africa's legal and social transformation, set against the backdrop of an iconic heritage site.
Date: Wednesday, 19 August
Time to depart hotel: 15:00
Tour: 15:30 - 16:30
Dinner: Sakhumzi Zoo Lake
Time: 17:00 - 19:00