Johannesburg (Jozi) -A young city compared to Cape Town, Jozi boomed in the late 19th century with the discovery of gold. This sparked a gold rush, attracting diverse populations and transforming the landscape. Johannesburg became a center of mining and industry, playing a pivotal role in South Africa's economic development. However, its rapid growth also led to social and racial tensions, culminating in the struggles against Apartheid that are prominently documented in the city's museums.

Cape Town - Established in the mid-17th century by the Dutch East India Company, Cape Town is steeped in colonial history. Its iconic Table Mountain served as a landmark for European sailors rounding the Cape of Good Hope. The city developed as a trade hub and later became a key administrative center under British rule.  Cape Town also played a role in the fight against Apartheid, but its earlier establishment and coastal location gave it a distinct cultural character compared to the mining-focused Jozi.