The area has around 8 000 industries and is responsible for about 23 percent of the gross geographical product of Gauteng province, which is sub- Saharan Africa's most economically powerful and active region.
The municipality is comprised of nine towns of the former East Rand, namely Greater Alberton, Benoni, Germiston, Springs, Kempton Park , Edenvale, Nigel, Brakpan and Boksburg.
Ekurhuleni is a Tsonga word and can loosely be translated as the place of peace. It denotes a place where working together to create a peaceful and prosperous environment is encouraged and undertaken by the residents who are bound together by their love for peace.
From the world's largest producer of gold a century ago, the geographical area known as the East Rand has become an entity of note in a globally competitive business and industry. The mining boom that led to the emergency of the East Rand, also prompted the growth of a substantial manufacturing support base in the area.
The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Council comprises of 175 Councillors, led by the Executive Mayor, Speaker and 10 members of the Mayoral Committee.
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