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Ethnic / Cultural Diversity Johannesburg
17 Reviews The selection and performance of national anthems must be one of the most emotive of cultural issues. To my mind, national anthems are meant to be rousing and inspirational pieces of music that...
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Food & Drink Johannesburg
4 Reviews if your'e into wines , as so many are or you want to be seen or you want to meet the Cape's best winemakers. or you want to taste the top wines of the year or Platter's 5 * star wines or just have a...
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This public holiday reminds every South African, no matter their culture or colour, of their human rights as a South African. It is in memory of 69 people that were shot and killed by police in 1960 in Sharpeville, who were protesting against pass laws of the land at the time.
In South Africa there are various public holidays, which celebrate pivotal times within the country. In the UK these days are called bank holidays...They are mostly political in motivation and reason, and they are quite new too, brought in by the now-democratic government within the country.In the apartheid regime they had other days they celebrated. I personally am glad with the new public holidays. When people have gone through so much in a country, days like this are motivating and it’s good to remind ourselves of what we have gone through and where we have come from.I'll give you a brief rundown of the various public holidays celebrated in South Africa currently, with their meaning.
South Africa has eleven official languages, English is one of these languages as is Afrikaans, the remaining nine are indigenous and these are: Xhosa, Zulu, Sotho, Sepedi, Ndebele, Tswana, Swati, Tshivenda and Xitsonga. Practically everyone speaks some English (albeit it being their second/third language), so there is no need to worry about the locals understanding you generally. The biggest problem you are likely to encounter is understanding the locals with their use of slang and 'home-grown' words. Have a look at our travelgue for some fine examples :)
High crime and HIV/AIDS infection rates deter investment in South Africa, but this aside, South Africa's economy has grown from strength to strength in the last few years. The unemployment rate is still high although there are huge efforts being made by government and the man on the ground to change this.Having said this it is quite ironic that a government who says they are trying to help people, don't even know what AIDS and HIV is all about! Quite shocking really. At the moment the now ex-deputy president is in a rape trial. He had sex without consent with an HIV positive woman he knew. He also didnt use a condom. Afterwards he had a shower to clean himself, ridding himself of any infection that might have spread to him. This is of course UTTER RUBBISH!!! How stupid for him to have unprotected sex anyway, whether she had AIDS or not. Then to go ahead and still do it, knowing she has...
There are a wide variety of cultures in South Africa, and then even within the same culture there are significant differences in tradition, depending on where they live.Traditional black culture is still strong in the rural areas, but in urban areas old cultures are fading and new cultural combinations are emerging as people mingle and meet, and exchange cultures. There is quite a melting pot taking place...In the rural areas, polygamy is most often permitted and a bride price (labola - where the groom's family reimburse the bride's family for the loss of their daughter) is usually paid. Cattle play an important part in South Africa's black cultures, as symbols of wealth and as sacrificial animals.
One of the most exciting elements in South Africa is that it is in the continual process of reinventing itself, it's outlook and understanding of eachother. Peoples’ attitudes have changed across the colour barrier and people have hope now. A new South African culture is being created, sans colour or tradition standing in the way. We still have a long way to go, but the progress that's been made since 1994 has been hugely significant!
South Africa'a artworld suffered greatly under Apartheid. Artwork and song lyrics were flooded with anti-apartheid themes, and were forced underground. To listen to one of these songs, or to own one of these paintings was evidence enough that you were a traitor and you could be thrown into prison!!!The bulldozing of both District Six, a vibrant multicultural area in Cape Town, and Johannesburg's Sophiatown, where internationally famous musicians learned their craft in an area once described as 'a skeleton with a permanent grin' are two important examples of this... where communities were literally 'wiped out'.Tragic!Groups like Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Soweto String Quartet, Tree63, Johnny Clegg and Mango Groove have managed to bring South African sound to a worldwide (and appreciative!) audiance.
Mahatma Gandhi came to South Africa in May 1893 to simply assist an Indian merchant in a civil law suit. He had a strong sense of duty, loved truth and had an insatiable urge to serve humanity, and had nothing (at that time) to do with politics. What he experienced in South Africa changed his life forever. He felt compelled to help those who couldn't help themselves. And he did!Ghandi was very concerned, as the Indians in Southern Africa had become divided by class, religion and language. Gandhi helped in establishing the Natal Indian Congress in 1894 and the Transvaal British Indian Association in 1903 to defend the rights of Indians.He tried to persuade white (European) people that Indians were also civilised people and entitled to better rights! He was a pioneer in human rights in South Africa, and is highly thought of in South Africa.A bit of personal family history about Ghandi was...
(taken from my South Africa intro)As the world's most famous prisoner (held in captivity for 27 years) and, then becoming South Africa's president, Nelson Mandela exemplifies a moral integrity that shines far beyond South Africa. In the revolution led by Mandela to transform a country based on apartheid laws and dirision, into an open democracy, he alone has achieved a miracle. He was born in the Transkei on 18 July, 1918. His first name, 'Rolihlahla' is interpreted as 'troublemaker'. The Nelson was added later, by a primary school teacher of his...Mandela's boyhood was peaceful until the death of his father landed him in the care of a powerful relative. He became involved in student protests against white colonial rule at the institution at Fort Hare, and this set him out on the long walk toward personal and national liberation. Having run away from his guardian to avoid an arranged...
Many dishes in South Africa include feta cheese. However, the feta used in SA is Danish Feta as opposed to Greek Feta. Danish feta cheese is less salty then Greek and is more moist. More like a goat cheese- yummy!
The Table Bay Hotel Cape Town
9 Reviews and 345 Opinions One of the more expensive options, but if you can afford it then go for it. The location is great,...
The Westcliff Hotel Johannesburg
5 Reviews and 201 Opinions Being a local, I have never stayed here (and probably couldn't afford to!) - having visited business...
Skukuza Restcamp - Kruger National Park Kruger National Park
8 Reviews and 100 Opinions This is the largest camp on the banks of the Sabie river, it is also the administrative centre of...
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Reviews and photos of South Africa attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for South Africa sightseeing.
Q: Hi all, im travelling to South Africa and Malarone is not sold in Argentina, so I should buy it when I get to South Africa. Do you...
A: You will need a prescription from a South Africa registered doctor.
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