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The provinces and their capital cities: Eastern Cape Bisho
Free State Bloemfontein
Gauteng Johannesburg
KwaZulu Natal Pietermaritzburg
Mpumalanga Nelspruit
Northern Cape Kimberley
Limpopo Polokwane
North West Mafikeng
Western Cape Cape Town
ECONOMY South Africa is one of the worlds leading producers of gold and diamonds and has been since 1886. Other valuable ores that are exported include platinum, chromium, manganese and fluorine. The benevolent climate and fertile soils allow for a large range of fresh produce and tropical fruits grown and used for both domestic and export purposes. Cattle ranching, wine production and fishing also form and important part of South Africa’s economy.
CLIMATE Summer temperatures average between 15 - 30C ( 60 - 96F). South Africa’s climate is generally mild through out the year and snow is limited to the highest mountain peaks. On a whole it is quite a dry country with rainfall about 502 mm a year. As far as sunny days are concerned South Africa ranks high in the world. Kwazulu Natal has mostly a sub tropical climate with a high humidity in summer. The Southern Gauteng has hot summers with occasional thundershowers and frosty winters, while the Eastern part enjoys mild winters. The Cape interior and the Freestate have similar weather conditions to the Southern Gauteng region. The Western Cape region has a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters.
Temperature are given in Celsius. Ten degree Celsius is equivalent to 50 degree Fahrenheit
20c = 68 F 20c + 86F
POLITICS
South Africa is one of the world’s newest democracies and the political party currently in power is the ANC – African National Congress – The country is headed by a President (Mr Tabo Mbeki), a Parliament divided into a Senate and House of Representatives. Sits in Cape Town – Legislative capital Pretoria - Administrative capital Bloemfontein – Judicial capital BEST TIME TO GO South Africa is an all year round destination, however there are some places more popular at certain times. The northern regions are good destinations in the winter months as game viewing is at its best and temperatures are very mild (20-23C). Winter rainfall is very little in the north. The Southern regions are summer destinations with low summer rainfall and temperatures reaching 28-30C or higher on beautiful days.
BANKS Banking hours at most commercial banks are:
Mon - Fri 09h00 - 15h30
Sat 08h00 - 11h00
Automatic tellers are open 24 hrs and are located in most towns and cities. Major hotels have foreign exchange facilities and most shops, lodges and travel agencies take travellers cheques.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS As for all international travel, the visitor to South Africa is required to be in possession of a valid passport. Travellers from certain countries also need a visa. Please consult your nearest South African Consulate. Visas are issued free of charge and if you are intending to travel to neighbouring countries it is advisable to apply for a multiple entry visas. Visitors should have sufficient funds to support themselves whilst is South Africa and should be in possession of a return ticket or have proof of other means to return to their home country.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS There are no compulsory inoculations. However travellers from a yellow fever zone must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Anti malaria prophylactics are recommended for Mpumalanga and northern Natal it is best to consult your pharmacist or doctor in this regard. Do not underestimate the effects of the African sun. Bring plenty of sun cream, a good sun hat and gradual adjustment is recommended.
MEDICAL SERVICES Medical services are readily available. Visitors are advised to secure medical insurance before arriving in the country. Major hotels have contracts with physicians and dentists. You are advised to bring supplies of specialised medication you may require during your stay. Other medication can be obtained at pharmacies and emergency pharmacies open all night.
CURRENCY
The currency unit is Rands and Cents. 1 rand = 100 cents. Major credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and stores.
LANGUAGES Although the new ‘South Africa’ boasts 11 official languages, the major languages spoken are still English and Afrikaans. The other 9 languages are African, the most common being Zulu and Xhosa.
WATER Tap water is safe to drink but bottled water is available if you prefer.
VAT CLAIMS For any goods bought for R250.00 or more, the 14% VAT can be claimed back at the point of departure at the Airport. A Valid passport, a Tax Invoice with a VAT Reg No must be presented as well as the goods purchased to qualify for a refund.
No vat on services can be refunded
TIME DIFFERENCE GMT +2
S.A. Standard Time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
One hour ahead of Central European Winter Time.
Seven Hours ahead of the USA’s Eastern Standard Winter Time.
RELIGIONS Most denominations are represented. Churches, mosques, temples and synagogues are located in most major cities.
ELECTRICITY Current is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles per second. Adaptor plugs should be brought for razzors and hair dryers.
DRIVING South Africans drive on the left-hand side of the road, with speed limits of 120km/h on highways and 60km/h in built-up areas. One mile is equivalent to 1,6 kilometres. For a quick conversion of km into miles, divide by eight and multiply by five.
LEGAL SYSTEM Based on Roman-Dutch law and English common law and the new Constitution of 1996. SMOKING The law prohibits smoking in most public spaces, including airports and railway stations.
Most restaurants have designated smoking and non-smoking areas GENERAL Gariep Dam in the Free State is the biggest dam in South Africa. Constructed in the Oranje River. When full capacity is can hold 5,7 billion cubic meters of water.
Mine dumps is a big problem to South Africa. They can contain poisons like cyanide that was used in the gold mining industry. It is also dangerous to the environment as mine shafts can collapse triggering earthquakes in the area. Rain that falls on mine dumps can have tragic consequences as it can cause erosion that can result in mud slides which can ruin houses and kill people.
The longest Wine Route in the world, is in the Cape on Route 66.
Sources: SA 2001-2002 – South African Tourism
Gauteng – by GEDA (Gauteng Economic Development Agency)
The World Factbook 2002 – South Africa – Internet CIA
The very Best of Johannesburg and surrounds – Duncan Guy
Internet: www.gov.za
www.safrica.info
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