"I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can only rest for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not ended." - Nelson Mandela
Public Holidays New Year's Day - 01 January Human Right's Day - 21 March Good Friday - Friday before Easter Sunday Family Day - Day after Easter Sunday Freedom Day - 27 April Worker's Day - 01 May Youth Day - 16 June National Women's Day - 09 August Heritage Day - 24 September Day of Reconciliation - 16 December Christmas Day - 25 December Day of Goodwill - 26 December
If any of these days falls on a Sunday, the following Monday becomes a public holiday.
Climate
South Africa enjoys warm temperate conditions and is famous for its sunshine. The average annual rainfall is 464mm making it a dry country when compared to the world average of 857mm. About 80% of the country’s rain falls during the summer months i.e. October - March. The Western Cape enjoys winter rains while other coastal areas experience rain throughout the year.
Money Matters
The currency is South African rand and ZAR1 = 100 cents. Although the use of credit cards may be restricted in rural areas, international credit cards are widely accepted in the cities. Foreign currencies may be easily exchanged at foreign exchange bureaux, commercial banks and most hotels. Commercial banks are open during weekdays and also until 11h00 on Saturdays.
Road Regulations
Road signs conform with international standards, driving is on the left side of the road, and the wearing of seat belts is compulsory.
Value Added Tax
VAT of 14% is included in the price of most goods and services. Non-resident foreign passport holders on a temporary visit have the opportunity of reclaiming VAT (less a nominal service fee) on movable goods exported upon departure. For full details on this consumer friendly scheme please consult us upon arrival.
Transport
South Africa has an extensive transport system and policies are formulated by the Department of Transport. Contact us for any and all your transport needs.
Languages
The South African Constitution, 1996 provides for 11 official languages: English, Afrikaans, IsiNdebele, IsiXhosa, IsiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, SiSwati, Tshivenda and Xitsonga.
The preferred language of business is English.
Religion
Freedom of worship is enshrined in the Constitution. The majority of South Africans practice Christianity, some have no religious affiliation and others are Muslim, Hindu, Jewish or of other faiths.
Trade & Industry
South Africa’s primary exports consist of minerals, base metals, other precious metals and diamonds, intermediate commodities and fully assembled automobiles and components. Imports include petroleum products, machinery, raw materials, chemicals and consumer goods. Germany, the USA and China are the top 3 trading partners, while India and Saudi Arabia are within the top 10.
Government System
The Constitution was adopted in 1996 and is regarded as the most important law of the land. There are 3 levels of government: local, provincial and national. Legislative, executive and judicial authorities operate separately from one another. The legislative authority is Parliament and it consists of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces. The public may attend parliamentary sittings.
Population
The estimated population of 49 million live in nine provinces: Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Cape, Free State, North-West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Northern Province.
Medical Care & Health Requirements
Since there is no national health scheme it is recommended that visitors purchase medical insurance prior to arrival.
Tap water is purifed and safe to drink.
No cholera or smallpox vaccinations are required, but valid international yellow fever inoculation certificates are required by those arriving from a yellow fever zone.
Malaria prophylaxis is recommended when visiting infected regions. If applicable, consult your doctor/pharmacist regarding suitable medication.
Electricity
Power supply is 220/230 volts AC. The 15-amp round pin plug is standard and European 2 pin plugs will require an adaptor.
Communication
Standard time in South Africa is 2 hours ahead of GMT.
It is advisable to confirm that your service provider has an agreement to offer international roaming. If not, mobile (cellular) phones may be hired.
Most hotels offer facilities enabling you to use your own computer including internet access.
Safety
Every effort is made to ensure the safety of all, but crime does occur. As in other parts of the world, it is advisable not to walk in deserted areas, to avoid obvious displays of valuables, to avoid carrying large sums of cash and to take special precautions after dark.
World Heritage Sites
South Africa is proud to have the following World Heritage Sites: • Richtersveld Cultural & Botanical Landscape (Northern Cape Province) • Robben Island (Western Cape Province) • Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape (Limpopo Province ) • iSimangaliso Wetland Park (Kwa-Zulu Natal Province) • Cape Floral Kingdom (Western Cape & Eastern Cape Provinces) • Cradle of Humankind (Gauteng Province) • uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park (Kwa-Zulu Natal Province) • Vredefort Dome (Free State & North West Provinces)
