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South Africa Maps PRETORIA Pretoria is a city in the northern part of Gauteng Province, South Africa. It is one of the country's three capital cities, serving as the executive ,administrative and de facto national capital; the others are Cape Town, the legislative capital, and Bloemfontein, the judicial capital.Pretoria is divided into three sections: pretoria west, east and north. Pretoria is contained within the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality as one of several constituent former administrations ,among which also Centurion and Soshanguve. Pretoria itself is sometimes referred to as "Tshwane" due to a long-running and controversial proposed change of name, which has yet to be decided, as of 2012. Pretoria is named after Andries Pretorius.Pretoria in South Africa is popularly known as The Jacaranda City due to the thousands of Jacaranda trees planted in its streets, parks and gardens http://visitpretoria.co.za/General/map-of-pretoria View Larger Map JOHANNESBURG Johannesburg , is the largest city in South Africa, by population. Johannesburg is the provincial capital of Gauteng, the wealthiest province in South Africa, having the largest economy of any metropolitan region in Sub-Saharan Africa.The city is one of the 50 largest metropolitan areas in the world, and is also the world's largest city not situated on a river, lake, or coastline. It claims to be the lightning capital of the world, though this title is also claimed by others. While Johannesburg is not one of South Africa's three capital cities, it is the seat of the Constitutional Court, which has the final word on interpretation of South Africa's new post-Apartheid constitution. The city is the source of a large-scale gold and diamond trade, due to its location on the mineral-rich Witwatersrand range of hills. Johannesburg is served by O.R. Tambo International Airport, the largest and busiest airport in Africa and a gateway for international air travel to and from the rest of Southern Africa. More recently Lanseria International Airport has started international flights, and is situated conveniently on the opposite side of the metropolis. View Larger Map DURBAN Durban is the largest city in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal. It is also the third largest city in South Africa after Johannesburg and Cape Town. It forms part of the eThekwini metropolitan municipality. Durban is famous for being the busiest port in South Africa. It is also seen as one of the major centres of tourism because of the city's warm subtropical climate and extensive beaches. The municipality, which includes neighbouring towns, has a population of almost 3.5 million, making the combined municipality the biggest city on the east coast of the African continent. Archaeological evidence from the Drakensberg mountains suggests that the Durban area has been inhabited by communities of hunter-gatherers since 100,000 BC. These people lived throughout the area of present day KwaZulu-Natal until the expansion of Bantu farmers and pastoralists from the north saw their gradual displacement,incorporation or extermination. View Larger Map CAPE TOWN Cape Town is the second-most populous city in South Africa after Johannesburg, and the provincial capital and primate city of the Western Cape. As the seat of the National Parliament, it is also the legislative capital of the country. It forms part of the City of Cape Town metropolitan municipality. The city is famous for its harbour as well as its natural setting in the Cape floral kingdom, including such well-known landmarks as Table Mountain and Cape Point. Cape Town is also Africa's most popular tourist destination. Located on the shore of Table Bay, Cape Town was originally developed by the Dutch East India Company as a victualling (supply) station for Dutch ships sailing to Eastern Africa, India, and the Far East. Jan van Riebeeck's arrival on 6 April 1652 established the first permanent European settlement in South Africa. View Larger Map PORT ELIZABETH Port Elizabeth is one of the largest cities in South Africa, situated in the Eastern Cape Province, 770 km (478 mi) east of Cape Town. The city, often shortened to PE and nicknamed "The Friendly City" or "The Windy City", stretches for 16 km along Algoa Bay, and is one of the major seaports in South Africa. Port Elizabeth was founded as a town in 1820 to house British settlers as a way of strengthening the border region between the Cape Colony and the Xhosa. It now forms part of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality which has a population of over 1.3 million. During the Second Boer War, the port was an important transit point for soldiers, horses and materials headed to the front by railway. While the city itself did not see any conflict, many refugees from the war moved into the city. These included Boer women and children interned by the British in a concentration camp. Following that war, the Horse Memorial was erected to honour the tens of thousands of horses and mules that died during the conflict. View Larger Map PIETERBURG-POLOKWANE Polokwane, meaning "Place of Safety", is a city in the Polokwane Local Municipality and the capital of the Limpopo province, South Africa. It is also often referred to by its former name,Pietersburg. Polokwane is a major urban centre, the biggest and most important north of Gauteng. Polokwane was one of the host cities of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.In the 1840s, Voortrekkers under the leadership of Andries Potgieter established Zoutpansbergdorp, a town 100 km to the north west. This settlement had to be abandoned because of clashes with the local tribes. They founded a new town in 1886 and named it Pietersburg in honour of Voortrekker leader Petrus Jacobus Joubert. The British built a concentration camp at Pietersburg during the Boer War to house almost 4,000 Boer women and children. The town officially became a city on April 23, 1992; on February 25, 2005, the government declared the official name of the city as Polokwane, a name that was generally in use by the speakers of Northern Sotho. View Larger Map PORT SHEPSTONE Port Shepstone is situated on the mouth of the largest river on the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, the Mzimkulu River ,the great home of all rivers. 120 kilometres (75 mi) south of Durban, it is the administrative, educational and commercial centre for southern Natal. Port Shepstone was founded in 1867 when marble was discovered nearby and is named after Sir Theophilus Shepstone of the Natal government of the 1880s. William Bazley built a harbour and the first coaster entered the harbour on the May 8, 1880. In 1882 a party of 246 Norwegian immigrants settled here and played a large part in the development of the area. After the opening of the railway to Durban in 1901 the harbour fell in disuse and eventually the river silted up again making it impossible to use. The 27,000 candela lighthouse still stands at the mouth of the Mzimkulu River. View Larger Map EAST LONDON East London is a city on the southeast coast of South Africa, situated at 32.97°S and 27.87°E in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality of the Eastern Cape province. The city lies on the Indian Ocean coast, largely between the Buffalo River and the Nahoon River, and hosts the country's only river port. East London today has a population of over 400 000, with over 1.4 million in the metropolitan area.The city formed around the only river port in South Africa and was originally known as Port Rex. This settlement on the West Bank was the nucleus of the town of East London, which was elevated to city status in 1914. During the early to mid-19th century frontier wars between the British settlers and the local Xhosa inhabitants, East London served as a supply port to service the military headquarters at nearby King William’s Town, about thirty miles away. A British fort, Fort Glamorgan, was built on the West Bank in 1847, and annexed to the Cape Colony that same year. This fort is one of a series of forts the British built, that include Fort Murray, Fort White, Fort Cox Fort Hare and Fort Beaufort, in the border area that became known as British Kaffraria. View Larger Map BLOEMFONTEIN Bloemfontein is the capital city of the Free State Province of South Africa; and, as the judicial capital of the nation, one of South Africa's three national capitals ,the other two being Cape Town, the legislative capital, and Pretoria, the administrative capital. As the capital of the Orange Free State Republic the growth and maturing of the Republic resulted in the growth of the town. Numerous public buildings that remain in use today were constructed. This was largely facilitated by the excellent governance of the Republic ,which acquired the term model republic ,and the compensation from the British for the loss of the diamond rich Griqualand area.In 1899 the city was the site of the Bloemfontein Conference, which failed to prevent the outbreak of the Second Boer War. The conference was a final attempt to avert a war between Britain and the South African Republic. With its failure the stage was set for war, which broke out on 11 October 1899. View Larger Map KIMBERLEY Kimberley is the capital of the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. It is located approximately 110 km east of the confluence of the Vaal and Orange Rivers. The city has considerable historical significance due its diamond mining past and the siege during the Second Boer War. Notable personalities such as Cecil Rhodes and Barney Barnato made their fortunes here, and the roots of the De Beers company can also be traced to the early days of the mining town.In 1866, Erasmus Jacobs found a small brilliant pebble on the banks of the Orange River, on the farm De Kalk leased from local Griquas, near Hopetown, which was his father's farm. He showed the pebble to his father who sold it. The pebble was purchased from Jacobs by Schalk van Niekerk, who later sold it. It proved to be a 21.25 carat (4.25 g) diamond, and became known as the Eureka. Three years later Schalk van Niekerk sold another diamond also found in the De Kalk vicinity, the Star of South Africa for £11,200. View Larger Map MPUMALANGA Mpumalanga from Eastern Transvaal on 24 August 1995), is a province of South Africa. The name means east or literally "the place where the sun rises" in Swazi, Xhosa, Ndebele and Zulu. Mpumalanga lies in eastern South Africa, north of KwaZulu-Natal and bordering Swaziland and Mozambique. It constitutes 6.5% of South Africa's land area. In the north it borders on Limpopo, to the west Gauteng, to the southwest the Free State and to the south KwaZulu-Natal. The capital is Nelspruit ,recently renamed to Mbombela. Prior to 1994, Mpumalanga was part of Transvaal Province. The Drakensberg Escarpment divides Mpumalanga into a westerly half consisting mainly of high-altitude grassland called the Highveld and an eastern half situated in low altitude subtropical Lowveld/Bushveld, mostly savanna habitat. The southern half of the Kruger National Park is situated in the latter region. The Drakensberg exceeds heights of 2000m in most places with this central region of Mpumalanga being very mountainous. These regions have alpine grasslands and small pockets of Afromontane Forest. The Lowveld is relatively flat with interspersed rocky outcrops. The Lebombo Mountains form a low range in the far east forming the border with Mozambique. View Larger Map LIMPOPO Limpopo is the northern most province of South Africa. It was named after the Limpopo River; "Limpopo" means "waterfalls" in Zulu and other Nguni languages. The capital is Polokwane, formerly named Pietersburg. The province was formed from the northern region of Transvaal Province in 1994, and initially named Northern Transvaal. The following year, it was renamed Northern Province, which remained the name until 2003, when the name of the province was formally changed to the name of its most important river–on the border with Zimbabwe and Botswana–after deliberation by the provincial government and amendment of the Constitution. A notable consideration for the name was Mapungubwe, the area where the most ancient gold-using civilisation of the province was discovered a few years earlier. The province contains much of the Waterberg Biosphere, a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve. The Waterberg Biosphere, a massif of approximately 15,000 km2 (5,800 sq mi), is the first region in the northern part of South Africa to be named as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. The massif was shaped by hundreds of millions of years of riverine erosion to yield diverse bluff and butte landforms.The Waterberg ecosystem can be characterised as a dry deciduous forest or Bushveld. Within the Waterberg, archaeological finds date to the Stone Age. Nearby are early evolutionary finds related to the origin of humans. Pictures of South Africa Translate Company Gestbook Riseingsouthernstar-Africa Radio Eendrag .......... riseingsouthernstar africa THE RISEING SOUTHERNSTAR OF AFRICA Home Our Site Map South African History The Nine Provinces Wild Life South Africa South African Culture Genocide South Africa Our Top List South Africa Maps Our Petitions Site Weskaap AWB Radio Stations Sam-South African Music South Africa Maps Our South African Maps and Pictures PRETORIA Pretoria is a city in the northern part of Gauteng Province, South Africa. It is one of the country's three capital cities, serving as the executive ,administrative and de facto national capital; the others are Cape Town, the legislative capital, and Bloemfontein, the judicial capital.Pretoria is divided into three sections: pretoria west, east and north. Pretoria is contained within the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality as one of several constituent former administrations ,among which also Centurion and Soshanguve. Pretoria itself is sometimes referred to as "Tshwane" due to a long-running and controversial proposed change of name, which has yet to be decided, as of 2012. Pretoria is named after Andries Pretorius.Pretoria in South Africa is popularly known as The Jacaranda City due to the thousands of Jacaranda trees planted in its streets, parks and gardens http://visitpretoria.co.za/General/map-of-pretoria View Larger Map JOHANNESBURG Johannesburg , is the largest city in South Africa, by population. Johannesburg is the provincial capital of Gauteng, the wealthiest province in South Africa, having the largest economy of any metropolitan region in Sub-Saharan Africa.The city is one of the 50 largest metropolitan areas in the world, and is also the world's largest city not situated on a river, lake, or coastline. It claims to be the lightning capital of the world, though this title is also claimed by others. While Johannesburg is not one of South Africa's three capital cities, it is the seat of the Constitutional Court, which has the final word on interpretation of South Africa's new post-Apartheid constitution. The city is the source of a large-scale gold and diamond trade, due to its location on the mineral-rich Witwatersrand range of hills. Johannesburg is served by O.R. Tambo International Airport, the largest and busiest airport in Africa and a gateway for international air travel to and from the rest of Southern Africa. More recently Lanseria International Airport has started international flights, and is situated conveniently on the opposite side of the metropolis. View Larger Map DURBAN Durban is the largest city in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal. It is also the third largest city in South Africa after Johannesburg and Cape Town. It forms part of the eThekwini metropolitan municipality. Durban is famous for being the busiest port in South Africa. It is also seen as one of the major centres of tourism because of the city's warm subtropical climate and extensive beaches. The municipality, which includes neighbouring towns, has a population of almost 3.5 million, making the combined municipality the biggest city on the east coast of the African continent. Archaeological evidence from the Drakensberg mountains suggests that the Durban area has been inhabited by communities of hunter-gatherers since 100,000 BC. These people lived throughout the area of present day KwaZulu-Natal until the expansion of Bantu farmers and pastoralists from the north saw their gradual displacement,incorporation or extermination. View Larger Map CAPE TOWN Cape Town is the second-most populous city in South Africa after Johannesburg, and the provincial capital and primate city of the Western Cape. As the seat of the National Parliament, it is also the legislative capital of the country. It forms part of the City of Cape Town metropolitan municipality. The city is famous for its harbour as well as its natural setting in the Cape floral kingdom, including such well-known landmarks as Table Mountain and Cape Point. Cape Town is also Africa's most popular tourist destination. Located on the shore of Table Bay, Cape Town was originally developed by the Dutch East India Company as a victualling (supply) station for Dutch ships sailing to Eastern Africa, India, and the Far East. Jan van Riebeeck's arrival on 6 April 1652 established the first permanent European settlement in South Africa. View Larger Map PORT ELIZABETH Port Elizabeth is one of the largest cities in South Africa, situated in the Eastern Cape Province, 770 km (478 mi) east of Cape Town. The city, often shortened to PE and nicknamed "The Friendly City" or "The Windy City", stretches for 16 km along Algoa Bay, and is one of the major seaports in South Africa. Port Elizabeth was founded as a town in 1820 to house British settlers as a way of strengthening the border region between the Cape Colony and the Xhosa. It now forms part of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality which has a population of over 1.3 million. During the Second Boer War, the port was an important transit point for soldiers, horses and materials headed to the front by railway. While the city itself did not see any conflict, many refugees from the war moved into the city. These included Boer women and children interned by the British in a concentration camp. Following that war, the Horse Memorial was erected to honour the tens of thousands of horses and mules that died during the conflict. View Larger Map PIETERBURG-POLOKWANE Polokwane, meaning "Place of Safety", is a city in the Polokwane Local Municipality and the capital of the Limpopo province, South Africa. It is also often referred to by its former name,Pietersburg. Polokwane is a major urban centre, the biggest and most important north of Gauteng. Polokwane was one of the host cities of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.In the 1840s, Voortrekkers under the leadership of Andries Potgieter established Zoutpansbergdorp, a town 100 km to the north west. This settlement had to be abandoned because of clashes with the local tribes. They founded a new town in 1886 and named it Pietersburg in honour of Voortrekker leader Petrus Jacobus Joubert. The British built a concentration camp at Pietersburg during the Boer War to house almost 4,000 Boer women and children. The town officially became a city on April 23, 1992; on February 25, 2005, the government declared the official name of the city as Polokwane, a name that was generally in use by the speakers of Northern Sotho. View Larger Map PORT SHEPSTONE Port Shepstone is situated on the mouth of the largest river on the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, the Mzimkulu River ,the great home of all rivers. 120 kilometres (75 mi) south of Durban, it is the administrative, educational and commercial centre for southern Natal. Port Shepstone was founded in 1867 when marble was discovered nearby and is named after Sir Theophilus Shepstone of the Natal government of the 1880s. William Bazley built a harbour and the first coaster entered the harbour on the May 8, 1880. In 1882 a party of 246 Norwegian immigrants settled here and played a large part in the development of the area. After the opening of the railway to Durban in 1901 the harbour fell in disuse and eventually the river silted up again making it impossible to use. The 27,000 candela lighthouse still stands at the mouth of the Mzimkulu River. View Larger Map EAST LONDON East London is a city on the southeast coast of South Africa, situated at 32.97°S and 27.87°E in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality of the Eastern Cape province. The city lies on the Indian Ocean coast, largely between the Buffalo River and the Nahoon River, and hosts the country's only river port. East London today has a population of over 400 000, with over 1.4 million in the metropolitan area.The city formed around the only river port in South Africa and was originally known as Port Rex. This settlement on the West Bank was the nucleus of the town of East London, which was elevated to city status in 1914. During the early to mid-19th century frontier wars between the British settlers and the local Xhosa inhabitants, East London served as a supply port to service the military headquarters at nearby King William’s Town, about thirty miles away. A British fort, Fort Glamorgan, was built on the West Bank in 1847, and annexed to the Cape Colony that same year. This fort is one of a series of forts the British built, that include Fort Murray, Fort White, Fort Cox Fort Hare and Fort Beaufort, in the border area that became known as British Kaffraria. View Larger Map BLOEMFONTEIN Bloemfontein is the capital city of the Free State Province of South Africa; and, as the judicial capital of the nation, one of South Africa's three national capitals ,the other two being Cape Town, the legislative capital, and Pretoria, the administrative capital. As the capital of the Orange Free State Republic the growth and maturing of the Republic resulted in the growth of the town. Numerous public buildings that remain in use today were constructed. This was largely facilitated by the excellent governance of the Republic ,which acquired the term model republic ,and the compensation from the British for the loss of the diamond rich Griqualand area.In 1899 the city was the site of the Bloemfontein Conference, which failed to prevent the outbreak of the Second Boer War. The conference was a final attempt to avert a war between Britain and the South African Republic. With its failure the stage was set for war, which broke out on 11 October 1899. View Larger Map KIMBERLEY Kimberley is the capital of the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. It is located approximately 110 km east of the confluence of the Vaal and Orange Rivers. The city has considerable historical significance due its diamond mining past and the siege during the Second Boer War. Notable personalities such as Cecil Rhodes and Barney Barnato made their fortunes here, and the roots of the De Beers company can also be traced to the early days of the mining town.In 1866, Erasmus Jacobs found a small brilliant pebble on the banks of the Orange River, on the farm De Kalk leased from local Griquas, near Hopetown, which was his father's farm. He showed the pebble to his father who sold it. The pebble was purchased from Jacobs by Schalk van Niekerk, who later sold it. It proved to be a 21.25 carat (4.25 g) diamond, and became known as the Eureka. Three years later Schalk van Niekerk sold another diamond also found in the De Kalk vicinity, the Star of South Africa for £11,200. View Larger Map MPUMALANGA Mpumalanga from Eastern Transvaal on 24 August 1995), is a province of South Africa. The name means east or literally "the place where the sun rises" in Swazi, Xhosa, Ndebele and Zulu. Mpumalanga lies in eastern South Africa, north of KwaZulu-Natal and bordering Swaziland and Mozambique. It constitutes 6.5% of South Africa's land area. In the north it borders on Limpopo, to the west Gauteng, to the southwest the Free State and to the south KwaZulu-Natal. The capital is Nelspruit ,recently renamed to Mbombela. Prior to 1994, Mpumalanga was part of Transvaal Province. The Drakensberg Escarpment divides Mpumalanga into a westerly half consisting mainly of high-altitude grassland called the Highveld and an eastern half situated in low altitude subtropical Lowveld/Bushveld, mostly savanna habitat. The southern half of the Kruger National Park is situated in the latter region. The Drakensberg exceeds heights of 2000m in most places with this central region of Mpumalanga being very mountainous. These regions have alpine grasslands and small pockets of Afromontane Forest. The Lowveld is relatively flat with interspersed rocky outcrops. The Lebombo Mountains form a low range in the far east forming the border with Mozambique. View Larger Map LIMPOPO Limpopo is the northern most province of South Africa. It was named after the Limpopo River; "Limpopo" means "waterfalls" in Zulu and other Nguni languages. The capital is Polokwane, formerly named Pietersburg. The province was formed from the northern region of Transvaal Province in 1994, and initially named Northern Transvaal. The following year, it was renamed Northern Province, which remained the name until 2003, when the name of the province was formally changed to the name of its most important river–on the border with Zimbabwe and Botswana–after deliberation by the provincial government and amendment of the Constitution. A notable consideration for the name was Mapungubwe, the area where the most ancient gold-using civilisation of the province was discovered a few years earlier. The province contains much of the Waterberg Biosphere, a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve. The Waterberg Biosphere, a massif of approximately 15,000 km2 (5,800 sq mi), is the first region in the northern part of South Africa to be named as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. The massif was shaped by hundreds of millions of years of riverine erosion to yield diverse bluff and butte landforms.The Waterberg ecosystem can be characterised as a dry deciduous forest or Bushveld. Within the Waterberg, archaeological finds date to the Stone Age. Nearby are early evolutionary finds related to the origin of humans. View Larger Map Voortrekker str, Pretoria : Hope These Google Maps helped you find the Information of South Africa, and maybe make a dream come true ,to visit South Africa, Thankyou for Visiting our Map Page,Greetings Andy,and have a great day,and visit us soon again on our Website http://riseingsouthernstar-africa.de.tl Start Now Sam-South African Music SAM SAM-SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC BLOG ON GOOGLE In April 2014 the Google Blogger was openened ,through the high visit of friends and visitors, Online around the world and Thankyou to our supporters AND FRIENDS. We support and promote our friends that was at that time playing in some of the local upcoming bands, and give our other local musicians a way through which they could share their music to their South African fans, and hopefully internationally. Read more Information On SAM and Dj.Night Hawk... Style: “Dance and Disco music with South African boere and Afrikaanse Music ” Best known for: “soft and Loving music from South Africa ‘South African Boerer Music’ (to share with my friend on Facebook and Friends around the world on Radio Eendrag).” Tune of the year: “(Afrikaanse Remix)’ Bok Van Blerk,Steve Hofmeyr and many more South African afrikaanse se Singers‘” From: “Germany Limburg.” Breakthrough DJ/ 2014: “Straight to the top! with support of his Fb fan .” 2014 has been an exciting year for Dj Night Hawk, Andy Dezius. In Janaury he secured a headline on facebook and build many websites and blogger to share on the world wide web and had the South African Boere Volk and friends supporting him all the way and supporting his Facebook Profile to support the South African White People, ‘Go Hard’ received more than two million views on his blogger and website. This was followed by 'Many ways that he had supported the White People of South Africa. DJ Night Hawks ,Andy Dezius career began when he was spotted by many of his Facebook Friends to go so far and open a South African Music group,blogger and Homepage to share with his friends and the world wide web ,and they supported him all the way . DJ Night Hawk took the aspiring under his wings. “He brought it into a music show on facebook by shareing youtube videos and his fan and friends love it.” “I’m really happy . It’s an honour to share my Website.” Read more SAM-SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC South African Music is a South African Homepage based with a Online Music Radio Station Radio Eendrag , from South Africa that is stationed in Cape Town , and is also a South African Music Time shareing Homepage to share with People all around the World for Young and Old, It was founded in March 2014 in Germany. SAM-South African Music homepage is looking for South African Music Artists ,to be added to their homepage ..Please inbox Andy Or at our Contact page .. or leave a message in our gestbook ..Thankyou . If you are a South African band .. Singer or Music Artist would like to be added..greetings SAM-SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC. Read more What do we Advitise and what do we share with our Friends We support and promote our friends that was at that time playing in some of the local upcoming bands, and give our other local musicians a way through which they could share their music to their South African fans, and hopefully internationally. We have also opened a new Radio Eendrag blogger on Google We welcome ALL OUR FRIENDS AND FANS and hope you to follow us on Radio Eendrag.. google blog http://radio-eendrag.blogspot.de/ Read more Read more Radio Eendrag Playlist 2014 RSS Live now: 1 min. ago Fredi Nest - S My - Meer En Meer 1h. 38min. ago Down The Mississippi 17h. 8min. ago Theuns Jordaan - Vreemde Stad - Sonvanger 1d. 7h. 1min. ago Unknown Artist - Unknown Album (8/24/2009 10:45:21 Am) - Track 3 1d. 22h. 9min. ago Vrystaat Limousine.mp3 2d. 12h. 26min. ago Unknown Artist - Unknown Album (12/20/2008 9:15:29 Pm) - Track 5 3d. 1h. 47min. ago Boerevry 3d. 16h. 33min. ago Hanne 4d. 5h. 41min. ago Take On Me.mp3 4d. 20h. 32min. ago Daar Gaan Sy 5d. 9h. 18min. ago From This Moment 5d. 9h. 57min. ago 12tonight.mp3 6d. 19min. ago Bonnie Tyler - Greatest Hits - It`s A Heartache 6d. 14h. 58min. ago Kimberley Se Trein 7d. 4h. 27min. ago Reik Na Die Sterre.mp3 7d. 19h. 50min. ago Kalahari Kinders 8d. 11h. 14min. ago Tiny Bubbles.mp3 9d. 2h. 4min. ago Stampie Boude.mp3 9d. 18h. 6min. ago Michael Lindt - Sal Vir Altyd Bly - Horison Van My Droom 10d. 9h. 11min. ago Wie Stoot So 11d. 26min. ago Take On Me.mp3 11d. 14h. 13min. ago Dreams 12d. 3h. 48min. ago Yeppa.mp3 12d. 18h. 22min. ago Livin On A Prayer 13d. 8h. 51min. ago Bonnie Tyler - Bitterblue - Bitterblue 14d. 3min. ago Bobby Van Jaarsveld - Vat My Saam - Vat My Saam 14d. 15h. 44min. ago Kaptein Span Die Seile 15d. 5h. 41min. ago 03 Robbie Williams Something Beautiful.mp3 15d. 21h. 19min. ago Rabbedoe.mp3 16d. 12h. 3min. ago Dreams 17d. 1h. 51min. ago Jaloers Bokkie.mp3 17d. 17h. 9min. ago Ons Soek Net Country.mp3 18d. 6h. 59min. ago Boerenooi 18d. 21h. 34min. ago Vrystaat Limousine.mp3 19d. 11h. 24min. ago Kaptein Span Die Seile 20d. 1h. 40min. ago 9 To 5 20d. 8h. 15min. ago Michael Lindt - Sal Vir Altyd Bly - Horison Van My Droom 20d. 17h. 41min. ago Take Me Back 21d. 9h. 30min. ago Kniee Lam 22d. 47min. ago Ken Jy Die Land Waar Die Boervolk Woon 22d. 16h. 22min. ago Abba - Sos 23d. 6h. 40min. ago Droomvrou 23d. 22h. 8min. ago Macarena 24d. 13h. 35min. ago On The Wings Of A Nightingale.mp3 25d. 3h. 9min. ago 13boys Of Summer.mp3 25d. 17h. 11min. ago Stampie Boude.mp3 25d. 21h. 46min. ago Liefde Is My Nooi Se Naam 25d. 21h. 49min. ago Macarena 25d. 22h. 2min. ago Maria - 25 Gatswaai Treffers - Everlasting Love 25d. 22h. 3min. ago Moeder Se Gebede 25d. 22h. 26min. ago Tina Turner - Privare Dancer 25d. 22h. 38min. ago Tina Turner - The Best 26d. 5h. 41min. ago Because Its Lovedon Kelly 26d. 8h. 8min. ago Die Lewe Sonder Jou 26d. 18h. 54min. ago Skommel Daai Ding.mp3 27d. 8h. 1min. ago Do You Speak English 27d. 22h. 2min. ago Vier Woorde.mp3 28d. 11h. 32min. ago Steve Hofmeyer - Dis Hoe Dit Is 29d. 22min. ago Ramkat.mp3 29d. 13h. 56min. ago Im Alive 30d. 2h. 39min. ago 8 01 Heidi.mp3 30d. 16h. 7min. ago Macarena Mambo 30d. 23h. 8min. ago Cascada - Perfect Day - What Hurts The Most (yannous Candelight Mix) 31d. 4h. 49min. ago 54 5de Straat.mp3 31d. 18h. 28min. ago Sonja Herholdt Harlekyn.mp3 32d. 7h. 8min. ago Boesmanland 32d. 20h. 5min. ago Dana Winner - Sproetjies 33d. 8h. 58min. ago Bette Davis Eyes 33d. 22h. 19min. ago Unknown Artist - Unknown Album (8/24/2009 10:45:21 Am) - Track 3 34d. 5h. 1min. ago Its Raining Man 34d. 11h. 40min. ago Artist - Title - Ge Korsten-sonder Jou We have also opened a new Music blogger on Google We welcome ALL OUR FRIENDS AND FANS and hope you to follow us on SAM-South African Music google blog http://sam-southafricanmusic.blogspot.de/ Read more Radio Eendrag is Searcing for Top Djs.All over the World .To give a Live Steam ,World Wide .Ülease Contact Radio Eendrag ,We will be Happy if you are Interested to Broadcast for us.We are looking for Top Djs around the world .Become a Team Member. See More SAM-SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC SAM-SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC has added a new Homepage .This page is about Dj Night Hawk as a Music Share Programm.Dj.Night Hawk also shares Radio Eendrag Live and there Auto Dj that run 24/7 World Wide , on 8 Blogs in Germany and 8 Website and Homepages, to share with Friends and Fans. Dj.Night Hawk also shares Youtube Video on a Friday Night for 1 Hour Music Videos to share with Facebook Members And Friends.and soon will share many more Music as for Video,Music and Picture ,Welcome to Dj.Night Hawk. Read more WE NEVER SLEEP WE ARE 24/7 If not live on the Chanel then as Auto Dj....This is what we call Interainment. If you Love our Homepages ,Blogs or Groups on Facebook ,Follow us and Advitise with us.We are here to share with our friends world wide and your Friends and Family.We stand what we do .South African Music is not Known yet all over the world yet .It Great Music and songs. Read more BACK TO TOP

Welcome to Southernstar-Africa! Discover South Africa's Rich History My Story Read More I Was Born On the 15 November 1960 in Germany and was Brought up in South Africa,Have Three of my Own Children and One child that I brought up as my Own Child,Two staying In South Africa and Two Staying with me in Germany. My Nick Name is Andy,and have a Profile on Facebook My Face book Profile Andy Willi Dezius | Create your badge I Speach - English / German and Africans , and also read and wright the 3 Languages , I am at the moment a Truck Driver in Germany. To my Profiles , here are a few things to tell you about me , I was Born in Germany, and was brought up in South Africa. My Homepages are about South Africa and South African Music, I have had Goodtimes and also Bad times when I lived in South Africa. I created this Homepage to Remember me , of my life , and the Wonderfull things I got to see in my Life . And to share it with people and friends on the Internet , So I say thankyou to WIX .com in Germany, and people who supported me to with my Homepage, the southernstar-africa.de.tl..... WELCOME -WELKOM-WILLKOMMEN TO MY WEBSITE ABOUT SOUTH AFRICA Get to Know Us Southernstar-africa is a Homepage and Website based on South Africa,The Life and Culture and Wildlife and as Well of our Lives ,when we were still Liveing in South Africa .This Homepage has Information on South African History,on the Wildlife and the Big Five Game of South Africa. You Can find Pictures ,Links ,News,Recipes,Joke ,South African Ghost Stories and many other things that mite Intrest you,and also for School Projects,Some Pages are not for childrens View. You will find link banner on top of the webpages,at the bottom of the website,and on the left side of the page,you will also see alot of pages are link to other sites ,on the Net,and as well linked to partner and our own websites and Homepages... Featured Project Ingen indlæg er offentliggjort på dette sprog endnu Når indlæg er udgivet, kan du se dem her. All Videos All Videos Afspil video Del Hele kanal Denne video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Kopier link Link kopieret Search videos Søg video... Afspilles South Africa Travel Documentary - Road trip along the Garden Route | Highlights [4K] 34:58 Afspil video Afspilles 10 Best Places to Visit in South Africa - Travel Video 11:41 Afspil video Afspilles SOUTH AFRICA TRAVEL | The 15 BEST Places To Visit In South Africa (+ Travel Tips) 17:51 Afspil video Afspilles HIGH UP in the East Cape Drakensberg: So Many INSANE Mountain Passes! | Drakensberg pt.1 24:30 Afspil video South African History A brief history of South Africa Africa is considered to be the cradle of mankind. There is evidence that some of the earliest people lived in southern Africa. Modern humans have lived here for more than 100 000 years. The hunter-gatherer San roamed widely over the area and the pastoral Khoi-Khoi wandered in the well-watered parts where grazing was available. Within the last millennium great changes have taken place in the southernmost part of Africa. Tribes from central Africa moved southwards into the eastern and central parts of the area known today as South Africa. By the 13th century iron-age people had settled in the northern part of the Kruger National Park area. They traded widely - artifacts from as far away as China have been found amongst the ruins of their settlements. Pastoralists, these people also cultivated the land and had mastered the techniques of mining and metallurgy. Among the archeological finds from this area there are some remarkable golden animal figures. By the middle of the 17th century trading ships from Europe were sailing the seven seas and the Dutch East India Company sent out Jan van Riebeeck and a small group of men to build a fort and set up a halfway station for the ships going to the trading posts in the East. Originally they bartered with the Khoikhoi, but soon conflict arose about cattle theft and grazing grounds. Within 10 years after the establishment of the victualling post at the Cape the first farmers had been given land to cultivate and before the turn of the century some settlers began to migrate north and east. Slaves from Africa and the East were imported to carry out the strenuous labour. Diseases like smallpocks diminished the Khoisan population and a mixed- race group consisting of descendants of the Khoisan, slaves, excites and white colonists was formed. The newcomers brought Christianity and Islam to the Cape. The colonists, mainly of Dutch, German and French Huguenot descent began to lose their sense of identification with Europe and the Afrikaner nation came into being. By the end of the 18th century these migrant farmers had come into contact with the Xhosa speaking inhabitants of the Eastern Cape and skirmishes between them ensued. In 1806 when the Napoleonic wars were raging in Europe the Cape became a British colony. Some 5000 British settlers were placed on the eastern frontier in 1820 in an unsuccessful effort to provide a buffer against the Xhosas. In 1857 a mass starvation occurred amongst the Xhosa as a result of a prophecy that the whites would return to the sea if the blacks would slaughter their cattle and destroy their crops. During the early 19th century the great Zulu warrior king, Shaka, had risen to power. The resulting conquests had caused what was known as the mfecane and large parts of the interior were denuded of inhabitants. Into these parts now moved the white farmers who had become dissatisfied with British rule and the emancipation of slaves in 1834. A group of these Voortrekkers moved east into the area today known as KwaZulu-Natal. After several battles between the Zulus and the Trekkers the British, fearing conflict to spread, annexed Natal where they already had a small settlement. The Trekkers then established themselves in two republics, the Orange Free State and the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek between the Orange and the Limpopo rivers. By the middle of the 19th century the small refreshment post at the Cape had grown into an area of white settlement that covered the whole of what is today the Republic of South Africa. During the latter half of the 19th century vast deposits of diamonds and gold were discovered in South Africa resulting in the founding of Kimberley and Johannesburg. This had a dramatic economic and political effect, eventually leading to the Anglo-Boer War between Britain and the two Boer republics [1899-1902]. Many blacks had hoped that the British victory would result in franchise rights for them, but when the Union of South Africa consisting of the four former colonies came into being in 1910 they were barred from parliament and repressives measures to entrench white power soon followed. In an act of unity the African National Congress [ANC] was founded in Bloemfontein in 1912 and protests against these laws ensued. The period after the First World War was marked by strike action and the formation of unions. In the 1930's black Cape voters were removed from the common voters' roll, laws were passed to stem black urbanization and force municipalities to segregate black Africans and white residents. The 1940's saw South Africa participating in World War II under the premiership of Smuts. Strong opposition to the war by the Afrikaners resulted in more support for Malan and the subsequent rise to power of the Nationalist Party. Meanwhile in 1944 the ANC Youth League was formed with Nelson Mandela as its secretary. The result being an almost 50 year long conflict between this organisation and the Nationalist Party. After the war came a time of rapid industrialisation, but skilled work remained with the whites. In 1948 the Nationalist Party gained power which they would not relinquish until 1994. Separate Development [Apartheid] became the official government policy. The result was an increase of unity amongst resistance groups which included black, coloured, Indian and white organisations. In 1961 South Africa became a republic and left the Commonwealth. By the end of that year Umkhonto we Sizwe [The Spear of the Nation] started with acts of sabotage and the UN had called upon its members to institute economic sanctions against South Africa. Mandela, Sisulu and other leaders of the resistance groups were arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment on Robben Island. In 1976 the youth of Soweto marched against unacceptable educational conditions, police fired at them and violence broke out. A state of emergency was declared. By the late 1980's under increasing international pressure the government had no option but to start negotiations with Mandela. In 1990 Mandela was set free and in 1993 after further negotiations an interim constitution was agreed to by 21 political parties. In 1994 the first democratic election was held and Mandela became president. Recent Projects Ingen indlæg er offentliggjort på dette sprog endnu Når indlæg er udgivet, kan du se dem her. 14 Prominent figures in South Africa's History 8 Major Historical Events 5 Projects Completed 2 Ongoing Projects Nine Provinces in South Africa WESTERN CAPE - NORTHERN CAPE - MPUMALANGA - NORTH WEST - KWA ZULU NATAL - LIMPOPO - ORANGE FREE STATE - GAUTENG - EASTERN CAPE South Africa is officially known as the Republic of South Africa and is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. Located at the southern tip of the continent of Africa, South Africa borders Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland, and surrounds the independent country of Lesotho; Exploring South Africa has a coastline that stretches more than 2500 kilometers and spans two oceans; namely the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean. South Africa covers an area of over 1 210 000 km², making it the 25th-largest country in the world. Whatever type of holiday you enjoy, South Africa can accommodate you! Young or old, whether you are looking for adventure, in the form of bungee jumping or wildlife big 5 safaris; or if you just want to relax and soak up the sun on one of the many blue flag beaches and stunning game lodges, South Africa offers it all! South African Flora is particularly rich in plant biodiversity; plant lovers will find more than 20,000 different plants species - approximately 10% of all the known plant species on Earth are found within South Africa's borders, most commonly associated with South Africa are the Protea family of fynbos. An abundance of wildlife roams in the many game parks in South Africa; the most famous and well known of which is the Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga – the “Big 5” can be spotted there if you are lucky! South Africa is also blessed with a large variety of birdlife, and may beautifully coloured birds. Instagram Call Email a.dezius@gmail.com Follow Southernstar-Africa Info Facebook Instagram Twitter Blogger Our Main Website in Germanys Riseingsouthernstar- Africa Link Our Homepage has 180 sites on 4 homepages to visit,3000 pictures and over 150 linked website on all 4 homepages and Bloggers on South Africa with alot of Information ,linked to 4 homepages that was build up from our team,it took 2 years of hard work to set these Homepages on the web,for viewer to see ,and share around the World... BACK TO TOP

Hello Welcome to our website dedicated to South Africa! Here you will find a wealth of information about the country's rich history, diverse culture, and stunning wildlife. Browse through our many pages to discover all that South Africa has to offer. My Story I was Born in Germany and Brought up in South Africa , Most of my Life I Spent in South Africa. Why ? My Perants Immigrated to South Africa in 1964 South Africa is a country of great diversity, with a rich and culture. My blog is dedicated to sharing my experiences of living and working in this beautiful country. From the bustling cities to the stunning natural landscapes, there is so much to explore and discover. Join me on journey as I share my insights and stories about life in South Africa. What Did I do with my life in South Africa ? In South Africa, I visited several schools, when I was Younger and worked on many Projects and Jobs. I also stayed at in many Provinces as well in Citys and Towns, and did alot of sightseeing and Places I Visited in South Africa and Around the World. What Laugauges do I Speak - Read and Write : AFRIKAANS - GERMAN - ENGLISH Coat of Arms Dezius Place I Lived in South Africa Gauteng Pretoria - Centurion - Maintainviw - Hercules - Hillbrow - Malvern - Brixton - Berea - Baspfontain - Johannesburg - Boksburg - Benoni. Kwazulu Natal Ammanzentotti - Richards Bay -Ilovo Beach - Pamula Limpopo Pietersberg - Tzaneen - Warm Baths - Loius Trichard Western Cape - Capetown Fish Hoek MY FAMILY HISTORY DEZIUS HISTORY View More ABOUT DEZIUS View More Decius - Dezius AKA Gaius Messius Quintus Trajanus Decius Born: 201 AD Birthplace: Budalia, Pannonia, Serbia Died: 251 AD Location of death: Abrittus, Moesia Cause of death: War Gender: Male Religion: Pagan Race or Ethnicity: White Occupation: Royalty Nationality: Ancient Rome Executive summary: Roman Emperor, 249-51 AD Roman emperor, the first of the long succession of distinguished men from the Illyrian provinces, was born at Budalia near Sirmium in lower Pannonia in AD 201. About 245 the emperor Philip the Arab entrusted him with an important command on the Danube, and in 249 (or end of 248), having been sent to put down a revolt of the troops in Moesia and Pannonia, he was forced to assume the imperial dignity. He still protested his loyalty to Philip, but the latter advanced against him and was slain near Verona. During his brief reign Decius was engaged in important operations against the Goths, who crossed the Danube and overran the districts of Moesia and Thrace. The details are obscure, and there is considerable doubt as to the part taken in the campaign by Decius and his son (of the same name) respectively. The Goths were surprised by the emperor while besieging Nicopolis on the Danube; at his approach they crossed the Balkans, and attacked Philippopolis. Decius followed them, but a severe defeat near Beroë made it impossible to save Philippopolis, which fell into the hands of the Goths, who treated the conquered with frightful cruelty. Its commander, Priscus, declared himself emperor under Gothic protection. The siege of Philippopolis had so exhausted the numbers and resources of the Goths, that they offered to surrender their booty and prisoners on condition of being allowed to retire unmolested. But Decius, who had succeeded in surrounding them and hoped to cut off their retreat, refused to entertain their proposals. The final engagement, in which the Goths fought with the courage of despair, took place on swampy ground in the Dobrudja near Abritum (Abrittus) or Forum Trebonii and ended in the defeat and death of Decius and his son. Decius was an excellent soldier, a man of amiable disposition, and a capable administrator, worthy of being classed with the best Romans of the ancient type. The chief blot on his reign was the systematic and authorized persecution of the Christians, which had for its object the restoration of the religion and institutions of ancient Rome. Either as a concession to the senate, or perhaps with the idea of improving public morality, Decius endeavored to revive the separate office and authority of the censor. The choice was left to the senate, who unanimously selected Valerian (afterwards emperor). But Valerian, well aware of the dangers and difficulties attaching to the office at such a time, declined the responsibility. The invasion of the Goths and the death of Decius put an end to the abortive attempt. Contact I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect. a.dezius@gmail.com Places I Work in South Africa "I've had the pleasure of working in some amazing places in South Africa. From bustling cities to serene countryside, each location has its own unique charm and character. I've gained valuable experience and made lasting connections in my time there and I'm excited to see where my career takes me next." Gordon Verhoef and Krause - Painter and Sandblasting Company on Post Office Towers South African Prison Service - as Warden and Trademan Subcontractor On Chrome Carrier - Truckdriver Interlink - for South African Platium - Coal - Mines Shoprite fresh market - Truck Driver to warehouses and stores Chamberlains Hardware - Deliveries to shores and customers S-press - Deliveries with all kinds of goods that we transported Spedition Menke and Frankenbach - On the Auto carriers MY TRUCKER WEBSITES View More View More Places I Have Visited in South Africa Gauteng Alberton Atteridgeville Benoni Boksburg Bronkhorstspruit Brakpan Carletonville Centurion Cullinan Edenvale Ga-Rankuwa Germiston Hammanskraal Heidelberg Henley on Klip Nigel Parkhurst Pretoria Randburg Randfontein Roodepoort Rosebank Sandton Soshanguve Soweto Springs Tembisa Vanderbijlpark Vereeniging Winterveldt Johannesburg Kempton Park Krugersdorp Mabopane Mamelodi Magaliesburg Meyerton Midrand Limpopo Capricorn Blouberg Lepele-Nkumpi Molemole Polokwane Mopani Ba-Phalaborwa Greater Giyani Greater Letaba Greater Tzaneen Maruleng Sekhukhune Elias Motsoaledi Ephraim Mogale Fetakgomo Tubatse Makhuduthamaga Vhembe Makhado Musina Collins Chabane Thulamela Waterberg Bela-Bela Lephalale Modimolle–Mookgophong Mogalakwena Thabazimbi Kwazulu Natal Mpumalanga Amajuba District Newcastle Dannhauser eMadlangeni Uthukela (Ladysmith ) Emnambithi/Ladysmith Indaka Umtshezi Okhahlamba Imbabazane Zululand (Ulundi ) Ulundi Nongoma Abaqulusi uPhongolo eDumbe uMkhanyakude (Mkuze ) Jozini Hlabisa Umhlabuyalingana Mtubatuba The Big 5 False Bay Harry Gwala District (Ixopo ) Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma Ubuhlebezwe Greater Kokstad Umzimkhulu King Cetshwayo [formerly uThungulu] uMhlathuze Umlalazi Nkandla Mbonambi Ntambanana Mthonjaneni uMzinyathi (Dundee ) Msinga Nqutu Umvoti Endumeni uMgungundlovu (Pietermaritzburg ) Msunduzi uMshwathi uMngeni Richmond Mkhambathini Mpofana Impendle iLembe (kwaDukuza ) KwaDukuza Ndwedwe Mandeni Maphumulo Ugu (Port Shepstone ) Ray Nkonyeni uMdoni uMuziwabantu Umzumbe Ehlanzeni Bushbruckridge Mbombela Nkomazi Thaba Chweu Umjindi Gert Sibande Albert Luthuli Dipaleseng Govan Mbeki Lekwa Mkhondo Msukaligwa Pixley ka Seme Nkangala Delmas Dr JS Moroka Emalahleni Highlands Steve Tshwete Thembisile Western Cape North West Central Karoo Beaufort West Bergrivier CoastPiketberg Bitou RoutePlettenberg Bay Breede Valley Cape Winelands Worcester Cape Agulhas Overberg Bredasdorp Cederberg Coast Clanwilliam City of Cape Town Cape Town Drakenstein Cape Winelands Paarl George Garden Route Hessequa Garden RouteRiversdale Kannaland Local Municipality Mossel Bay Garden Route Oudtshoorn Overstrand Overberg Hermanus Prince Albert Karoo Saldanha Bay West Coast Vredenburg Stellenbosch Cape Winelands Stellenbosch Swartland West Coast Malmesbury Swellendam Overberg Swellendam Theewaterskloof Overberg Caledon Witzenberg Cape Winelands Worcester Beaufort West City of Cape Town Cape Town Garden Route George Overberg Bredasdorp . West Coast Beaufort West Knysna Garden Route Knysna Laingsburg Central Karoo Laingsburg Cape Winelands Ashton Matzikama West Coast Vredendal Bojanala Platinum Moretele Madibeng Rustenburg Kgetlengrivier Moses Kotane Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati Naledi Mamusa Greater Taung Kagisano-Molopo Lekwa-Teemane Ngaka Modiri Molema Mahikeng Ratlou Tswaing Ditsobotla Ramotshere Dr Kenneth Kaunda JB Marks Matlosana Maquassi Hills Cities and towns Mahikeng Klerksdorp Rustenburg Potchefstroom Brits Orkney Lichtenburg Bloemhof Christiana Coligny Koster Letsopa Ledig Mogwase Ottosdal Schweizer-Reneke Stilfontein Ventersdorp Vryburg Wolmaransstad Zeerust Mmakau Mothibistad Reivilo Eastern Cape Northern Cape Port Elizabeth and the western region The Central Eastern Cape and East London The Eastern Cape Drakensberg The Wild Coast region Addo Elephant National Park East London Grahamstown The Grahamstown Festival Port Elizabeth Port St Johns Qunu and the Nelson Mandela Youth and Heritage Centre Nelson Mandela and the Qunu connection Free State Frances Baard Sol Plaatje Dikgatlong Magareng Phokwane John Taolo Gaetsewe Moshaweng Ga-Segonyana Gamagara Namakwa District Richtersveld Nama Khoi Kamiesberg Hantam Karoo Hoogland Khâi-Ma Pixley ka Seme Ubuntu Umsobomvu Emthanjeni Kareeberg Renosterberg Thembelihle Siyathemba Siyancuma ZF Mgcawu Kai !Garib Dawid Kruiper !Kheis Tsantsabane Kgatelopele Fezile Dabi District Moqhaka Ngwathe Metsimaholo Mafube Thabo Mofutsanyana District Setsoto Dihlabeng Maluti-a-Phofung Nketoana Phumelela Mantsopa Lejweleputswa District Masilonyana Tokologo Tswelopele Matjhabeng Nala Xhariep District Letsemeng Kopanong Mohokare Kimberley Upington Douglas Barkly West Colesberg De Aar Jan Kempdorp Kathu Kuruman Postmasburg Prieska Springbok Victoria West Warrenton Orania Carnarvon Garies Griekwastad Groblershoop Hartswater Keimoes Kakamas Pofadder Port Nolloth Strydenburg Sutherland Vanderkloof My Radio Stations Blogs Websites Projects I worked on , as a Hobby and free time.Links to share with young and old. 12 years of my work to share with you and passion with others. From Radio Station with Top Music to blogs and homepages, let my creativity share and inspire and maybe intrest you on my Projects and hobbies. enjoy if you like and let me No, Thankyou an GREETING FROM Andreas from Germany. We built ‘Radio SAM Broadcaster Germany’ for YOU…….. For you to NEVER miss that amazing event. We strive to, at all times, try to take the hassle out of finding out where that favourite artist is performing, have a look at some other artists also performing, and at what venue it is going to be held, at what time, and maybe it will be the end of life as you know it. We love radio! Radio SAM Broadcaster Germany makes life a little easier for everyone who feels the same way. We offer you the opportunity to listen to internet radio from all over the world in a particularly uncomplicated manner and free of charge. With the push of a button, you can also record it very easily thanks to Radio SAM Broadcaster Germany. 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Radio programs and tips - radio plays and more That's all well and good, but you don't even know what you want to hear in the wide landscape of internet radio? No wonder, after all, there are many of programs on all sorts of genres. Our editorial team therefore studies the radio program every week and always has a few tips ready to make your choice easier: There is also something for the little listeners on a separate page for children. Do you want to let off steam in the wide world of internet radio? Radio SAM Broadcaster Germany makes this particularly easy for you. You can listern completely free of charge and without obligation. In your own account under “Radio SAM Broadcaster Germany” you can start immediately, put together your own program and use the free radio cloud storage of two hours. In the download area you will find the Radio SAM Broadcaster Germany players for PC and Mac and the app is available for free download in the app store for iOS, Android or Windows Phone. 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Many of the modern surnames in the dictionary can be traced back to Britain and Ireland. Similar surnames: Darius , Debus , Lucius , Deus , Denis , Declue , Deis , Deiss , Decoux Decius Mus Addressing the Legions Overview Around 1616 Peter Paul Rubens engaged in a large tapestries series project about the heroic Roman consul Decius Mus. This panel, which is a small sketch or modello for the larger composition, depicted the first episode of that story, which normally consisted of seven or eight scenes. In his History of Rome, Livy describes an episode in the war between the Romans and the Samnites, the inhabitants of the plains of Latium (south-central Italy), against their Roman rulers in 340 BC. The Roman forces led by co-consuls Decius Mus and Titus Manlius were outnumbered and in danger of defeat when an apparition visited them both at night and declared that victory would come to the army whose leader lost his life. Decius Mus, thus, vowed that he would sacrifice himself to ensure Roman victory. In the Gallery’s painting, Rubens depicts Decius Mus recounting the apparition to his soldiers the following morning. With his right arm raised and left hand holding the commander’s staff, he strikes a powerful pose that conveys the gravitas of the vision as his men listen with rapt attention. The soldiers hold the signa, or legionary standards, of the Roman republic—the Roman eagle, or Aquila; the open palm, a symbol for virtue; and the standard inscribed SPQR, the symbol of the Roman Republic—and lend historical legitimacy to scene. Rubens maintained an abiding fascination with Greco-Roman antiquity throughout his career. This interest manifested in his fidelity to ancient literary and pictorial sources and in the subject matter he chose. The lion-scalp trim on Decius Mus’s boots, his armor with its torso-molded breastplate ornamented with griffins, and even the lappets on his skirt adorned with alternating lion and human heads were all drawn from historic sources. Rubens was profoundly influenced by the ancient philosopher Justus Lipsius’s writings about the great Stoic philosopher, Seneca, who hailed Decius Mus a model for military and political leadership due to his constancy, virtue, and nobility. Rubens underscored these Stoic ideals by placing Decius Mus on a marble dais whose square shape emblematized fortitude. The Emperor Decius 249-251 Gaius Messuis Quintus Decius (201-251) was a native of the middle Danube region, either Illyricum or Pannonia (modern Hungary). In 248,while possibly a prefect of Rome, Decius was appointed by Emperor Philip to restore order along the lower Danube, an area which was under attack by the Goths and where Roman troops where in revolt. After a successful restoration of the region, his troops urged him to accept the imperial title and challenge Philip. With the support of his troops he then marched to northern Italy where he defeated and killed Philip near Verona in September of 249. After defeating Philip, he also killed Phillips sons. Soon after his defeat of Philip, the Senate named Decius emperor and granted him the title of Trajunus. Return to "Roman Empire" Chronology Return to "Early Church" Chronology Because of the political instability, military and economic crisis, and the social upheavals in the Roman Empire during the third century, one of Decius’ main objectives was to restore the stability of the empire’s past. In early AD 250, in an effort to unite the Empire against the threat of the Gothic invasion in the Balkans and the Sassanian Persians in the East and also as an attempt to restore the old virtues of Rome, Decius commanded that all citizens of the empire demonstrate their loyalty to the state gods and his divine reign through public sacrifice. Decius then set up sacrificial commissions in all cities and villages to supervise the execution of the sacrifices and to deliver written certificates to all citizens who performed the sacrifices. A citizen’s refusal was regarded as a threat to the religious unity of the Roman Empire and a denial of the general goodwill to the sovereign. Consequently, any citizen who refused to perform the sacrifices was subject to arrest, imprisonment, and execution. Although it is debated whether or not this was a strategic attack against the Christian community, Decius’ enforcement of the edict initiated the first general persecution of Christians in the empire’s history. Previous to Decius’ time, Christian persecutions had been spontaneous and local. Roman Emperors, beginning with Nero, were threatened by the rapid expansion of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. For this reason, Christians often became victims of urban riots and were made scapegoats for disasters and local troubles, as was the case of Nero’s persecution of Christians blaming them for the great fire of Rome in AD 64. By the time of Decius, the Christian community was no longer a small association of uneducated lower class citizens but had become a cross-section of Roman society including members on all levels of the social scale. Because of this, Christianity posed a much greater threat than in earlier years. However, Decius’ persecutions had a devastating impact on the Christian community. Many Christians recanted their faith and performed the sacrifices, others purchased false certificates to evade persecution, and many others fled. Those who refused to perform the sacrifices were imprisoned, tortured, and executed, including bishops Fabian of Rome, Babylos of Antioch, and Alexander of Jerusalem. As Christian persecution increased, crisis on the Danubian frontier in AD 250 prevented the end of the religion. In late AD 250, Decius followed his son Herennuis’ campaign to the front and led an attack against the Goths and defeated Kniva, the king of the Goths, but Decius’ army was severely checked. Soon after, Decius suffered a major defeat at Beroea and was forced to flee for safety. By early spring AD 251, because of Decius’ military diversion at the Danubian front, Christian persecution abated and had ended in Carthage and Rome. The faithful Christians readmitted the apostates and restored steadfast faith and zeal to the entire Christian community. In midsummer of AD 251, Decius led another attack against the Goths and was defeated and killed at Abrittus in the Dobrudja, becoming the first Roman emperor to die in battle against foreign invaders. Decius’ successors Trebonianus Gallus and Valerian continued his persecution of Christians but never reached the same level of general persecutions. Decius: The Years 249-251 Messalla 07/01/2020 Roman history , The Crisis of the Third Century (238-284) , The Roman Empire Bust of Decius (Capitoline Museums, Rome). After defeating Philippus Arabs at Verona in September of 249, Gaius Messius Quintus Decius had become the new ruler of the vast Roman Empire. The new emperor built the thermae Decianae or Baths of Decius on the Aventine Hill in Rome and was possibly also responsible for construction of the obscure Porticus Decii. His decision to have the Colosseum restored, which had been damaged in a fire, may have been an attempt to bolster his popularity. The people still remembered Philippus’ spectacular Ludi Saeculares of the previous year and expected much the same from Decius. From the beginning, Decius’ rule was insecure and threatened by internal and external factors. The rebellion by Jotapianus in Syria soon faltered and the man’s head was brought to Decius to prove it, but the mysterious Silbannacus may still have been stirring up trouble in Germania before he too was taken care of. A much more serious development was that a Germanic tribe known as the Franks had appeared on the Rhine border not too long ago. The Franks were banging on Rome’s door and would soon strike deep into the heart of the Empire. Their brethren the Alemanni were a threat as well, and so were the Goths, Carpi, Sarmatians and other tribes on the Danube border. View of the Colosseum. Decius must have kept a wary eye on the Persians too. They had made peace with Philippus, but Philippus was dead and King Shapur needed little encouragement to stage a new invasion. Finally, Decius soon had to deal with a new enemy, an enemy that was not even human. It is quite possible that early in Decius’ reign, the epidemic that is known as the Plague of Cyprian spread from Ethiopia to the Roman province of Egypt. From there it would find its way to other provinces and ultimately Rome and claim tens, if not hundreds of thousands of lives. In these precarious circumstances, the new emperor needed as much support from the immortal gods as he could get. The Edict Early in his rule, Decius issued an Edict which ordered the entire free population of the Roman Empire to sacrifice to the ‘ancestral gods’ on his behalf. Although the text of the edict itself has been lost, we can reconstruct it fairly well. This is in large part thanks to so-called libelli which have been found in Egypt and which date from June and July of 250. A libellus was basically a receipt which proved that the holder had respected the Edict and had made the required sacrifices. Provincial and local authorities set up sacrificial committees and summoned families to sent representatives to sacrifice on behalf of the whole family. They were required to appear before the committees and make a libation, burn some incense or sacrifice an animal and eat from the meat. Christ as the Good Shepherd. The obligation to sacrifice to the ‘ancestral gods’ was rather vague, perhaps deliberately. The 50-70 million inhabitants of the Empire, most of them Roman citizens since Caracalla’s Constitutio Antoniniana of 212 , did not necessarily have to sacrifice to the traditional Roman gods. They could also pick local favourites. Jews were likely exempted from the Edict, as it was clear that these staunch monotheists would never sacrifice to ‘gods’ (plural). Christians, on the other hand, were not exempted, and the Edict would prove to be extremely problematic for them. Already in about 112, the governor of Pontus and Bithynia, Plinius the Younger, was told that there were certain rites that true Christians would never perform, such as invoking the traditional gods and offering incense or wine to images of (divine) emperors.The church father Tertullianus (ca. 155-240) concurred. In his Apologeticus, he cites Plinius’ observations and concludes more than once that Christians categorically do not sacrifice. The Apologeticus was written in 197 , and in 249, little more than 50 years later, many Christians likely still felt the same. This must certainly have been true for the Church authorities, the patriarchs and bishops. So how did the Christian communities in the Empire respond to Decius’ Edict? There will certainly have been Christians who saw no problems with offering a little incense for the emperor’s wellbeing, but other must have experienced a deep spiritual crisis. Some openly refused and were lynched, executed or locked up, others fled and waited for the storm to pass. There were also Christians who simply bribed the provincial and local authorities to obtain their libelli without ever having made a sacrifice. And then there were those who lapsed and made a token sacrifice, albeit dejected and half-heartedly. We cannot how many people were in each of the categories mentioned, but we may reasonably assume that the number of deadly victims of the Decian persecution cannot have been more than a few hundred.[3] Most victims were likely from the eastern provinces, for the simple reason that this part of the Empire had the largest Christian populations. Saint Babylas in the church of San Babila in Milan. While later Christian writers tended to exaggerate the Decian persecutions and the number of martyrs, we should beware not to underestimate the seriousness of the event. Decius’ Edict was in any case without precedent and his persecution does seem to have hit the administration of the Church very hard. The bishop of Rome, Pope Fabianus (236-250), was executed or died in prison on 20 January 250. In 251, bishop Alexander of Jerusalem passed away in prison as well. Saint Babylas, the patriarch of Antiochia, was imprisoned and died in captivity in 253. The bishop of Carthage, the same Cyprianus who gave his name to the aforementioned Plague of Cyprian, went into hiding (he would later die a martyr’s death in 258), while patriarch Dionysius of Alexandria fled to the desert of Libya. Rome, Jerusalem, Antiochia, Carthage and Alexandria were all cities with sizeable Christian populations. Although there is no evidence that Decius specifically targeted Christians with his Edict, the fact that provincial and local authorities went after bishops and patriarchs may have been an attempt ‘to bite the head off the snake’. The events regarding Fabianus, Alexander, Babylas, Cyprianus, Dionysius, and certainly their deaths, imprisonments or flights may be considered historical. Another famous victim of the persecution was the Christian teacher Origenes, who may have corresponded with Decius’ predecessor Philippus. However, there are plenty of stories about alleged martyrs that need to be taken with a pinch of salt. The historicity of saints such as Minias , Reparata , Fusca and Maura is problematic, while the tale of the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus is pure fiction. War against the Goths The emperor Trajanus crosses the Danube (plaster cast from Trajan’s column). In the summer of 250, Decius named his eldest son Herennius Etruscus his Caesar. As is attested by numerous coins, he also began styling himself Trajanus, after the famous Roman emperor (98-117) who had conquered Dacia. Decius had good reasons for doing so, as hostile tribes had once again crossed the Danube. They invaded the province of Moesia Inferior and began pillaging their way to Thrace further to the south. The invaders were most likely Goths (‘Scythians’ in Zosimus’ account), although these may have been joined by bands of Carpi and Sarmatians. Decius and his son hastened to the region to intercept them. The emperor was going to follow in Trajanus’ footsteps, as his illustrious predecessor had campaigned here as well. The most detailed account of the Gothic and Roman campaigns is given by the sixth century historian Jordanes, who was himself of Gothic descent. It should be noted that he wrote some 300 years after the facts, but there is not good reason to reject his base narrative. The Goths were led by their king Cniva, who decided to split his army into two smaller forces. The first column probably attacked the city of Marcianopolis (now Devnya in Bulgaria), which had been named after Trajanus’ sister. The attack was likely unsuccessful. According to Jordanes, the second column comprised 70.000 men, a number that is no doubt inflated. This part of the army was commanded by the king himself. Cniva first attacked Novae, which was defended by the governor of Moesia Inferior, Trebonianus Gallus (Legio I Italica was stationed here). Gallus managed to repel the Gothic attack, so Cniva decided to march further south and advanced on Nicopolis, a city founded by the great Trajanus himself. Map of Moesia Inferior and Thrace (source: Ancient World Mapping Center. “À-la-carte”; CC BY 4.0 ). History of Villa Decius By now the emperor had arrived in Moesia, along with his son and his army. Cniva therefore withdrew into the Balkan Mountains (Haemus Mons) and advanced on Philippopolis, which was defended by the governor of Thrace, Titus Julius Priscus. Decius gave chase, but his army was ambushed near Beroea and almost annihilated. The emperor fled north with the few survivors, took refuge with Gallus and began raising a new army. In the meantime, Cniva could focus on taking Philippopolis. The city was captured and sacked, and the fourth century historian Ammianus Marcellinus suggests that 100.000 people were killed. This is no doubt an exaggeration and even Ammianus himself seemed sceptical of the claim, but the city was certainly thoroughly pillaged. Somehow Titus Julius Priscus had managed to strike a deal with Cniva, as he was not killed and – likely with Gothic support – even proclaimed himself emperor. Perhaps Cniva hoped to get away with his loot while Decius focussed on defeating his rival for the throne. As it turned out, Priscus was swiftly murdered, probably by his own men. With Priscus out of the way, Decius succeeded in cutting off the Gothic retreat. The final confrontation took place near Abritus in 251. The battle was probably fought in June, and – if we follow Zosimus’ account – likely involved a number of large skirmishes. The emperor managed to rout two Gothic warbands, but did not realise that he was being lured into the marshes. There Decius was defeated and killed, along with Herennius Etruscus and most of his soldiers. The emperor’s body was never recovered. His Gothic campaign had ended in disaster and Decius became the first Roman emperor to be killed in battle against a foreign enemy. Some sources claim that he had been betrayed by Trebonianus Gallus, who was said to have refused to come to the emperor’s aid. The story sounds like mere gossip, but it was easy to blame Gallus, as the troops in the region soon proclaimed him the new Augustus. While Decius was in the Danube region fighting the Goths, a certain Julius Valens Licinianus had revolted against him in Rome, in 250 or 251. This revolt had been quickly crushed, and now that Decius was dead, the Senate had little choice but to recognise Gallus as the new emperor, along with Decius’ other son, Hostilianus. Gallus’ son Volusianus became a Caesar. The death of an emperor on the battlefield marked the darkest day of the Crisis of the Third Century so far. But even darker days were soon to follow. Jost Ludwig Dietz came to Kraków from Hungary in 1508. Who could have expected then that that young lad would soon become one of the most influential persons in the city? That he would leave a remembrance that would shape the image of Kraków to the same extent as the Royal Wawel Castle. Justus Ludovicus Decius- as this is how the Alsatian started to be called in Poland – was a protégé of his compatriot, Jan Jacob Boner, a royal banker, the founder and manager of the largest commercial empire in contemporary Europe – the Wieliczka and Bochnia salt mines. Through his positions as secretary, bookkeeper and trusted deputy, Decius quickly became a consummate diplomat, practised financier and a highly positioned royal dignitary. A secretary of King Sigismund the Old since 1520, and soon his advisor and the principal of crown mints, due to many talents, literary and historical dissertations, many journeys and scientific predilections, he enjoyed the respect and friendship of the most outstanding European humanists. He knew Martin Luther and Desiderius Erasmus. He also maintained close contacts with the Habsburg court. Already by 1519 he had obtained noble status from the King, and somewhat later he was received to the House of Tęczyński. In 1528 Justus Decius purchased parts of Przegorzały and Wola Chełmska villages near Kraków in order to build a suburban villa following the example of a fashionable paradis terrestiare in the environs of Florence and Rome – estates that were meeting places and places of rest and philosophical debate. He employed three Italian architects for the designing and construction of building: Giovanni Cini of Siena, Zenobius Gianotti of Rome and Filippo of Fiesole. Located on the picturesque eastern slope of Sowiniec, surrounded by an extensive renaissance garden, the palace was completed in 1535. Soon it became the venue for meetings of representatives of different cultures and nationalities, the exchange of opinion and for creative confrontation between various convictions. After the death of the patron of the house, in 1545, the estate was inherited by his son, Justus junior, known as the leading dissenter in the capital of the Republic of Poland. The Arcadian estate in the Wola district, already known as Wola Justowska, was again full of guests. Those followers of religious innovation, the disciples of Luther and Calvin, found an atmosphere of tolerance and freedom at Villa Decius, and who knows, perhaps even an idyllic foretaste of eternity . In 1590 Sebastian Lubomirski, the founder of the fortune of his House, bought the estate. He rebuilt the palace to meet the needs of his family. In 1630 a new storey, with a large impressive hall heightened the Villa. Two alcove towers were added and linked by a three-story arcade loggia. Most probably the renaissance treatise of Sebastiano Serlio inspired the change. Matteo Trapoli – the personal architect of the Lubomirskis, supervised the reconstruction works. The first outbuilding of the Villa, known today as the Łaski House , also comes from that period. The Lubomirskis were gradually becoming one of the first aristocratic Houses of the Republic of Poland and the small palace finally turned out to be too little. Therefore they moved to new much grander residences at Wiśnicz and Łańcut. The eighteenth century was less favourable to Villa Decius. The estate often changed owner, and these did not always husband it appropriately. Under the Sanguszkos who presumably renovated the building and introduced changes into the interior, the whole second floor collapsed. Despite the size of the catastrophe, Andrzej Morzkowski – provincial royal official in Barcice – purchased the estate. Later, this time fortunately, the Villa passed into the hands of the Wielowiejskis. The first of the three great ladies to reside at Villa Decius in the nineteenth century came from the Wielowiejski family. Already in the 1820s Joanna Ledóchowska née Wielowiejska transformed the destroyed and walled up Villa into a summer residence in accordance with her likes and Zeitgeist. The garden underwent the most significant change, it was converted into an English landscape park following the contemporary fashion. Such surroundings gave the Villa a romantic and somewhat enigmatic touch. In the 1840s Henrietta Kuczkowska née Ankwicz took an interest in the estate. She came back to Poland after many years spent in Rome, where her parents kept open house, inviting the distinguished notables of the Polish emigré community. It is no secret that Miss Henrietta Ankwicz was the muse and the youthful beloved of Adam Mickiewicz, who portrayed her as Ewa in the third part of Dziady . After she had come back to Poland at the side of her second husband, Kazimierz Kuczkowski, Henrietta tried to maintain intimate contacts with the aristocracy paying no heed to their difficult financial situation. However, due to that carefree attitude the Villa underwent yet another costly reconstruction. An impressive front staircase appeared, the towers received balconies, an attic was added over the loggia. Once again the Villa was embellished, yet eventually the married couple went into debt. They tried to save the situation by selling off the palace furniture and Gobelin tapestry, and by selling licenses for tree felling in the Wolski grove. In the end, a Viennese banker, J. G. Schuller, purchased the declining estate for more than a million zlotys. In the 1870s Villa Decius once again recovered its former splendour due to Marcelina Czartoryska, the Villa’s last aristocratic owner. The daughter of Michał Radziwiłł and Emilia née Worcelli, she was raised in Vienna, where she began her musical studies under Carl Czerny. She took lessons from Frederic Chopin in Paris, becoming with time one of the best performers of his works. In Paris she befriended many personalities from among the eminent Polish émigré community, as well as French literary and artistic circles. Her guests included such figures as Charles Gounod, Paul Delaroche, and Eugene Delacroix. In 1867 the Duchess returned to Poland for good and took up residence in Kraków at Villa Decius. Her house soon became the leading salon in the city, the mainstay of patriotism and Polish character. A fire at the residence in 1882 forced Czartoryska into a temporary removal to the city centre. Soon, after the reconstruction of the Villa supervised by Tadeusz Stryjeński, the Duchess returned to the palace in the Wola district. That restoration gave Villa Decius its neo-renaissance form and its current layout of rooms. Moreover, she added the impressive wooden stairway leading from the hall on the ground floor to higher storeys which still exists today. With the death of Duchess Czartoryska in 1894, the halcyon days of Villa Decius came to an end. During the First World War it was used as army quarters. Later the Villa was changed into a tenement building. The Second World War deepened the devastation of the building – the Villa housed the Nazi police headquarters. After the war the building housed successively a school for auditors of co-operatives, a boarding school and a tuberculosis ward of the Dr. Anka Hospital. In the 1970s the building fell into complete ruin and it was hard to imagine that it would ever come back to life. Nevertheless, in 1996 Villa Decius once again opened wide its doors. Restored due to the efforts of the City of Kraków, the Villa regained its former splendour. Willa Decjusza. Architektura i dzieje – Zbigniew Beiersdorf (plik PDF) Decius Last Name Facts Where Does The Last Name Decius Come From? nationality or country of origin The last name Decius is held by more people in Haiti than any other country or territory. For other possible spellings of Decius click here . How Common Is The Last Name Decius? popularity and diffusion The surname is the 153,186th most frequent family name worldwide, held by around 1 in 2,538,187 people. Decius occurs mostly in The Americas, where 98 percent of Decius reside; 89 percent reside in Caribbean and 89 percent reside in Gallo-Caribbean. It is also the 189,934th most frequent first name globally, held by 1,594 people. The surname is most commonly held in Haiti, where it is carried by 2,552 people, or 1 in 4,186. In Haiti Decius is most common in: Artibonite, where 39 percent live, Ouest, where 31 percent live and Nord, where 14 percent live. Apart from Haiti this last name exists in 11 countries. It also occurs in The United States, where 9 percent live and Germany, where 2 percent live. Decius Family Population Trend historical fluctuation The frequency of Decius has changed through the years. In The United States the number of people bearing the Decius surname rose 2,822 percent between 1880 and 2014. Decius Last Name Statistics demography In The United States those bearing the Decius last name are 17.82% more likely to be registered with the Democrat Party than the national average, with 71.05% registered to vote for the political party. Decius earn somewhat more than the average income. In United States they earn 6.45% more than the national average, earning $45,932 USD per year. Peter Paul Rubens Decius Mus Relating His Dreams, ca. 1617 Oil on panel transferred to canvas (1773) in turn transferred to masonite (c. 1954-55), 80.7 x 84.5 cm Samuel H. Kress Collection, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C, 1957.14.2 (1394) Catalog Entry by Peter C. Sutton The story of Decius Mus is told by Livy (8.6, 9-10). Publis Decius Mus (the Elder) was a consul and commander of the Roman legions fighting the Latins at Capua. He and his fellow commander, Titus Manlius, both had a dream informing them that one of the two armies engaged in the conflict would have to sacrifice its commander to the gods of the underworld and to Mother Earth, but as a consequence the opposing army would be completely defeated. Each general conveyed the dream to his officers. After consulting a soothsayer who performed a sacrificial offering to the gods, it was determined that Decius Mus must make the ultimate sacrifice. At the command of the highest priest, Decius covered his head with a toga and consecrated himself to the infernal gods with a solemn and dreadful vow. He then threw himself into battle and was killed. Fulfilling the prophecy, the Romans attacked with renewed strength and routed their enemy. In the present sketch, which is the first in a series of five modelli for tapestry designs, Decius Mus wearing a bright red cloak stands on a pedestal to address five of his officers whose ensigns and standards bristle against the sky. Closest to the dais, the young warrior in shadow wears armor over a dark red tunic and has a green cloak over his shoulder. The soldier with his back to the viewer wears a leopard skin over a blue tunic. The soldier on the far right wears an elaborately decorated helmet and bright red cloak and carries a labarum. An eagle hovers above Decius, and at the base of his pedestal is a still life consisting of his helmet, complete with a gilded relief of the Roman wolf with Romulus and Remus in a circular decoration, his shield with an apotropaic head encircled with radiating bolts of lightning, and weapons. The other four modelli for the series depict the interpretation of the animal sacrifice by the soothsayer, the modello for which is in the Oskar Reinhardt Collection, Winterthur (Held 1980, no. 2); the consecration of Decius Mus by the high priest, present location unknown (a copy is in Munich; Held 1980, #3); the death of Decius Mus, in the Museo del Prado, Madrid (Held 1980, no. 3a); and the obsequies of Decius Mus, in the Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen, Munich (Held 1980, no. 4). A series of cartoons in the princes of Liechtenstein collection now in Vienna were executed after the modelli and have been variously attributed to either or both Rubens and his pupil, Anthony van Dyck. Rubens was a descendant of a famous tapestry manufacturer (Hendrick Pype, called Pypelinckx, d. 1580) and in 1630 married the daughter of a prominent tapestry dealer; thus, he was closely allied with this flourishing Flemish industry. The Decius Mus series was the first of his large tapestry series. It was commissioned on November 9, 1616, by a Genoese businessman, Franco Cattaneo, from the Antwerp tapestry merchants Jan Raes and Frans Sweerts, in a document that specified that Rubens should design the series and be the judge of the quality of the final product—a testament to his expertise in the field. Rubens himself mentioned the tapestries in letters to Sir Dudley Carlton in May 1618. As Emil Kieser (1933) and Wolfgang Stechow (1968) observed, the subject of the history of Decius Mus had never before been depicted in an art cycle. It undoubtedly appealed to Rubens because, as he pictured it, the story was one of unflinching heroic stoicism, valor, and a profound trust in the wisdom of the gods. In all probability the subject was suggested by the learned artist and avowed Stoic to Cattaneo prior to the drafting of the contract in November 1616. Rubens also probably was attracted to the theme by the occasion it presented to display his extensive knowledge of the costumes, customs, and appearances of antiquity. Much of Rubens's time in Italy had been spent researching ancient Roman civilization and its relics. He also had a renowned command of ancient literature. As early as 1608 Rubens had contributed drawings of Roman sculptures to illustrate his brother Philip's book of essays on Roman expressions referring to civilian and military apparel. The Decius Mus series thus offered him for the first time a grand stage on which to display his expertise. It surely is not a matter of chance that, as H. D. Rodee (1967) first observed, Rubens's Decius Mus series is more archaeologically correct than any of the master's other later treatments of Roman history subjects. Even the composition of the present work is derived from ancient Roman examples, namely the allocutio designs of leaders addressing their troops that appear on the Arch of Constantine (see Kieser 1933, p. 126). Rubens later returned to the allocutio composition when he executed The Emblem of Christ Appearing to Constantine in 1622 in his second venture into tapestry design, the Life of Constantine series. As Julius Held observed (1980, vol. 1, p. 25), Rubens surely knew Justus Lipsius's De Militia romana libri quinque (3rd ed., Antwerp, 1602), which discusses the classical allocutio and gives examples of the associations of antique military leaders and military signs. Held (ibid.) further observed that one of the ensigns features a prominent outstretched hand that appears frequently on Roman coins and which Caspar Gevartius in the Pompa Introitus ([Antwerp, 1641-42], p. interpreted as a "symbol of warlike valor and trust." The painting in Vienna corresponds to the present modello in most salient regards, but its major change is the conversion of the design to a more upright, narrower format. Thus in the large version, the left side of the frame is much closer to the figure of the general, his hand almost touches the ensigns, and the figure of the eagle is eliminated. A black chalk drawing in the Albertina, Vienna, no. 8238, was published by Ludwig Burchard and R.A. d'Hulst (Antwerp 1956, no. 81) as an original study by Rubens for the present design but was correctly demoted to a copy by J. Müller-Hofstede (1966, p. 449) and Held (1980, vol. 1, p. 25). Dezius Name Meaning Historically, surnames evolved as a way to sort people into groups - by occupation, place of origin, clan affiliation, patronage, parentage, adoption, and even physical characteristics (like red hair). Many of the modern surnames in the dictionary can be traced back to Britain and Ireland. Similar surnames: Darius , Debus , Deus , Denis , Deis , Deiss , Lenius , Dinius , Deziel What does Decius Mundus mean? (Question) What does "Decius Mundus" mean in Latin? This was the name of the Roman who tricked Paulina into having sex with him in Josephus' Antiquities, Book 18. It looks like the characters in Josephus' stories of Paulina and Fulvia have allegorical meanings. In Paulina's story, Decius Mundus fell in love with Paulina, a convert to Anubis' cult, but Paulina was married to Saturninus. So Mundus' female servant Ida paid Anubis' priests to fool Paulina into thinking that Mundus was the god Anubis and into having sex with him. Then in Fulvia's story, three Jewish swindlers tricked Fulvia, a convert to Judaism, into making a Temple donation, which they stole. I see Paulina's name as referring to the apostle Paul, who gathered donations from gentiles for Jerusalem's Church. Ida's name alludes to Judas, as both were involved in payments to or from priests for betrayal. I suppose that "Decius Mundus" means something about "Tenth" and "World", referring to tithing. This is because tithing involved taking a "tenth" of income, and in particular tithing the gentiles or "nations" for Jerusalem's Church as its spiritual "Temple". In the Loeb edition, a footnote points out the similarity of the Mundus and Paulina episode to the older story of the Egyptian king Nectanebus II and Olympias, supposedly fathering Alexander the Great under the appearance of Zeus Ammon. This name derives from the Latin “decem, meaning “ten”, ... Cognates include, Ancient Greek déka ‎(δέκα). Decimus is a Latin praenomen, or personal name, usually abbreviated D. Although never especially common, Decimus was used throughout Roman history from the earliest times to the end of the Western Empire and beyond, surviving into modern times. The Latin personal name “Decimus”, means “the tenth born, or born in December”, which was originally given to the tenth child of the family or the tenth or youngest between ten members of the same family of the same name. Decimus is the Latin word for tenth, and it falls into a class of similar praenomina including the masculine names Quintus, Sextus, Septimus, Octavius, and Nonus, as well as the feminine names Prima, Secunda, Tertia, Quarta, Quinta, Sexta, Septima, Octavia, and Nona. It is generally believed that the name was originally given to a tenth child, a tenth son, or a tenth daughter. However, it has also been argued that Decimus and the other praenomina of this type could refer to the month of the year in which a child was born. Publius Decius Mus (Konsul 340 v. Chr.) Publius Decius Mus († 340 v. Chr. am Vesuv?) war ein Politiker der römischen Republik und gelangte 340 v. Chr. als erster seiner Familie zum Konsulat. Sein Amtskollege war Titus Manlius Imperiosus Torquatus. Im Jahr 352 gehörte er zu einer Kommission (quinqueviri mensarum) zur Bekämpfung der Verschuldung des Volkes.Als Militärtribun soll er 343 v. Chr. das von den Samniten umzingelte römische Heer gerettet haben.340 v. Chr. wurde er Konsul. Durch seinen Opfertod für Rom (Devotio) in der Schlacht am Vesuv gegen die Latiner erlangte er besondere Berühmtheit.Doch dürfte dies nur eine Übertragung vom Sohn auf den Vater sein; seinem gleichnamigen Sohn und Enkel wird in der Überlieferung die gleiche Selbstopferung zugeschrieben. Publius Decius Mus (Konsul 279 v. Chr.) Publius Decius Mus († 279 v. Chr. bei Asculum?) war ein Politiker der römischen Republik und Konsul 279 v. Chr. Er erlitt 279 v. Chr. in der Schlacht bei Asculum eine Niederlage gegen Pyrrhos. Wie sein Großvater und Vater soll er sein Leben in der Schlacht durch devotio geopfert haben.Sehr unsicher ist die Überlieferung, dass er im Jahr 265 v. Chr. Suffektkonsul gewesen sei, was die devotio-Handlung umso mehr unglaubwürdig erscheinen lässt. Gaius Messius Quintus Traianus Decius (* ca. 190 oder 200/201 in Budalia bei Sirmium, heute Sremska Mitrovica, in der römischen Provinz Pannonia inferior; † 1. Hälfte Juni 251 bei Abrittus, heute Rasgrad in Bulgarien) war Kaiser des Römischen Reichs von 249 bis 251, der erste in einer längeren Reihe fähiger Männer aus den illyrischen Provinzen. Allerdings war Decius im Gegensatz zu den meisten späteren „illyrischen Kaisern“ bereits der Aufstieg in den Senat gelungen; seine Familie zählte offenbar zur Reichsaristokratie und er stammte damit anders als viele spätere Herrscher nicht aus einfachen Verhältnissen. Decimus Iunius Brutus Albinus Decimus Iunius Brutus Albinus (* um 81 v. Chr.; † September 43 v. Chr.) war ein römischer Politiker und Soldat. Er war ein langjähriger Offizier und enger Vertrauter Gaius Iulius Caesars, unter dem er Karriere machte. Aus nicht bekannten Gründen schloss er sich der Verschwörung gegen den Diktator an und gehörte zu den prominentesten Caesarmördern. Bald nach dem gelungenen Attentat (15. März 44 v. Chr.) ging er in seine Provinz Gallia cisalpina und verweigerte gegen Jahresende deren Übergabe an den Konsul Marcus Antonius. Von diesem daraufhin in Mutina belagert, wurde er im April 43 v. Chr. von den neuen Konsuln und Octavian (dem späteren Kaiser Augustus) befreit. Er verfolgte den geschlagenen Antonius, doch Octavian vollzog einen politischen Kurswechsel und ließ ihn wie alle Caesarmörder ächten. Auf der Flucht wurde er gefangen und auf Antonius’ Befehl getötet. Decius Vibellius Decius Vibellius war ein kampanischer Ritter aus dem Geschlecht der Vibellier, das vermutlich in Capua angesiedelt war. Er war mit dem Oberkommando über die kampanische Legion betraut, die durch den Konsul Publius Valerius Laevinus um 282 v. Chr. wegen des Pyrrhoskrieges als römische Schutzmacht in die Stadt Rhegion gelegt worden war. Hier missbrauchte er nach einiger Zeit seine Stellung, indem er die Stadt um 280 v. Chr. eigenmächtig in Besitz nahm. Er wurde nach der Einnahme der Stadt, vermutlich durch den Konsul Gaius Genucius Clepsina 270 v. Chr., zusammen mit den restlichen Angehörigen der Legio Campana nach Rom verbracht, wo er sich durch Selbstmord seiner öffentlichen Hinrichtung auf dem Forum entzog. What did your Decius ancestors do for a living? In 1940, Laborer and Maid were the top reported jobs for men and women in the US named Decius. 17% of Decius men worked as a Laborer and 34% of Decius women worked as a Maid. Some less common occupations for Americans named Decius were Broker and Saw Dry Works View Census data for Decius | Data not to scale Decius Family Origin Where is the Decius family from? You can see how Decius families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Decius family name was found in the USA, the UK, and Scotland between 1861 and 1920. The most Decius families were found in the USA in 1920. In 1880 there were 9 Decius families living in Pennsylvania. This was 100% of all the recorded Decius's in the USA. Pennsylvania had the highest population of Decius families in 1880. Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Decius surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations. Decius(noun) Emperor of Rome who was proclaimed emperor against his will; his reign was notable for his severe persecution of Christians (201-251) Decius Trajan Decius, was Roman Emperor from 249 to 251. In the last year of his reign, he co-ruled with his son Herennius Etruscus until they were both killed in the Battle of Abrittus. Decius Roman emperor from 249 to 251; was a cruel persecutor of the Christians; perished in a morass fighting with the Goths, who were a constant thorn in his side all through his reign. Examples from the Web for decius During the battle, Decius devoted himself, as his father had done before. History of Julius Caesar Vol. 1 of 2 |Napoleon III, Emperor of the French, 1808-1873. Decius said, "Stretch him thus naked, and beat him with strong clubs." The Homilies of the Anglo-Saxon Church |lfric When Emperor Decius heard of this, he sent a company of four hundred soldiers to capture Christophorus. Mary, Help of Christians |Various They were accused before Decius, and they confessed themselves to be Christians. Curious Myths of the Middle Ages |Sabine Baring-Gould BACK TO TOP

WELCOME Our Site Map Grow Your Vision Welcome to the Sitemaps ,their are a lot of Sites below were you can view on South Africa. If one of the sites intrest you ,just click on VIEW MORE Button , It will take you to one of our Main site.So Enjoy South Africa. 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Situated on the Highveld , Gauteng is the smallest province by land area in South Africa . Although Gauteng accounts for only 1.5% of the country's land area, it is home to more than a quarter of its population (26%). Highly urbanised, the province contains the country's largest city, Johannesburg , which is also one of the largest cities in the world. Gauteng is the wealthiest province in South Africa and is considered the financial hub of not only South Africa but the entire African continent; VIEW MORE Mpumalanga "Eastern Transvaal" redirects here. For the rugby team formerly known as "Eastern Transvaal", see Falcons (rugby team) . For the team formerly called "South Eastern Transvaal" representing Mpumalanga, see Pumas (Currie Cup) . Mpumalanga (/əmˌpuːməˈlɑːŋɡə/ ) is a province of South Africa . The name means "East", or literally "The Place Where the Sun Rises" in the Nguni languages . Mpumalanga lies in eastern South Africa, bordering Eswatini and Mozambique . It shares borders with the South African provinces of Limpopo to the north, Gauteng to the west, the Free State to the southwest, and KwaZulu-Natal to the south. The capital is Mbombela NINE PROVINCES SOUTH AFRICA VIEW MORE South Africa’s nine provinces are the Eastern Cape, the Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, the Northern Cape, North West and the Western Cape. The nine provinces of South Africa South Africa has nine provinces, each with its own history, landscape, population, languages, economy, cities and government. South Africa’s nine provinces are the Eastern Cape, the Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, the Northern Cape, North West and the Western Cape. Before 1994, South Africa had four provinces: the Transvaal and Orange Free State – previously Boer republics – and Natal and the Cape, once British colonies. VIEW MORE South African Endangered Wildlife Wild Life South Africa - Kruger National Park - Wildlife Animal History Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa. It covers an area of 19,485 square kilometres 7,523 sq mi in the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga in northeastern South Africa, and extends 360 kilometres 220 mi from north to south and 65 kilometres 40 mi from east to west. Areas of the park were first protected by the government of the South African Republic in 1898, and it became South Africa's first national park in 1926. VIEW MORE Big Five Even though you know that Africa and South Africa are so much more than the Big Five, the familiar images soon begin playing in your mind: lions roaring; elephants trumpeting; buffalos lurking in long grass; rhinos standing stately under a thorn tree; leopards prowling in the gathering darkness. You’ve seen the Big Five in books and you’ve seen them on TV. But it’s time to come and see them for yourself. The real thing. In person. And there’s no better place for this than South Africa, which offers the most exciting, memorable and exhilarating experience of your life – coming face to face with the Big Five. Origin of the name How did these five animals – the lion, elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros and leopard – come to be called the Big Five? It was originally a hunting term used by the so-called ‘great white hunters’ in the hunting heyday of the 19th and early 20thcenturies, when professional hunters bagged as many trophies as possible in as short a time as possible. Considered a rite of passage for seasoned travellers, everybody from American presidents to European royalty and heads of state came to Africa to shoot a large, dangerous animal. The Big Five quickly became known as the most dangerous animals to hunt on foot, and the name stuck – although now ‘shooting’ is done through a camera lens. VIEW MORE Safari Tours Wildlife Animal History SPRINGBOK / SPRINGBUCK The springbok (Afrikaans and Dutch: spring = jump; bok = antelope or goat) (Antidorcas marsupialis) is a medium-sized brown and white gazelle that stands about 70 to 90 cm (28 to 35 in) high. Springbok males weigh between 33 and 50 kg (73 and 110 lb) and the females between 25 and 40 kg (55 and 88 lb). They can reach running speeds of up to 90 km/h (56 mph),to 96 km/h (60 mph) and can leap 4 m(13 feet) into the air and can long jump of up to 15 m (50 feet). Springbok inhabit the dry inland areas of south and southwestern Africa. Their range extends from the northwestern part of South Africa through the Kalahari desert into Namibia and Botswana. Springbok occur in numbers of up to 2,500,000 in South Africa;it is the most plentiful antelope. They used to be very common, forming some of the largest herds of mammals ever documented, but their numbers have diminished significantly since the 19th century due to hunting and fences from farms blocking their migratory routes. VIEW MORE Kruger National Park Where nearly 2 million hectares of unrivaled diversity of life forms fuses with historical and archaeological sights – this is real Africa. The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. Truly the flagship of the South African National Parks, this enormous and magnificent park is one of the most popular public-entry game parks in the world. Few visitors leave South Africa without visiting the Kruger National Park or one of the private reserves along its borders but it is also frequented by locals in their own vehicles, as you can drive yourself around and stay overnight in one of the many public rest camps . There are also a few exclusive private lodges that have been granted concessions within the Kruger National Park. Kruger has 12 main rest camps, 5 bushveld camps, 2 bush lodges and 4 satellite camps. The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. Established in 1898 to protect the wildlife of the South African Lowveld, this national park is unrivalled in the diversity of its life forms and a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques and policies. Kruger is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals. VIEW MORE South African Animal Gallery Welcome to Delta Rain, we hope you will join us for an unforgettable African experience. We provide quality, exciting and affordable mobile and mokoro safaris in the Okavango delta, throughout Botswana and further through southern Africa. Delta Rain is based at our own camp 'Sitatunga' located close to Maun Botswana. WHAT IS MAMMALMAP? The aim of MammalMAP is to update the distribution records of all African mammal species. Through collaborations with professional scientists, conservation organisations, wildlife authorities and citizen scientists across Africa, we consolidate all reliable and identifiable evidence (camera trap records, photographs) of current mammal locations into an open-access digital database. The database software automatically generates online distribution maps of all recorded species which are instantly visible and searchable. VIEW MORE Wildlife Projects Wildlife Backgrounds and Glitters Riseingsouthernstar-africa Wallpaper This site is dedicated to providing free animal print wallpaper for royalty free use. Animal wallpapers come in all different patters, including Zebra, Leopard, Cheetah,Snakeskin,and Land Scapes almost any animal print you want you can find here to download for your computer desktop wallpaper for free.. Wallpapers are one of the best things you can use to customize your desktop well. In one way or the other, it somehow influences our mood as we look at it, it may inspire you to do better or just help you relax for a while. In any ways, these wallpapers can help in personalizing your desktop background... VIEW MORE History South Africa South African history has been dominated by the interaction and conflict of several diverse ethnic groups. The aboriginal Khoisan people have lived in the region for millennia. The history South Africa is taken here more broadly to cover the history not only of the current South African state but of other polities in the region, including those of the Khoisan, the several Bantu kingdoms in the region before colonisation, the rule of the Dutch in the Cape and the subsequent rule of the British there and in Natal, and the so-called Boer republics, including the Orange Free State and the South African Republic. South Africa was under an official system of racial segregation and white minority rule from 1948 known as Apartheid, until its first egalitarian elections in 1994, when the ruling African National Congress came to dominate the politics of the country. VIEW MORE The Great Trek The Great Trek (Afrikaans : Die Groot Trek was a northward migration of Dutch-speaking settlers who travelled by wagon trains from the Cape Colony into the interior of modern South Africa from 1836 onwards, seeking to live beyond the Cape's British colonial administration. The Great Trek resulted from the culmination of tensions between rural descendants of the Cape's original European settlers, known collectively as Boers , and the British Empire . VIEW MORE Trekboers making camp (1804) by Samuel Daniell . Before the arrival of Europeans, the Cape of Good Hope area was populated by Khoisan tribes The first Europeans settled in the Cape area under the auspices of the Dutch East India Company (also known by its Dutch initials VOC), which established a victualling station there in 1652 to provide its outward bound fleets with fresh provisions and a harbour of refuge during the long sea journey from Europe to Asia In a few short decades, the Cape had become home to a large population of "vrijlieden", also denoted as "vrijburgers" (free citizens), former Company employees who remained in Dutch territories overseas after completing their contracts. The Voortrekker Monument The Voortrekker Monument is located just south of Pretoria in South Africa . The granite structure is located on a hilltop, and was raised to commemorate the Voortrekkers who left the Cape Colony between 1835 and 1854. It was designed by the architect Gerard Moerdijk . On 8 July 2011, the Voortrekker Monument was declared a National Heritage Site by the South African Heritage Resource Agency . The idea to build a monument in honour of the Voortrekkers was first discussed on 16 December 1888, when President Paul Kruger of the South African Republic attended the Day of the Covenant celebrations at Danskraal in Natal . However, the movement to actually build such a monument only started on 4 April 1931 when the Sentrale Volksmonumentekomitee (SVK; Central People's Monuments Committee) was formed to bring this idea to fruition. Construction started on 13 July 1937 with a sod-turning ceremony performed by the chairman of the SVK, Advocate Ernest George Jansen , on what later became known as Monument Hill. On 16 December 1938 the cornerstone was laid  by three descendants of some of the Voortrekker leaders: Mrs. J.C. Muller (granddaughter of Andries Pretorius ), Mrs. K.F. Ackerman (great-granddaughter of Hendrik Potgieter ) and Mrs. J.C. Preller (great-granddaughter of Piet Retief ). The monument was inaugurated on 16 December 1949 by Prime Minister D. F. Malan .[citation needed ] The total construction cost of the monument was about £ 360,000, most of which was contributed by the South African government. A large amphitheatre , which could seat approximately 20,000 people, was erected to the north-east of the monument in 1949. VIEW MORE Battle of Blood River The Battle of Blood River 16 December 1838) was fought on the bank of the Ncome River , in what is today KwaZulu-Natal , South Africa between 464 Voortrekkers ("Pioneers"), led by Andries Pretorius , and an estimated 25,000 to 30,000 Zulu . The trekkers—called Voortrekkers after 1880—had to defend themselves after the betrayal murder of chief Trekker leader Piet Retief and his entire entourage, and ten days later the Weenen/Bloukrans massacre where "not a soul was spared. Dingane had agreed that, if Retief could recover approximately 700 head of cattle stolen from the Zulus by the Tlokwa , he would let them have land upon which to establish farms. On 6 February 1838, two days after the signing of a negotiated land settlement deal between Retief and Dingane at UmGungundlovu , written by Jan Gerritze Bantjes (1817–1887) which included Trekker access to Port Natal , which the British also had interest in, Dingane invited Retief and his party into his royal residence for a beer-drinking farewell. VIEW MORE The First Boer War The First Boer War (Dutch: Eerste Boerenoorlog, Afrikaans: Eerste Vryheidsoorlog, literally First Freedom War) also known as the First Anglo-Boer War or the Transvaal War, was fought from 16 December 1880 until 23 March 1881. The southern part of the African continent was dominated in the 19th century by a set of epic struggles to create within it a single unified state. British aggression into southern Africa was fuelled by three prime factors: first, the desire to control the trade routes to India that passed around the Cape; second, the discovery in 1868 of huge mineral deposits of diamonds around Kimberley on the joint borders of the South African Republic (called the Transvaal by the British), Orange Free State and the Cape Colony, and thereafter in 1886 in the Transvaal of a major gold find, all of which offered enormous wealth and power; and thirdly the race against other European colonial powers, as part of a general colonial expansion in Africa. VIEW MORE White Genocide South Africa The genocide of white South Africans is heating up.Last week, South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) finally told its members to stop singing the song "Kill the Boer" -- that is, murder white South Africans. (Boer is Afrikaans for "farmer," Vryheidsvlag - Afrikaner Peoples Front / Afrikaner Volksfront In South Africa there is a political movement or party called the "Afrikaner Volksfront" (Popular Front), which aims to set up an independent Boer state. They use a flag very similar to the Transvaal "Vierkleur", but the red stripe is replaced with an orange one. This flag is called "Vryheidsvlag" (freedom flag). The "Volksrepubliek Werkgroep" (People's Republic working group) made a proposal for a constitution of this imagined state. In article 19.16.3 it is written: VIEW MORE South African Culture South African Languages We're not called the rainbow nation for nothing. South Africa has 11 official languages, and scores of unofficial ones. English is the most commonly spoken language in official and commercial public life but only the fifth most spoken home language.The country's democratic Constitution, which came into effect on 4 February 1997, recognises 11 official languages, to which the state guarantees equal status. The South African National Seal with its symbols on the original South African Coat of Arms places the white South African nation alongside the other Great Israel Nations of the West and identifies them as THE ANCIENT TRIBE OF JUDAH. The Coat of Arms heraldry aligned with thesc scriptures gives Judah’s latter-day geographical location as South Africa. Since this latter-day discovery, the White South Africans can easily be identified as the Biblical tribe of Judah whose ultimate destination was skillfully guided by the Creator and their identity concealed for it only to be revealed long after their arrival on theAfrican continent. VIEW MORE South african Culture Part 2 Oranje-blanje-blou Oranje-blanje-blou (Afrikaans for Orange, white and blue) refers, of course, to the old South African flag used between 1928 and 1994. This song was popular especially among Afrikaners when this flag flew over South Africa. Die Vlaglied / The Song of the Flag Another flag song, this time abut the former South African flag called "Die Vlaglied" / "The Song of the Flag" which was composed by CJ Langenhoven, the composer of the former South African National Anthem "Die Stem van Suid-Afrika" / "The Call of South Africa".Afrikaans music was primarily influenced by Dutch folk styles, along with French and German influences, in the early twentieth century. Zydeco-type string bands led by a concertina were popular, as were elements of American country music, especially Jim Reeves. Bushveld music based on the Zulu were reinterpreted by such singers as Marais and Miranda. Melodramatic and sentimental songs called trane trekkers (tear jerkers) were especially common. In 1979 the South African Music scene changed from the Tranetrekkers to more lively sounds and the introduction of new names in the market with the likes of Anton Goosen, David Kramer, Koos du Plessis, Fanie de Jager, and Laurika Rauch. Afrikaans music is currently one of the most popular and best selling industries on the South African music scene. VIEW MORE South Africa Tribes South Africa is known for its ethnic and cultural diversity. Therefore, there is no single culture of South Africa. The oldest art objects in the world were discovered in a South African cave. Dating from 75,000 years ago, these small drilled snail shells could have no other function than to have been strung on a string as a necklace. South Africa was one of the cradles of the human species. One of the defining characteristics of our species is the making of art (from Latin 'ars' meaning worked or formed from basic material). VIEW MORE Banknotes and Coin The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) released the upgraded Mandela banknotes and fourth decimal coin series on 3 May 2023. The upgraded banknotes and fourth decimal coin series have new designs and enhanced security features that utilise the latest technological advancements to protect the integrity of our currency and maintain public trust. The upgraded banknotes continue to pay homage to South Africa's first democratically elected president, Nelson Mandela, with his portrait featured on the front of all five denominations while the Big 5 animals are depicted as a family. The fourth decimal coin series is based on the theme of deep ecology, which celebrates the interconnectedness of humans and other living organisms as an integral part of the environment. VIEW MORE South African Sport The most popular sports in South Africa are soccer, rugby and cricket in South Africa" Other sports with significant support are hockey,swimming, athletics, golf, boxing, tennis and netball. Sports in South Africa have a passionate following, although they remain largely divided along ethnic lines.Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in South Africa, particularly amongst blacks who constitute the majority of the population. The national football team is nicknamed Bafana Bafana (meaning the boys, the boys). South Africa hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the first one hosted in Africa.Cricket is the second most popular sport in South Africa, and is traditionally the sport of the Anglo-African and Indian South African communities, although it is now followed by members of all races. The national cricket team is nicknamed The Proteas. South African Foods The cuisine of South Africa is sometimes called "rainbow cuisine", as it has had a variety of multicultural sources and stages.The cuisine can be generalized as: Cookery practiced by indigenous people of Africa such as the Sotho and Nguni-speaking people. Cookery that emerged from several waves of colonialisation and immigration introduced during the colonial period by people of Dutch, German, French and Indonesian descent (since 1652) Afrikaner, British descent (since 1805 and 1820 Settlers) and their slaves or servants - this includes the cuisine of the so-called Cape Malay people, which has many characteristics of Indonesia and cooking styles from neighbouring colonial cultures such as Portuguese Mozambique. world clocks VIEW MORE VIEW MORE Western Cape - CAPE TOWN Western Cape, South Africa, is a dream destination for those seeking a balance between natural beauty and cultural richness. The province offers breathtaking landscapes ranging from rugged coastlines to towering mountains dotted with charming towns and villages. Visitors can stroll through the vibrant streets of Cape Town, indulge in wine tasting in the renowned Cape Winelands, or witness the stunning diversity of flora and fauna in the UNESCO-listed Table Mountain National Park. Other highlights include whale watching in Hermanus, hiking the scenic trails of the Cederberg Mountains, and experiencing the vibrant local music scene in the city of Stellenbosch. Northern Cape The Northern Cape is the largest and most sparsely populated province of South Africa . It was created in 1994 when the Cape Province was split up. Its capital is Kimberley . The Northern Cape is the largest and most sparsely populated province of South Africa . It was created in 1994 when the Cape Province was split up. Its capital is Kimberley . It includes the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park , part of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and an international park shared with Botswana . It also includes the Augrabies Falls and the diamond mining regions in Kimberley and Alexander Bay . Free State The Free State is one of the nine provinces of South Africa and is centrally located. It represents 10.6% of the total land area of the country. The Free State is one of the nine provinces of South Africa and is centrally located. It represents 10.6% of the total land area of the country. It boasts wide horizons, blue skies, mountains and goldfields. The province covers an area of 129 464 km2 and is roughly the size of Nicaragua. In 2011, the province had a population of 2.7 million with four district municipalities and one metropolitan municipality. The Free State is situated on the flat, boundless plains in the centre of South Africa. It borders most of the other provinces, the exceptions being Limpopo and the Western Cape. To the east, it has an international boundary with Lesotho nestling in the hollow of its beanlike shape, and the escarpment separates it from the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. KwaZulu-Natal KwaZulu-Natal is a province of South Africa that was created in 1994 when the Zulu bantustan of KwaZulu ("Place of the Zulu" in Zulu ) and Natal Province were merged. It is located in the southeast of the country, Rough and ready, smart and sophisticated, rural and rustic: there’s no doubt that KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is eclectic. It’s a region where glassy malls touch shabby suburbs, and action-packed adventurers ooze adrenaline while laid-back beach bods drip with suntan lotion. Mountainscapes contrast with flat, dry savannahs, while the towns’ central streets, teeming with African life, markets and noise, are in stark contrast to the sedate tribal settlements in rural areas. Here, too, is traditional Zululand, whose people are fiercely proud of their culture. North West North West, a province in South Africa, is a hidden gem known for its breathtaking landscapes. North West, a province in South Africa, is a hidden gem known for its breathtaking landscapes. From the rugged mountains of the Magaliesberg to the rolling hills of the Bushveld, visitors will love its natural beauty. Its area is also home to a rich cultural heritage, with several traditional villages offering visitors the chance to learn about the customs and traditions of the local communities. North West is also known for its wildlife. Several game reserves and parks offer unforgettable game drives and safaris, where visitors can spot the Big Five and other exotic animals. With its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and abundant wildlife, North West is an ideal destination for travelers seeking an authentic South African experience. Limpopo Limpopo is a land of spectacular natural beauty in South Africa, boasting stunning landscapes of rugged mountains, rolling savannahs, and wild bushveld. It is home to several game reserves and national parks, including Kruger National Park, one of the largest and most diverse game reserves in Africa. The region is also rich in culture and history, with many traditional villages and archaeological sites to explore. Visitors can experience the vibrant local culture, taste delicious local cuisine, and enjoy a wide range of adventure activities, such as hiking, wildlife safaris, and hot air balloon rides. The 11 languages of South Africa South Africa’s constitution recognises 11 official languages: Sepedi (also known as Sesotho sa Leboa ), Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga, Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, isiXhosa and isiZulu. South Africa’s constitution recognises 11 official languages: Sepedi (also known as Sesotho sa Leboa ), Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga, Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, isiXhosa and isiZulu. For centuries South Africa’s official languages were European – Dutch, English, Afrikaans. African languages, spoken by at least 80% of the people, were ignored. In 1996 South Africa’s new constitution gave official protection to all of the country’s major languages.South Africa has about 34 historically established languages. Thirty are living languages, and four extinct Khoesan languages. SEND Eastern Cape The Eastern Cape of South Africa is a unique and captivating destination, offering a range of experiences for visitors to the region. Nature lovers will be amazed by the beauty of the Wild Coast, with its rugged coastline, unspoiled beaches, and breathtaking views. Game reserves such as the Addo Elephant National Park offer visitors the opportunity to see some of the region's most iconic wildlife, including elephants, lions, and rhinos. At the same time, birdwatchers will enjoy exploring the region's many wetlands and estuaries. Aside from this, guests can explore the region's rich cultural heritage, with ancient rock art sites such as the Cederberg Wilderness Area and the Bhisho Massacre Monument, which commemorate the historic struggle against apartheid. With its stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and diverse range of activities, the Eastern Cape is a destination that offers something for everyone. Radio SAM Broadcasting Studios We built ‘Radio SAM Broadcaster Germany’ for YOU…….. For you to NEVER miss that amazing event. We strive to, at all times, try to take the hassle out of finding out where that favourite artist is performing, have a look at some other artists also performing, and at what venue it is going to be held, at what time, and maybe it will be the end of life as you know it. We love radio! Radio SAM Broadcaster Germany makes life a little easier for everyone who feels the same way. We offer you the opportunity to listen to internet radio from all over the world in a particularly uncomplicated manner and free of charge. With the push of a button, you can also record it very easily thanks to Radio SAM Broadcaster Germany. Don't you ever want to miss your favorite internet radio radio again? Our tools make it possible! You can put together your own program in the Radio SAM Broadcaster Germany player, in the app and directly on our website. This is then conveniently recorded and saved for you. If you just want to listen to your favorite online radio stations, VIEW MORE South African Maps Here are some places you can visit in South Africa 1 2 : Cape Town Kruger National Park Stellenbosch Knysna Namaqualand Johannesburg Hermanus Blyde River Canyon Each of South Africa’s regions truly has its own distinct personality, offering a captivating blend of cosmopolitan cities, enthralling animals, rich history and remote wilderness. From the bustling streets of Cape Town and the wild-game viewing in Kruger National Park to the charming valleys of the Winelands, every place here enchants. VIEW MORE South African Maps Part 2 PRETORIA Pretoria is a city in the northern part of Gauteng Province, South Africa. It is one of the country's three capital cities, South Africa Maps PRETORIA Pretoria is a city in the northern part of Gauteng Province, South Africa. It is one of the country's three capital cities, serving as the executive ,administrative and de facto national capital; the others are Cape Town, the legislative capital, and Bloemfontein, the judicial capital.Pretoria is divided into three sections: pretoria west, east and north. Pretoria is contained within the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality as one of several constituent former administrations ,among which also Centurion and Soshanguve. Pretoria itself is sometimes referred to as "Tshwane" due to a long-running and controversial proposed change of name, which has yet to be decided, as of 2012. VIEW MORE About Southernstar-Africa Hi, thanks for dropping by! We are a school project organization that aims to educate children about the history of South Africa We are a school project organization that aims to educate children about the history of South Africa. Our focus is on the people who shaped the country's past and present. Our team consists of passionate educators who are dedicated to providing the best learning experience for the children. We provide various services such as interactive workshops, field trips, and educational materials. Join us in exploring the rich history of Southernstar-Africa VIEW MORE South African Poems and Jokes The poetry of South Africa covers a broad range of themes, forms and styles.This article discusses the context that contemporary poets have come from and identifies the major poets of South Africa, their works and influence. The South African literary landscape from the 19th century to the present day has been fundamentally shaped by the social and political evolution of the country, particularly the trajectory from a colonial trading station to an apartheid state and finally toward a democracy. Primary forces of population growth and economic change which have propelled urban development have also impacted on what themes, forms and styles of literature and poetry in particular have emerged from the country over time. South Africa has had a rich history of literary output. Fiction and poetry specifically has been written in all of South Africa's eleven official languages While it has been recorded that literature by black South Africans only emerged in the 20th century, this is only a reflection of published works at the time, not of the reality that black South Africans were writing and reciting in oral forms. The first generation of mission-educated African writers sought to restore dignity to Africans by invoking and reconstructing a heroic African past. SEND Grow With Partners Use this website to find other interesting web sites related to South Africa and the subject matter of this Homepage. Additional useful links to web sites of interest are listed in sections on pages where they are relevant. Should you choose one of these links you will be leaving the Southernstar - Africa Homepage. Southernstar-Africa is not responsible for the content or reliability of web sites linked from this site, and does not necessarily endorse the views expressed within them. We cannot guarantee that these links will work all of the time, and we have no control over the availability of linked pages. You are Welcome to copy pictures of the Wild Life Animals.Please do not Copy the codes,of this website of my Gest book ,it is copyright 2024,Designed by A Dezius,what the Picture Grafics and colour layouts concirns. VIEW MORE Projects South Africa Stay updated with our latest projects and historical insights. Project South Africa is assigning resources to tasks we add, and what we do about South Africa, with Information about South Africa. VIEW MORE Ghosts South Africa Cape Town – The Castle of Good Hope turns 350 this year – and to mark the occasion, the Independent Media group will take readers on an intriguing journey of discovery, with South Africa’s oldest existing building as its focal point. Cape Town – The Castle of Good Hope turns 350 this year – and to mark the occasion, the Independent Media group will take readers on an intriguing journey of discovery, with South Africa’s oldest existing building as its focal point. Over the years, the Castle has been many things to different people, a place of pleasure and pain. To the first white settlers it was a refreshment station for ships from their home country. To the indigenous people it eventually became a symbol of dispossession – of land, livestock and, ultimately, dignity. But back to the Castle… Perhaps appropriately, it had its origins in something that was commonplace along the southernmost tip of Africa: a violent storm… followed by a shipwreck. On March 25, 1647, a Dutch Indiaman, De Nieuwe Haerlem, on its way to Holland from the East Indies, ran aground in the vicinity of present-day Milnerton – and although there were no casualties, its sinking was destined to change the course of history. A junior merchant named Leendert Janszen was instructed to stay behind with about 60 crew to look after the cargo while fellow crew members boarded other ships in the fleet and continued their journey to Holland. While waiting to be picked up, Janszen and other members of the party grew vegetables, caught fish and bartered fresh meat from indigenous inhabitants. It proved to be a trial run for something more permanent. VIEW MORE Our Services KRUGER NATIONAL PARK Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa. It covers an area of 19,485 square kilometres 7,523 sq mi in the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga in northeastern South Africa, and extends 360 kilometres 220 mi from north to south and 65 kilometres 40 mi from east to west.The big five are among the most dangerous, yet most popular species for big game hunters to hunt.Safari Club International, an organization dedicated to trophy hunters, offers a trophy for hunting all five species, called the "African Big Five Grand Slam," along with 14 other Grand Slams for other species. VIEW MORE 03 First-Rate Materials We have strict standards when it comes to what we produce and never compromise on quality. This is especially true when it comes to the first-rate materials we use. Our customers deserve the highest level of products on the market, and we work tirelessly to maintain those standards. BACK TO TOP

Radio SAM Broadcasting Studios Information about the radio We built ‘Radio SAM Broadcaster Germany’ for YOU…….. For you to NEVER miss that amazing event. We strive to, at all times, try to take the hassle out of finding out where that favourite artist is performing, have a look at some other artists also performing, and at what venue it is going to be held, at what time, and maybe it will be the end of life as you know it. We love radio! Radio SAM Broadcaster Germany makes life a little easier for everyone who feels the same way. We offer you the opportunity to listen to internet radio from all over the world in a particularly uncomplicated manner and free of charge. With the push of a button, you can also record it very easily thanks to Radio SAM Broadcaster Germany. Don't you ever want to miss your favorite internet radio radio again? Our tools make it possible! You can put together your own program in the Radio SAM Broadcaster Germany player, in the app and directly on our website. This is then conveniently recorded and saved for you. If you just want to listen to your favorite online radio stations, you can of course do so here: You can click through the music genres or topics you want and you will find enough material to stream continuously for days! Here, the many German channels are just a few clicks away from the small regional channel from Italy. Thanks to the radio cloud, you don't even have to turn on your computer or smartphone to record, you don't even have to be at home. The scheduled shows are simply saved in the cloud, where you can easily stream them or download them for later use. Radio programs and tips - radio plays and more That's all well and good, but you don't even know what you want to hear in the wide landscape of internet radio? No wonder, after all, there are many of programs on all sorts of genres. Our editorial team therefore studies the radio program every week and always has a few tips ready to make your choice easier: There is also something for the little listeners on a separate page for children. Do you want to let off steam in the wide world of internet radio? Radio SAM Broadcaster Germany makes this particularly easy for you. You can listern completely free of charge and without obligation. In your own account under “Radio SAM Broadcaster Germany” you can start immediately, put together your own program and use the free radio cloud storage of two hours. In the download area you will find the Radio SAM Broadcaster Germany players for PC and Mac and the app is available for free download in the app store for iOS, Android or Windows Phone. Tune-Into the Radio Station OUR RADIO TUNE - INS OUR RADIO STATION LINKS CONTACT AND TUNE-INs Our Main Websites: https://radio-sam-broadcaster.de.tl/Home.htm Our English Website: https://radio-sam-broadcaster-germany.page.tl/ Our Blogspot: https://radiosambroadcastergermany.blogspot.com/ Our Second E-Mail: a.dezius@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiosambroadcastergermany/ Tweeter: https://twitter.com/RadioSAMBroadc1 Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/andreas.dezius/ Streema: https://streema.com/radios/Radio_SAM_Music_Radio_SAM_International_Music Zeno Media Fm: https://zeno.fm/radio-sam-broadcaster-germany4xqvqt35p48uv/ Online Radio Box: Radio SAM Germany Our Main Website: https://radio-sam-music.de.tl/HOME.htm Radio SAM Germany Live On Line Radio: https://liveonlineradio.net/de/radio-sam-germany Radio SAM Germany Online Radio Box: https://onlineradiobox.com/de/samgermany/?cs=de.samgermany&played=1 Radio SAM Broadcaster on Google Blogger: https://radiosambroadcastergermany.blogspot.com/ Radio SAM Broadcaster on Online Radio Box: https://onlineradiobox.com/de/sambroadcastergermany/?cs=de.sambroadcastergermany&played=1 Radio SAM Broadcaster on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiosambroadcastergermany/ Radio SAM Germany Zeno Fm: https://www.zeno.fm/player/radio-sam-germany-master-input-station?fbclid=IwAR2hz5yAvSPjEUAlnYvSiAQApVFD1 F8gaugxw9V5bLXOCK87L-xGIPG7Sl4 Radio SAM Blogger: https://radio-sam-germany-music.blogspot.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andreas.dezius/ Radio Voortekker Stereo: Zeno Media Fm: https://zeno.fm/radio-voortrekker-germany/ Radio Voortrekker Stereo Website: https://radio-voortrekker-stereo.page.tl/ Radio Voortrekker Blogger: https://radio-voortrekker-stereo-germany.blogspot.com/ Radio SAM Broadcaster: https://radio-sam-broadcaster-germany.page.tl/ Radio SAM broadcaster Germany: https://radio-sam-broadcaster.de.tl/Home.htm Radio SAM Broadcaster on Zeno Media: Radio SAM Broadcaster Live on Zeno Fm: https://zeno.fm/radio-sam-broadcaster-germany4xqvqt35p48uv/ Radio SAM Broadcaster on Tweeter: https://twitter.com/RadioSAMBroadc1 Radio SAM Broadcaster on FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/andreas.dezius/ I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. BACK TO TOP

South African history has been dominated by the interaction and conflict of several diverse ethnic groups. The aboriginal Khoisan people have lived in the region for millennia. Most of the population, however, trace their history to immigration since. Indigenous Africans in South Africa are descendants of immigrants from further north in Africa who first entered what are now the confines of the country roughly one thousand years ago. White South Africans are descendants of later European settlers, mainly from the Netherlands and Britain. The Coloureds are descended at least in part from all of these groups, as well as from slaves from the then East Indies, and there are many South Africans of Indian and Chinese origin, descendants of labourers who arrived in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The history South Africa is taken here more broadly to cover the history not only of the current South African state but of other polities in the region, including those of the Khoisan, the several Bantu kingdoms in the region before colonisation, the rule of the Dutch in the Cape and the subsequent rule of the British there and in Natal, and the so-called Boer republics, including the Orange Free State and the South African Republic. South Africa was under an official system of racial segregation and white minority rule from 1948 known as Apartheid, until its first egalitarian elections in 1994, when the ruling African National Congress came to dominate the politics of the country. The Early Settlers The Early Settlers . Jan van Riebeeck and the 90 men who landed with him in 1652 at the Cape of Good Hope, under instructions by the Dutch East India Company to build a fort and develop a vegetable garden for the benefit of ships on the Eastern trade route. The Great Trek The Great Trek was a movement of Dutch-speaking colonists up into the interior of southern Africa in search of land where they could establish their own homeland, independent of British rule. The determination and courage of these pioneers has become the single most important element in the folk memory of Afrikaner Nationalism. On 16 December 1838 the Battle of Blood River On 16 December 1838 the Battle of Blood River took place near the Ncome River in KwaZulu Natal. The battle was between the Zulu's and the Voortrekkers.The battle began at dawn and was over by midday. More than 3000 Zulu casualties were counted around the laager. Only, 3 Voortrekkers (including Voortrekker leader Pretorius) were wounded, none were killed. The Ncome River became red with the blood of the slain. Hence the river became known as "Blood River". The Anglo-Zulu War The Anglo-Zulu War was fought in 1879 between the British Empire and the Zulu Kingdom.Following the imperialist scheme by which Lord Carnarvon had successfully brought about federation in Canada, it was thought that a similar plan might succeed with the various African kingdoms, tribal areas and Boer republics in South Africa. In 1874, Sir Henry Bartle Frere was sent to South Africa as High Commissioner for the British Empire to bring the scheme into being. The First Boer War The First Boer War (Dutch: Eerste Boerenoorlog, Afrikaans: Eerste Vryheidsoorlog, literally First Freedom War) also known as the First Anglo-Boer War or the Transvaal War, was fought from 16 December 1880 until 23 March 1881 The Second Boer War The Second Boer War (Dutch: Tweede Boerenoorlog, Afrikaans: Tweede Vryheidsoorlog or Tweede Boereoorlog) was fought from 11 October 1899 until 31 May 1902 between the British Empire and the Afrikaans-speaking Dutch settlers of two independent Boer republics, the South African Republic (Transvaal Republic) and the Orange Free State. The Voortrekker Monument The Voortrekker Monument is located just south of Pretoria in South Africa. This massive granite structure is prominently located on a hilltop, and was raised to commemorate the Voortrekkers who left the Cape Colony between 1835 and 1854.On 8 July 2011 the Voortrekker Monument, designed by the architect Gerard Moerdijk, was declared a National Heritage Site by the South African Heritage Nicolaas Pieter Johannes ("Niklaas" or "Siener") Janse van Rensburg (August 30, 1864 - March 11, 1926) was a Boer from the South African Republic - also known as the Transvaal Republic - and later a citizen of South Africa who was considered by some to be a prophet of the Boere. He was born on the farm Palmietfontein in the Potchefstroom district as son of Willem Jacobus Janse van Rensburg and Anna Catharina Janse van Rensburg. The Day of the Vow The Day of the Vow (Afrikaans: Geloftedag or Dingaansdag) is the name of a religious public holiday in South Africa until 1994, when it was renamed the Day of Reconciliation-The holiday is December 16. Commemorating a famous Boer victory over the Zulu, the anniversary and its commemoration are intimately connected with various streams of Afrikaner nationalism The Voortrekkers The Voortrekkers (Afrikaans and Dutch for pioneers, literally "those who trek ahead", "fore-trekkers") were emigrants during the 1830s and 1840s who left the Cape Colony (British at the time, but founded by the Dutch) moving into the interior of what is now South Africa. The Great Trek consisted of a number of mass movements under a number of different leaders including Louis Tregardt, Hendrik Potgieter, Sarel Cilliers, Pieter Uys, Gerrit Maritz, Piet Retief and Andries Pretorius. General Jacobus Herculaas de la Rey General Jacobus Herculaas de la Rey (22 October 1847 – 15 September 1914), known as Koos de la Rey, was a Boer general during the Second Boer War and is widely regarded as being one of the strongest military leaders during that conflict.He is generally regarded as the bravest of the Boer generals during the Second Boer War and as one of the leading figures of Boer independence. Wild Life In South Africa The Kruger National Park The Big Five The Wild Life Gallery South African Animal Rehabilitation Endangered Wild life in South Africa Stop Crime In South Africa Stop Farm Killing in South Africa Die Tuis Blad South African Boere Links Stay Alive in South Africa The South African Awb Leader History of South Africa THE FIRST SETTLERS The Great Trek The Day of The Vow The Battle of Blood River THE VOORTREKKERS Culture in South Africa The Flags of South Africa South African Foods South African Arts South African Guide The South African Nine Provinces History of South Africa THE FIRST SETTLERS The Great Trek The Day of The Vow The Battle of Blood River THE VOORTREKKERS BACK TO TOP

South African Arts The art of the peoples of South Africa is the oldest known art in the world, dating back over 100,000 years. The archeological discoveries there help scholars to date the evolution of cognition and intelligent progression. South African art in the modern era is influenced and molded by the trials of the South African people under apartheid and the years of European involvement in the area expressed in the found art of Africans making sense of modern traditions, and the Dutch influence on both white and black artists. With the many tribes, languages, cultures, and races of South Africa, there is a very diverse and eclectic art scene in historical and contemporary South Africa.The very beginnings of art, not just for South Africa, but for the world, were found at the Blombos cave. This ancient art studio contained paint pots in the form of shells that were used to store mixed paints from disparate sources. This proved to archeologists that early man may have been more sophisticated than previously thought. Whatever it was that they painted, be it clothing, faces, or the walls of the caves, the South African climate, particular in this sea cave is not conducive to the permanent survival of art. What has been found of ancient South African art are the cave paintings of the Khoisan, San, and Bushman tribes dating to 10,000 BC. Other cave painters left behind scenes of hunting and domestic life, and also of spiritual and magical art. The colors used are derived from nature and are therefore mostly in earth tones such as black, yellow, red, orange, white, and gray. “The drawings don’t start with ‘a beautiful mark’. It has to be a mark of something out there in the world. It doesn’t have to be an accurate drawing, but it has to stand for an observation, not something that is abstract, like an emotion”. – William Kentridge Cave scenes portray battles and hunts, animals, dancing, and later, white hunters on horseback. The figures are shown in long forms in action and some figures that are either dancing or participating in the shamanic rituals are costumed in clothing in unusual patterns and prints and are often wearing masks. It is unknown if these are people drawn from life, or if these represent symbolic characters. The symbols, themes, and subjects of the South African cave paintings are similar to what is seen in cave and rock paintings all over the world. European Influence The Boers, better known as the Dutch, and the English came to South Africa in the mid-19th century and the art of the Europeans that remained and the traditional art of the indigenous tribal people began to mix. The end of the 19th century spurred some artists to move away from this mixed art and begin studying art in realism, creating a unique art free from both European and native influences.Under European colonization, the native people suffered under racial segregation and prejudice. The English established museums, universities, art schools, and other education opportunities, but they were not ones open to the indigenous. However, white intellectuals and artists seeking inspiration from the art and culture of the African people sought them out and some artistic instruction was imparted by collaboration.As the tide of the world was changing to strive for respect of all peoples, the artists of South Africa, both white and black began to protest against apartheid, and against the cultural boycott on South Africa. Their success led to South African artists stepping up to a level global playing field. South African Art Key Highlights South Africa is home to the Thupelo Workshop, an annual workshop that brings artists from all over the world to share the diversity of artistic style, technique, and motivation with the global community of artists. The San culture are hunter-gatherers that are still in existence, but as their culture fades and there are fewer San artists, galleries are stepping in to help keep their art and culture alive. The lack of galleries on the Cape has given artists in that area freedom of expression without the restriction of pleasing the intellectual middle classes. The Ndebele tribe is known for its graphics geometric paintings on houses. The paints used were traditionally made from natural sources, but the Ndebele are now sometimes being supplied with commercial paints. Because of the rampant poverty in South Africa, poor artists use found media to create art. The talent and vision of the South African people is evident in the beauty they are able to create from these materials. For instance, baskets spiraling in vivid bright colors look to be made from highly died natural materials but are, in fact, made from telephone wires. South African Art Top Works: San Bushmen Rock Paintings – Drakensberg Mountains Elephants Charging over Quartos Country – Thomas Baines An Extensive View of Farmlands – JH Pierneef Pretoria Mural – Walter Battiss Song of the Pick – Gerard Sekoto The Rice Lady – Vladimir Tretchikoff The Conservationists Ball – William Kentridge The Butcher Boys – Jane Alexander Ndebele Beadwork Zulu Baskets South African art is the visual art produced by the people inhabiting the territory occupied by the modern country of South Africa. The oldest art objects in the world were discovered in a South African cave. Archaeologists have discovered two sets of art kits thought to be 100,000 years old at a cave in South Africa. The findings provide a glimpse into how early humans produced and stored ochre – a form of paint – which pushes back our understanding of when evolved complex cognition occurred by around 20,000 – 30,000 years. Also, dating from 75,000 years ago, they found small drilled snail shells could have no other function than to have been strung on a string as a necklace. South Africa was one of the cradles of the human species. The scattered tribes of Khoisan and San peoples moving into South Africa from around 10000 BC had their own art styles seen today in a multitude of cave paintings] They were superseded by Bantu and Nguni peoples with their own vocabularies of art forms. In the present era, traditional tribal forms of art were scattered and re-melded by the divisive policies of apartheid. New forms of art evolved in the mines and townships: a dynamic art using everything from plastic strips to bicycle spokes. In addition to this, there also is the Dutch-influenced folk art of the Afrikaner Trek Boers and the urban white artists earnestly following changing European traditions from the 1850s onwards, making for an eclectic mix which continues to evolve today. Paleolithic rock art Main article: San rock art San rock paintings, Perdekop Farm, (Mossel Bay , South Africa) The pre-Bantu peoples migrating southwards from around the year 30,000 BC were nomadic hunters who favoured caves as dwellings. Before the rise of the Nguni peoples along the east and southern coasts and central areas of Africa these nomadic hunters were widely distributed. It is thought they entered South Africa at least 1000 years ago. They have left many signs of life, such as artwork (San paintings) depicting hunting, domestic and magic-related art. There is a stylistic unity across the region and even with more ancient art in the Tassili n'Ajjer region of northern Africa, and also in what is now desert Chad but was once a lush landscape. The figures are dynamic and elongate, and the colours (derived probably from earthen and plant pigments and possibly also from insects) combine ochreous red, white, grey, black, and many warm tones ranging from red through to primary yellow. Common subjects include hunting, often depicting with great accuracy large animals which no longer inhabit the same region in the modern era, as well as: warfare among humans, dancing, domestic scenes, multiple images of various animals, including giraffes, antelope of many kinds, and snakes. The last of these works are poignant in their representation of larger, darker people and even of white hunters on horseback, both of whom would supplant the San peoples. Many of the "dancing" figures are decorated with unusual patterns and may be wearing masks and other festive clothing. Other paintings, depicting patterned quadrilaterals and other symbols, are obscure in their meaning and may be non-representational. Similar symbols are seen in shamanistic art worldwide. This art form is distributed from Angola in the west to Mozambique and Kenya , throughout Zimbabwe and South Africa and throughout Botswana wherever cave conditions have favoured preservation from the elements. Black art post-apartheid The Bantu Education Act of 1955 barred Black South Africans from receiving formal art training during the years of apartheid and as a result, the artistic movements that had originated from this community have, until recently, been distinctly classified as “craft” rather than “art.” Informal art centers, that were funded by European states, became one of the few avenues in which Black South Africans could receive some form of artistic development. Throughout this time period from 1947 to the mid-1990s, the first practitioners to receive this informal training began passing down their knowledge to younger generations of practitioners. However, the traditional canon of African art, categorized as “fine art” had been formed in the 20th century by European and U.S. art audiences. South Africa's inequality gap is larger than that of other countries in the world so the audience for art is primarily the rich and not those who are subject to the artistic expression, giving these higher socio-economic groups a gatekeeper status in deciding what is classified as art. After the Soweto Riots of 1976, a new social consciousness emerged that retaliated against the government's policy of segregation and effectively reexamined the classification of certain Black South African artworks. One of the first artistic styles to receive critic attention was Venda sculpting because it aesthetically appealed to white patrons while also maintaining its “artistic manifestations of ethnic diversity.” These sculptures would be considered “transitional art” rather than “craft” and would gain access into fine art galleries. Other Black artistic expressions such as beadwork, photography, and studio arts have also begun to be slowly integrated into canonical South African art forms. The Johannesburg Biennale's Africus (1995) and Trade Routes (1997) had a significant impact on the cultural awareness of new South African art. These events were among the first exhibitions that revealed the “new South African art” to the international community, but also other local South Africans. This gave Black South African artists a new platform to express the effects to which apartheid had influenced society. In the post-apartheid regime, artists have now been given an apparatus to protest social issues such as inequality, sexuality, state control over the personal realm, and HIV/AIDS. However, the emphasis to embody many of these social issues within Black South African art has a led to a stereotype that many young artists are now trying to escape. International pressure has been said to once again demand a level of ‘authenticity’ within South African art that portrays discourse on the topic of apartheid. Scholar Victoria Rovine goes as far as to state that “these exhibitions represent a South Africa that seeks liberation not from apartheid itself but from apartheid as an already predictable subject for artistic production.” Furthermore, although South African art is not always political, conversations stemming from its interpretation are rarely apolitical and the high demand for apartheid symbols by private collectors have raised concerns over the collection of the art for the sake of nostalgia BACK TO TOP

Travel Guide So you're excited about starting your South African adventure but you're not quite sure about how things work here. Luckily for you, you have this guide to help you out. Here you'll find everything you need to know about travelling to and around South Africa. Getting around by Car Yes, flying is quick and easy but most of the magic of exploration lies on the ground. When you couple breathtaking scenery with a well maintained road network South Africa is an ideal road trip destination. While some distances between major centres can seem slightly daunting, with a little planning you can easily break the drives up by experiencing the warm, welcoming people in our smaller towns as well as our gorgeous landscapes. Overnight accommodation is available everywhere, ranging from B&Bs to farm stays, guesthouses and hotels. The trick is to book accommodation in advance as you map out your route. The rules of the road South Africans drive on the left-hand side of the road. Seatbelts are compulsory and you may not talk on your mobile phone while driving. All speed limits in South Africa are in kilometres per hour. Generally, the speed limit for urban areas is 60km/h, on secondary roads, its 100km/h and on national highways its 120km/h. Always keep an eye out for the designated speed limit as these may vary depending on road conditions, and law enforcement does take place next to the road. Driver’s licence You may use a valid driver’s licence issued in your own country as long as it has a photograph, the signature of the holder and is in English. Otherwise, it’s best to obtain an international driving licence before you leave home. You should always have your driver’s licence with you when you are driving as you will be asked to produce it if you are pulled over for any reason. Finding your way It’s wise to travel with a current road map or GPS system to help you find your way around. You can hire a GPS with your car or pick up a road atlas at most bookshops and convenience stores located at fuel stations. Our mobile networks offer exceptional coverage even in most out of the way places so you will have signal for your smartphone so you can also utilise your favourite map app. Fuelling your journey When you refuel, be sure to establish what kind of fuel your vehicle uses (diesel or petrol) before filling up, as a mistake could be disastrous. Most fuel stations accept major credit cards. At the fuel station, a petrol attendant will fill your car, check tyres, oil and water, and clean your windows if you ask. It’s customary to give a small tip of around R5 to the petrol attendant. Cash Many of the national roads are tolled however these toll gates accept credit cards and cash. Similarly, when you park in cities or towns, a parking attendant in a luminous bib might approach you in exchange for keeping an eye on your car. Once again, a tip is customary. TRAVEL TIP: It’s best to keep your fuel tank topped up and to carry extra water in the event of a breakdown as distances between towns can be quite long, especially along major roads crossing the interior of the country. CAR HIRE Many major international car-hire companies operate in South Africa, offering anything from small, budget-friendly cars to luxurious sedans. It’s best to hire vehicles in advance, especially if you are coming to South Africa at a high traffic season (during summer, which is from December to February). Some companies also offer 4x4 vehicles if you are planning to visit places out of the city with gravel roads. In that case, you can get a quote from a specialised off-road rental provider. They may also assist with the caravan and trailer hire. CAR HIRE Avis Rent a Car Tel: +27 11 923 3660 or +27 861 021 111 Email: reservations@avis.co.za http://www.avis.co.za/ Tempest Car Hire Tel: +27 11 552 3900 Email: transfers@tempestcarhire.co.za http://www.tempestcarhire.co.za/ CAR HIRE Europcar Tel: +27 11 479 4430 Email: ecs@europcar.co.za http://europcar.co.za/ Hertz Tel: +27 861 600 136 Email: res@hertz.co.za https://hertz.co.za/ CAR HIRE Budget Car Rental Tel: +27 11 398 0123 Email: chauffeur@budget.co.za http://www.budget.co.za/ Britz 4x4 Rentals Tel: +27 11 396 1860 Email: info@britz.co.za http://britz.co.za Small Title This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start editing the content and make sure to add any relevant details or information that you want to share with your visitors. WHAT TO PACK Packing for a trip (specifically to South Africa) is without a doubt just as exciting as it is actually being on a holiday. The thrill of knowing you’ll soon reach your destination while deciding what to pack into your luggage. However, the emotions associated with packing can swiftly change from great anticipation and excitement to indecisiveness and anxiety. But, there’s no need to stress – here’s a brief guide on what to pack on your next adventure to South Africa to ensure that you’re well equipped, informed and ready to experience our country’s warm hospitality. First thing’s first – what’s on your itinerary? Once you’ve decided on whether you’ll be vacationing along the coast, enjoying a safari at a game reserve or backpacking in the countryside, then you can hone in on what you should pack. Ideally, you want to pack light to avoid paying a hefty amount for your luggage at the airport. If you’re over the duty-free limit, all goods brought in the country are subject to the payment of customs duty and value added tax (VAT), regardless of whether you arrived via aircraft, ship or vehicle. So the trick is to pack only the essentials such as camera kit for the perfect photo ops (although most smartphones should do the trick) and international adaptor plugs. The common plug in South Africa is a 15-amp plug, and it has three round prongs that form a triangle. It’s advised that you purchase an international adaptor plug that has a socket to suit American plugs such as the NEMA 1-15 that has two flat 1.5 mm thick blades, measuring 15.9 – 18.3 mm in length. Specific items of clothing are a must to suit the season that you will be travelling in South Africa. In summer, the average temperature peaks at approximately 96F depending where you are in the country. Winter sees a low of approximately of 28F. For more information on our country’s climate in the various provinces, visit http://bit.ly/2HZHi70 . Pack medication and prescriptions too, should you need them. According to Brand South Africa, “you are allowed to bring in one month’s supply of pharmaceutical drugs or medicines for your personal use. Any other pharmaceutical drugs or medicines must be accompanied by a letter or certified prescription from a registered physician, and have to be declared.” A safari is always a great way to explore the great outdoors and experience the bush. So best to pack (or purchase once you arrive) toiletries including insect repellent and sunblock for those sunny days at the back of a safari truck venturing through the bush. A good SPF sunblock will also come in handy if you’re vacationing along the coast and soaking up some sun on one of South Africa’s many pristine beaches. There are 44 Blue Flag beaches along our country’s coast. Blue Flag is an international annual award that focuses on the environmental management of our coastline and coastal waters to help tourism growth and development. This means our beaches are world-renowned for its cleanliness and beauty – these include Camps Bay in the Western Cape, Ushaka Beach in KwaZulu-Natal and Dolphin Beach in the Eastern Cape. So besides sunblock, it’s best you pack in other beach essentials too. Ladies, consider packing in a bikini to enjoy a dip in either the Atlantic or Indian Ocean. To our gentlemen visitors, board shorts will do. Of course, don’t forget a pair of sunglasses to block out the sun’s harmful rays. Here’s a handy checklist of things you should consider packing: So there you have it, a quick rundown on what to pack when you explore South Africa. What are your plans when you visit South Africa? Whatever they are, there’s no doubt you’ll have an amazing time exploring the beauty of this incredible country. Remember to prepare accordingly and ensure you safeguard the contents of your suitcase. Enjoy your stay with us! General: General: Two pairs of shorts or two skirts Two T–Shirts and one long-sleeved Two pairs of long pants Underwear and socks Sandals Sleepwear Warm sweater and jacket for winter travel (June to August) Toiletries including moisturizer Good walking shoes Light weight jacket (for chilly nights) Safari: Safari: Insect repellent that contains DEET Camera Binoculars Antimalarial pills Contact lenses and glasses Brimmed hat Beach: Bathing suit and cover-up Suntan lotion Good quality sunglasses Documentation: Documentation: Documents folder with passport (two full visa pages available) Plane tickets Hotel & car rental information Plane tickets Travellers cheques and credit cards. Small Title This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start editing the content and make sure to add any relevant details or information that you want to share with your visitors. WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT VISAS *It is worth noting that anyone with an American or Canadian passport will not require a visa to travel to South Africa. If you’re a citizen of another country and want to travel to South Africa then you need a visa. The “visitor” visa is for international travellers who permanently reside outside South Africa. It’s also for those who wish to visit the country on a more temporary basis for tourism or business purposes. But it won’t last forever. Once acquired, this visa is valid for a no longer than 90 days. Great! Now that you’re allowed in, the visa will grant you access to the South African port of entry, where an immigration official will determine if you are allowed to enter the country and for how long. Always remember, all visitors are restricted only to the activity or reason for which their visas were issued. So now you’ve made it into the country. Once here, the visa is considered to be a visitor’s permit. The permit’s period of validity is set from the date you came in and will be set out under the heading “conditions” on the visa label. It’s important to ensure that you apply for the correct visa or permit. If not, entry into the country may be refused if the purpose of the visit was not correctly stated. Depending on where you’re from, visa requirements differ from country to country and the requirements are subject to change. Each application is treated as an individual case, hence you should ask your nearest South African mission or consulate abroad or any office of the Department of Home Affairs to see whether or not you are even supposed to apply for a visa. Remember, there is a fee that will be charged for issuing you a visa, and you should check the cost with the office as well as this is updated annually. The fee is payable in different currencies in different countries. It is incredibly important to get your visas. These are not issued at South African ports of entry, and airline officials are obliged to insist on visas before allowing passengers to board. If you arrive without a visa, immigration officials are obliged to put you onto a flight back to your home country. Foreigners with long-term status (work permits/permit residence) in the neighbouring countries who transit the Republic to return to their employment or residence are not subject to the transit visa, provided they are in possession of proof of their status. South Africa requires a valid yellow fever certificate from all foreign visitors and citizens over one year of age. This is essential for people travelling from an infected area or for those who have been country hopping through infected areas. Countries such as Zambia, Angola and Mozambique are considered as infected areas. For more information on visa requirements, please contact your nearest South African diplomatic mission. Don't forget that there are certain goods that you cannot bring into South Africa and other goods on which duties need to be paid. For Customs requirements, click here . For Agricultural requirements, click here . South African visitors’ visas may be granted for: visits to family or friends and also for tourism purposes business purposes spouse to join a spouse who is in South Africa on a work or study permit children to join parents who are in South Africa on work or study permits fiancée/fiancé to join his or her partner with the intention of marrying within 90 days study purposes (max stay three months) charitable or voluntary activities research conferences to work in the production of a movie or show (i.e. in the entertainment industry) for medical purposes (max stay three months) sport events Documents required for applying for a visa A passport or travel document valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of your intended visit Your passport must have at least TWO unused pages for entry/departure endorsements A completed Form BI-84 (application for a visa) Payment of the prescribed fee A yellow fever vaccination certificate (if required) Statement and/or documentation confirming the purpose and duration of your visit Two colour passport photographs A return or onward ticket if you are travelling by air If you have children (minors) travelling with you or joining you in South Africa, you will need to provide the following additional documents: Proof of guardianship or custody or; Proof of guardianship or custody or; Consent from the guardian in the case of an unaccompanied minor Proof of financial means to pay for your living expenses while in South Africa in the form of: Bank statements; Salary advances; Undertakings by the host(s) in South Africa; Bursary; Medical cover or Cash available (including credit cards and travellers’ cheques) Requirements for entering South Africa You will need the following if you wish to visit South Africa: A valid and acceptable passport or travel document for your intended stay At least two blank page in your passport for endorsements A valid visa, if required Sufficient funds to pay for your day-to-day expenses during your stay A return or onward ticket Yellow fever certificates if your journey starts or entails passing through the yellow fever belt of Africa or South America. Don't forget that there are certain goods that you cannot bring into South Africa and other goods on which duties need to be paid. Getting around South Africa by air There are over 70 international airlines now flying to South Africa. The award-winning South African Airways, the national carrier, flies to destinations all over the world and is connected to major international air routes, making it easier for you to enter the country from pretty much any corner of the world. Our award-winning national carrier, South African Airways is one of 70 international airlines that fly into South Africa. South African Airways flies to destinations all over the world and is connected to major international air routes, making it easier for you to enter the country from pretty much any corner of the world. It’s quite a lengthy flight from Europe (10 to 12 hours), Asia (12 to 17 hours) and the United States (up to 15 hours or even more). You’ll most likely fly directly into O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, or increasingly, there are direct flights into Cape Town International Airport. The journey may be long, but the destination more than makes up for it! With so much to see and do across the country, fly time can be used to help you make the most out of your limited time in such a diverse and beautiful country. Durban’s King Shaka International Airport is South Africa’s third major international airport, located about 35km north of Durban. So don’t rule this paradise on the sea out of your direct travel plans. Apart from the world-class international airports, there are a number of domestic airports including Bram Fischer International Airport in Bloemfontein, as well as airports in East London, George, Kimberley, Port Elizabeth and Upington. It doesn’t stop there. You’ll even find scheduled flights between Johannesburg and privately-owned airports that allow you to access rather more isolated locations such as the Kruger National Park by flight. One particular airport is the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport outside Mbombela (Nelspruit), which serves the Kruger National Park and Mpumalanga. If that’s not enough, several upmarket game lodges operate their own airstrips and charter direct flights from O.R. Tambo and other airports. If you’re intending on going on a safari with your family or friends then you should consider making a pitstop in Johannesburg or Cape Town to catch your breath. Take this opportunity to change your time zone to the new one, get a feel of the country, or go sightseeing before flying to your next destination. Getting around South Africa by bus If you’re on a budget, travelling by bus is the cheapest way to travel the country. As a result it has become the go-to travelling option for the more economically-conscious locals. Be sure to book with a reputable service as not all bus companies have an equally good reputation. The extensive road network in South Africa means that bus or coach travel is a simple and often very cost effective option for travellers. It has become the go-to travelling option for the more economically-conscious locals and many international travellers choose coach tours or bus travel as a hassle free option. It's a wonderful way of relaxing and taking in the astounding scenery between destinations. There are a number of bus and coach operators, offering a great range of products for every price point. Some of these trips even include being served coffee and biscuits with a selection of movies to entertain you while en route to your destination. If you're on a back-packing holiday across South Africa wanting to explore smaller out of the way places, Baz Bus offers a hop on hop off network that takes you door to door at your leisure. You will be glad to know that some companies offer cross-border trips in case you want to visit neighbouring countries in Southern Africa such as Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe. Greyhound Tel: +27 11 611 8000 Email: controlroom@greyhound.co.za https://www.greyhound.co.za/ Intercape Tel: +27 21 380 4400 info@intercape.co.za http://www.intercape.co.za Baz Bus Tel: +27 21 422 5202 Email: info@bazbus.com http://www.bazbus.com Small Title This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start editing the content and make sure to add any relevant details or information that you want to share with your visitors. When to visit Since South Africa is in the southern hemisphere, it’s summer down here when it’s winter in Europe and North America. Summer begins in November and lasts till February, which if you think about it, makes this the ideal time to visit if you want to escape the cold weather. Depending on where you’re visiting, the average day temperature in summer ranges from a minimum of 15°C ( 59°F) to a maximum of 28°C (82°F). In winter the average day temperatures are 19°C to 23°C (66°F to 73°F). Just ensure you have a jacket to put on as it can get chilly at night. If you’re intending on going on a safari in Mpumalanga and Limpopo then the best time to visit would be in winter. Why? Because these two provinces are very pleasant as it’s sunny and warm during the day and dry and cool at night. Late winter is popular for game spotting because the vegetation is sparse and animals visit the waterholes to drink. Summer in the Lowveld can be extremely hot due to high humidity. Alternatively, you can go on a winter beach holiday in Durban or on the KwaZulu-Natal coast as average temperatures hover around the 26°C mark. In Cape Town, the best time to visit is in spring and autumn, which is April and May or the beginning of September to October. Spring is particularly breathtaking as you’ll get to witness first-hand some of South Africa’s most beautiful indigenous flowers bloom. Autumn offers a relief from the summer heat while the vineyards of the Cape Winelands start to change colour. Winter in Cape Town is less attractive as it’s characterised by wet and windy spells when cold fronts pass through. SEASONAL HIGHLIGHTS The sardine run (May to July) Aptly described as “The Greatest Shoal on Earth”, the sardine run takes place every South African winter when millions of small silvery sardines surge from the cold Cape waters up to the warmer sanctuary of the KwaZulu-Natal coast. The reason for this hasn’t been determined however there are many prominent theories that attempt to make sense of this phenomenon. Whatever the reason, it is quite the spectacle as the shoal is approximately 15km long, 4km wide and 40m deep. It’s a feeding frenzy for dolphins, sharks, seabirds and other marine life – making it a watching frenzy for people interesting in marine life. Whale watching (May to November): Every year, from late winter through to early summer, different breeds of whales migrate to mate and calve in sheltered bays off the Cape coast. One of the best places to see these majestic marine animals is from the coastal town of Hermanus. It’s well known for a reputation of offering the best shore-based whale watching in the world. When you do decide to go, make sure you have a fully charged camera as you might consider being a full-time photographer afterwards with a portfolio of stunning whale shots. Namaqualand spring flowers (late July to October) This dazzling display of spring flowers in an arid semi-desert area of the Northern Cape is regarded as one of the world’s most dramatic and vivid natural spectacles. Stretching 500km north up the Cape coast and 100km inland, carpets of the brilliant colour burst into vibrant life. You’ll find that over 4000 species of plants have been identified here, so you will be spoilt for choice. The National Arts Festival (July) One festival you should look forward to is the National Arts Festival. This festival takes place at the Eastern Cape’s cathedral and university city of Grahamstown. It has become one of the biggest annual celebrations of the arts in Africa. So if you make it, you’ll be surrounded by world-class dance, music, drama, film, jazz and visual arts. The Comrades Marathon (June) What started off as a tribute to South African soldiers who lost their lives during World War I has now become an event not to be missed in South Africa. The Comrades Marathon is a long-distance running race that has gained traction around the world. If you’re still not impressed, at around 90km long, it is one of the world’s oldest and longest ultramarathons. The Cape Argus Pick ’n Pay Cycle Tour (March) Billed as the world’s largest timed cycle race, this event attracts a field of around 35 000 cyclists. The vast majority are ordinary people who want to take on the challenge of cycling around one of the most beautiful peninsulas in the world. However, over the years the race has also attracted its fair share of celebrities, including former Springbok rugby captain Francois Pienaar, who in turn persuaded American actor Matt Damon (who played him in the film Invictus) to ride. Staying healthy in South Africa If you’re heading to South Africa you can rest assured that the country has a very well structured healthcare system with a number of public and private hospitals throughout the country. If you’re heading to South Africa you can rest assured that the country has a very well structured healthcare system with a number of public and private hospitals throughout the country. However, it always pays to be cautious. Like in many countries around the world, you’ll probably receive quicker care at a private hospital than a public one. As a precaution, make sure your medical insurance payment is always up to date before you travel. Qualified doctors, dentists, and other specialists can be found in main centres but you’ll have to schedule an appointment prior, unless it’s an emergency. Malaria While most of South Africa is malaria-free, this mosquito-borne disease is prevalent throughout the year in the Kruger National Park and the low-lying areas of northern KwaZulu-Natal. If you’re heading to the above-mentioned areas then you should consult a healthcare professional about the ideal prophylactic. The type of prophylactic will be determined by your personal health, how long you are visiting the malarial area and the time of year. Like they always say “prevention is the best cure” so you should try by all means to prevent being bitten by a mosquito. Use a repellent lotion and then cover up with clothes. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks to ensure that you give them no chance at all. There are many malaria-free game reserves like Madikwe or Pilanesberg in the North West province, the Waterberg in Limpopo, or private reserves in the Eastern, Western and Northern Cape, where you can also experience the untouched wild of South Africa risk-free. These are worth considering, particularly if you’re travelling with children aged six and under, or if you are pregnant. Always remember, if you develop a bad headache, have aching joints, and recurring fevers and chills after your trip, advise your doctor that you have been to a malarial area. Malaria symptoms can sometimes be confused with flu symptoms, which can lead to fatal consequences. HIV/Aids While Southern Africa has a high prevalence of HIV/Aids, your only real risk of contracting it is if you have unprotected sex with an infected individual. There should be no reason for unprotected sex as condoms are widely available in pharmacies and convenience stores everywhere you go. Personal medication There are pharmacies throughout South Africa, and many everyday medications, such as painkillers, are available over the counter. Some large chain stores also have in-store pharmacies that offer good value for money. If you have a specific medical condition, it’s wise to carry the relevant doctor’s prescription with you. In the event of you losing your medication, a qualified pharmacist should be able to source a replacement, even if the trade name differs in South Africa. Getting around South Africa by train If you’re an adventurer at heart, rail travel provides an exciting way to soak up South Africa’s scenic beauty without having to drive yourself around. If your ideal adventure includes being able to sit back and relax, letting beautiful landscapes roll on by with magical pitstops along the way, then consider travelling South Africa by train. Whether you're looking for cost effective options or opulent multi day luxury experiences you can choose from economy class, luxury coaches or the ultimate opulent rail safari on the Blue Train or Rovos Rail. Steam enthusiasts can also enjoy rail journeys of old, on restored steam trains. South African train travel covers some of the most beautiful parts of the country, taking visitors from cities like Johannesburg and Bloemfontein to prime destinations like Cape Town, Durban, and Port Elizabeth. On a budget: The Shosholoza Meyl is a passenger train that runs between all major cities. An economy-class ticket will buy you a reclining seat with sufficient legroom on routes that include 11 major cities across the country, but be prepared for the unconventional. The energy on the train is always electrifying especially during summer (December to February) as there are people from different parts of the country travelling. You can purchase an upgraded ticket that can get you a two-bed coupe or four-bed compartment. These are transformed into suites during the day and bedrooms at night. Each Shosholoza Meyl train contains several communal showers and bedrooms for passengers to freshen up. Mid-range: The Premier Classe is a luxury passenger liner that accommodates guests in spacious single bed, double bed or family compartments. It’s complete with beautifully designed bathrooms and complimentary toiletries, gowns and room service. Yes, that’s right, room service on a train. The Premier Classe line operates between Johannesburg and Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town as well as Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth. Luxury: South Africa's most glorious train is undoubtedly the Blue Train. The Blue Train pulls out all the stops to guarantee a state-of-the-art South African rail safari. It comprises a baggage van, personnel car, club car for smokers, deluxe suites, kitchen, dining car and lounge. The Blue Train operates between Pretoria and Cape Town, and Pretoria and Durban. A special trip to the Pilanesberg Game Reserve is also available. There is also Rovos Rail, defining itself as "the most luxurious train in the world". Begin a journey with Rovos Rail and experience the extravagance of rail travel to Southern Africa’s most spectacular destinations. The beautifully rebuilt trains carry a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed suites and are also available for charter, while the Events Train caters for up to 250 guests and is suitable for daytime journeys. Rovos Rail has also established three stately seaside retreats in St James, Cape Town If you’re an adventurer at heart, rail travel provides an exciting way to soak in South Africa’s scenic beauty without having to drive yourself around. The Shosholoza Meyl Tel: +27 11 774 5244 Email: info@shosholozameyl.co.za https://www.shosholozameyl.co.za Premier Classe Premier Classe Tel: +27 87 802 6674 http://southafricanrailways.co.za/premier_classe.h... The Blue Train Tel: +27 12 334 8459 info@bluetrain.co.za http://www.bluetrain.co.za Rovos Rail Tel: +27 12 315 8242 reservations@rovos.co.za http://www.rovos.com Staying healthy in South Africa If you’re heading to South Africa you can rest assured that the country has a very well structured healthcare system with a number of public and private hospitals throughout the country. However, it always pays to be cautious. Like in many countries around the world, you’ll probably receive quicker care at a private hospital than a public one. As a precaution, make sure your medical insurance payment is always up to date before you travel. Qualified doctors, dentists, and other specialists can be found in main centres but you’ll have to schedule an appointment prior, unless it’s an emergency. Malaria While most of South Africa is malaria-free, this mosquito-borne disease is prevalent throughout the year in the Kruger National Park and the low-lying areas of northern KwaZulu-Natal. If you’re heading to the above-mentioned areas then you should consult a healthcare professional about the ideal prophylactic. The type of prophylactic will be determined by your personal health, how long you are visiting the malarial area and the time of year. Like they always say “prevention is the best cure” so you should try by all means to prevent being bitten by a mosquito. Use a repellent lotion and then cover up with clothes. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks to ensure that you give them no chance at all. There are many malaria-free game reserves like Madikwe or Pilanesberg in the North West province, the Waterberg in Limpopo, or private reserves in the Eastern, Western and Northern Cape, where you can also experience the untouched wild of South Africa risk-free. These are worth considering, particularly if you’re travelling with children aged six and under, or if you are pregnant. Always remember, if you develop a bad headache, have aching joints, and recurring fevers and chills after your trip, advise your doctor that you have been to a malarial area. Malaria symptoms can sometimes be confused with flu symptoms, which can lead to fatal consequences. HIV/Aids While Southern Africa has a high prevalence of HIV/Aids, your only real risk of contracting it is if you have unprotected sex with an infected individual. There should be no reason for unprotected sex as condoms are widely available in pharmacies and convenience stores everywhere you go. Personal medication There are pharmacies throughout South Africa, and many everyday medications, such as painkillers, are available over the counter. Some large chain stores also have in-store pharmacies that offer good value for money. If you have a specific medical condition, it’s wise to carry the relevant doctor’s prescription with you. In the event of you losing your medication, a qualified pharmacist should be able to source a replacement, even if the trade name differs in South Africa. Accommodation in South Africa South Africa is well-known for its tourist attractions, not to mention its awesomely dynamic range of accommodation. It stretches from game lodges to five-star hotels, to friendly country houses, small hotels, B&Bs and camping sites – all kitted out with a range of catering options. Whether you’re a student traveller, family holiday goers, or retirees on life’s great adventure, there is accommodation for everyone. Budget South Africa has an established network of affordable accommodation options that are surprisingly comfortable and luxurious. If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s an active camping community that will provide you with all the relevant information about different campsites countrywide. Pre-booking is generally advisable. Mid-range If you would like to save some money then you should consider looking into bed and breakfast options. These differ as some offer self-catering units and some are fully serviced. They range from apartments to holiday villas, chalets and even farm cottages. On the other hand, guesthouses are slightly more expensive but worth it for the warm, homely South African experience. Luxury If you’re a five-star traveller, then you’ll be happy to know that South Africa is home to some of the most luxurious lodges and hotels in the world. South Africa has a number of globally famous hotels such as Mount Nelson, Twelve Apostles and Mala Mala. It’s worth mentioning that you’ll find that you pay less for luxury in this beautiful country when compared to other, more expensive, countries in the world. Safari lodges usually offer the all-inclusive variety, and will give you safari game drives, meals, and drinks or spa facilities, particularly if it’s an upmarket establishment. Drinking water in South Africa Drinking water in South Africa is safe to drink and cook with when taken from taps in urban areas. Not all tap water in rural areas is safe for consumption, so it is advised you take precautions if necessary. Some rural areas make use of borehole systems which source found water and store them in containers before being purified by the water system connected to your tap. The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry maintains that South Africa’s national standard of water quality can be compared to that of the World Health Organisation standards. Should you find yourself in an unlikely position of not having clean water on hand, you can disinfect the water yourself by boiling it for a maximum of 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can add a teaspoon of bleach per 25 litres or a teaspoon of chlorine granules per 200l. In both the latter cases, allow the water to stand for 2 hours. The survivalist method is to expose the water to direct sunlight for at least 6 hours in a transparent container with a small airspace, shaking after filling and every hour after that. For on-the-go situations, you could always grab bottled water at a supermarket or garage. Bottled water is available from a number of brands, some of them well-known international names. Your choice includes still and sparkling waters and a range of fruit flavoured variants. BACK TO TOP

South Africa is a nature lover's paradise, with its diverse landscapes and wildlife. Camping and hiking are popular activities for those who want to explore the country natural beauty up close. From the rugged Drakensberg Mountains to the stunning coastline of the Western Cape, there are endless opportunities for adventure and discovery. So pack your bags, grab your boots, and get ready for an unforgettable experience in South Africa's great outdoors. Welcome to the ultimate guide to the best camping places in South Africa! From the lush forests of Mpumalanga to the rugged coastline of the Western Cape, we've got you covered with top spots to pitch your tent in each of the provinces. Get ready to experience the beauty of South Africa's great outdoors like never before. GAUTENG WESTERN CAPE NORTHERN CAPE LIMPOPO MPUMALANGA NORTH WEST KWAZULU NATAL FREESTATE EASTERN CAPE Campsites in Limpopo Province is located in the far northern part of South Africa and shares borders with three neighboring countries: Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The capital is Polokwane (previously Pietersburg). Other major cities and towns include Bela-Bela (Warmbad), Lephalale (Ellisras), Makhado (Louis Trichardt), Musina (Messina), Thabazimbi and Tzaneen. It is a land of beautiful and contrasting landscapes, which is typical of Africa. It has become a favourite destination for leisure and adventure travellers worldwide. The network of protected areas and nature reserves is amongst the best on the African continent. The spectatular mountain scenery, beckons hikers, climbers and bikers. The cultural destinations intrigue both local and international tourists. The game viewing is absolutely fantastic and possibly the best in the country. Limpopo landscape and vegetation varies from one area to the other. The vegetation ranges from Tropical Forests, Bush and Shrubs to semi-desert areas with small trees and bushes. The landscape also ranges from mountainous to flat land. Limpopo is the only Province in South Africa with more than two cultural groups staying together in their original habitat in harmony. Other ethnic groups include the English and Afrikaner people. English is regarded as a business language but other native languages of the province include Tshivenda, Sepedi, Xitsonga, Setswana, Isindebele and Afrikaans. List Of Camping Sites In Limpopo Moriti Bush Camps N11 Road 3,5 Km From The Groblersbridge Border Post, Tomburke website routenplaner AfriCamps Magoebaskloof L4 2, Magoebaskloof, Cheerio Gardens, Mopani · Geschlossen · Öffnet morgen um 09:00 website routenplaner Silver Rocks Caravan Park De Nyl Zyn Oog Rd, R101, Modimolle-Mookgophong · website routenplaner AfriCamps Hoedspruit Campingplatdspruit · Geschlossen · Öffnet morgen um 09:00 website routenplaner Kaoxa Bush Camp Alldays Kostenloses Parken · Kostenloses WLAN · Swimmingpool Bela Bela Campsites in Bela Bela Things to do in Bela Bela Bela-Bela is located in the Waterbergregion of the Limpopo Province and is ideally located off the N1 highway between Pretoria and Polokwane. Previously named Warmbaths, the Tswana tribes were the first to encounter the therapeutic hot springs in the early 1800’s, and named it Bela-Bela, meaning “the water that boils on its own”. Today the town boasts an extensive spa and holiday resort. Bela-Bela’s hot springs are located on the grounds of the Forever Resorts Warmbaths, who also host the 5150 Bela-Bela Triathlon. The climate inBela-Bela is mild during the winter months in South Africa with a majority of sunny days in the year which adds to the popularity of this destination. Visit: https://www.bela-bela-info.co.za/town Camping Sites In Gauteng Cast & Catch Fishing & Camping Fishing charter Plot, Pretora · Closed · Opens tomorrow 06:00 website directions Rocky Valley Christian Camp And Retreat Centre Mogale City website directions Jabula Bush Camp PRETORIA Airport shuttle · Swimming pool · Smoke-free rooms website directions See more results Rainforest Boutique Camp Agoda 30 Angelica Avenue Breaunanda, Krugersdorp website routenplaner Camping Sites In Western Cape Kromrivier Cederberg Park Cederberg Free parking · Free Wi-Fi · Business center · Restaurant website directions Wolfkop Camping Villages Grootfontein Farm, Keerom Rd, Citrusdal · Open 24 hours website directions Rivierplaas Campsite Rivierplaas Campsite, Scerpenheuwel, Worcester, Worcester, South Africa · website Camping Sites In Northern Cape Fiddlers Creek Campsite Campground Plot 26, Kotzeshoop, Vioolsdrif · website directions Richtersveld Wilderness Camp Modderdrift-South, Vioolsdrif · website directions Kameeldoring Camping Next to Augrabies falls national park, Augrabies · website directions Augrabies Rest Camp Augrabies Falls National Park · website directions Broadwater River Estate Siyancuma website Camping Sites In Mpumalanga The Park Shop - Lower Sabie Rest Camp Holidaycheck · Grocery store website directions Under The Stars Camping Plot 370 Brommers Plaas, Barberton · website directions Sabie River Camp 30 Plaaswaterval, Sabie · Closed · Opens tomorrow 08:00 website directions Syeta Tented Bush Camp 26 Uitkyk Road, Nelspruit · directions Dullstroom on The Dam Dullstroom website Camping Sites In North West South Africa Mosetlha Bush Camp & Eco Lodge Madikwe Game Reserve Restaurant · Bar/lounge website directions TangleWood Nature Estate Portion 42, Naauwpoort Farm 385 Boskop Dam, Potchefstroom · website directions Dube Private Game Reserve Warmbad Street, Brits · website directions River Run Family Camp Site Campground 709 Ongegun Destrik, Vredefort · website directions Rust Oord Bushveld Camp 410 Farm B, Brits · website directions See more results Camping Sites In Kwazulu Natal South Africa Salt Rock Caravan Park Campground 5 Hotel Road, Salt Rock · Closed · Opens tomorrow 07:00 website directions Richards Bay Caravan Park Campground CNR Krewelkring U0026 Hibberd Drive, Meerensee, Richards Bay Closed · Opens tomorrow 07:00 website directions Dolphin Holiday resort Ballito Free parking · Swimming pool website directions See more results Camping Sites In Eastern Cape South Africa Nature's Rest Prince George Circuit, East London · website directions Yellowwood Forest Morgan Bay Campground 661 Link Rd, Yellowwood Forest, Morgan's Bay · website directions Mountain Zebra National Park National park 25 Km Outside Cradock, Cradock · Closed · Opens tomorrow 07:00 website directions Rendezvous Caravan Park CHINTSA WEST,RENDEZVOUS, EAST LONDON · Open 24 hours website directions Cefani Beach Resort CINTSA EAST, AMATOLA COASTAL · website directions See more results Camping Sites In Free State South Africa Dinkoeng Tented Camp And Adventure 12 Leratong Village Dinkoeng Tented Camp & Adventure Dinkoeng Tented Camp, Monontsha, Phuthaditjhaba · website directions Didima Camp Campground Winterton · website directions Zuikerkop Country Game Lodge Clocolan Free breakfast · Free parking · Free Wi-Fi website directions See more results BACK TO TOP

Welcome to South Africa Welcome to South Africa, a land of diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable experiences. From the bustling cities to the tranquil countryside, there's something for everyone to enjoy. We hope you have a wonderful time exploring all that this beautiful country has to offer.South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa , is the southernmost country in Africa. It is bounded to the south by coastline that stretches along the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans;to the north by the neighbouring countries of Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe; and to the east and northeast by Mozambique and Eswatini. It also completely enclaves Lesotho. It is the southernmost country on the mainland of the Old World, and the second-most populous country located entirely south of the equator, after Tanzania. South Africa is a land of incredible natural beauty and diverse wildlife, making it the perfect destination for a safari adventure. Our safari tours offer a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of seeing majestic animals in their natural habitat, while also enjoying the stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage of this amazing country. Whether you're a seasoned safari-goer or a first-time visitor, our expert guides will ensure that you have an unforgettable experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. What is Our Homepage All About My Life In South Africa School Projects Wildlife & Culture History All About South Africa Travel Tours The Big Five of South Africa are the most famous animals in the country and are a must-see for any wildlife enthusiast. These animals include the lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. They are called the Big Five because they are the most difficult animals to hunt on foot. Today, they are protected and can be seen on safari tours throughout South Africa. The Nine Provinces South Africa is a country divided into nine provinces, each with its own unique culture, history, and attractions. These provinces are Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North West, and Western Cape. From the beaches of KwaZulu-Natal to the mountains of the Eastern Cape, there is something for everyone to explore and enjoy in South Africa's diverse provinces. Cape Town is a vibrant city located in the southwestern coast of South Africa. It is known for its stunning beaches, iconic landmarks such as Table Mountain and Robben Island, and diverse culture. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, Cape Town has something for everyone. BACK TO TOP

Battle of Blood River The Battle of Blood River 16 December 1838) was fought on the bank of the Ncome River , in what is today KwaZulu-Natal , South Africa between 464 Voortrekkers ("Pioneers"), led by Andries Pretorius , and an estimated 25,000 to 30,000[2] Zulu . Estimations of casualties amounted to over 3,000 of King Dingane 's soldiers dead, including two Zulu princes competing with Prince Mpande for the Zulu throne. Three Voortrekker commando members were lightly wounded, including Pretorius. The year 1838 was the most difficult period for the Voortrekkers from when they left the Cape Colony, till the end of the Great Trek. They faced many difficulties and much bloodshed before they found freedom and a safe homeland in their Republic of Natalia. This was only achieved after defeating the Zulu Kingdom, at the Battle of Blood River, which took place on Sunday 16 December 1838. This battle would not have taken place if the Zulu King had honoured the agreement that he had made with the Voortrekkers to live together peacefully. The Zulu king knew that they outnumbered the Voortrekkers and decided to overthrow them and that led to the Battle of Blood river. In January 1840 Prince Mpande finally defeated King Dingane in the Battle of Maqongqe and was subsequently crowned as new king of the Zulu by his alliance partner Andries Pretorius. After these two battles, Dingane's prime minister and commander in the Battle of Blood River, General Ndlela , was strangled to death by Dingane for high treason. General Ndlela had been the personal protector of Prince Mpande, who after the Battles of Blood River and Maqongqe, became king and founder of the Zulu. Background The trekkers—called Voortrekkers after 1880[4] —had to defend themselves after the betrayal murder of chief Trekker leader Piet Retief and his entire entourage, and ten days later the Weenen/Bloukrans massacre where "not a soul was spared. Dingane had agreed that, if Retief could recover approximately 700 head of cattle stolen from the Zulus by the Tlokwa , he would let them have land upon which to establish farms. On 6 February 1838, two days after the signing of a negotiated land settlement deal between Retief and Dingane at UmGungundlovu , written by Jan Gerritze Bantjes (1817–1887) which included Trekker access to Port Natal , which the British also had interest in, Dingane invited Retief and his party into his royal residence for a beer-drinking farewell. The accompanying request for the surrender of Trekker muskets at the entrance was taken as normal protocol when appearing before the king. While the Trekkers were being entertained by Dingane's dancing warriors/soldiers, Dingane suddenly accused the visiting party of witchcraft and ordered his men: "Bulalani abathakathi" (Kill the sorcerers...). Dingane's soldiers bludgeoned Retief's party to death. Immediately after the UmGungundlovu massacre, Dingane sent out his impis (regiments) to attack several Trekker encampments at night time, killing an estimated 500 men, women, children, and servants, most notably at Blaukraans . Help arrived from farmers in the Cape Colony, and the Trekkers in Natal subsequently requested the pro-independence Andries Pretorius to leave the Cape Colony, in order to defend the Voortrekkers who had settled in Natal. After the Battle of Blood River, the Dingane-Retief treaty written by Jan Gerritze Bantjes was found on Retief's bodily remains,[9] providing a driving force for an overt alliance against Dingane between Prince Mpande and Pretorius.Pretorius. War strategies of the generals On 26 November 1838, Andries Pretorius (1798–1853) was appointed as Commander of 64 wagons and 464+ heavily armed Boer combatants directed against Dingane at UmGungundlovu with Jan Gerritze Bantjes (1817–1882) as his war secretary. By December 1838, Prince Mpande and 17,000 followers had already fled from Dingane, who was seeking to assassinate Mpande.[10] In support of Prince Mpande as Dingane's replacement, Pretorius' strategy was to target Dingane only. To allow Prince Mpande to oust King Dingane through military might, Pretorius had first to weaken Dingane's personal military power base in UmGungundlovu. Dingane's royal residence at UmGungundlovu was naturally protected against attack by hilly and rocky terrain all around, as well as an access route via Italeni passing through a narrow gorge called a defile . Earlier on 9 April 1838, a Trekker horse commando without ox wagons, thereafter called the "Flight Commando", had unsuccessfully attempted to penetrate the UmGungundlovu defense at nearby Italeni valley, resulting in the loss of several Trekker lives. Trekker leader Hendrik Potgieter had abandoned all hope of engaging Dingane in UmGungundlovu after losing the battle of Italeni, and subsequently had migrated with his group out of Natal. To approach UmGungundlovu via the Italeni defile with ox wagons would force the wagons into an open column, instead of an enclosed laager as successfully employed defensively at Veglaer on 12 August 1838. The military commander during Dingane's attack on Veglaer was Ndlela kaSompisi . The highly experienced general Ndlela had served under Shaka , and was also prime minister and chief advisor under Dingane. Ndlela with his 10,000 troops had retreated from Veglaer, after three days and nights of fruitless attempts to penetrate the enclosed Trekker wagon laager. General Ndlela personally protected Prince Mpande from Dingane's repeated assassination plans. King Dingane desired to have his half brother Mpande, the only prince with children, eliminated as a threat to his throne.[10] Prince Mpande was married to Msukilethe, a daughter of general Ndlela. General Ndlela, like Pretorius the promoter of Prince Mpande, was responsible for Dingane's UmGungundlovu defense during the Trekkers' second attack attempt under Pretorius in December 1838. Given general Ndlela's previous defense and attack experience at Italeni and Veglaer during April 1838 and August 1838 respectively, Ndlela's tactical options were limited. Proven UmGungundlovu defense tactics were to attack Trekker commandos in the rocky and hilly terrain on the narrowing access route at Italeni, thereby neutralising the advantages mounted riflemen had over spear-carrying foot soldiers.[11] Ndlela had to let Pretorius come close to UmGungundlovu at Italeni and lure the Trekkers into attack. Ndlela was not to attack the Trekkers when they were in a defensive wagon laager position, especially not during the day. The problem for Pretorius was that he had somehow to find a way to make Dingane's soldiers attack him in a defensive laager position at a place of his choice, far away from UmGungundlovu and Italeni. On 6 December 1838, 10 days before the Battle of Blood River, Pretorius and his commando including Alexander Biggar as translator had a meeting with friendly Zulu chiefs at Danskraal , so named for the Zulu dancing that took place in the Zulu kraal that the Trekker commando visited. With the intelligence received at Danskraal, Pretorius became confident enough to propose a vow to God, which demanded the celebration, by the commando and their posterity, of the coming victory over Dingane. The covenant included that a church would be built in honour of God, should the commando be successful and reach UmGungundlovu alive in order to diminish the power of Dingane. Building a church in Trekker emigrant context was symbol for establishing a settled state. After the meeting with friendly Zulu chiefs at Danskraal, Pretorius let the commando relax and do their washing for a few days at Wasbank till 9 December 1838. From Wasbank they slowly and daily moved closer to the site of the Battle of Blood River, practising laager defence tactics every evening for a week long. Then, by halting his advance towards UmGungundlovu on 15 December 1838, 40 km before reaching the defile at Italeni, Pretorius had eliminated the Italeni terrain trap. Location and preparation On Saturday, 15 December 1838, after the Trekker wagons crossed the Buffalo River 10 km SW of the actual battle site and still 80 kilometres (50 mi) from their target UmGungundlovu, an advance scouting party including Pretorius got news of a large Zulu force in rugged terrain to the east trying to lure the Boers into a trap as had been the case in April the same year with fatal consequences. While Cilliers wanted to ride out and attack, Pretorius declined the opportunity to engage Dingane's soldiers away from their base as had been the trap at Italeni valley. Instead, Pretorius decided on a fortified laager on the terrain of his own choosing in the hope that general Ndlela would attack Pretorius on his terms rather than the other way around. As the site for the defensive wagon laager, Pretorius chose a defensible position close to a vertical 8m descent into a deep hippo pool in the Ncombe River providing excellent protection on two sides. The wide-open area to the front of the laager provided absolutely no cover for an attacking force. The battle was set with the laager protected on two flanks. As usual, the ox-wagons were drawn into the typical protective enclosure or laager. Movable wooden barriers and ladders which could be quickly opened for cavalry were fastened between the wagon wheels to prevent intruders, with two smoothbore, short barrel artillery pieces positioned at the corners. Andries Pretorius had brought a 6-pound naval carronade with him from the Cape, mounted on a gun carriage improvised from a wagon axle, and named Grietjie. The other ordnance piece is unknown in the original, but the reproduction depicts a 4-pound smoothbore cannon by then obsolete in most European armies. Both were used to fire devastating grapeshot . As evening approached, a thick mist settled over the wagon site above which the sky was clear. According to Afrikaner traditions, the Zulu were afraid to attack at the night due to superstitions and the eerie glow of lamps which the Boers hung on sjamboks [whip-stocks] around the laager. Whether or not there is any truth in this, historian S.P. Mackenzie has speculated that the Zulu held back until what they perceived as the necessary numbers had arrived. Some of the Zulus only arrived near sunrise by following the tracks of the wagons. Due to some recent heavy rains the Ncombe River was swollen making crossing the river difficult. During the night of 15 December, six Zulu regiments, an estimated 20,000 (or more) Zulu soldiers led by Dambuza (Nzobo), crossed the Ncome River and started massing around the encampment, while the elite forces of senior general Ndlela did not cross the river, thereby splitting the army in two. Battle On 16 December, dawn broke on a clear day, revealing that "all of Zululand sat there", according to one Trekker eyewitness. General Ndlela and his crack troops, the Black and White Shields, remained on the other side of the river, observing Dambuza's men at the laager from a safe position across the hippo pool. According to the South African Department of Art and Culture: In ceremonies that lasted about three days, izinyanga zempi, specialist war doctors, prepared izinteleze medicines which made warriors invincible in the face of their opponents. This could partly help explain why Dambuza's forces were sitting on the ground close to the wagon laager when the Trekkers first saw them. An artist's impression of the Battle of Blood River. Dambuza's regiments repeatedly stormed the laager but could not break through. The attackers were hindered by a change introduced during Shaka's rule that replaced most of the longer throwing spears with short stabbing spears. In close combat the stabbing spear provided obvious advantages over its longer cousin. A Zulu eyewitness said that their first charge was mown down like grass by the Boer muskets. As Bantjes wrote in his jous like being newly born for us - the sky was clear, the weather fine and bright. We hardly saw the twilight of the break of day or the guards, who were still at their posts and could just make out the distant Zulus approaching. All the patrols were called back into the laager by firing alarm signals from the cannons. The enemy came forward at full speed and suddenly they had encircled the area around the laager. As it got lighter, so we could see them approaching over their predecessors who had already been shot back. Their rapid approach (though terrifying to witness due to their great numbers) was an impressive sight. The Zulus came in regiments, each captain with his men behind (as the patrols had seen them coming the day before) until they had surrounded us. I could not count them, but I was told that a captive Zulu gave the number at thirty-six regiments, each regiment calculated to be "nine hundred to a thousand men" strong. The battle now began and the cannons unleashed from each gate, such that the battle was fierce and noisy, even the discharging of small arms fire from our marksmen on all sides was like thunder. After more than two hours of fierce battle, the Commander in Chief gave orders that the gates be opened and mounted men sent to fight the enemy in fast attacks, as the enemy near constantly stormed the laager time and again, and he feared the ammunition would soon run out. With the power of their firearms and with their ox wagons in a laager formation and some effective tactics, the Boers fought off the Zulu. Buckshot was used to maximise casualties. Mackenzie claims that 200 indigenous servants looked after the horses and cattle and helped load muskets, but no definite proof or witness of servants helping to reload is available. Writing in the popular Afrikaans magazine Die Huisgenoot , a Dr. D.J. Kotze said that this group consisted of fifty-nine "non-white helpers and followers" instead of the commonly stated two hundred. After two hours and four waves of attack, with the intermittent lulls providing crucial reloading and resting opportunities for the Trekkers, Pretorius ordered a group of horsemen to leave the encampment and engage the Zulu in order to induce the disintegration of their formations. The Zulu withstood the charge for some time, but rapid losses led them to scatter. The Trekkers pursued their fleeing enemies and hunted them down for three hours. Cilliers noted later that "we left the Kafirs lying on the ground as thick almost as pumpkins upon the field that has borne a plentiful crop. Bantjes recorded that about 3,000 dead Zulu had been counted, and three Trekkers were wounded. During the chase, Pretorius was wounded in his left hand by an assegaai (Zulu spear). Of the 3,000 dead Zulu soldiers, two were princes, leaving Ndlela's favourite Prince Mpande as frontrunner in the subsequent battle for the Zulu crown. Four days after the Battle of Blood River, the Trekker commando arrived at King Dingane's great kraal UmGungundlovu (near present-day Eshowe ), only to find it deserted and in ashes. The bones of Retief and his men were found and buried, where a memorial stands today. Up to this day 16 December is a public holiday in South Africa; before 1994 it was known as "the Day of the Vow ", "the Day of the Covenant" and "Dingaan's Day"; but today it is "the Day of Reconciliation ". Aftermath The conflict between Dingane and the Trekkers continued for one more year after the Battle of Blood River. The idea of a decisive victory may have been planted in Pretorius' mind by a Zulu prisoner, who said that most of Dingane's warriors had either been killed or fled. The same prisoner led some of the Trekker party into a trap at the White Umfolozi River , eleven days after the battle at Ncome River. This time the Zulu were victorious. Only when Dingane's brother, Mpande , openly joined the Trekker side with his sizeable army, was Dingane finally defeated in January 1840. Following the Battle of Maqongqe in January 1840, the forces of Mpande did not wait for Pretorius' cavalry to arrive, and they attacked the remaining regiments of Dingane, who were again under the command of General Ndlela. Ndlela strayed from normal fighting tactics against Mpande, sending in his regiments to fight one at a time, instead of together in ox horn formation. Maquongqe Dingane had to flee Natal completely, but before he did so, he had Ndlela slowly strangled by cow hide for high treason, on the grounds that he had fought for Mpande, with the same disastrous result for Dingane as at Ncome-Blood River. Dambusa, Dingane's other general, had already been executed by Mpande and Pretorius when he fell into their hands before the battle. Pretorius approved and attended the crowning of Zulu King Mpande in Pietermaritzburg . They agreed on the Tugela River as the border between Zululand and the Republic of Natalia . Legacy From the Day of the Vow, Afrikaners consider the site and the commemoration of the day as sacred. Historian S.P. Mackenzie doubts the reported number of Zulu deaths. He compares Zulu casualties at Ncome to battles at Italeni , Isandlwana , and Rorke's Drift . Mackenzie acknowledges that the casualty count was not impossible. Yet, in a similar victory on 15 October 1836 by Trekkers under Hendrik Potgieter over some 9,000 Matabele , the latter suffered only 350 casualties. In 1879, 600 British soldiers with breech-loading rifles caused 2,000 Zulu casualties, perhaps 1,000 killed over three hours before being overrun. Ncome/Blood River monument Laager at the Blood River Memorial A church, called "the Church of the Vow ", was built in the Natal town of Pietermaritzburg in 1841, where Pretorius settled on the farm "Welverdient" (English: "Well-earned"), a gift from the Trekkers. A monument was erected on the site of the battle in 1947, consisting of an ox wagon executed in granite by the sculptor Coert Steynberg . In 1971 a laager of 64 ox wagons cast in bronze (by Unifront Foundry in Edenvale – Fanie de Klerk and Jack Cowlard) was erected, and unveiled on 16 December 1972. A stone representation at the Voortrekker Monument of the Laager formed at the Battle of Blood River The Ncome monument on the east side of the river commemorates the fallen Zulu warriors. While the Blood River Memorial is associated with Afrikaner nationalism, the Ncome monument was intended as a symbol of reconciliation—but has become connected with Zulu nationalism. At 16 December 1998 inauguration of the most recent version of the monument, the Zulu politician and then Minister of Home Affairs , Mangosuthu Buthelezi , apologised to the Afrikaner nation for the death of Piet Retief and the subsequent suffering. At the same time Buthelezi also noted the suffering of the Zulus during Apartheid . He stressed that South Africans needed to consider the day as "a new covenant which binds us to the shared commitment of building a new country. Today two complexes mark the battle site: the Ncome Monument and Museum Complex east of the Ncome River, and the Blood River Monument and Museum Complex to the west. Ndlela monument South Africa's ex-president, Jacob Zuma , attended the official inauguration of the Ndlela monument in Eshowe, Kwazulu-Natal. President Cyril Ramaphosa's 2019 speech On the Day of Reconciliation 2019, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa described the Voortrekkers as invaders and the Zulu army as "Freedom Fighters Dirk Hermann, managing director of the trade union Solidarity , criticised this historical claim as inaccurate and as a "criminalisation of Afrikaner history", and emphasised the reconciliatory message of politician Mangosuthu Buthelezi . Day of the Vow The Day of the Vow (Afrikaans : Geloftedag) is a religious public holiday in South Africa . It is an important day for Afrikaners , originating from the Battle of Blood River on 16 December 1838, before which about 400 Voortrekkers made a promise to God that if he rescued them out of the hands of the approximately 20,000 Zulu warriors they were facing, they would honour that day as a sabbath day in remembrance of what God did for them. Initially called Dingane's Day or Dingaan's Day (Afrikaans : Dingaansdag), 16 December was made an annual national holiday in 1910, before being renamed Day of the Vow in 1982. In 1994, after the end of Apartheid , it was officially replaced by the Day of Reconciliation , an annual holiday also on 16 December. However, many descendants still celebrate it as promised in the vow. The day of the Vow traces its origin as an annual religious holiday to The Battle of Blood River on 16 December 1838. The besieged Voortrekkers took a public vow (or covenant) together before the battle, led by Sarel Cilliers . In return for God's help in obtaining victory, they promised to build a house and forever honour this day as a sabbath day of God. They vowed that they and their descendants would keep the day as a holy Sabbath. During the battle, a group of about 470 Voortrekkers defeated a force of about 20,000 Zulu. Three Voortrekkers were wounded, and some 3,000 Zulu warriors died in the battle. Two of the earlier names given to the day stem from this prayer. Officially known as the Day of the Vow, the commemoration was renamed from the Day of the Covenant in 1982. Afrikaners colloquially refer to it as Dingaansdag (Dingane 's Day), a reference to the Zulu ruler of the defeated attackers. No verbatim record of the vow exists. The version often considered to be the original vow is in fact W.E.G. Louw's ca. 1962 translation into Afrikaans of G.B.A. Gerdener's reconstruction of the vow in his 1919 biography of Sarel Cilliers (Bailey 2003:25). The wording of the Vow is: Afrikaans : Hier staan ons voor die Heilige God van Hemel en aarde om ʼn gelofte aan Hom te doen, dat, as Hy ons sal beskerm en ons vyand in ons hand sal gee, ons die dag en datum elke jaar as ʼn dankdag soos ʼn Sabbat sal deurbring; en dat ons ʼn huis tot Sy eer sal oprig waar dit Hom behaag, en dat ons ook aan ons kinders sal sê dat hulle met ons daarin moet deel tot nagedagtenis ook vir die opkomende geslagte. Want die eer van Sy naam sal verheerlik word deur die roem en die eer van oorwinning aan Hom te gee. English: We stand here before the Holy God of heaven and earth, to make a vow to Him that, if He will protect us and give our enemy into our hand, we shall keep this day and date every year as a day of thanksgiving like a sabbath, and that we shall build a house to His honour wherever it should please Him, and that we will also tell our children that they should share in that with us in memory for future generations. For the honour of His name will be glorified by giving Him the fame and honour for the victory. The official version of the event is that a public vow was taken - The Covenant Vow on Sunday, 09th.Dec.1838 - It was at this Wasbank laager where Pretorius, Landman and Cilliers formulated "The Vow" and recorded by Jan Gerritze Bantjes (pages 54–55 of his journal - location of Wasbank, S28° 18' 38.82 E30° 8' 38.55). The original Bantjes words from the journal read as follows; "Sunday morning before service began, the Commander in Chief (Pretorius) asked those who would lead the service to come together and requested them to speak with the congregation so that they should be zealous in spirit, and in truth, pray to God for His help and assistance in the coming strike against the enemy, and tell them that Pretorius wanted to make a Vow towards the Almighty (if all agreed to this) that "if the Lord might give us victory, we hereby promise to found a house (church) as a memorial of his Great Name at a place (Pietermaritzburg) where it shall please Him", and that they also implore the help and assistance of God in accomplishing this vow and that they write down this Day of Victory in a book and disclose this event to our last posterities in order that this will forever be celebrated in the honour of God." This bound future descendants of the Afrikaner to commemorate the day as a religious holiday (sabbath) in the case of victory over the Zulus by promising to build a church in God's honour. By July 1839 nothing had yet been done at Pietermaritzburg regarding their pledge to build a church, and it was Jan Gerritze Bantjes himself who motivated everyone to keep that promise. In 1841 with capital accumulated by Bantjes at the Volksraad, the Church of the Vow at Pietermaritzburg was eventually built - the biggest donor being the widow, Mrs. H.J.van Niekerk in Sept.1839. As the original vow was never recorded in verbatim form, descriptions come only from the Bantjes Journal written of Jan Gerritze Bantjes with a dispatch written by Andries Pretorius to the Volksraad on 23 December 1838; and the recollections of Sarel Cilliers in 1871. A participant in the battle, Dewald Pretorius also wrote his recollections in 1862, interpreting the vow as including the building of churches and schools (Bailey 2003:31). Jan G. Bantjes (1817–1887), Clerk of the Volksraad and Pretorius' secretary-general, indicates that the initial promise was to build a House in return for victory. He notes that Pretorius called everyone together in his tent, (the senior officers) and asked them to pray for God's help. Bantjes writes in his journal that Pretorius told the assembly that he wanted to make a vow, "if everyone would agree" (Bailey 2003:24). Bantjes does not say whether everyone did agree. Perhaps the fractious nature of the Boers dictated that the raiding party held their own prayers in the tents of various leading men (Mackenzie 1997:73). Pretorius is also quoted as wanting to have a book written to make known what God had done to even "our last descendants" Pretorius in his 1838 dispatch mentions a vow (Afrikaans gelofte) in connection with the building of a church, but not that it would be binding for future generations. we here have decided among ourselves...to make known the day of our victory...among the whole of our generation, and that we want to devote it to God, and to celebrate [it] with thanksgiving, just as we...promised [beloofd] in public prayer — Andries Pretorius, Contrary to Pretorius, and in agreement with Bantjes, Cilliers in 1870 recalled a promise (Afrikaans : belofte), not a vow, to commemorate the day and to tell the story to future generations. Accordingly, they would remember: the day and date, every year as a commemoration and a day of thanksgiving, as though a Sabbath...and that we will also tell it to our children, that they should share in it with us, for the remembrance of our future generations — Sarel Cilliers, Cilliers writes that those who objected were given the option to leave. At least two persons declined to participate in the vow. Scholars disagree about whether the accompanying English settlers and servants complied (Bailey 2003). This seems to confirm that the promise was binding only on those present at the actual battle. Mackenzie (1997) claims that Cilliers may be recalling what he said to men who met in his tent. Up to the 1970s, the received version of events was seldom questioned, but since then scholars have questioned almost every aspect. They debate whether a vow was even taken and, if so, what its wording was. Some argue that the vow occurred on the day of the battle, others point to 7 or 9 December. Whether Andries Pretorius or Sarel Cilliers led the assembly has been debated; and even whether there was an assembly. The location at which the vow was taken has also produced diverging opinions, with some rejecting the Ncome River site for (Bailey 2003). But despite some doubts, the Vow or Promise took place on the 9th Dec 1838 close to the Wasbank River as it states in Jan Bantjes 's journal and certainly not at the site of The Battle of Blood River, 16th Dec 1838. Commemorations Church of the Vow, Pietermaritzburg Disagreements exist about the extent to which the date was commemorated before the 1860s. Some historians maintained that little happened between 1838 and 1910. Historian S.P. Mackenzie argues that the day was not commemorated before the 1880s. Initial observations may have been limited to those associated with the battle at Ncome River and their descendants. While Sarel Cilliers upheld the day, Andries Pretorius did not (Ehlers 2003). In Natal Informal commemorations may have been held in the homes of former Voortrekkers in Pietermaritzburg in Natal. Voortrekker pastor Rev. Erasmus Smit [af ; nl ] announced the "7th annual" anniversary of the day in 1844 in De Natalier newspaper, for instance. Bailey mentions a meeting at the site of the battle in 1862 (Bailey 2003:29,32). In 1864, the General Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church in Natal decreed that all its congregations should observe the date as a day of thanksgiving. The decision was spurred by the efforts of two Dutch clergymen working in Pietermaritsburg during the 1860s, D.P.M. Huet [af ] and F. Lion Cachet [af ; nl ]. Large meetings were held in the church in Pietermaritzburg in 1864 and 1865 (Bailey 2003:33). In 1866, the first large scale meeting took place at the traditional battle site, led by Cachet. Zulus who gathered to watch proceedings assisted the participants in gathering stones for a commemorative cairn. In his speech Cachet called for the evangelisation of black heathen. He relayed a message received from the Zulu monarch Cetshwayo . In his reply to Cetshwayo, Cachet hoped for harmony between the Zulu and white Natalians. Trekker survivors recalled events, an institution which in the 1867 observation at the site included a Zulu (Bailey 2003:35). Huet was of the same opinion as Delward Pretorius. He declared at a church inauguration in Greytown on 16 December 1866 that its construction was also part of fulfilling the vow (Bailey 2003:35). In the Transvaal Die Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek declared 16 December a public holiday in 1865, to be commemorated by public religious services. However, until 1877, the general public there did not utilise the holiday as they did in Natal. Cricket matches and hunts were organised, some businesses remained open, and newspapers were sold. The name Dingane's Day appeared for the first time in the media, in an 1875 edition of De Volksstem. That newspaper wondered whether the lack of support for the holiday signalled a weakening sense of nationalism (Bailey 2003:37,38). After the Transvaal was annexed by the British in 1877, the new government refrained from state functions (like Supreme Court sittings) on the date (Bailey 2003:41). The desire by the Transvaal to retrieve its independence prompted the emergence of Afrikaner nationalism and the revival of 16 December in that territory. Transvaal burgers held meetings around the date to discuss responses to the annexation. In 1879 the first such a meeting convened at Wonderfontein on the West Rand. Burgers disregarded Sir G.J. Wolseley, the governor of Transvaal, who prohibited the meeting on 16 December. The following year they held a similar combination of discussions and the celebration of Dingane's Day at Paardekraal (Bailey 2003:43). Paul Kruger , president of the Transvaal Republic, believed that failure to observe the date led to the loss of independence and to the first Anglo-Boer war as a divine punishment. Before initiating hostilities with the British, a ceremony was held at Paardekraal on 16 December 1880 in which 5,000 burghers [citizens] piled a cairn of stones that symbolised past and future victories (over the Zulu and the British). After the success of its military campaign against the British, the Transvaal state organised a Dingane's Day festival every five years. At the first of these in 1881, an estimated 12,000 to 15,000 people listened to speeches by Kruger and others (Gilliomee 1989). At the third such festival in 1891, Kruger emphasised the need for the festival to be religious in nature (Ehlers 2003). In the Free State The Free State government in 1894 declared 16 December a holiday (Bailey 2003). National commemorations The Union state in 1910 officially declared Dingane's Day as a national public holiday. In 1938, D.F. Malan , leader of the National Party , reiterated at the site that its soil was "sacred." He said that the Blood River battle established "South Africa as a civilized Christian country" and "the responsible authority of the white race". Malan compared the battle to the urban labour situation in which whites had to prevail (Ehlers 2003). In 1952, the ruling National Party passed the Public Holidays Act (Act 5 of 1952), in which section 2 declared the day to be a religious public holiday. Accordingly, certain activities were prohibited, such as organised sports contests, theatre shows, and so on (Ehlers 2003). Pegging a claim on this day was also forbidden under section 48(4)(a) of the Mining Rights (Act 20 of 1967; repealed by the Minerals Act (Act 50 of 1991).[1] The name was changed to the Day of the Vow in order to be less offensive, and to emphasise the vow rather than the Zulu antagonist (Ehlers 2003). In 1961, the African National Congress chose 16 December to initiate a series of sabotages, signalling its decision to embark on an armed struggle against the regime through its military wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe . In 1983, the South African government vetoed the decision by the acting government of Namibia to discontinue observing the holiday. In response, the Democratic Turnhalle Alliance resigned its 41 seats in Namibia's 50-seat National Assembly. Act 5 of 1952 was repealed in 1994 by Act No. 36 of 1994, which changed the name of the public holiday to the Day of Reconciliation. Debates over the Holiday Scholars like historian Leonard Thompson have said that the events of the battle were woven into a new myth that justified racial oppression on the basis of racial superiority and divine providence. Accordingly, the victory over Dingaan was reinterpreted as a sign that God confirmed the rule of whites over black Africans, justifying the Boer project of acquiring land and eventually ascending to power in South Africa. In post-apartheid South Africa the holiday is often criticised as a racist holiday, which celebrates the success of Boer expansion over the black natives. By comparison with the large number of Afrikaners who participated in the annual celebrations of the Voortrekker victory, some did take exception. In 1971, for instance, Pro Veritate, the journal of the anti-apartheid organisation the Christian Institute of Southern Africa , devoted a special edition to the matter. Historian Anton Ehlers traces how political and economic factors changed the themes emphasised during celebrations of the Day of the Vow. During the 1940s and 1950s Afrikaner unity was emphasised over against black Africans. This theme acquired broader meaning in the 1960s and 1970s, when isolated "white" South Africa was positioned against the decolonisation of Africa . The economic and political crises of the 1970s and 1980s forced white Afrikaners to rethink the apartheid system. Afrikaner and other intellectuals began to critically evaluate the historical basis for the celebration. The need to include English and "moderate" black groups in reforms prompted a de-emphasis on "the ethnic exclusivity and divine mission of Afrikaners" (Ehlers 2003). BACK TO TOP

History & Heritage GAUTENG - NORTHERN CAPE - FREE STATE - WESTERN CAPE EASTERN CAPE - KWA ZULU NATAL - LIMPOPO - NORTH WEST - MPUMALANGA Gauteng History & Heritage Maropeng’s Stone Park Maropeng’s Stone Park is, on the one hand, symbolic of humankind’s impact on nature, and on the other, a unique, new functional space created in the grounds of the Cradle of Humankind visitor centre. Introducing the theme of human achievement, two massive granite stone tools make for an imposing sight at the entrance to the park, which is expected to become a popular multifunctional area in which visitors can mingle, relax and celebrate. Its open design and semi-circular arrangement of large granite blocks allow the park to be used as a venue for concerts, picnics, festivals or weddings, while bespoke lighting illuminates the granite curve at night, making it especially appealing for evening functions. Designers FSG Landscaping appointed a team of 30 to work on the large-scale landscaping installation, which was envisioned to blend in with the surrounding landscape. Great care was taken to minimise disturbance of flora and fauna at this historically significant site. The park was completed in late 2017. With conservation playing a guiding role in the project, plants that were removed have been replanted on the new site, along with new indigenous flora such as flowering shrubs. Macit Tours & Travel Macit Tours & Travel is an owner-run tour and travel company in Johannesburg. The Macit Tours component specialises in organising guided and self-drive tours in Southern Africa, while its sister company Macit Travel focuses on global corporate and leisure travel. Consistently rated as “excellent” on TripAdvisor , Macit Tours has been in operation for almost 20 years. Macit offers day tours in and around Johannesburg, as well as cross-border trips to Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania. In addition to organising tours, it also arranges airport transfers, accommodation, car rental and global flights for clients. Tours on offer fall under various categories – historical, wildlife and adventure – and visitors can choose from half-day, full-day and extended tours. Johannesburg city tours might include a half-day outing to the city centre, the Origins Centre at Wits University or Constitution Hill, while a full-day excursion could extend to Maropeng and the Sterkfontein Caves in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, Hartbeespoort Dam , ziplining at Sparkling Waters Hotel and Spa in the Magaliesberg, Harties Cableway, or a Soweto township tour. Tours are customised to suit your requirements and budget and cater for two to 50 guests, with transport provided in comfortable vans or buses, depending on group size. Macit prides itself on personal service. Macit is your one-stop provider of corporate and leisure travel services, also making provision for conferences, incentives and tailor-made holidays. The Origins Centre The Origins Centre is a world-class museum that provides insight into the intriguing origins of humankind and human development. If you are fascinated by the theory of evolution, then this centre at the University of the Witwatersrand, is a must-visit destination when it comes to Johannesburg tourism. Opened in 2006, Origins Centre showcases Africa’s unique heritage and culture through rock art paintings dating back thousands of years, collected from all over Southern Africa. The rock paintings were the work of the San and visitors can expect to learn about the fascinating beliefs and rituals – such as hunting and the trance dance – of this ancient tribe. The rock art collection has been sourced from various regions in southern Africa by the Wits Rock Art Research Institute. The museum combines cutting-edge technology and the creative ingenuity of South African artists to guide visitors on a journey beginning at the earliest evidence of humans, working its way through the development of art, symbolism, and technology on the African continent. The display includes fossils discovered in South Africa, as well as numerous palaeoanthropological, and archaeological materials. The exhibitions are designed to cater to a wide range of age groups and knowledge, from young children to those with an academic interest in the subject. Information is packaged in a diverse range of mediums, including a virtual reality computer game, films and projections. Origins Centre also houses an extensive range of ancient tools and artefacts of spiritual importance to early humans. On average, the museum experience runs for 90 minutes with the aid of an audio guide that is available in six languages: Zulu, Sotho, English, Afrikaans, French and German. Visitors are also able to apply for a DNA test to trace their ancestral origins. The test is conducted at the National Health Laboratory Services, located at the corner of Joubert and De Kotze streets in Braamfontein. The Mapungubwe Collection Mapungubwe was a famous gold-trading kingdom that reached its peak many centuries ago in the mid-1200s AD. Today you can see the famous Mapungubwe gold hoard on display at the Arts Building on the University of Pretoria campus in Tshwane. Discovered in a burial mound in Mapungubwe in (what is now) Limpopo province in the 1930s, the gold collection includes hundreds of gold bracelets and anklets, thousands of gold beads and tens of thousands of glass beads, a small selection of which are on display in a one-room exhibition. The star attraction is the exquisite golden rhino statuette. Made entirely from gold sheets and held together with gold nails, the Mapungubwe rhino is one of the most impressive archaeological discoveries made in Southern Africa. Other extraordinary golden items on display include bovine-like creatures and a feline statuette similarly fashioned from gold sheeting, a ceremonial bowl and part of a golden sceptre. The Arts Building also contains a large ceramics collection that includes 18th-century Dutch vases, bowls and decorative tiles, and a variety of historic Chinese ceramics, as well as a handful of 19th-century Dutch oil paintings and items of Dutch furniture that date back to the same period. No photography is allowed. Hours: Monday to Friday 8 am to 4 pm; closed Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. Plovers Lake Plovers Lake is situated in the fossil-rich Cradle of Humankind region of Gauteng. The cave has been open since the late 1980s and thousands of fossils have been excavated from the site. Plovers Lake is located 4km southeast of Sterkfontein and Kromdraai, and is dated around 1 million years old, based on the size of porcupine fossils found at the site. The fossil-bearing cavity has been declared a South African National Heritage Site and is located about 36km north-west of the City of Johannesburg. Historical background Plovers Lake has had two periods of excavation – one in the late 1980s and early 1990s; and the second from 2000 to 2004. The first excavation is referred to as the “Outer Deposits”, and was led by CK “Bob” Brain and Francis Thackeray. The second is known as “Inner Deposits” and was conducted by Lee Berger from the University of the Witwatersrand the Steve Churchill from Duke University. The excavation of the Outer Deposits unveiled a fossil baboon which had survived a saber-toothed cat attack. During the excavation of Inner Deposits, Berger and Churchill later discovered 25,000 fossil remains during the second excavation – including knives, spear points, tools and fragmentary hominid remains. Places of interest The Cradle of Humankind area boasts 13 excavation sites that are recognised as national heritage sites, both internationally and by the South African Heritage Resources Agency. For those wanting to experience the birthplace of humankind firsthand, the official visitor centres for the Cradle of Humankind, Maropeng and the Sterkfontein Caves, are within an easy hour’s drive from Johannesburg. Maropeng is a world-class exhibition centre that focuses on the development of humans and our ancestors over the past few million years. On arrival, visitors are met by what appears to be a massive burial mound, the entry point into the secrets of humankind’s beginnings. The Sterkfontein Caves, the site of the most longstanding, continuous palaeoanthropological dig in the world, are world-renowned for their fossil finds. These caves have produced the pre-human skull popularly known as “Mrs Ples,” and an almost complete hominid skeleton affectionately known as “Little Foot”. Ditsong National Museum of Natural History The Ditsong National Museum of Natural History, formerly the Transvaal Museum, is South Africa’s leading natural history museum and one of the oldest in the country. The museum is situated in the centre of Pretoria (Tshwane) and was founded as the Staatsmuseum of South Africa on 1 December 1892. The museum has a vast range of displays and exhibits that are of great educational value, including hundreds of taxidermied birds and animals, amazing collections of insects and butterflies, and a valuable geological collection. The story of life on Earth and of the unique geological foundations of the African continent are outlined, and the theory of evolution is explained in detail, illustrated with fossils of prehistoric creatures that once roamed across South Africa and detailed diagrams. One of the key features of the museum is the Austin Roberts Bird Hall. Visitors will find an astonishing collection of 875 species of stuffed birds indigenous to South Africa, including eagles, owls and even vultures. Information on the migration, feeding and flight patterns of South Africa’s different bird species can also be studied in the well-arranged hall. The museum is easily accessed by wheelchair and display texts are also transcribed in Braille for the blind. School and family visits are accommodated and the museum is well used by researchers from across the globe working to understand the diversity of wildlife in Southern Africa. Stargazing at Maropeng The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site is one of the biggest attractions on the Gauteng map. It’s just a 40-minute drive from Johannesburg, which is far enough to escape the bright city lights that make viewing stars difficult. Maropeng, the official visitor’s centre for the cradle region, offers stargazing evenings with local astronomy expert Vincent Nettmann who will point out all the most significant constellations and nebulae. These monthly ‘astro-dinner dates’ are planned well in advance and bookings are recommended, however, they’re definitely among the best things to do in Gauteng. Evenings begin with sundowners at the Maropeng Hotel, where you can marvel at the impressive sunset views over the rolling hills of the protected Cradle of Humankind region. Then it’s time for dinner followed by a stargazing talk led by Nettman who has his own style of ‘edutainment’ which mixes facts about the night skies with entertaining stories from African folklore. According to the passionate stargazer Nettman, the southern hemisphere’s astronomical wealth if far richer than the North’s. He explains, “in the southern hemisphere there are two thirds more stars than in the northern hemisphere – it’s just the way nature is. Then if you look at light pollution in the big cities in Europe and America, there’s so much of it compared to down here.” Maropeng’s monthly stargazing events will have you examining stellar nurseries, pondering how the universe began and what fate awaits it, viewing Hubble Space Telescope images and mapping out the Milky Way. Subject to weather conditions, you will be able to observe sky objects and the moon through a range of large aperture telescopes. Booking is essential. Tickets can be booked via the Maropeng website’s Website: Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site Motsetsi Cave Motsetsi Cave (also known as Motsetse) is situated in the fossil-rich Cradle of Humankind region of Gauteng. The cave has been open since 1999, and tens of thousands of fossils have been excavated from the site, although no hominid fossils have been found at Motsetsi Cave to date. Motsetsi Cave is located 14km east of Sterkfontein and Kromdraai, and is dated between 1 and 1.6 million years old. The fossil-bearing cavity has been declared a South African National Heritage Site and is located about 45km north-west of the City of Johannesburg. Historical background Motsetsi Cave was discovered by Professor Lee Berger in 1999, giving way to a series of excavations in the area. Excavations are conducted by the University of Witwatersrand, although the University of Zurich has also led a few excavations at the site. Excavations at Motsetsi Cave have yielded more than 2000 macro-mammal specimens – bovids and carnivore fossils are abundant. Lime mining has also taken place at the site, and miners’ rubble covers much of the deposit. Places of interest The Cradle of Humankind area boasts 13 excavation sites that are recognised as national heritage sites, both internationally and by the South African Heritage Resources Agency. For those wanting to experience the birthplace of humankind firsthand, the official visitor centres for the Cradle of Humankind, Maropeng and the Sterkfontein Caves, are within an easy hour’s drive from Johannesburg. Maropeng is a world-class exhibition centre that focuses on the development of humans and our ancestors over the past few million years. On arrival, visitors are met by what appears to be a massive burial mound, the entry point into the secrets of humankind’s beginnings. The Sterkfontein Caves, the site of the most longstanding, continuous palaeoanthropological dig in the world, are world-renowned for their fossil finds. These caves have produced the pre-human skull popularly known as “Mrs Ples,” and an almost complete hominid skeleton affectionately known as “Little Foot”. Northern Cape Tourism Northern Cape Tourism Northern Cape Tourism information on national and provincial parks. Characterised by its vast expanses of space and silence, warm sunny climate, friendly people and hospitality, the Northern Cape is a province with a rich culture heritage. Below you will find information on Northern Cape Tourism. Diamond Fields The Big Hole in Kimberley is the largest hand-dug excavation in the world. In 1871, diamonds were discovered at the site and mined manually by prospectors. The Kimberley Tram Service dates back to the beginning of the 20th century and still transports passengers from the City Hall to the Mine Museum. Underground mine tours are a big attraction, as are the famous ghost tours, during which many historical buildings are seen from a different perspective. Hand and mechanical diamond-digging by private diggers can be viewed by appointment. The McGregor Museum houses invaluable collections of the archaeological finds in the area, as well as San art works. The house where Sol Plaatje (African National Congress founding member and human-rights activist) lived in Kimberley, has a library of Plaatje’s and other black South African writers’ works, and several displays, including a portrayal of black involvement in the Anglo-Boer/South African War. The Paterson Museum near Kimberley Airport houses a replica of a Paterson biplane, which was used for pilot training by the flying school operated by the Paterson Aviation Syndicate at Alexandersfontein. A township tour of Galeshewe provides a fresh perspective on South Africa’s socio-historical realities. Pan African Congress founder Robert Sobukwe’s house is there. The Magersfontein Battlefield outside Kimberley, with its original trenches and other defenses intact, is the site of the Boers’ crushing defeat of the British during the Siege of Kimberley. A cultural centre at Wildebeestkuil outside Kimberley features !Xun and Khwe artwork for sale and a tour of rock engravings by these indigenous people. Barkley West attracts many water-sports enthusiasts and anglers. Tucked along the Vaal River near Barkley West lies the Vaalbos National Park. The park is not only home to large raptors, but also a breeding centre for endangered African herbivores such as rhino, roan and sable antelope and disease-free buffalo. Kalahari At Black Rock, visitors can view a worked-out manganese mine. Danielskuil lies at the foot of the Kuruman hills. The Tswana people occupied the area before it became home to the Griquas. Boesmansgat, on the farm Mount Carmel outside Danielskuil, is a unique natural sinkhole – the second-deepest and largest of its kind in the world. Known as the “Oasis of the Kalahari,” Kuruman is blessed with a permanent and abundant source of water that flows from Gasegonyana (Setswana for “the little water calabash”) – commonly called the “Eye of Kuruman” – which yields 20 million litres of water per day. Moffat’s Mission in Kuruman features the house of missionary Robert Moffat, the church he built, and several other historic buildings. Moffat translated the Bible into Setswana – the first African language in which the Bible was made accessible. The printing press on which he printed the first 2 000 copies can still be viewed.The church he built seats 800 people and is still in use. Explorer David Livingstone married Moffat’s daughter and started many famous travels from this mission station. The Wonderwerk Cave at Kuruman features extensive San paintings that may be viewed by appointment. The Kalahari Raptor Centre cares for injured birds. Many of these majestic creatures can be seen at close quarters. The Witsand Nature Reserve, situated about 80 km south-west of Postmasburg, features a 100-m high dune of brilliant white sand. It stretches for about nine km and is about two km’s wide. Green Kalahari The Roaring Sands site on the farm Doornaar near Groblershoop is a popular tourist attraction. Its high sand dunes, surrounded by typically red Kalahari dunes, are said to “roar” when the wind blows. Along the hand-built irrigation canals at Kakamas 11 waterwheels are still used. Kanoneiland is a settlement on the biggest island in the Orange River. At Keimoes, the Orange River flows at its widest. The Tierberg Nature Reserve offers spectacular views of the Keimoes Valley and the many islands in the Orange River. The original irrigation canal system is still in use. The Orange River Wine Cellar’s largest cellar is situated here. Kenhardt is the oldest town in the Lower Orange River area. The Quiver Tree Forest and Kokerboom Hiking Trail, consisting of between 4 000 and 5 000 quiver trees, are within easy driving distance of the town. Upington is the commercial, educational and social centre of the Green Kalahari, owing its prosperity to agriculture and its irrigated lands along the Orange River. A camel-and-rider statue in front of the town’s police station pays tribute to the “mounties,” who patrolled the harsh desert territory on camels. Kalahari Desert Speedweek, in its third year at the beginning of October 2014, is an annual eight-day speed festival held in a far north-western corner of South Africa where tumbleweeds can roam for days nonstop and the dried-up lake beds are tailor-made for top-speed exploration. It is a proper run-what-you-brung motorsport event where anybody is welcome to enter, and anything with an engine is eligible. Over the years, the event has also become a meeting place for all sorts of eccentric machinery and people. Expect anything from 1940s-vintage Nash sedans limping along in period-correct warbird liveries to finely tuned Italian exotics humming at breakneck speeds, billowing dust clouds in tow. The Orange River displays its impressive power at the Augrabies Falls in the Augrabies Falls National Park. Visitors can hire canoes to ensure closer contact with the natural heritage surrounding the world’s sixth-largest waterfall. The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park comprises 38 000 m2 of land, making it one of the largest conservation areas in the world. Straddling the Green Kalahari and Botswana, the park is a two-million-hectare sanctuary for various raptors, antelope, gemsbok, springbok, blue wildebeest, red hartebeest, eland, Kalahari lion, black-maned lion, brown and spotted hyena, leopard, cheetah, and smaller game, including mongoose, porcupine and the endangered honey badger. Namaqualand The Namas are the indigenous people of Namaqualand. Their traditional Nama reed huts still abound in Leliefontein, Nourivier and Steinkopf . Namaqualand is famous for a spectacular annual show in spring when an abundance of wild flowers covers vast tracts of desert. The flowers sprout and survive for a brief period before they wilt and disappear in the blistering heat and dry conditions just as suddenly as they appeared. The small town of Garies is the centre for those setting out to enjoy this show of exuberance in the Kamiesberg. After diamonds were discovered along the West Coast in 1925, Alexander Bay has become known for its mining activities. The town is no longer a high-security area and no permits are needed to enter. The Alexkor Museum paints a picture of the history of the area. The town also features the world’s largest desert lichenfield, which has some 26 species. More Northern Cape Tourism At Hondeklip Bay, visitors can dive for crayfish and watch the local fisher folk conduct their trade. Port Nolloth is a centre for the small-scale diamond-recovery and crayfish industries. It is the only holiday resort on the Diamond Coast. The local factory sells fish and crayfish in season. Set in a narrow valley bisecting the granite domes of the Klein Koperberge lies Springbok . South of Springbok, near Kamieskroon, lies the Skilpad Wild Flower Reserve, part of the Namaqua National Park, which captures the full grandeur of the flower season. The 1 000-ha reserve is open only during the flower season. The Goegap Nature Reserve comprises 15 004 ha of typically granite, rocky hills and sandy flats. The reserve also offers a 4×4 trail, as well as several hiking and mountain-biking trails. Namaqualand is also home to the Ais-Ais/Richtersveld National Park. It is managed jointly by the local Nama people and South African National Parks. Upper Karoo (Bo-Karoo) Flanked by the Towerberg, Colesberg is one of the Northern Cape’s most beautiful towns. The town features one of the country’s last working horsemills. An Anglo-Boer/South African War tour is also on offer. A weekend tour includes a visit to the Norvals-pont prisoner-of-war camp and cemetery. Colesberg has bred many of the country’s top Merino sheep. It is also renowned for producing high-quality racehorses. De Aar is the most important railway junction in South Africa. The author Olive Schreiner lived in the town for many years. Visitors can dine in her former house, which has been converted into a restaurant. Hanover is known for its handmade shoes and articles made mostly from sheepskin and leather. The “Star of South Africa” diamond was discovered at Hopetown. The town also features an old toll house and a block house dating from the Anglo-Boer/South African War. At Wonderdraai near Prieska, visitors can see the horseshoe-shaped island formed by the flow of the Orange River. It seems as if the river turns to flow uphill. Vanderkloof, built to house the people building the Vanderkloof Dam, was turned into a flourishing holiday resort. Visitors can enjoy waterskiing, boardsailing, boating and swimming, or visit the Eskom Hydro-electric Power Station within the dam’s wall. The rare riverine rabbit is found in the Victoria West Nature Reserve. Hantam Karoo Near Brandvlei lies Verneukpan where Sir Malcolm Campbell unsuccessfully attempted to break the world land-speed record in 1929. Carnarvon is well known for its corbelled dome-roofed houses built of flat stones because of a lack of wood. The floors of these interesting houses were smeared and coloured with a rich red mixture of fat and oxblood and polished with smooth stone. A few kilometres outside Fraserburg lies the Gansfontein Palaeosurface. Discovered in 1968, it comprises several trackways of large, four-footed and five-toed mammalian reptiles. The prints are estimated to be some 190 million years old. Sutherland, birthplace of NP van Wyk Louw, well-known Afrikaans author and poet, is also known for its brilliant night skies and cold, biting winters. The South African Astronomical Observatory’s observation telescopes, including the Southern African Large Telescope (Salt), are in Sutherland. The sterboom (star tree), which blossoms in September, is found only in Sutherland . The Tankwa Karoo National Park, on the southern border of the Northern Cape, 70 km west of Sutherland, encompasses the Succulent Karoo Biome, the world’s only arid hotspot, stretches 116 000 km² from the southwestern Cape into southern Namibia. The landscape offers seasonal contrasts of coloured wild flowers and stark desert, set against the backdrop of the Roggeveld Escarpment to the east, Klein Roggeveld to the south and the Cederberg to the west. Its extensive desert plateaus are ideal for viewing game such as gemsbok, Cape mountain zebra , springbuck and bustards. Kalahari Red Dune Route Winding through the Kalahari – from just north of Upington all the way into the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park – the Red Dune Route drifts from guest house to game farm in a pleasurable combination of unlimited hospitality and arresting scenery. The locals say that once you’ve felt the red sand of the Kalahari between your toes, your heart will always return to this desert wonderland. The Kalahari Red Dune Route showcases the Kalahari through a wide range of activities including duneboarding, camel riding and 4×4 trailing for the adventurous, and game drives, guided walks, birding expeditions and other eco-inclined activities for nature-lovers. For visitors attuned to culture and history, the route offers the opportunity to experience regional customs and folklore, sample traditional cuisine, and meet the warm and welcoming people of the Kalahari. Accommodation options are as diverse as the landscape, and vary from camping to homely bed and breakfasts to luxury lodges. All in all, the Kalahari Red Dune Route offers something for everyone. Richtersveld Route The Richtersveld is a vast and unforgiving environment; stark and dramatic, yet strikingly beautiful. This route is for the self-sufficient 4×4 traveller only and it is highly recommended that you travel in a convoy as you traverse this largely uninhabited part of the Northern Cape. It is a mountainous desert situated in the north-west corner of South Africa. To its west is the cold and rough Atlantic Ocean, while the remarkable Orange River, the largest river in South Africa, winds along its northern border. The Richtersveld has the highest diversity of succulent plants in the world (4 849 species, of which 1 940 are endemic), as well as eerie coastal mists, alluvial diamonds and truly indigenous cultures. While many people already know about the Richtersveld National Park, few realise there is an equally large protected area to the south, previously called the Richtersveld Community Conservancy. This area is the last refuge of Nama people living what is known as the transhumant lifestyle – to migrate seasonally with their livestock from mountains to the river and so make sustainable use of the fragile succulent ecosystem. In recognition of this vanishing lifestyle, and of the rare botanical diversity it helps protect, the conservancy has been declared the core of a new World Heritage Site – one of only eight in the South Africa. Each small village in the Richtersveld has distinctive features and characteristics. The traditional culture of the inhabitants should be explored and enjoyed. Visiting these hospitable and friendly people is an essential part of any trip to the area. The |Ai |Ais-Richtersveld National Park is unique in that it is a contractual park – jointly managed by the local community and South African National Parks. Stock farmers may continue to graze their livestock in the park, thereby maintaining a centuries-old tradition. Namakwa Coastal Route The Namakwa Coastal route is a rugged nature experience along the unexplored north-west coast of South Africa’s Northern Cape. These shores have remained virtually unknown to the public at large as it is within the restricted and previously forbidden diamond mining areas. The route runs along the coast from “Groenrivier” mouth until Port Nolloth and is ideal if you are looking for peace, tranquility and adventure. However many of the roads on the route are not accessible to ordinary saloon cars and more suitable for 4×4. If coming from the south (Cape Town) the route starts in Namaqua National Park . Basic accommodation and/or camp sites are available all through the route. On one side, breathtaking scenes of the Atlantic Ocean include occasional sightings of dolphins and whales, while on the other lies the endemic wildlife of the enraptured veld. North of the Namaqua National Park you will enter the previously restricted Namaqualand Mines area. The valuable mineral treasures hidden within its sands have made these restrictions necessary but diamonds are not the only treasures. This sandveld has been jealously guarded and while still largely unspoilt and crime-free is home to many indigenous plants, animals and insects. The coastline, with its flowing dunes and mysterious shipwrecks, has been opened to the fortunate few who come in a 4×4 or can participate in organised guided tours. Kimberley Diamond Route The Diamond Route comprises a series of properties – owned by companies traditionally associated with diamond mining, namely De Beers, E Oppenheimer & Son and Ponahalo Holdings – that have been set aside for conservation and tourism. Many have accommodation, ranging from luxurious lodges to camping, and offer a range of wildlife and outdoor activities. The route was designed to rehabilitate and conserve six hectares of land for every hectare a company mines, as a way to redress the balance between the use of natural resources and sustaining the ecosystem. Combined the route makes up 250 000 hectares across South Africa and Botswana. These properties give people a chance to commune with the diversity of nature – from cultivated gardens to mopani woodlands and riverine forests to savannah grassland and the sandscapes of the Kalahari. Kokerboom Food & Wine Route The Kokerboom Food and Wine Route highlights some of the attractions that can be found along the stretch of the Orange River, including activities, accommodation, restaurants and sightseeing. Where the Kalahari and the Nama-Karoo deserts meet, the Great Gariep River (Orange River) flows, bringing life to the typically arid worlds on both sides, and turning the area into an oasis. It is here that travellers can experience the Kokerboom Food and Wine Route. The route takes the traveller into one of the most interesting and beautiful areas of South Africa’s Northern Cape province and embraces the towns and settlements of Keimoes, Kanoneiland, Kenhardt, Augrabies, Upington and Marchand. The Kokerboom Food and Wine Route has something for everyone. The route is located in an arid zone, with stifling hot summers (up to 45°C) and chilly winter nights. The Great Gariep, known more commonly as the Orange River, winds through the landscape and brings it life. This river was once called “God’s gift to the Southern African thirstland”. The greenbelt along the river’s banks contrasts sharply with the rising rocky cliffs. Irrigation schemes have stretched the greenbelt into the desert, making acres of vineyards and other agriculture possible. Ten percent of South Africa’s vineyards are found in the Orange River valley and southern Kalahari. Karoo Highlands Route Ever yearned for a space so vast that the horizon continues into the future? Or to see the stars so clearly you feel that you touch them? The Karoo Highlands Route is where you can experience such uniqueness. The area is renowned for the hospitality of its farming community. Whether you’ll be admiring the inimitability of the corbelled houses or looking back in time at the Gansfontein Palaeo Surface, your heart will surely be touched by this region as never before. The Karoo Highland Route is situated in the southern part of the Northern Cape in South Africa. The route covers the small Karoo towns of Nieuwoudtville, Calvinia, Williston, Sutherland, Fraserburg, Carnarvon, Loxton and Victoria West and forms the heart of the Great Karoo. The Karoo is the home of peace and tranquillity where you can recharge your batteries, while exploring the wide open plains dotted with koppies (hills). This is a place where a huge telescope allows you to look back to the beginnings of our universe 13-billion years, and where pre-dinosaurs roamed the Earth and the first people gazed up to the heavens. People have lived on this massive plateau, the largest of its kind outside Asia, for about 500 000 years. The Khoi and San people who left their legacy as art on the rocks gave the Karoo its name. The place’s name comes from karusa, a Khoi word which means dry, barren, thirst land. This aptly describes this region where water is scarce. It is an ancient, fossil rich land, with some important archaeological sites, as well as the largest variety of succulents found anywhere on Earth: there are more than 9 000 plant species in the Great Karoo. The route offers plenty of interesting attractions, such as Sutherland’s astronomical observatory, Carnarvon’s Karoo Array radio telescope, Karoo architecture and corbelled houses, Anglo-Boer War sites, rock art, ancient palaeo surfaces, farm stays and medicinal plants. Quiver Tree Route The Quiver Tree Route contrasts stark fawn arid land and verdant green vineyards. The Great Gariep, known more commonly as the Orange River, winds through the landscape and brings life to the surrounding parched earth. The river was once called “God’s gift to the Southern African thirstland”. The greenbelt along the river’s banks contrasts sharply with the rising rocky cliffs. Irrigation schemes have stretched the greenbelt into the desert, making acres of vineyards and other agriculture possible. Ten percent of South Africa’s vineyards are found in the Orange River valley and southern Kalahari. The route includes the towns and settlements of much of the Green Kalahari and include Keimoes, Kanoneiland, Kenhardt, Augrabies, Upington and Marchand. The Quiver Tree Route has something for everyone. In addition to visiting the popular Augrabies Falls visitors can relax in hot springs, river raft, go on 4×4 trips, hike, bird watch, sample local delicacies and wines, touch the unique kokerboom (quiver tree) and even take a leisurely donkey cart ride through town. The kokerboom is a botanical symbol of this part of the world. Along the route one can experience dry, rugged mountains, desert adapted animal and plant life, red Kalahari dunes, stifling summer temperatures at day, and freezing desert temperatures at night. Free State Free State Free State province of South Africa. According to the Mid-year population estimates, 2017, there were over 2,8 million people in the Free State on about 129 825 km2 of land. The main languages spoken are Sesotho, Afrikaans and isiXhosa. The Free State has wide horizons and blue skies, farmland, mountains, goldfields and widely dispersed towns. It lies in the heart of South Africa, with Lesotho nestling in the hollow of its bean-like shape. Between the Vaal River in the north and the Orange River in the south, this immense rolling prairie stretches as far as the eye can see. The Free State sprawls over high plains and stretching along the Maluti Mountains bordering Lesotho. Near the sandstone cliffs and Basotho Cultural Village of Golden Gate Highlands National Park is Clarens , a town distinguished by its art galleries. The Anglo-Boer War Museum in South Africa’s judicial capital of Bloemfontein traces the Free State’s history as a Boer republic. Mangaung, comprising Bloemfontein, Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu, has an established institutional, educational and administrative infrastructure. With Bloemfontein being South Africa’s judicial capital, the province houses the Supreme Court of Appeal. Important towns include Welkom, Sasolburg , Odendaalsrus, Kroonstad, Parys, Phuthaditjhaba, Bethlehem and the charming village of Clarens situated in the rolling foothills of the Maluti Mountains. Some of South Africa’s most valued San rock art can be found in the Free State. Other tourist attractions include the Golden Gate National Park, the annual air show in Bethlehem, the Cherry Festival in Ficksburg and the Fauresmith International Endurance Ride equestrian event. The annual Mangaung African Cultural Festival, known as Macufe, is hosted in partnership with the Tourism Authority and the Performing Arts Centre of the Free State. The Vredefort Dome, 10 km in diameter, is South Africa’s seventh World Heritage Site. For information on Free State Towns/Cities please Click HERE . Municipal Regions of the Free state The Fezile Dabi District is an important agricultural production area, mainly maize. The Vaal Dam is the main source of water and offers a wide variety of leisure facilities. Other attractions include the Vredefort Dome, which is the third largest meteorite site in the world, and San paintings. Sasolburg is the location of the country’s largest chemical and synthetic fuel plant. The Lejweleputswa District boasts goldfields and it is a major agricultural area. The district forms part of the larger Witwatersrand basin. The first gold was discovered in the early 1940s. Bothaville is one of the important maize centres in the country. The annual National Maize Production Organisation festival attracts more than 70 000 visitors and is the second largest private show in the world. The Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality contains the largest population and comprises mainly of open grassland, with mountains in the most eastern region. The main urban centre is Bloemfontein. The city is the trade and administrative hub of the Free State and boasts the provincial government and the seat of the Appeal Court of South Africa. It also has a rich history, which includes the establishment of the African National Congress in 1912 and the National Party in 1914. The Thabo Mofutsanyana District borders Lesotho to the east and has beautiful hills and fruit farms. The district is one of the most important tourism destinations due to spectacular scenic beauty of the Drakensberg and Maluti mountain ranges. Other attractions include the Golden Gate Highland Park, the annual cherry festival at Ficksburg, a Basotho cultural village in Maluti-a-Phofung, and Khoisan rock paintings. The Xhariep District is located in the south-west of the province and is a semi-arid area with extensive farming, mainly sheep. The district comprises open grasslands with small wide dispersed towns. The Xhariep Dam is one of the tourists’ attractions. It offers a variety of leisure facilities. Although the Free State is the third-largest province in South Africa, it has the second-smallest population and the second-lowest population density. The economy is dominated by agriculture, mining and manufacturing. Known as the ‘bread basket’ of South Africa, about 90% of the province is under cultivation for crop production. It produces approximately 34% of the total maize production of South Africa, 37% of wheat, 53% of sorghum, 33% of potatoes, 18% of red meat, 30% of groundnuts and 15% of wool. The province is the world’s fifth-largest gold producer, with mining the major employer. It is a leader in the chemicals industry, being home to the giant synthetic-fuels company, Sasol. The Vredefort Dome, 10km in diameter, about 100km south-west of Johannesburg, is South Africa’s seventh World Heritage Site. The Free State is divided into one metropolitan municipality (Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality) and four district municipalities, which are further subdivided into 18 local municipalities. Free State Agriculture Agriculture dominates the Free State landscape, with cultivated land covering 32 000 km2 and natural veld and grazing 87 000 km2 of the province. Field crops yield almost two thirds of the gross agricultural income of the province. Animal products contribute a further 30%, with the balance generated by horticulture. Free State Mining The National Development Plan has intensified the mining potential that still exists in the goldfields region of Matjhabeng in the Lejweleputswa District as a job intervention zone. The De Bron-Merriespruit Gold Project and the Bloemhoek Gold Project are included as potential development projects in the scope of work of the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission. The province has 12 gold mines, producing 30% of South Africa’s output and making it the fifth-largest producer of gold in the world. Gold mines in the Free State also supply a substantial portion of the total silver produced in the country. Uranium occurring in the gold-bearing conglomerates of the goldfields is extracted as a by-product. The Free State’s gold reef of more than 400 km stretches across the province from Gauteng. South Africa’s largest goldmining complex is Free State Consolidated Goldfields, with an area of 330 km2. Bituminous coal is mined and converted to petrochemicals at Sasolburg. The province also produces high-quality diamonds from its kimberlite pipes and fissures, and the country’s largest deposit of bentonite is found in the Koppies district. Free State Manufacturing and industry The Maluti-a-Phofung Special Economic Zone is the Free State’s share of the logistics and industrial corridor. The Vehicle Distribution Centre was established in partnership with the German Bremen Logistics Group, which committed R60 million towards this project. The Harrismith Food Processing Park forms part of the broader development initiative. The green economic solar zone in the Xhariep district was expected to result in the establishment of the Xhariep Solar Park, harnessing the solar radiation in the southern part of the Free State. The Ingula Pumped Storage Scheme forms part of Eskom’s capital expansion programme. This energy infrastructure project is located on the border of the Phumelela and Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipalities in the Free State and eMnambithi Local Municipality and the uThukela District Municipality in KwaZuluNatal. Sasol South Africa, the largest producer of synthetic fuels on the sub-continent, remains a key role-player in the Free State economy. Its investment in its Sasolburg operations is evident from the Wax Expansion project, the Ethylene Purification Unit 5, the Gas Engine Power Plant and Clean Fuels 2. The Omnia Nitric Acid complex, located within the Sasol Industrial Complex, includes a nitric acid plant, an ammonium nitrate plant, a porous ammonium nitrate plant, a fleet of 145 specialised ammonia rail tankers and other ancillary facilities. Free State Tourism Routes CHEETAH ROUTE The Cheetah Route takes you through the Mangaung District – the cultural and political heart of the Free State. Abundant historical, cultural and natural attractions make the region a top business and recreational destination. Towns on the Cheetah Route are: Bloemfontein Botshabelo Thaba-Nchu EAGLE ROUTE Following the Free State’s southern border with Lesotho, the Eagle route runs from Ficksburg to Harrismith through some of the most picturesque landscape in the country. Activity highlights include cherry picking, seeing dinosaur fossils and rock paintings, arts & craft shopping, skiing in the winter slopes, horse riding and 4X4 trips. The towns to explore on the Eagle route are: Ladybrand Clocolan Ficksburg Fouriesburg Clarens Bethlehem Phuthaditjhaba Harrismith Memel SPRINGBOK ROUTE The Springbok Route, which connects the Free State with the Northern Cape, winds through the scenic farmlands and nature reserves of the Xhariep District. A wealth of cultural and historical attractions en route include battle sites, San rock engravings, game farms and diamond mines. The towns along the Springbok route are: Jakobsdal Koffiefontein Jagersfontein Bethulie Gariep Dam Philippolis FLAMINGO ROUTE The Flamingo Route runs through the Lejweleputswa District, an important agricultural and gold-producing area. This combination makes for a variety of leisure activities – exploring a local gold mine, game viewing and visiting key historical sites. And for lovers of the fast lane, the Free State’s own Phakisa Freeway Race Track is a must-see. The route includes the following towns: Bothaville Brandfort Welkom Ventersburg Virginia Winburg LION ROUTE If you want a taste of everything that is typically “Free State”, the Lion Route has it – from culture to nature to history. The towns along the Lion Route are: Deneysville Sasolburg Parys Vredefort Kroonstad Tourism in The Free State Visit the Free State Tourism page HERE for more information. BASOTHO CULTURAL VILLAGE • Is a cultural jewel of the Free State. • Located about 14 km’s from the Golden Gate Hotel. • The rest camp has two and four sleeper self–catering rondavels with stunning views of the mountains. The Golden Gate Highlands National Park and approximately 80 provincial, municipal and privately owned nature parks, nature reserves, game reserves, game farms, etc. Hunting is a popular tourist attraction at farms such as Driehoek, Excelsior, Hanover, Hartenbos and Holfontein near Bultfontein. Other hunting areas with packaged tours are located at Hertzogville, Wesselsbron, areas around Thaba ’Nchu, Frankfort, Heilbron, etc The Free State National Botanical Garden in Bloemfontein spans over 70 ha and is home to approximately 400 species of plants mainly from the Free State, Northern Cape and Lesotho. Furthermore, approximately 124 species of birds and 54 species of reptiles inhabit the garden. Dramatic mountainscapes, huge bodies of water that lend themselves to recreation, spectacular national parks, World Heritage Sites, and wide open spaces — the Free State has all of this, and then some. As South Africa’s most centrally located province, the Free State is easy to get to and it has shown a growing ability and desire to host big events. Golf For information on Free State Golf Courses please visit this PAGE for contact details and brief summaries of some of the Gold Courses around the Free State. Opportunities for growth The current state and shape of Free State’s economy clearly presents huge opportunities for investors in the manufacturing sector. The Free State Development Corporation (FDC) is actively searching for investors, and giving them a helping hand, as in the construction of factories in the Harrismith and Botshabelo areas. The opening of a Makro store in Bloemfontein, and extensions being carried out on other retail malls, indicate that a recovery in the provincial economy is under way. Massive investments by companies in the oil and gas and petrochemical sector in Sasolburg have also boosted the economy. In agriprocessing, a number of opportunities exist in the province. Some products that are being explored are cherries, asparagus, vegetables, wholesale meat, leather and increased seed production in the province’s eastern reaches. Tourism is another sector that is being targeted as the province seeks to diversify its economy away from an over-dependence on agriculture and mining. Interesting Facts “City of Roses” With its King’s Park Rose Garden containing more than 4 000 rose bushes, the Free State’s major city, Bloemfontein, has rightfully earned the nickname “City of Roses”. The city also hosts an annual rose festival. Agricultural Festivals The town of Bothaville hosts one of the largest agricultural festivals in the world, NAMPO, every year during May. Attendance of the 2011 festival set a new record of 73 552 people over the four-day period. The town is also the head office of Maize South Africa. Bridge The longest bridge in South Africa is the D.H Steyn bridge at 2 993 meter on the outskirts of the town Bethulie in the Xhariep district. Centre point of SA Emmaus, the centre point of South Africa, is located 20 km from the town of Petrusburg in the Xhariep district. Cherries The annual Cherry Festival held in Ficksburg (Setsoto Local Municipality) is the oldest crop festival in South Africa. A little known fact is that all of South Africa’s glazed cherries are produced in Ficksburg. The 45th anniversary of this festival will be celebrated in 2012. Commercial Plane Crash Spitzkop, a koppie near Memel, was the site of South Africa’s first commercial plane crash. On 15 May 1948 a Skyliner (a version of the well known DC3) belonging to Mercury Airways, crashed into Spitzkop, killing all 13 people on board. The crash was, at the time, regarded as South Africa’s biggest air disaster. Dam The largest dam in South Africa is the Gariep Dam in the Xhariep district. Dinosaur Eggs The world’s oldest dinosaur eggs, 200 million-year-old prosauropod dinosaur embryos, were found in the Golden Gate National Park in the Thabo Mofutsanyane district in 1978. Oilseeds – Groundnuts Groundnuts are grown mainly in the Free State, North West and Northern Cape. The normal planting time for groundnuts is mid October to mid-November. Sunflower seed Sunflower seed is produced in the Free State, North West, the Mpumalanga Highveld and in Limpopo. During the 2016 production season, the bulk of the crop was produced in the Free State (55,7%), North West (34.1%) and Limpopo (9,1%). Fauresmith Fauresmith is the only town in South Africa, and one of only three in the world, where the railway line runs down the centre of the main road. Grain Silo’s The largest grain silo’s in the world is found at Wesselsbron. Jagersfontein Founded in 1870, Jagersfontein (Xhariep district) is the world’s oldest diamond mining town and the first place where diamonds were discovered in its mother stone or blue ground, or as it’s now known, Kimberlite. Of the ten biggest diamonds ever found, two came from the Jagersfontein mine. Highest town above sea level Petrus Steyn is the Free State town highest above sea level at 1702 meters. Indoor Arena The largest indoor arena in the southern hemisphere is in Parys. The Parys Indoor Arena is a first in South Africa and includes a sand warm-up arena in the Shute and a grass arena for flat work and lunging. The SA Boerboel championships, horse shows and cattle shows are regularly hosted at the arena. There are approximately 460 indoor stables, private boxes for spectators and it has its own restaurant and bar. Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Conservation Area The Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Conservation Area is a trans-boundary initiative in Lesotho and South Africa. It includes a conservation area and World Heritage Site, which was included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in December 2000. The conserved areas include the Ukhahlamba World Heritage Site, Golden Gate National Park, QwaQwa National Park, Sterkfontein Dam Nature Reserve, and conserved areas within Lesotho. Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality The Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality is a metropolitan municipality which governs Bloemfontein and surrounding towns in the Free State province of South Africa. Mangaung is a Sesotho name meaning “place of Cheetahs”. Free State, the birthplace of the ANC On 8 January 2012, Africa’s oldest liberation movement, the ANC, celebrated 100 years of existence. This was a historic achievement, not only for the movement, but also for South Africa, the continent and the world. Thousands of ordinary South Africans, political and religious leaders attended the centenary celebrations which were held in Mangaung, Free State, the birthplace of the ANC. ANC early years In its early years, the ANC was concerned mainly with constitutional protest. Worker militancy emerged in the wake of the First World War and continued through the 1920s. It included strikes and an anti-pass campaign, given impetus by women, particularly in the Free State, resisting the extension of the pass laws to them. Dry beans The Free State province produced 48,0% (17 000 t) of the 2015/16 commercial crop. The leading dry bean producer in South Africa. Olive Tree Forest The largest wild olive tree forest in South Africa is located at 20 km outside Parys near Venterskroon Rebellion The 1914 Rebellion started in Memel three and a half years after the establishment of the Union of South Africa. In 1914, when war broke out between Britain and Germany, the South African government’s announcement that also was going to invade German South West Africa (today’s Namibia), fighting broke out between former Generals of the Anglo-Boer War and government forces. Tourism Route The Maloti Route is the longest signed tourism route in South Africa. It starts in Harrismith and proceeds through the Free State to the Orange River after which it crosses the Eastern Cape to the N2 on the Wild Coast. It also includes Lesotho from the north to the south. In the Free State it passes through Ladybrand, Hobhouse, Wepener, Vanstadensrus and Zastron on the R26 Route. Vredefort Dome The Vredefort Structurein the Vredefort/Parys area has been declared South Africa’s 7th International World Heritage Site and is recognized worldwide as the oldest and biggest meteorite impact site. Universities Central University of Technology, Free State University of the Free State Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences Home What is Economic and Management Sciences? The Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences is a dynamic and innovative faculty that effectively meets the demands and challenges of the fast-changing economic and management environment. As a result of this, both our undergraduate and postgraduate students have access to unparalleled opportunities for training, research, and community service, and in particular the additional opportunity to gain international exposure by means of various exchange agreements. Faculty of Education The Faculty of Education is located on all three UFS campuses, namely Bloemfontein, South, and Qwaqwa. The University of the Free State’s Faculty of Education educates teachers in several disciplines. Our one role is to prepare pre-service teachers for their work in schools, ensuring that they have a strong disciplinary base for their professional work A second major role is the teaching of in-service teachers. This work is informed by and closely related to our research and community outreach. We bring to our work a keen interest in the local context, as the opportunity for exploring issues that are universal in education. We work closely with schools and other sites of education and attempt to keep theory and practice in dialogue with each other. The faculty offers a wide range of undergraduate degrees and diplomas as well as postgraduate certificates, honours, master’s and doctoral programmes. We place a high value on students as central to our work. Faculty of Health Sciences Four pillars The Faculty of Health Sciences renders a quality healthcare service to the diverse health care needs in South Africa, taking into consideration the four pillars of: teaching and learning research community service service delivery Focus of teaching and training Participation in various professional and national organizations as well as the faculty’s contribution to research has shifted the focus of teaching and training from a purely professional base to a combined effort between: profession and education Faculty of the Humanities The primary purpose of a Humanities education is to give you access to critical thinking skills, appreciation of literature, understanding of cultures, the uses of power, the mysteries of the mind, the organisation of societies, the complexities of leadership, the art of communication, and the challenge of change. All of these skills will support you in your future careers. A qualification in the Humanities is therefore well respected all over the world, and people with this type of qualification form the backbone of society. Faculty of Law Vision Within the broader context of the vision as an excellent, equitable, and innovative university, the faculty strives to: be constantly recognised nationally and internationally for the quality of its activities and for the achievements of its students and staff; continuously maintain and expand a national and regional perspective in order to maintain its operations; contribute to the reconstruction and development of the entire community within its own context. Free State Population. Capital: Bloemfontein Principal languages: Sesotho 71,9% Afrikaans 10,9% IsiXhosa 5,7% Population: 2 834 714 Percentage share of the total South African population: 5,1% Area: 129 825 km2 Source: Stats SA’s Mid-year population estimates 2017 and Community Survey 2016 ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK The Free State, in its current jurisdictional form, was created in 1994 when the Bantustans were abolished and included into the provinces of South Africa. Bloemfontein is the capital of the province which comprises five district municipalities and nineteen local municipalities. SETTLEMENT PATTERN The Free State comprises ninety urban settlements of various sizes. According to Free State Growth and Development Strategy – FSGDS (2012), apartheid planning has resulted in extremely low densities, low levels of efficiency and long distances between places of employment and places of work. The largest economic contribution originates within urban settlements. It is estimated that urbanisation has increased from 70.5% in 1996 to 80% in 2006 and that approximately 40% of the Free State population reside in the large urban centres or settlements (SOER 2009). Five types of settlements are distinguished in the Free State (SOER, 2009), namely: 1 Large urban settlements: Bloemfontein, Thaba Nchu, Botshabelo, Welkom, Virginia, Odendaalsrus, Allanridge, Henneman and Sasolburg. 2 Regional towns: Kroonstad and Bethlehem. 3 Middle Order towns: Ladybrand, Ficksburg, Puthaditjhaba, Heilbron, Frankfort, Senekal, Parys, Bothaville, Viljoenskroon, Harrismith and Reitz. 4 Small towns: Rural and small-farming communities. 5 Communal: Rural areas of Thaba Nchu and Maluti a Phofung. Western Cape Western Cape Situated on the south-western tip of the African continent, the Western Cape with its wide beaches and breathtaking scenery, complemented by a rich variety of cultures, historical landmarks, world-class restaurants and entertainment, is a world-famous tourist destination. Cape Town, often referred to as the “Mother City”, houses Parliament and is South Africa’s legislative capital. The province has a strong network of higher education institutions including the universities of Cape Town, Stellenbosch and the Western Cape. The Western Cape has the highest adult education level in the country. Visitors to the province can disembark at one of the province’s two main airports, Cape Town International or George Airport. It is also possible to enter at the seaports of Cape Town, Mossel Bay and Saldanha. Table Mountain, the Cape winelands, Robben Island as well as the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens are among the province’s most popular tourist attractions. The Western Cape is also known for its floral diversity. The Cape Floristic Region World Heritage Site, comprising eight separate protected areas, covers an area of more than 553 000 ha stretching from the Cape Peninsula to the Eastern Cape . The Knysna-Tsitsikamma region has the country’s biggest indigenous forests. The cold Atlantic Ocean along the West Coast is a rich fishing area. While the warmer Indian Ocean skirts the province’s southern beaches. Page Contents Western Cape Agriculture and fisheries Western Cape Industry Western Cape Population Vision, Mission and Western Cape Provincial Strategic Objectives Western Cape Agriculture and fisheries The Western Cape’s sheltered valleys between mountains are ideal for the cultivation of export-grade fruit such as apples, table grapes, olives, peaches and oranges. A variety of vegetables are cultivated in the eastern part of the Western Cape. While the Swartland and Overberg districts are well-known as the country’s prime wheat-growing areas. The agricultural sector is critical to the Western Cape economy, accounting for 60% of regional exports. The Western Cape is also well known for its wine production. According to a study, commissioned by the SA Wine Industry Information & Systems, published in 2015, some 300 000 people were employed both directly and indirectly in the wine industry in 2015, including farm labourers, those involved in packaging, retailing and wine tourism. The study also concluded that of the R36,1 billion gross domestic product (GDP) contributed by the wine industry to the regional economy, about R19,3 billion eventually would remain in the Western Cape. Some 75% of all South African fishing takes place along the Western Cape coastline. The rich fishing grounds on the west coast are also protected from exploitation by a 200 km commercial fishing zone. There is also a strict quota system implemented. Delicacies found in these waters are Snoek, Cape lobster, abalone, calamari, octopus, oysters as well as mussels. Other exports include fruit, wine, wool and ostrich. The high quality of exports, combined with the relative weakness of the local currency, makes the products therefore some of the most affordable high-quality exports in the world. Western Cape Industry The Saldanha Bay Industrial Development Zone (SBIDZ) is drawing strong international interest. The SBIDZ Licencing Company had signed six lease agreements with international as well as South African oil and gas companies. These include firms specialising in oilfield services, oil rig operations, logistics operators, ship repair, engineering as well as market support. A feasibility study conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry found that Saldanha Bay is strategically located to serve as a service, maintenance, fabrication and supply hub for the booming African oil and gas sector. Therefore due to the increasing number of oil rigs requiring maintenance, and their traffic flow passing from the west to the east coast of Africa. The Western Cape government has invested 25 million Rand over five years in setting up the SBIDZ. Western Cape Population Capital: Cape Town Principal languages: Afrikaans 46,6% IsiXhosa 31,1% English 19,6% Population: 6 279 730 Percentage share of the total South African population: 11,3% Area: 129 462 km2 Source: Stats SA’s Mid-year population estimates 2017 and Community Survey 2016 Vision, Mission and Western Cape Provincial Strategic Objectives Department of Economic Development and Tourism (Western Cape Government) Summary Vision The Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s vision is a Western Cape that has a vibrant, innovative, and sustainable economy, characterised by growth, employment and equitable opportunities, and built on the full potential of all. Mission To achieve the vision statement as noted above, the Department is required to provide a facilitative and leadership role to the Western Cape economy through the Department’s understanding of the regional economy, its ability to identify economic opportunities and potential, and its contribution to government economic priorities. The leadership role encompasses a vertical and horizontal alignment function as this will ensure economic development is the concerted effort of national, local and regional government; the private and not-for profit sectors as well as communities. In terms of vertical alignment, the department will strive for a “whole of government” approach to economic outcomes by aligning efforts of national, provincial and City of Cape Town and other municipalities. A facilitative role is also required in aligning economic activities within the horizontal space. The Department will intensify its role as horizontal aligner with business, institutions, and others around a common agenda for economic development. Here again it is intended that the Department`s role is viewed as the critical link between the external stakeholders in the economy and government. In essence the Department’s role changed from that of being an implementer of projects and programs to that of also being an influencer for economic growth, development and inclusion. The above approach gives credence to the achievements envisaged by the Provincial Strategic Objective (PSO1) which includes the creation of opportunities for growth and jobs, the creation of an enabling environment for business and citizens to grow and the creation of a competitive and productive economic region. Goal Our goal is to create the opportunities for businesses and citizens to grow the economy and employment. This will be achieved by embracing five key focus areas: Five Building Blocks It is recognised that in order to fully operationalise the Strategic Agenda it is necessary for all provincial departments to work together across departmental boundaries and disciplines. The Department of Economic Development and Tourism is the Custodian Department of PSO 1: Creating opportunities for growth and jobs. This also constitutes the goal statement of this Department. The Figure below provides a graphical representation of the five building blocks (also referred to as objective statements) of PSO1. It is believed that achievement in these five areas will support the obtainment of the PSO1. Western Cape Tourism The Western Cape lies at the southern tip of Africa. The province’s unmatched natural beauty, famous hospitality, cultural diversity, excellent wine and rich cuisine make it one of the world’s greatest tourist attractions. The tourism industry in the province has grown faster and created more jobs than any other. One in 10 employees in the Western Cape earns a living in the tourism industry, which contributes more than R25 billion to the provincial economy. (2015/2016) Cape Metropole Tourism in the city of Cape Town, which lies at the foot of the magnificent Table Mountain, centres on the Victoria and Alfred (V&A) Waterfront. A working harbour, the V&A offers everything from upmarket shopping malls, arts and craft markets, and a variety of restaurants, to theatres, live music and museums. Table Mountain, which forms part of the Table Mountain National Park, is one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. A modern cableway takes visitors to the top of the mountain, providing spectacular views. Other major attractions in the city include the Bo-Kaap Museum, the Castle of Good Hope, the Company’s Garden, the District Six Museum, flea markets, the Grand Parade, the Houses of Parliament, the South African Cultural History Museum and the South African National Gallery. The Gold of Africa Museum, established by Anglo Gold, houses a celebrated collection of more than 350 gold artifacts. Air flips and trips are available, as are many boat and yacht trips from Table Bay Harbour. There are also trips to Robben Island (proclaimed a world heritage site and also the place where former President Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 of his 27 years in prison). The Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island is in the Clock Tower Precinct at the &A Waterfront. The gateway houses interactive multimedia exhibitions, an auditorium, boardrooms, the Robben Island Museum and a restaurant. Jazz is big in Cape Town. From traditional blues through progressive jazz to African influenced jazz, every taste is catered for at a number of restaurants, jazz cafés, cigar bars, pubs and wine farms. The top jazz event in the Western Cape is the annual Cape Town International Jazz Festival. The South African Rugby Museum in Newlands reflects the history of the sport as far back as 1891. The Rhodes Memorial in Rondebosch on the slopes of Table Mountain was built from granite from the mountain as a tribute to the memory of Cecil John Rhodes, Prime Minister of the Cape from 1890 to 1896. The University of Cape Town is worth a visit for its historic Middle Campus and many buildings designed by Sir Herbert Baker. Cape Point, part of the Table Mountain National Park, offers many drives, walks, picnic spots and a licensed restaurant. Care has been taken to protect the environmental integrity of this 22 100 ha reserve of indigenous flora and fauna. Simon’s Town’s naval atmosphere and Historic Mile are major attractions in the area. A statue of the famous dog and sailors’ friend Able Seaman Just Nuisance stands at Jubilee Square. Hout Bay is renowned for its colourful working harbour. Seafood outlets, round-the-bay trips to the nearby seal colony, shell and gift shops, and a famous harbour-front emporium attract many visitors. Duiker Island is a seal and sea-bird sanctuary. The World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the largest bird parks in the world and houses some 3 000 Birds. Big Bay in Bloubergstrand is a surfers’ paradise and hosts an international windsurfing event. Rietvlei Nature Reserve is a unique wetland area with over 110 bird species, including pelicans and flamingos. Canal Walk, Century City, is one of the largest shopping centres in Africa, with close to 400 shops, and is home to the largest cinema complex in South Africa. New Year in Cape Town is a festive affair, when the Cape minstrels take to the streets with their upbeat music and fancy costumes. The Monkey Town Primate Centre is home to over 200 individual primates and is located east of Somerset West on the N2. Strawberry-picking in Cape Town on the Mooiberge Strawberry Farm is available in season, which begins in November. Cape Winelands The Cape winelands feature dramatic mountains, rolling farmlands and peaceful vineyards. They are home to Route 62, the world’s longest wine route. The Stellenbosch Wine Route comprises over 100 wine estates, most of which offer cellar tours. Stellenbosch is the oldest town in South Africa. The town is a gracious blend of old Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian architecture. Dorp Street consists of one of the longest rows of old buildings in the country. The Stellenbosch Village Museum consists of four homesteads and gardens ranging from the late-17th to the mid-19th centuries. The Stellenbosch Toy and Miniature Museum houses a collection of 1:12 scale miniatures such as room boxes, miniature houses, antique dolls, cars and cuddly toys. The Spier Summer Arts Festival livens up summer nights from November to March at the Spier Wine Estate near Stellenbosch. Supervised pony and cart rides for children are available on the lawns of the Spier Estate. There is also a horse-carriage tour and equestrian centre for older children. The Freedom Monument at Pniel commemorates the freed slaves who were the first settlers at the mission station, established in 1843. Franschhoek has become known as the “Gourmet Capital” of the Cape. The Huguenot Monument was built in 1944 to commemorate the arrival in 1688 of the Huguenots who were predominantly French. In April each year, the region hosts the South African Cheese Festival. Visitors can also enjoy various hiking trails and historical walks, as well as the Vignerons de Franschhoek Wine Route. There is also an annual book/literary festival in Franschhoek. Butterfly World, one of the more unique attractions of the Western Cape winelands, consists of a tropical garden in a 1 000 m2 greenhouse. The Giraffe House Wildlife Awareness Centre is on 15 ha focuses mainly on African wildlife, Giraffe House provides a place for people to enjoy a picnic in the fresh air, while experiencing and learning about animals and conservation. Drakenstein Lion Park was established as a sanctuary for lions born in captivity. Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, which includes the smaller Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve, is near Stellenbosch, comprising the Jonkershoek Mountains and portions of the upper Jonkershoek Valley. The reserve stretches over 9 800 hectares (ha) and its rugged terrain is ideal for hiking. Assegaaibosch is much smaller and is suitable for shorter walks and picnics. On Le Bonheur Estate visitors can experience guided croc-pond tours, which lead across open dams via ramp-ways. Over 1 000 crocodiles are housed in these dams. Visitors can touch a baby crocodile, and during summer months, witness them being fed. Paarl is famous for its Cape Dutch and Victorian architectural treasures found along a 1-km stretch of the main street. The area’s fynbos supports many south-western Cape endemics, such as the Cape sugarbird and orange-breasted sunbird. The Afrikaans Language Monument is on the slopes of Paarl Mountain, while the Afrikaanse Taalmuseum (Language Museum) is in the centre of the town. The town of Wellington lies in a picturesque valley, with the majestic Hawequa Mountains on its eastern border. Wellington is also the home of South Africa’s dried-fruit industry. Experience life as the pioneers did in years gone by at the Kleinplasie Living Museum. The KWV Brandy Cellar, the largest of its kind in the world, offers cellar tours and brandy tastings. The Hex River Valley is the largest producer of table grapes in southern Africa. Visitors can pick their own grapes at harvest time and sample the variety of export-quality produce. The well-known Hex River 4×4 trail and the ochre san rock art trail is a must for nature lovers. De Doorns lies in the heart of the Hex River Valley. Bonnievale on the Breede River, features several cheese factories. For the adventurous outdoor enthusiast there are canoe trips, as well as bird watching and river boating. Surrounded by vineyards, orchards, and roses, Robertson is known as “The Valley of Wine and Roses.” It is known for its connoisseur-quality wines and its thoroughbred horses. Renowned for its muscadel wines, Montagu is the gateway to the Little Karoo. Relax in the healing waters of the Avalon Springs or visit the Montagu Museum, which houses, among other things, original cartoons and books by well-known cartoonist TO Honiball. The picturesque village of Gouda is known for the Parrotts Den pub, a living museum in the Gouda Hotel. McGregor has a variety of charming thatched cottages and well-preserved Victorian houses, making it one of the best-preserved examples of mid-19th-century architecture in the Western Cape. Prince Alfred Hamlet is the gateway to the Gydo Pass, known for its scenic views. This quaint village lies in an important deciduous-fruit farming area. Hidden amid vineyards and wine estates lies Rawsonville, known for its award winning wines. Tourists can enjoy an afternoon drive along the beautiful Slanghoek Valley with its lush vineyards and panoramic views or relax in the mineral springs at Goudini Spa. Garden Route The Garden Route spans roughly 200 km of the southern coast, incorporating the stretch of coastline which includes Mossel Bay, George, Wilderness, Sedgefield, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Nature’s Valley – each with its own charm and attractions. Famed for its lush greenery and the vast Tsitsikamma Forest, the Garden Route is the most biodiverse region in the world. The Garden Route features the pont at Malgas, which is one of the two remaining ponts in the country, ferrying vehicles and livestock across the Breede River. The Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve outside Heidelberg comprises the popular Bushbuck Trail, a wilderness trail and two mountain-bike trails. Riversdale is one of South Africa’s most important fynbos export areas. Other attractions include the Julius Gordon Africana Museum. At the historical Strandveld Architectural Heritage Site at Still Bay, visitors can watch tame eels being fed. Ancient fish-traps can be seen at Morris Point and the harbour. At the aloe factories at Albertinia, aloe juice is extracted for medicine and high-quality skin-care products. Nearby, bungee-jumping at the Gouritz River Gorge, hiking, mountain-biking and angling are popular pastimes. The Point in Mossel Bay is not only popular among surfers, but its natural pool formed by rock is also a favourite swimming spot at low tide. The St Blaize trail starts here and is the ideal place from which to watch the whales and dolphins at play in season. The harbour at Mossel Bay is one of the most modern commercial and recreational harbours on the southern Cape coastline. Other attractions include the Attequas Kloof Pass, Anglo-Boer/South African War block-houses and the Bartolomeu Dias complex. Great Brak River offers a historic village with many opportunities for whale- and dolphin watching along the extensive coast. The Slave Tree in George, located just outside the Old Library, was planted in 1811, when George was laid out. It is known to be the biggest English oak in the Southern Hemisphere. George is popular among golfers and is home to the renowned Fancourt Country Club and Golf Estate, as well as various other acclaimed golf courses. Visitors can board the Power Van at the Outeniqua Transport Museum, and enjoy a glimpse of the Garden Route Botanical Garden from this rail bus. The Big Tree at Woodville, an Outeniqua yellowwood, is estimated to be around 850 years old. It is located about 40 km outside of George in the direction of Knysna. The George Airport, Outeniqua Pass, railway line and the N2 offer convenient access to this region, making George the ideal hub from which to explore the Garden Route and Little Karoo. Victoria Bay and Wilderness are popular for their unspoilt beaches . Wilderness is the western gateway to the southern Cape lakes area. It is a nature lover’s paradise, best known for its beaches, lakes, placid lagoon and lush indigenous forests. The Langvlei and Rondevlei bird sanctuaries in the Wilderness National Park, which hosts over 230 different bird species, is popular among bird watchers. Sedgefield borders Swartvlei Lagoon, the largest natural inland saltwater lake in South Africa. Activities include beach horse riding, hiking, angling and bird watching. Knysna nestles on the banks of an estuary, guarded by The Heads (two huge sandstone cliffs) and surrounded by indigenous forests, tranquil lakes and golden beaches. This natural wonderland is home to the largest and smallest of creatures, from the Knysna seahorse to the Knysna elephants, rare delicate butterflies and the endemic Knysna loerie, a colourful forest bird. The abundant fynbos and forest settings host over 200 species. Knysna is also famous for its delectable home-grown oysters, enjoyed with locally brewed beer in quaint pubs and restaurants. The Knysna Oyster Festival, a celebration of the good life, has established itself as one of the most popular annual events in the Western Cape. An eclectic mix of art galleries presents the diversity of talent in the area. There are also lagoon cruises, forest hikes, golf and adventure sports on offer. Plettenberg Bay is adventure country, offering boat-based whale watching, black-water tubing, hiking, and forest and cycling trails. The Keurbooms River Nature Reserve at Plettenberg Bay offers a canoeing trail, while the Robberg Nature Reserve is a treasure trove of land, marine, geological and archaeological wealth. Little Karoo The Little Karoo’s fascinating landscape is fashioned almost entirely by water. Its vegetation ranges from lush greenery in the fertile river valleys to short, rugged Karoo plants in the veld. Gorges feature rivers that cut through towering mountains, while breathtakingly steep passes cross imposing terrain. The region is also home to the world’s largest bird – the ostrich. The Little Karoo is rich in culture and history. Oudtshoorn, the world’s ostrich-feather capital, is the region’s main town. The Klein-Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (National Arts Festival) is held in the town annually. Some 29 km from Oudtshoorn lie the Cango Caves, a series of subterranean limestone caverns. Bearing evidence of early San habitation, the cave features magnificent dripstone formations. Amalienstein and Zoar are historic mission stations midway between Ladismith and Calitzdorp. Visitors can go on donkey-cart and hiking trails through orchards and vineyards, while the Seweweekspoort is ideal for mountainbiking, hiking, and protea and fynbos admirers. Calitzdorp has four wine estates, three of which are open to the public. The spring water of the Calitzdorp Spa is rich in minerals and reputed to have medicinal properties. The Gamka Mountain Reserve is home to the rare and endangered Cape mountain zebra . Excellent wines and port are produced in the Calitzdorp and De Rust areas. The Swartberg Nature Reserve and Pass with their gravel roads are also worth a visit. De Rust lies at the southern entrance to Meiringspoort. The Meiringspoort Gorge extends 20 km through the Swartberg Mountain Range. Halfway through is a beautiful 69-m waterfall. Wine farms in the area are open to the public. Ladismith is home to the Towerkop Cheese Factory. There are various hiking, mountainbiking and 4×4 trails in the area, as well as the Anysberg, Little Karoo and Towerkop nature reserves. Uniondale, on the main route between George and Graaff-Reinet, features the largest water-wheel in the country, the Old Watermill. Uniondale Poort is a scenic drive linking Uniondale with Avontuur in the Langkloof Valley. At Vanwyksdorp, visitors can see how fynbos is dried and packed for the export market. Donkey-cart rides take visitors to Anglo-Boer/South African War grave sites. Central Karoo The Central Karoo, a fascinating semi-desert area, lies in the heart of one of the world’s most unique and interesting arid zones. This ancient, fossil-rich land is five times the size of Great Britain. Here, visitors will find the Earth’s largest variety of succulents. Beaufort West, the oldest town in the Central Karoo, is often referred to as the “Oasis of the Karoo.” The local museum displays awards presented to heart-transplant pioneer, Prof. Chris Barnard, a son of this town. A township route introduces visitors to the Xhosa culture in the area. The Karoo National Park, on the town’s doorstep, is home to a variety of game, as well as the highly endangered riverine rabbit. Matjiesfontein, a national monument, offers tourists a peek into yesteryear and the opportunity to overnight in Victorian splendour. The village houses a transport museum and the Marie Rawdon Museum. Experience the vastness of the Great Karoo in Murraysburg, an ecotourist and hunter’s paradise. Laingsburg, a tiny village that was devastated by floods about a century after it was established, was rebuilt afterwards. It is the best place to study the geology of the region. Prince Albert is a well-preserved town at the foot of the Swartberg Mountains. It is the ideal place to sample Karoo cuisine, see examples of local architecture dating back to the early 1800s and enjoy several scenic drives. The Fransie Pienaar Museum introduces visitors to the cultural history of the area. It has a fossil room and an exhibit covering the gold rush in this area in the 19th century. The museum has a licence to distil and sell “witblits” (white lightning). Prince Albert is the closest town by road to Gamkaskloof. The Hell, a little valley in the heart of the Swartberg Mountains, was the home of one of the world’s most isolated communities for almost 150 years. Gamkaskloof is a nature reserve and national monument managed by Cape Nature Conservation. It has overnight facilities and can be accessed by a 57-km long (but two-hour drive) winding road which starts at the peak of the Swartberg Pass. West Coast The West Coast is a region of outstanding beauty and contrast. The coast’s scenic beauty is challenged only by culinary experiences of mussels, oysters, calamari, crayfish and abalone in season, or linefish pulled from the Benguela Current’s cold waters. During April every year, Lambert’s Bay has the Crayfish and Cultural Festival. The area is not only a birder’s paradise, but every year migrating whales visit the coastal waters from July. Vredenburg, the business centre of the area, has a popular golf course with a bird hide. Lambert’s Bay is a traditional fishing village, with Bird Island as a popular tourist attraction. It is a breeding ground for African penguins, the Cape cormorant and other sea birds. Within two months of the first good winter rains, wild flowers on the West Coast explode in a brilliant display of colour. The Swartland region is known for its wheat fields, vineyards, wineries and outdoor activities. Further north, visitors encounter the Olifants River Valley and the vast plains of the Knersvlakte with its wealth of indigenous succulent plants. The citrus area in the Olifants River Valley is the third-largest in South Africa. The town of Darling draws visitors to its country museum and art gallery, annual wild flower and orchid shows, basket factory and wine cellars. The entertainment venue “Evita se Perron” is situated at the old Darling Railway Station and offers top performances by South African entertainers. Malmesbury is the biggest town in the Swartland. Major attractions include the Malmesbury Museum and the historical walk-about. The Riebeek Valley is known for its scenic beauty. The area has become a popular haven for well-known artists of various disciplines. Wines and olives can be tasted at various cellars. Elands Bay is a popular holiday resort and surfer’s paradise. Khoi and San rock art can be viewed at the Elands Bay caves. Moorreesburg and Koringberg are major wheat-distributing towns. Tourists can visit the Wheat Industry Museum, one of only three in the world. Bird watching, hiking, 4×4 routes, clay-pigeon shooting, mountain-bike trails, canoeing and waterskiing at Misverstand are popular activities. Yzerfontein is famous for its unspoilt beaches, fynbos, beautiful views and whale watching. Another major attraction is the historical lime furnaces. Langebaan, a popular holiday destination, is home to the West Coast National Park. An internationally renowned wetland that houses about 60 000 waterbirds and waders, the park attracts thousands of visitors each year. The oldest anatomically modern fossilised human footprints were also discovered here. The Langebaan Lagoon forms part of the park and is zoned for specific activities. The Postberg section of the park, across the lagoon, is famous for its wild flowers that bloom mainly during August and September. Cape Columbine at Paternoster is the last manned lighthouse build on the South African coast. The Columbine Nature Reserve is home to a variety of seabird species. Saldanha is a water sport enthusiast’s paradise. Its attractions include Doc’s Cave, a landmark on the scenic breakwater drive, and the Hoedjieskoppie Nature Reserve. There are various hiking trails in the SAS Saldanha Nature Reserve. St Helena Bay is best known for the Vasco Da Gama Monument and Museum. Visitors can enjoy fishing (snoek in season), hiking and whale and bird watching. Piketberg offers arts and crafts, fauna and flora, wine culture and recreation. The Goedverwacht and Wittewater Moravian mission stations are close to the town. Porterville is famous for its Disa Route (best in January and February). The Groot Winterhoek Mountain Peak in the Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area is the second-highest in the Western Cape. The Dasklip Pass is popular with hang-gliders. At Velddrif/Laaiplek visitors can indulge in bokkems (a West Coast salted-fish delicacy) at factories along the Berg River. Tourists can also visit the salt-processing factory and the West Coast Art Gallery in town. The wine route from Citrusdal to Lutzville produces a selection of internationally acclaimed wines. Citrusdal is famous for its citrus products and wines. The Citrusdal Museum depicts the pioneering days of the early colonists. The Goede Hoop Citrus Co-Op is the largest single packing facility in South Africa. World-renowned rooibos tea is also produced here. The annual Citrusdal Outdoor Calabash features 4×4 outings, lectures and visits to rock-art sites and an arts and crafts market. Annually, scores of sky-diving enthusiasts visit Citrusdal for a skydiving “boogie” that lasts several days. The oldest orange tree in the country, calculated to be more than 250 years old, grows in the Citrusdal Valley. The Sandveldhuisie is an example of a typical Sandveld dwelling. The Cederberg Wilderness Area features the elephant’s foot plant, the rare snow protea and some of the best examples of San rock art in the Western Cape. Visitors to Clanwilliam can visit the rooibos and velskoen factories and the grave of the well-known South African poet Louis Leipoldt. Various historical buildings can also be viewed. The Clanwilliam and Bulshoek dams are popular among watersport enthusiasts. Wuppertal, at the foot of the Cederberg mountains, features the oldest Rhenish Mission Station. Proceeds from 4×4 trails in the area fund the creation of new hiking trails and the building of more overnight huts and guest houses. Wuppertal, which is well-known for its rooibos and buchu production, has added one more attraction to its tourism offerings – the Cederberg Donkey Cart Route. The project entails a three-day tour through the Cederberg Mountain area and Heuningvlei with accommodation facilities for overnight visitors. Vredendal is the centre of the Lower Olifants River Valley. Major attractions include marbleprocessing and manufacturing, industrial mines (dolomite and limestone), the KWV Grape Juice Concentrate Plant and Distillery and the South African Dried Fruit Co-Operative. The town is also home to the Vredendal Wine Cellar, the largest cooperative wine cellar under one roof in the Southern Hemisphere. The picturesque town of Doringbaai with its attractive lighthouse is well known for its seafood. Strandfontein, about eight km north of Doringbaai, is essentially a holiday and retirement resort with a panoramic view of the ocean. Klawer was named after the wild clover that grows in the area. During the flower season, the area is a riot of colour. The Doring River features hiking trails and opportunities for river-rafting. Lutzville and Koekenaap are synonymous with wine and flowers in season. Visitors can also view the Sishen-Saldanha Railway Bridge. Where the railway line spans the Olifants River, it is divided into 23 sections, each 45m long. The 14 100-t deck was pushed into position over teflon sheets with hydraulic jacks from the bridgehead. It is the longest bridge in the world built using this method. Vanrhynsdorp houses the largest succulent nursery in South Africa. The Latsky Radio Museum houses a collection of old valve radios, some dating back to 1924. The Troe-Troe and Rietpoort mission stations are a must-see for history enthusiasts. Overberg In the most southerly region of Africa east of Cape Town, lies the Overberg. The Hangklip-Kleinmond area comprises Kleinmond, Betty’s Bay, Pringle Bay and Rooi Els. It is a popular holiday region, ideal for whale watching, and includes the Kleinmond Coastal Nature Reserve and the Harold Porter Botanical Garden. The Penguin Reserve at Stoney Point, Betty’s Bay, is one of two breeding colonies of the jackass penguin off Africa. South Africa’s first international biosphere reserve, the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, was proclaimed by Unesco in 1999. It runs along the coast from Gordon’s Bay to the Bot River Vlei, stretching two km out to sea, and inland to the Groenlandberg Mountains near Grabouw. Hermanus is a popular holiday resort and famous for the best land-based whale watching in the world. Stanford is one of the few villages in South Africa where the market square has been retained. The central core of the village has been proclaimed a national conservation area. Award winning wines are produced in the area. Gansbaai is known for its excellent rock and boat angling, diving, shark-cage diving and whale watching. The Danger Point Lighthouse, named as such because of the ships that have been wrecked and lives lost on this dangerous coast, is open to the public. De Kelders is the only freshwater cave on the African coast. Spectacular views of southern right whales can be enjoyed from the cliffs at De Kelders and along the coast to Pearly Beach. Also popular are white-shark tours, diving safaris and fishing trips. Elim was founded by German missionaries in 1824, with its only inhabitants being members of the Moravian Church. Visitors are welcome to attend services. The Old Watermill (1833) has been restored and declared a national monument. Popular sites in Napier include the Militaria Museum and Rose Boats and Toy Museum. The Shipwreck Museum in Bredasdorp, founded in 1975, specialises in shipwrecks found along the South African coastline. The town also has the Audrey Blignault Museum. De Mond Nature Reserve is home to some rare bird species, including the damara tern and giant tern. The Geelkop Nature Reserve derives its name from the mass of yellow flowering plants that cover the hill during spring. The lighthouse at L’Agulhas, which forms part of the Agulhas National Park, is the country’s second-oldest working lighthouse. It celebrated its 150th anniversary in 1999. The Agulhas National Park is a ruggedly beautiful coastal plain of 20 959 ha. At Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of the continent, the waters cleave into the Indian and Atlantic oceans. The wrecks of some 130 seafaring craft – yachts, Spanish galleons, Dutch East Indiamen, the legendary Birkenhead, and even modern-day fishing trawlers – have found a watery grave around the notorious Cape of Storms. Struisbaai has the longest white coastline in the southern hemisphere. Arniston was named Waenhuiskrans (coach-house cliff) by the local fishers in honour of the huge sea cave capable of housing several oxwagons. For outsiders, it was named after the Arniston, a ship wrecked there in 1815. The Waenhuiskrans Cave can be explored at low tide. The De Hoop Nature Reserve on the way to Swellendam includes an internationally renowned wetland and bird sanctuary. It is a winter retreat for the southern right whale and the Western Cape’s only Cape griffen vulture colony. The red Bredasdorp lily and many species of protea and erica are found in the Heuningberg Nature Reserve. Swellendam is well-known for its young-berries and eclectic architecture. The Drostdy Museum consists of a group of buildings containing a huge selection of period furniture. The Bontebok National Park, about seven kilomteres from Swellendam, provides sanctuary to the threatened bontebok and other species. Known for its world-class wine, Barrydale offers the visitor fruit and fresh air in abundance. Situated on the N2, about 160 km from Cape Town, Riviersonderend offers beautiful mountain and river scenery, a nine-hole golf course and sightings of the blue crane. Caledon is famous for its natural mineral waters, hot springs and wild-flower shows. Southern Associated Maltsters is the only malt producer for the South African lager beer industry and the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. Genadendal is the oldest Moravian village in Africa, with church buildings and a school dating back to 1738. The Genadendal Mission and Museum complex documents the first mission station in South Africa. Villiersdorp houses the Dagbreek Museum that dates back to 1845 and was declared a monument in 1994. The historical home, Oude Radyn, is possibly the only building in the Western Cape to have Batavian wooden gutters and down pipes. The Theewaterskloof Dam outside Villiersdorp is the seventh-largest dam in the country. The Villiersdorp Wild Flower Garden and Nature Reserve has an indigenous herb garden and a reference library. The Grabouw/Elgin district produces about 60% of South Africa’s total apple exports and fine wines. The valley is also renowned for cultivating fresh chrysanthemums, roses and proteas. The Elgin Apple Museum is one of only two in the world. Sir Lowry’s Pass offers spectacular views of False Bay from Gordon’s Bay to Cape Point. Eastern Cape Eastern Cape The Eastern Cape, at 168 966 km2 , is South Africa’s second largest province after the Northern Cape . The Eastern Cape takes up 13,9% of the total land area of South Africa. The province has a population of more than 6,5 million people. The majority of whom speak isiXhosa, followed by Afrikaans and English. It is a region of great natural beauty, particularly the rugged cliffs, rough seas and dense green bush of the Wild Coast. The region has remarkable natural diversity, ranging from the dry, desolate Great Karoo to the lush forests of the Wild Coast as well as the Keiskamma Valley; the fertile Langkloof Valley, renowned for its rich apple harvests; and the mountainous southern Drakensberg region at Elliot. Various floral habitats meet in the province, ranging from tropical forests in the north to the more temperate woods of the south. The Eastern Cape is one of the poorest provinces in South Africa. This is largely due to the poverty found in the former homelands, where subsistence agriculture predominates. The province is home to a number of higher education institutions. These including Rhodes University, the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, the University of Fort Hare as well as the Walter Sisulu University of Technology. It has airports in Bhisho, East London, Mthatha and Port Elizabeth. It also has two major harbours in East London and Port Elizabeth respectively. The Eastern Cape offers a wide array of attractions, including 800 km of untouched and pristine coastline along with some particularly splendid beaches , and “big-five” viewing in a malaria-free environment. Visit the Eastern Cape Tourism page for information on what the Eastern Cape has to offer. The coastal area of the Eastern Cape Province lies directly between subtropical KwaZulu Natal and the Mediterranean Western Cape. Its inland area is bisected by the great escarpment, and the northern areas have lofty plains of the Plateau and the Great Karoo. These topographical differences are what cause the climatic differences and conditions experienced by the various towns and cities. In the North East along the Wild Coast, towns like Port St Johns experience long, hot, balmy conditions and high rainfall, while Graaff Reinet , in the heart of the Karoo Heartland, experiences long hot summer months and moderate winters. Up towards the Free State (at towns such as Lady Grey and Aliwal North) the rise in altitude means the appropriate lowering in temperature and sometimes snow. Added to the diverse coastal experiences are more than 60 state-owned game reserves and over 30 private game farms, which collectively cover an area greater than the Kruger National Park. Eastern Cape Agriculture, fisheries and forestry The fertile Langkloof Valley in the south-west has enormous deciduous fruit orchards, while sheep farming predominates in the Karoo. The Alexandria-Grahamstown area produces pineapples , chicory and dairy products, while coffee and tea are cultivated at Magwa. An olive nursery has been developed in collaboration with the University of Fort Hare to form a nucleus of olive production in the Eastern Cape. The coastal areas receive good summer rainfall and have a moderate climate, becoming more subtropical to the north-west. This, therefore, makes it particularly suitable for forestry. The basis of the province’s fishing industry is the squid. This also includes some recreational and commercial fishing for line fish, the collection of marine resources, and access to line-catches of hake. Eastern Cape Industry There are two industrial development zones. The West Bank in East London as well as Coega, near Port Elizabeth, which includes the deepwater Port of Ngqura. The metropolitan economies of Port Elizabeth and East London are based primarily on manufacturing, the most important being automotive manufacturing. The province is also the hub of South Africa’s motor industry. With its ability to link throughout the economy, the government has therefore identified the automotive industry as a key growth sector. It already exhibited significant growth under the Motor Industry Development Programme. Other important sectors include renewables and green industries, forestry and timber processessing, pharmaceuticals, plastics and chemicals, capital goods and tourism. The two major industrial centres, Port Elizabeth and East London have well-developed economies based on the automotive industry. General Motors and Volkswagen both have major assembly lines in the Port Elizabeth area, while East London is dominated by the large Daimler Chrysler plant, now known as Mercedes-Benz South Africa. Major Metropolitan Municipalities Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BUF) Description: The Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality is a Category A municipality situated on the east coast of the Eastern Cape Province. The boundaries of the newly established municipality now include a large area characterised by very different features. Two former municipalities, Transitional Local Councils – that of East London and King William’s Town – have merged into one. Other areas that were previously not included in either of them are now part of Buffalo City. The municipality was established as a local municipality in 2000 after South Africa’s reorganisation of municipal areas and is named after the Buffalo River, at whose mouth lies the only river port in South Africa. On 18 May 2011, it was separated from the Amathole District Municipality and converted into a metropolitan municipality. History was made in Buffalo City when the City elected its first female mayor on Friday, 17 March 2006. The area has a well-developed manufacturing base, with the auto industry playing a major role. The climate is mild, with year-round sunshine. Average rainfall is 850mm. Area: 2 750km² Cities/Towns: Beacon Bay, Berlin, Bisho, Breidbach, Dimbaza, East London, Kidd’s Beach, King William’s Town , Mdantsane, Phakamisa, Potsdam, Zwelitsha Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality (NMA) Description: The Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality is a Category A municipality, established on 5 December 2000. Nelson Mandela Bay was the first city in South Africa to establish a fully integrated democratic local authority and the only city in the world named after Nelson Mandela, who was born and spent his formative years in the Eastern Cape. Nelson Mandela Bay is a major seaport and automotive manufacturing centre located on the south-eastern coast of Africa. It is the economic powerhouse of the Eastern Cape Province and one of eight metropolitan areas in South Africa. Its boundaries are formed by Cassie Mountain View in the north, Cape Recife in the south, Sundays River Mouth in the east, and Van Stadens River Mouth in the west. The city is a holiday hot spot for both national and international tourists. The predominant languages spoken are English, Afrikaans and isiXhosa. Area: 1 957km² Cities/Towns: Bethelsdorp, Bloemendal, Blue Horizon Bay, Clarendon Marine, Despatch, KwaNobuhle, Motherwell, Port Elizabeth , Summerstrand, Swartkops, Uitenhage Main Economic Sectors: Manufacturing (25%), community services (23%), finance (23%), trade (13%), transport (13%) Home of Legends Cultural melting pot and birthplace of iconic world leader, Nelson Mandela, the rich heritage and diversity of the Eastern Cape with its people, sights and sounds are interwoven into the tapestry of what makes this region so unique. Become encapsulated in the history of a proud region and its people. NELSON MANDELA Born 18 July 1918 in the village Quna, Eastern Cape “No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom (1995) In a country ruled by racial oppression for a number of years, Nelson Mandela became a world icon for peace when he became the first black president of South African in 1994. Held with deep respect throughout South Africa and the world, Mandela is fondly known as the ‘Father of the Nation’ and received numerous awards for his stance against the Apartheid regime and its abuses. Mandela stayed in office from 1994 to 1999 during which time his government focused on dismantling the legacy of apartheid through tackling institutionalised racism, poverty, inequality and fostering racial reconciliation. As an African Nationalist, Mandela held other political positions including President of the African National Congress (ANC) from 1991 to 1997, and the Secretary-General position of the Non-Aligned Movement from 1998 to 1999. During his term as President of South Africa, Mandela established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate abuse during the Apartheid years. Mandela is Xhosa born and attended the University of Fort Hare in the Eastern Cape as well as the University of Witwatersrand in Gauteng. At these universities he studied law and later became involved in anti-colonial politics, resulting in his joining the African National Congress. As a founding member of the ANC Youth League, Mandela rose to prominence in 1952 in the Defiance Campaign and oversaw the 1955 Congress of the People. Mandela later served 27 years in prison for conspiracy to overthrow the government. Mandela spent most of his sentence in the now famous Robin Island, off the coast of Cape Town. Lobbying through an international campaign led to his release in 1990. Mandela has received over 250 awards including a Nobel Peace Prize, the US Presidential Medal of Freedom as well as the Soviet Order of Lenin. Big 7 Come face to face with the Big Seven in the Eastern Cape and experience Africa’s greatest animals on land and sea. Game and nature reserves allow visitors to enjoy the Big Five in their natural landscape. This is done through self-drive or guided game drives, while sharks and whales can be viewed along the coastal routes through tour operators. Nature and Wildlife Reserves Eastern Cape Game and Nature Reserves below or visit the Eastern Cape National Parks page Garden Route National Park Along the South Coast of South Africa lies one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world, home to the Garden Route National Park. A mosaic of ecosystems, it encompasses the world renowned Tsitsikamma as well as Wilderness sections, the Knysna Lake section, a variety of mountain catchment, Southern Cape indigenous forest and associated Fynbos areas. These areas resemble a montage of landscapes and seascapes. From ocean to mountain areas, and are renowned for its diverse natural as well as cultural heritage resources. Managed by South African National Parks, it hosts a variety of accommodation options, activities and places of interest. grace.valela@sanparks.org Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve With its World Heritage Site Status, the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve is home to the biggest wilderness area in the country. Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve is also one of the eight protected areas of the Cape Floristic Region. The Baviaanskloof Mega-Reserve covers 200km of unspoiled, rugged mountainous terrain. With spectacular landscapes also hosting more than a thousand different plant species, including the Erica and Protea families as well as species of ancient cycads. Seven of South Africa’s eight biomes are represented within the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve – Fynbos, Forest, Grassland, Succulent Karoo, Nama-Karoo, Subtropical Thicket and Savanna . This reserve is a must-see for all nature and adventure enthusiasts. Lombardini Game Farm Situated in the picturesque Seekoei river valley, Lombardini Game Farm is an absolute gem! With daily guided tours around the game park, you are sure to see most of our beautiful animals. Luxurious en-suite in-house accommodation offers peace and tranquillity to guests. The warmth of the Thatch roof makes you feel right at home. Semi self-catering Poolrooms, with stunning interior, will make you want to stay another day. Self-catering cottages are also available for more personal space. And last but not least! A Wedding Venue that will take your breath away. Thunzi Bush Lodge Thunzi Bush Lodge is located in the tranquil sanctuary of coastal forest and African bush and offers country-style self-catering accommodation 30 km from the centre of Port Elizabeth, at the start of the Garden Route. The lodge caters mainly for the traveller who enjoys a tranquil setting, forest & beach walks, bass fishing or bird watching. Walking trails around the lodge provide access to the dense indigenous coastal forest where many bird species and animals including bushbuck, blue duiker and vervet monkeys can be spotted. Charming wooden chalets with private decks merge luxury, supreme style, spaciousness and comfort for the enthusiastic nature lover. Relax at our lazy-lizard swimming pool, experience our friendly staff, tasty picnic baskets and many interesting activities. Kragga Kamma Game Park Lush coastal forest and grassland is home to vast herds of African game, including White Rhino, Buffalo, Cheetah, Giraffe, Zebra , Nyala , Bontebok, Lechwe and many more species. All the animals roam freely, unrestricted in natural surroundings. This owner operated, animal-friendly park, where no hunting or other disturbance of the game is permitted, means that you always get close up views and great photo opportunities. Take a drive in your own vehicle through the park on the well-maintained roads (no need for 4×4) and enjoy viewing the game in any weather conditions from the comfort of your car. For those really close encounters, choose the 2 hours guided tour in an open Landrover with a professional guide providing you with interesting information on the animals and the historical background to the area. Sibuya One of South Africa’s most unique Safari destinations. Sibuya has more navigable river than any other game reserve in South Africa. Consequently, as a birding destination, it is hard to beat: there are nearly 400 different species. This breathtakingly beautiful game reserve is a sanctuary to an abundance of diverse wildlife from elephants to otters, and almost everything in between, including the Big Five. Find accommodation in two private and exclusive luxury tented game lodges and prides itself on superb cuisine. Sibuya’s reception is in the holiday village of Kenton-on-Sea in the Eastern Cape Province, about 140 km’s (80 miles) equidistant from Port Elizabeth and East London. A natural extension to any trip, from Cape Town up the Garden Route, and easily accessible from Port Elizabeth which is a short flip from the major cities of Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban . Charter flights to Port Alfred are less than a 20-minute transfer to the game park. The unique experience starts immediately with a half-hour boat transfer up the Kariega estuary to River Camp or Forest Camp. Leaving the beach, turtles, dolphins and whales might be seen near the river mouth. Both camps nestle in riverine forest and have been constructed in an environmentally conscious manner. Guests are hosted as well as guided by a team of experienced professionals. Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve Oceana Beach & Wildlife Reserve in Port Alfred, Eastern Cape, South Africa offers ultra-luxurious accommodation that includes a select group of unique guest suites in the Ocean Lodge and Private Ocean House as well as spectacular individual private chalets. Our Africa-shaped knife-edge pool has a marked point where you can rest your chin that is the absolute centre of Oceana. Hopewell Game Reserve Redefining the meaning of “private”, Hopewell Lodge is an exclusive hideaway where unspoilt nature meets pure African luxury, and guests reconnect with nature at their own pace. This private game reserve in South Africa’s beautiful Eastern Cape hosts groups of up to 12 guests in stylish, secluded suites with sweeping views over a reclaimed Eden. Waking up to the sounds as well as sights of the African bush, sundowners above the elephants’ favourite watering hole. Guests can also relax in a secluded private pool overlooking the bush, and enjoy sumptuous dinners under the stars provide the memories that linger long after your stay at Hopewell. Whether for 2 or a group up to 12 people, Hopewell is booked exclusively for your party only, offering guests guaranteed privacy and allowing them to set their own schedule for game drives, meals and activities. Passionate and experienced rangers guide our guests through the rolling landscape. Ever willing to stop and discuss plants, insects, birds as well as game spotted along the way. Up close and personal interaction with a cheetah is also a highlight of this unique wildlife experience. Guests are guaranteed to encounter our herd of elephant, along with hippo, giraffe, zebra, antelope and other indigenous species carefully introduced to maintain a balanced eco-system. Addo Elephant National Park Now the third largest national park in South Africa, Addo Elephant National Park has expanded to conserve a wide range of biodiversity, landscapes, fauna and flora. Stretching from the semi-arid karoo area in the north around Darlington Dam, over the rugged Zuurberg Mountains, through the Sundays River Valley and south to the coast between Sundays River mouth and Bushman’s river mouth, Addo covers about 180 000 hectares (444 700 acres) and includes the Bird and St Croix Island groups. For comprehensive information and all contact details visit the Addo Elephant National Park page HERE The original elephant section of the park was proclaimed in 1931 when only eleven elephants remained in the area. Today this finely tuned ecosystem is a sanctuary to over 600 elephants, lion, buffalo, black rhino, spotted hyena, leopard, a variety of antelope and zebra species, as well as the unique Addo flightless dung beetle, found almost exclusively in Addo. The park can exclusively claim to also be the only national park in the world to conserve the “Big 7”. The Big 5 as well as the southern right whale and great white shark off the Algoa Bay coast. Eastern Cape Population Capital: Bhisho Principal languages: IsiXhosa 82,7% Afrikaans 10,3% English 3,9% Population: 6 996 976 The percentage share of the total South African population: 12,6% Area: 168 966 km2 Source: Stats SA’s Mid-year population estimates 2017 and Community Survey 2016 Travel Distance Port Elizabeth – East London 283.3km Port Elizabeth – Port Alfred 152.4km Port Elizabeth – Grahamstown 126.6km Port Elizabeth – Queenstown 340km Port Elizabeth – Mthatha 483.6km Port Elizabeth – Port Edward 764.5km Port Elizabeth – Port St Johns 578km Port Elizabeth – Aliwal North 501.3 km East London – Port Alfred 132.3km East London – Grahamstown 159.5km East London – Queenstown 188km East London – Mthatha 232.6km East London – Port Edward 513.5km East London – Port St Johns 327km East London – Aliwal North 357.8km Mthatha – Queenstown 222km Port Elizabeth – Johannesburg 1046.4km Port Elizabeth – Cape Town 769km Port Elizabeth – Durban 984km Port Elizabeth – Bloemfontein 677km East London – Johannesburg 982km East London – Cape Town 1099km East London – Durban 674 km’s East London – Bloemfontein 584 km,s Visit the Eastern Cape Provincial Reserves page or Eastern Cape Private Reserves or maybe you would like to visit the Eastern Cape National Parks page. Find Property for Sale in the Eastern Cape . Eastern Cape Tourism Eastern Cape Tourism – Become encapsulated in the history of a proud region and its people. The Eastern Cape has so much to offer the tourists. the Eastern Cape is the second largest province, accounting for 13,9% of the total area. Port Elizabeth , situated on Algoa Bay, is the largest city in the Eastern Cape and the seat of Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality. The provincial capital, Bhisho, is located within the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, as are East London and King William’s Town. Other important towns in the Province include Mthatha, Uitenhage and Grahamstown. The province is fast becoming a favorite safari destination with its malaria-free status being ideal for family holidays. Visit the Eastern Cape Provincial Reserves page or Eastern Cape Private Reserves or maybe you would like to visit the Eastern Cape National Parks page. Friendly N6 Make the Friendly N6 your companion as you embark on a scenic journey through the farming hub of the Eastern Cape into the Free State. Take in the endless mountains occasionally topped with a dollop of snow and lush veld often being feasted on by cattle. Eastern Cape Tourism through the mountains. The N6 is a scenic route that runs between East London and Bloemfontein. Dubbed The Friendly N6, the road leads you through the pride of the Eastern Cape farmlands and small inland towns, covering mountainous terrain and over the Vaal River which separates the Eastern Cape and the Free State. From the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, which is situated along the Indian Ocean, The N6 is scattered with villages decorated with traditional Xhosa mud huts. This scenery stretches from just outside East London until the first small town of Stutterheim which is followed by Cathcart. Stutterheim and Cathcart are well known as Eastern Cape’s arts and crafts hub. This Arts and Crafts attraction provides you with a barrage of gifts and souvenirs to choose from. A few kilometres north of Cathcart, Queenstown introduces you to first-hand insight into the ancient wars that were fought in the Eastern Cape through museums dotted along the route. Further north, Lady Grey offers you exciting mountain bike trails along the often snow-topped mountainous landscape inherent to the area. You can also experience farm life in a buzzing Eastern Cape farming community by staying on one of the working farms in the area. This area is home to various sheep farms, as well as a network of artists with rich Xhosa and Basotho traditions. Accommodation offerings along the N6 route include budget backpackers and luxury hotels with many game and nature reserves spread throughout the route. Offerings to visitors of the game farm include viewing of the “Big Five” as well as five star luxury accommodation and dining. With high mountain retreats, visitors can even ski on the snow covered slopes of Ben McDhui Mountain or go bundu-bashing on beaten 4×4 routes. The high mountain passes that take visitors through the Friendly N6 are sometimes closed due to heavy snowfall during the winter months. Highlights to Discover 4×4 Naude’s Nek Pass Peaking at over 2,920m above sea level, Naude’s Nek Pass is the pinnacle of dirt roads in South Africa. Connecting Maclear to the historical Rhodes, this pass is based on the route taken by the valiant Naude brothers of the 1890s. Today the road is more usually, and recommended to be, travelled in the comfort of a 4×4 vehicle, yet still requires a Rambo-like effort to complete, particularly in winter when heavy snowfalls are common. It would help to seek local advice regarding weather and road conditions before attempting this spectacular pass. The route was pioneered by two brothers, Stephanus David Naude and Gabriel Naude, in 1896. According to the plaque at the monument that was erected by their descendents in 1967; these daredevils trailblazed the winding route on horseback. It was marked out and constructed using picks, spades and scotch-carts and was completed in 1911. Visit www.samountainpasses.co.za for more information. Hit the Slopes in Tiffendell Tiffindell was born by avid skiers and run by passionate snow lovers since 1993. The resort has grown to become a true Alpine resort for all seasons. Skiing at Tiffendell has no off- season. Visitors can ski at any time of the year – Tiffendell manufactures snow when the climate doesn’t produce any. Whether it’s a family holiday or a corporate visit, let Tiffindell introduce you to the world of snow (rated 19 in the CNN’s top 100 ski runs in the world). Tiffendell also offers high altitude hiking, mountain biking, grass skiing, mountain boarding, photography, rock art, birding, some of SA’s best fly fishing, quad biking, and the famous “8 Passes” route for motorcyclists and 4×4’s. As a Ski Resort it offers snow, ski lifts, a restaurant, ski shop and ski school offering three months of skiing and snowboarding during June, July and August. Non aspiring skiers join in to enjoy a unique experience, making snowmen, throwing snow balls or tobogganing, making it the perfect family holiday for young and old. Snowy days in the Eastern Cape aren’t uncommon and create great opportunities for snow skiers and snow boarders to enjoy the cold weather and slopes. Adventure skiers as well as amateurs will enjoy the slopes of the Southern Drakensberg and Hogsback areas during winter, with a ski resort situated close to Rhodes in the Eastern Cape. To book your trip visit http://www.tiffindell.co.za/ . Flyfishing in Rhodes Fly Fishing Fresh Waters… The Rhodes, Barkly East area has amazing fly fishing opportunities on approximately 150km of pristine mountain steams available to anglers. Many of the pristine rivers and streams originate 9000 – 10 000 ft above sea-level, freestone and rock-based highland streams. Among the most popular are the Bell River, Kraai River, Bokspruit, Riflespruit, Sterkspruit, Kloppershoekspruit, Vloeikraalspruit and Langkloof River. Visit www.wildtrout.co.za for information on your fly fishing trip. Zipline Tsitsa Falls Situated on the border of the former Transkei, are the amazing Tsitsa Falls. Born to a young dynamic couple with a passion, Tsitsa Falls offers an alternative lifestyle and the outdoors. There are a number of activities to get your pulse racing. The flying fox zip line runs across the Tsitsa Gorge, a 28m abseil down the waterfall; kayaking; kloofing; hiking; extreme fly fishing; and much more… Visit Tsitsa Falls Backpackers for more information. The Vultures Restaurant The Vultures Restaurant is not your average restaurant. In fact, you will not find a dining table or waiter to serve you. The Vulture’s Restaurant is an attraction so called because the large beast can be spotted through a glass enclosure feeding on dead carcasses. The restaurant is situated at Tenahead Mountain Lodge, near Rhodes. Tenahead Mountain Lodge is situated on the breathtaking Drakensburg Mountain Range. Visit www.riverhotels.co.za for more information. Wild Coast Route Wild Coast is a picturesque adventure. Just under 30 kilometres outside East London stretching past Port St. Johns, the Wild Coast boasts the rendezvous of fauna, flora and the Indian Ocean. As it takes you through the former Transkei Region, this route offers various hiking, camping and aquatic experiences await you, while the local crafts markets make for immaculate souvenirs… Look no further than Port St Johns, the jewel of the Wild Coast, if you wish to become one with nature. Surrounded by towering cliffs, covered in dense indigenous forest with beautiful beaches stretching to the north and south, Port St Johns is a relaxed town with sub-tropical weather making it a year round Wild Coast destination. With the Wild Coast Sun & Casino near Port Edward providing a fun, family focused, home-away-from-home gaming destination; the Wild Coast has emerged as one of the preferred golfing destinations in South Africa. A variety of other outdoor activities are available indulge in. The area also boasts two nature reserves, Hluleka and Mkhambati which welcomes guests with affordable accommodation, game viewing, bird watching, whale viewing and fishing activities. Scattered along the coastal route are the villages of Coffee Bay and Hole-In-The-Wall. The homely lodges and bars, excellent fishing and breath-taking hikes culminate in a beachcomber’s dream. Explore the region by helicopter or canoe, take a boat trip to view the whales or watch the dolphins in the surf while you fish, the Wild Coast will take your breath away. High cliffs and distinctly round, thatched traditional huts define the inland area. Many of South Africa’s political leaders hail from Mthatha where you can visit the beautiful Lucha nature reserve, Mthatha Dam, the Tutor Ndamase Pass and the Langeni Pass. Linking the Wild Coast and the Sunshine Coast is the Jikeleza Route, often labelled the tame area of the Wild Coast. Made up of a cluster of more than 50 tourism attractions, this fast growing popular scenic coastal tourism route offers over 28 unique accommodation establishments ranging from five star luxury boutique hotels to South Africa’s best rated backpackers. Only 30km away from East London’s airport, this mild-to-wild bush-to-beach route is perfect for the adrenaline junkie or for those wanting to escape from the beaten. Click here to WATCH WILD COAST VIDEO Highlights to Discover Hole in the Wall Did you know? The Wild Coast is one of the few places you’ll see cattle chewing the cud on the beach. The Hole in the Wall is a rocky archway set just off the Wild Coast, south of Coffee Bay in the Eastern Cape. The little holiday village close by shares the same name. This landmark was created millions of years ago through the restless action of waves against sandstone and shale. Set along the shoreline overlooking the rocky formation that gave the tiny holiday village its name, this Wild Coast settlement south of Coffee Bay attracts beach lovers and anglers in equal numbers. The instantly recognisable rock formation is made up of Ecca shale and sandstone, capped with hard volcanic dolerite. It stands before the mouth of the Mpako River and is the source of many legends. In the IsiXhosa language, this area is called esiKhaleni, which means ‘the place of sound’. Some say it’s because, under certain conditions, the waves slap the rocks with a resounding cracking sound, while it roars during storms. Others say it refers to a Xhosa legend involving a young maiden who fell in love with one of the mythical ‘sea people’. Such was the love of this sea person for the maiden that he and his people rammed a hole in the side of a lagoon wall with the help of a huge fish so they could reach her; she was never heard from again. In this version, it’s the voices and singing of the sea people that give the name esiKhaleni. Either way, Hole in the Wall is one of the landmarks of the Wild Coast. Geologists say that the cliff walls were once joined to the land. Continuous wave action against the softer sandstone rocks wore them away. The same happened to the more vulnerable shale and sandstone under the hard dolerite, creating the archway. Locals also believe this is a gateway to the world of their ancestors. Nelson Mandela Museum The Transkei is the esteemed birth place to many leaders of the Apartheid Revolution – the most recognised of them being Nelson Mandela. It is fitting that along the splendid Wild Coast, a Nelson Mandela Museum, endorsed by the icon himself, adds a rich experience of heritage to your to-do list. Visit www.nelsonmandelamuseum.org.za for more information on the museum. Take a walk on the wild side With trail routes you absolutely have to experience, accommodation is available along the routes to ensure that you pace your hikes and not miss out on the beautiful scenery along the way. Visit www.wildcoastwalk.co.za/ for more information. A Chintsa East Horseride on Beach ‘People who say there is no heaven on earth have clearly never been on a horse.’ Wonderful beaches and bush trails of the Wild Coast are best explored on the back of a horse in Chinsta. Chintsa Horses Georgie Dickerson +27 (0)43 738 5141 georgie@cintsahorses.co.za COASTAL ROUTE Covering the entire length of the Eastern Cape region stretching across a number of districts, the Coastal Route is renowned for its great beaches, malaria-free parks and reserves, diverse wildlife and proud heritage and culture. The Coastal Route begins at the Tsitsikamma area and runs along the Sunshine Coast, including the Addo Elephant National Park, Amatola Mountains and the unspoilt beaches of the Wild Coast. Activities in this diverse area range from mild day hikes and beach visits to extreme action sports such as bungy jumping at the world’s highest commercial bungy jump in the Tsitsikamma, as well as the discovery of the Xhosa culture and ancient rock art. Sand dune enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the world’s largest shifting dune field in the Southern Hemisphere, nominated for a listing as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Grahamstown is the country’s festival capital and home to more than 70 heritage sites. Experience the Xhosa cultural hub in the Wild Coast area, and surrounding game reserves found along the coast and inland. Surfing enthusiasts will enjoy the biggest right hand surf break in Jeffreys Bay, while Port Elizabeth is a water-sport paradise offering visitors a wide range of coastal and marine recreational experiences. As the water sport capital of South Africa, Port Elizabeth also boasts six blue flag beaches. The Coastal Route is divided into a number of eight sub-routes, all with their own unique characteristics and features, with the airports at Port Elizabeth and East London providing visitors with easy access to the well-developed road network in the area. This route is designed to appeal to both self-drive and group tourists looking for an authentic and memorable experience in the heart of the Eastern Cape. AMATHOLA MOUNTAIN ESCAPE ROUTE Amathole, meaning ‘the calves of the Drakensberg’ (foothills) in isiXhosa, reflects a rural lifestyle where the Xhosa communities continue to take their Nguni cattle out into the veld. The Amathole Mountain Escape Route stretches from Hogsback in the north, to the Great Fish River in the south and the Dwesa/Cwebe Nature Reserve in the east. Experience the Ubuntu spirit of the Amathole region and celebrate the rich culture and history of the area. Known for its variety of fauna and flora, primal indigenous forests, clear-water mountain streams and magnificent waterfalls, activity highlights in the area include bird watching, fly-fishing, mountain biking and hiking. The six day Amathole hiking trail is ranked one of the best hiking routes in South Africa. The main attractions of the area are the densely forested Amatola Mountains, famous for its panoramic views. The popular village of Hogsback lies at the summit of the Mountain pass. It is believed, the famous author J.R.R. Tolkien of the Lord of the Rings triology, found his inspiration to create his fantasy universe, Middle Earth, in the magical Hogsback surroundings. Steve Biko, Black Consciousness Movement hero, was born in the Ginsberg Township near King William’s Town. The Steve Biko Centre, located close to Biko’s home in Ginsberg, pays tribute to the life of the anti-apartheid activists. Established in 1916, the University of Fort Hare, with its main campus in Alice, was the first black university in South Africa, with alumni including Nelson Mandela, Mangosuthu Buthelezi and Thabo Mbeki. Highlights to discover: Mdantsane Township Tour Three reasons to go on a township tour Experience the day-to day life of the second largest Township in South Africa. Mdantsane, also known as the ‘Boxing Mecca of South Africa’, is home to boxing world champions like Happyboy Mgxaji, Welcome Ncita and Vuyani Bungu. Taste Umqombhothi, home-brewed African beer and get to know the locals in a tavern while listening to live music. Imonti Tours offer guided tours. Contact Velile on 083 487 8975 or info@imontitours.co.za for bookings. Stutterheim Stationary Engine Museum Established in 1995, the Stutterheim Enginge Museum displays 120 engines from 1903 to 1990. It is believed to have one of the largest collections of restored stationary engines in the world. Visit the museum to learn about the development and advancement of engines as well as the history the engines on display. Visiting hours: 8am – 4pm Mondays to Fridays; except public holidays. Technical staff is present and available on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. Lister Lane, Stutterheim Tel. 043 683 1507 Cultural Village (Cata) Learn to speak isiXhosa – on a week-long home stay with a traditional Xhosa family. Visit the Cata Cultural Village to discover the culture of the warm and hospitable Xhosa people. Take a sneak peek into their traditional way of life through their cuisine, customs, rituals, songs and dance. The Cata Chalets, 120km from East London, offer overnight accommodation, inviting tourists to unwind, relax and simply be. The scenic area is perfect for mountain biking, bird watching and hiking. Visit www.cata.org.za for more information. Steve Biko Museum in Ginsberg, King William’s Town “It is better to die for an idea that will live, than to live for an idea that will die.” – Steve Biko Steve Bantu Biko, was an anti-apartheid activist in the 1960s and 1970s. Biko founded the Black Consciousness Movement which empowered and mobilised the urban black population. At the age of 30, he died while in police custody but his slogan “black is beautiful” is still well known today. The Steve Biko Museum in Ginsberg, near King William’s Town, pays tribute to the Black Consciousness Movement activists. For bookings and more information contact the Steve Biko Centre Tel: 043 605 6700 Fax: 043 605 6710 Email: tourism@sbf.org.za Centre Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 to 17:00; Weekends by appointment Hogsback – Christmas in July The little village of Hogsback, surrounded by scenic mountains, is often covered by a blanket of snow during winter. The quirky people of Hogsback annually celebrate Christmas in July, with: Ox wagon rides •Live music and entertainment – well known performers • Genuine Crafters • Celebrity food demo • Workshops • Children’s entertainment – circus etc • Port and muscadel tasting • Exhibitions – art and otherwise • Food glorious food • Bikers breakfast (charity effect – for Hobbiton) • Famous once a year Kings Lodge CHiLL Dip (for the thick skinned and very brave) • Trail run • Interdenominational thanksgiving service • Etc etc • Amazing shuttle service – our community effort at going green- free. Save your car … hop on – hop off. For more information contact the Hogsback Tourism Centre at 045 9621 245. Eastern Cape Tourism Eastern Cape Tourism has so much to offer. The weather in the Eastern Cape is good to visitors, rarely reaching extremes, except perhaps in the height of the Karoo summer. The coastal area of the Eastern Cape Province lies directly between subtropical KwaZulu Natal and the Mediterranean Western Cape. Its inland area is bisected by the great escarpment, and the northern areas have altitudinous plains of the Plateau and great Karoo. These topographical differences are what cause the climatic differences and conditions experienced by the various towns and cities. In the North East along the Wild Coast, towns like Port St Johns experience long, hot, balmy conditions and high rainfall, while Graaff Reinet, in the heart of the Karoo Heartland, experiences long hot summer months and moderate winters. Up towards the Free State (at towns such as Lady Grey and Aliwal North) the rise in altitude means the appropriate lowering in temperature and sometimes snow. Start planing your trip to the Eastern Cape, Eastern Cape tourism attractions and destinations and things to do. BIG 7 World’s most unique game experience Daring, Spirited, Rejuvenated and Raw Natural game country. REAL PEOPLE, REAL VALUE Unpretentious Value for money, Ubuntu, Caring and wholesome. EXPLORE. DISCOVER ENERGY Discovery Wonder. Unexplored, ‘secret’ places. The challenge and joy of discovery ECO-EXTRAORDINARY Largest variety of landscapes on view Spectacular places, Abundant natural attractions and People having fun in nature. There are NINE REGIONS within the Eastern Cape. Tsitsikamma Adventure Route . The Kouga Route stretches from the Tsitsikamma River to the Van Stadens River. Sunshine coast route explores the spectacular strip of coastline between Port Elizabeth and East London. Sundays River Valley and stretching from the Karoo region north of the Zuurberg Mountain Range to the coast and islands of Algoa Bay of South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province, is the heartbeat of the Greater Addo area. The Karoo Heartland’s rugged and intense beauty is dominated by vast, flat plains, rocky mountains, and the biggest assortment of succulents in the world. The N6 motorway links Bloemfontein, capital of the Free State, with East London. It passes through open, rural countryside where sheep, cattle and goats graze, as well as past Anglo-Boer War battlefields and many small villages and towns. Frontier Country Route traverses the area that was the scene of nine Frontier Wars between the British and the Xhosa and the meeting place of five great cultures, San, Khoi-Khoi, Dutch, Xhosa and British. Amathole Mountain Escape route stretches from Adelaide in the west to Stutterheim in the east, with the majestic Amatola Mountains standing as a clear beacon on the horizon. The Wild Coast is one of South Africa’s most remote stretches of shoreline. Whether you’re in the mood for an informal seaside escape, an encounter with the “Big Seven” on safari, or an adrenaline rush, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in the Eastern Cape. Scenic diversity is one of the most striking characteristics of the region, ranging from the lush, evergreen Tsitsikamma Forest to the rugged Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area, the southern slopes of the Drakensberg and the arid Great Karoo. Alternating between sweeping sand, river mouths and rocks, the 800 kilometer coastline is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Among them, surfers ride the perfect waves, anglers reel in king-size catches, and board sailors revel in the challenge of the wind. Sunshine all year round, fine leisure resorts and splendid facilities ensure that the great outdoors is always in style. When pleasures of a more sophisticated kind appeal, you’ll find plenty to entertain you in Port Elizabeth and East London. Both are ideal for family holidays, large enough to offer all the amenities of a city, yet small enough to be genuinely welcoming and friendly. They also provide convenient access to unspoiled areas of exceptional natural beauty. There are a number of experiences on offer within the nine tourism regions of the Eastern Cape. WILDLIFE There is nothing quite like the African bush, and no better place to view wildlife than in the Eastern Cape. Besides being home to four national parks the Eastern Cape boasts a range of private and provincial reserves, all offering excellent wildlife and bird watching. The province is fast becoming a favorite safari destination with its malaria-free status being ideal for family holidays. Another plus is the Addo Elephant National Park which is constantly being enlarged and extends over a huge range of biomes, from marine to mountain thus offering a Big 7 experience and unsurpassed elephant viewing. ADVENTURE The Eastern Cape offers visitors unique adventure experiences. The Eastern Cape is The Adventure Province and whilst the word may conjure up images of daring and dangerous pursuits there are a number of tame experiences on offer whilst also catering for the Adrenaline Junkies. Activities range from wildlife safaris to zipline excursions, from hiking incredible country side to beach horse rides or gentle nature walks. CULTURE As the birthplace of Xhosa traditions, the Eastern Cape is rich in vibrant cultural history, offering visitors a friendly look into the heart of the local community. Township tours and village experiences offer visitors an experience unlike any other, exploring traditional restaurants and shebeens in village life. With its diverse demographics, the area offers visitors a range of activities in the cultural arena including visits to art museums, theatres and craft programmes. Local artists exhibit their wares at a number of festivals and shows held annually within the area. The Grahamstown National Arts Festival is the biggest arts festival in Africa and is held during July each year. Mutually beneficial partnerships between public, corporate and cultural sectors focus on the sustainable growth and development of the culture, arts and heritage in South Africa. COASTAL The Eastern Cape coastline offers 800 kilometers of terrain to explore taking in the rugged and adventurous region of the Tsitsikamma, the surf loving Kouga region, the gentle sandy Sunshine Coast and the no need to explain Wild Coast. Activities and events range from slack packing trails, deep sea fishing, beach horse rides, quad biking, wildlife safaris, sardine run and iron man events to lazing in the sun and enjoying sundowners at amazing view points. The warm waters of the Indian Ocean wash against the shore line providing visitors with all year round experiences. YOUTH AND FAMILY If you are looking for a family getaway or are taking time out from your studies then the Eastern Cape should be your destination of choice. With Sports Tours, Volunteering, Gap Year Programs, Beach and Bush destinations, City Breaks, Culture, History, Adventure, Family Safaris and Nature based activities the Eastern Cape has something to suit all age groups. KwaZulu-Natal KwaZulu-Natal KwaZulu-Natal is one of the country’s most popular holiday destinations. It includes South Africa’s lush subtropical east coast, stretching from Port Edward in the south to Mozambique in the north. The Drakensberg mountain range stretches the entire length of KwaZulu-Natal’s western boundary. The Drakensberg forms the boundary between South Africa as well as the mountain kingdom of Lesotho, and offers some of the country’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. It provided the backdrop for the films Zulu (1964) and Yesterday (2004) and the setting for Alan Paton’s novel Cry, the Beloved Country, and is the inspiration for a million picture postcards. Within the area is a vast 243 000-hectare sweep of basalt summits and buttresses; this section was formally granted World Heritage status in November 2000, and was renamed uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park. The summer-rainfall coastal regions are hot and humid, with a subtropical climate. The Midlands area is drier, with extremely cold conditions in winter as well as snow on the high-lying ground. In the north, the subtropical strip extends around Swaziland to the edge of the escarpment. Visitors can enter the province through the King Shaka International Airport at La Mercy, north of Durban , or use the extensive national road network. There are also two major harbours – the port of Durban, which is one the busiest in Africa, and Richards Bay, which is an important coal-export harbour. There are several nature reserves including the Royal Natal National Park, Giant’s Castle as well as the Kamberg Nature Reserve. Tertiary institutions of learning in the province include the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the Durban Institute of Technology. KwaZulu-Natal is the only province with a monarchy specifically provided for in the Constitution. KwaZulu-Natal Industry and agriculture The province of KwaZulu-Natal has a diverse industrial sector, with major industries having developed around the port of Durban. Major industries in the province are agriculture, forestry, aluminium, petro-chemicals, automotive manufacturing, steel production, plastics and packaging, paper and board manufacturing, and a range of industries associated with imports and exports though the major ports of Durban and Richards Bay. The coastal belt is also a large producer of subtropical fruit and sugar, while the farmers in the hinterland concentrate on vegetables, dairy and stock farming. Another major source of income is forestry in the areas around Vryheid, Eshowe, Richmond, Harding and Ngome, which is also known for its tea plantations. KwaZulu-Natal Population Capital: Pietermaritzburg Principal languages: IsiZulu 82,5% English 12,5% Afrikaans 1,0% Population: 11 065 240 Percentage share of the total South African Population population: 19,9% Area: 94 361 km2 Source: Stats SA’s Mid-year population estimates 2017 and Community Survey 2016 Limpopo Limpopo Limpopo province is South Africa’s northern most province and shares borders with Mozambique, Zimbabwe as well Botswana, making it the ideal gateway to Africa. Named after the Limpopo River that flows along its northern border, the province is rich in wildlife, natural beauty and historical as well as cultural treasures. With its great variety of wildlife, birds and scenic splendour. It is one of South Africa’s prime ecotourism destinations. The province is linked to the Maputo Development Corridor through the Phalaborwa Spatial Development Initiative. This is a network of rail and road corridors connected to the major seaports, therefore opening up Limpopo for trade and investment. This is complemented by the presence of smaller airports. These airports are found in centres such as Phalaborwa and Musina, as well as the Gateway International Airport in Polokwane. Polokwane is the capital city, which lies strategically in the centre of the province. The Great North Road, running through the centre of the province, strings together a series of towns such as BelaBela, with its popular mineral spa; Modimolle, with its beautiful Waterberg mountain range; Mokopane; Polokwane; Makhado, at the foot of the Soutpansberg mountain range; as well as Musina, which is well-known for its majestic baobab trees. The crossing into Zimbabwe is at Beit Bridge. Phalaborwa and Thabazimbi are Limpopo’s major mining centres, while the town of Tzaneen in the picturesque Magoebaskloof is known for its tea plantations, forestry products and tropical fruit. The province is in the Savanna Biome, an area of mixed grassland and trees, generally known as bushveld. Natural resources include more than 50 provincial nature reserves and several private game reserves. The largest section of the Kruger National Park is along Limpopo’s eastern boundary, which borders on Mozambique. Several museums as well as national monuments bear testimony to the ancient people and fearless pioneers who braved the unknown. Living museums include the Bakone Malapa Museum near Polokwane and the Tsonga Open-Air Museum near Tzaneen. Mapungubwe (“Place of the Jackal”) Hill, some 75 km from Musina, is a world heritage site. It served as a natural fortress for its inhabitants from about 950 AD to 1200 AD. Limpopo Climate Three distinct climatic regions can be identified in the province. These are the: Lowveld (arid and semi-arid) regions Middle veldt, highveld, semi-arid region Escarpment region having sub-humid climate with rainfall in excess of 700 mm per annum. The climatic conditions in the province allow for double harvesting seasons, which results in it being the largest producer of various crops in the agricultural market. Sunflowers, cotton, maize and peanuts are cultivated in the Bela-Bela–Modimolle area. Bananas, litchis, pineapples , mangoes and pawpaws, as well as a variety of nuts, are grown in the Tzaneen and Makhado areas. Extensive tea and coffee plantations create many employment opportunities in the Tzaneen area. The Bushveld is cattle country, where controlled hunting is often combined with ranching. The climate in the Limpopo Province is quite hot since the area is bisected by the tropic of Capricorn. Those who choose to visit this northern tip of the country will find that they can enjoy long sunny days and dry weather on most days. January is the hottest month in Limpopo with an average temperature of 23°C and the coldest is June at 13°C. The wettest month is November with an average of 100 mm of rain. The Limpopo Province experience almost year-round sunshine. Blessed with year-round sunshine, it can get hot in the summer months (October-March), averaging 27 degrees Celsius. Winter is a sunny season of chilly mornings, warm midday’s, dry afternoons and cool to cold nights. The Lowveld, i.e. the Phalaborwa area, can be as hot as 45 degrees Celsius during summer. Limpopo Agriculture Given the fact that 89% of the population of Limpopo Province is classified as rural, agriculture plays a major role in the economic development of rural areas of the province. Limpopo produces a wide range of agricultural products. The area is a potato belt and known for its superior quality potatoes for high-end markets. It also produces 75% of the country’s mangoes; 65% of its papayas; 36% of its tea; 25% of its citrus, bananas and litchis; 60% of its avocados and two thirds of its tomatoes. Other products include coffee, nuts, guavas, sisal, cotton, tobacco, sunflower, maize, wheat and grapes. In addition, more than 170 plantations produce timber. Most of the higher-lying areas are devoted to cattle and game ranching, earning a reputation for quality biltong (salted, dried meat), which is a popular South African delicacy. Limpopo, with 10% of South Africa’s arable land, produces a wide range of agricultural produce. Chief among the field crops in 2015/16 during the drought: dry beans (10%), soy beans (5%), grain sorghum (14%), dry beans (10%), wheat (10%) and sunflower (6%) (DAFF, 2017). Cotton, groundnuts and maize are also produced. Half of the country’s game farms are in the Limpopo province (WRSA, 2012). Amongst the other livestock, it hosts 18% of the country’s goats and 7% of its cattle (DAFF, 2017). It also produces 6% of the country’s eggs (SAPA, 2015). Limpopo is the natural resource treasure chest of South Africa, if not the whole of southern Africa. It boasts some of the greatest reserves of agriculture, mineral and tourism resources many of which remain hugely under-exploited. The province is also linked to the Maputo Development Corridor through Phalaborwa Spatial Development Initiative, a network of road and rail corridors connecting to the major seaports will open up Limpopo and surrounding regions for trade and investment. This is complimented by the presence of airports in major centres of the province including Ellisras, Makhado, Musina, Phalaborwa, Mokopane, Thabazimbi, Tzaneen, Thohoyandou and Bela-Bela as well as the Gateway International airport in Polokwane. In terms of Agriculture Limpopo could be described as the garden of South Africa and or the whole continent, given its rich fruit and vegetable production. The province produces 75% of the country’s mangoes, 65% of its papaya, 36% of its tea, 25% of its citrus, bananas, and litchis, 60% of its avocados, two thirds of its tomatoes, 285,000 tons of potatoes. Other products include coffee, nuts, guavas, sisal, cotton and tobacco, timber with more than 170 plantations. Apart from all these, there is cotton, sunflower, maize, wheat cultivation as well as grape. Most of the higher lying areas are devoted to cattle and game ranching, earning a reputation for quality biltong, a popular South African delicacy of salted, dried meat. Limpopo won 13 LandCare Awards from the 8th national Biennial LandCare Conference hosted in Bloemfontein, Free State Province from 25 to 27 September 2018. This comes after Limpopo Province produced five champions in some categories, four runners up and four third positions in others. Limpopo Industry and Mining Limpopo also has abundant mineral resources, making mining the critical sector of the province’s economy by contributing 22% of the gross geographic product. Metals include platinum, chromium, nickel, cobalt, vanadium, tin, limestone as well as uranium clay. Other reserves include antimony, phosphates, fluorspar, gold, diamonds, copper, emeralds, scheelites, magnetite, vermiculite, silicon, mica, black granite, corundum, feldspar as well as salt. The Medupi power station, a new dry-cooled, coal-fired power station, is under construction near Lephalale. It is also expected to create around 40 000 job opportunities. Limpopo Tourism Limpopo is a tourist attraction destination. Limpopo is renowned as the Province of peace. It is endowed with bountiful natural resources, including 54 provincial reserves and many private game reserves. A few hours from Gauteng, the Province boasts the Waterburg mountain range, supporting the thriving farming and game ranching, nature reserves and resorts. Heading further north into the Province there is Polokwane – the capital of the Province, with an excellent growing infrastructure, a modern international airport and offering a wealth of diverse cultural experiences. East of the city the R71 takes you to the subtropical part of the Valley of the Olifants, the verdant Magoebaskloof Valley. Further eastwards takes you into the heart of the ‘big five’ parks of the country and some of the prime game farms in Africa, including the Kruger National Park – majestic in extent and abundant in wild life. The hot climate makes Limpopo a pleasant year-round holiday destination. During summer – that is in the months October to March – it is hot with brief afternoon showers, providing a cooling effect for evenings. In winter – from May to September – the mornings are crisp, the days are dry and sunny and the evenings cold and clear. Fauna and Flora All creatures large and small, from the massive hippopotamus to the diminutive mongoose are found in their unspoilt natural habitat. The spectrum of game species include large populations of giraffe, kudus, gemsbok, nyala , water buck, klip springer, impala, a blue wild beest and zebra , white lions that are truly white lions not albinos. For instance, in Timbavati Private nature reserve, elephants, buffalo, rhinoceros, leopards, cheetahs, red duiker, samango, monkeys, bushbuck, bushpigs and a countless others. There also more than 300 species of birds including the endangered species like vultures at Moletjie Nature Reserve 20 kilometres north west of Polokwane. The magnificent cycad forest near Tzaneen, the Modjadji Cycad (Encephalartos transvernosus) of the Rain Queen is one of the largest cycads in the world and it is a protected species. The Baobab tree, which is found only in Limpopo in the country, is an awe inspiration to the visitor. They are hundreds of years old and mostly found on the Northern part of the province. They are well preserved in the Baboab Tree Reserve in the Mussina Nature Reserve. The Big Five occur in many of the game and nature reserves in Limpopo. Buffalo are the most abundant of the Big Five and occur in large herds that can number up to 600 animals. Deceptively docile, these animals are powerful and aggressive – particularly old bulls ejected from the herd who form small bachelor herds. When alarmed, a herd also tends to stampede. Buffalo are regularly preyed upon by lions. Elephants live in tightly-knit family groups led by a matriarch. The bulls remain solitary or may band together to form bachelor herds. A fully-grown elephant weighs around 6 000 to 7 000 kilogram and is the largest terrestrial animal. When there are young in the herd, the adult female may become aggressive and it is advisable not to venture too close to the herd. The leopard is a shy nocturnal animal that hunts mainly at night. This, and the fact that it prefers dense riverine areas and craggy hills, explains why it is often not easily spotted. The leopard hides its prey in trees from other predators and is often seen resting on a branch in a tree. It is the most wary and stealthy of the big cats, yet can be incredibly bold. Lions are the largest of the African cats and live in prides of varying size controlled by one or more dominant males. An adult male weighs about 180 kilograms and a female, 135 kilograms. Lions live for up to 20 years. The lion’s roar, normally heard at dawn and dusk, can easily be heard within a radius of many kilometres. The rhinoceros is classified as either white or black, although there is no real colour difference between the two species. White rhino are generally larger with a flattened or square mouth and feed on grass. Black rhino have a pointed mouth that they use to strip leaves and break twigs. Rhino weigh up to 1 500 kilogram. The rhino’s horn is formed from matted hair and skin. Tel: +27 (0) 15 293 3600 E-mail: info@golimpopo.com Limpopo River The Limpopo River rises in the interior of Africa, and flows generally eastwards towards the Indian Ocean. It is around 1.600 km long (or 1.770 km according to another source). The Limpopo is the second largest river in Africa which drains to the east after the Zambezi River. It flows in a great arc, first zig-zagging north-east and north, then turning east and finally south-east. At this point it serves as a border for about 640 km, separating South Africa on the south-east bank from Botswana in the north-west and Zimbabwe on the north. The main tributary is the Olifants/Letaba river (Elephant River). The port town of Xai-Xai (Mozambique) is on the river near the mouth. Below the Olifants, the river is permanently navigable to the sea, though a sandbar prevents access to large ships, except at high tide. Limpopo Population Capital: Polokwane Principal languages: Sepedi 56,0% Tshivenda 17,1% Xitsonga 16,6% Population: 5 799 090 Percentage share of the total South African population: 10,4% Area: 125 755 km2 Source: Stats SA’s Mid-year population estimates 2017 and Community Survey 2016 Limpopo – Culture The population of Limpopo consists of the following several ethnic groups distinguished by culture, language and race: The Northern Sotho (Sepedi) : Approximately 57 per cent. The Tsonga (Shangaan) : Approximately 23 per cent The Venda : Approximately 12 per cent. The Afrikaners : Approximately 2.6 per cent The English : Approximately half a per cent Notes: Limpopo Department of Sport, Arts and Culture crowned the best Arts and Culture Department in the country during the 2018 SATMA Awards. In the northern part of the Limpopo Province of South Africa, between the Blue Mountain and Limpopo River, dinosaur footprints and archaeological findings are evidence of the rich and ancient history of this isolated area. This area is home to a tribal community of more than a million Pedi people. Previously called the Northern Province, Limpopo is a land of beautiful and contrasting landscapes, which is typical of Africa. Hence it has become a favourite destination for leisure and adventure travelers worldwide. Come to a region of infinite scenic beauty with a great diversity of both natural and man-made attractions, rich cultural heritage and an abundance of wildlife and nature-based tourism opportunities. Our network of protected areas and nature reserves is amongst the best on the African continent. Through these nature reserves, we seek to preserve our natural heritage for future generations and for sharing with the international community. We have spectacular mountain scenery, which beckons hikers, climbers and bikers, while mystic cultural destinations intrigue both local and international tourists. The game viewing is absolutely fantastic and possibly the best in the country – hence we are the preferred Eco-tourism destination in Southern Africa. Limpopo National Parks Limpopo is home to numerous nature reserves and National Parks. South African National Parks (SANParks) is the body responsible for managing South Africa’s national parks. SANParks was formed in 1926. The best known park is Kruger National Park. The Kruger National Park, which is also the oldest (proclaimed in 1898), and the largest, at nearly 2.000.000 hectares (20.000 km2). The Kruger Park and Table Mountain National Park are two of South Africa’s most visited tourist attractions. Whether you’re planning adventurous game drives, a rural camping retreat, bird watching or tranquil hours spent angling, here are some icons and highlights which should not be missed, when visiting Limpopo. Kruger National Park. (70% of which is in the Limpopo province) Game reserve in Limpopo, bounded in the north by the Limpopo River, in the east by Mocambique, in the south by the Crocodile River and in the west by a surveyor’s line. Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park The Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park is a joint initiative between Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe. The establishment of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park is a process that will link the Limpopo National Park in Mozambique, Kruger National Park in South Africa, Gonarezhou National Park, Manjinji Pan Sanctuary and Malipati Safari Area in Zimbabwe, as well as two areas between Kruger and Gonarezhou, namely the Sengwe communal land in Zimbabwe and the Makuleke region in South Africa. LIMPOPO PROVINCE – SOUTH AFRICA Previously called the Northern Province, Limpopo is a land of beautiful and contrasting landscapes, which is typical of Africa. Hence it has become a favourite destination for leisure and adventure travellers worldwide. Come to a region of infinite scenic beauty with a great diversity of both natural and man-made attractions, rich cultural heritage and an abundance of wildlife and nature-based tourism opportunities. Our network of protected areas and nature reserves is amongst the best on the African continent. Through these nature reserves, we seek to preserve our natural heritage for future generations and for sharing with the international community. We have spectacular mountain scenery, which beckons hikers, climbers and bikers, while mystic cultural destinations intrigue both local and international tourists. The game viewing is absolutely fantastic and possibly the best in the country – hence we are the preferred Eco-tourism destination in Southern Africa. Limpopo Province is located in the far Northern part of South Africa and shares borders with three neighboring countries: Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. For this reason, the Province is also known as the gateway to other African countries. The Province also shares provincial borders with Gauteng, Mpumalanga and North West provinces. Limpopo landscape and vegetation varies from one area to the other. The vegetation ranges from Tropical Forests, Bush and Shrubs to semi-desert areas with small trees and bushes. The landscape also ranges from mountainous to flat land. Limpopo is divided into five regions, strategically located according to the cultural inhabitants. Capricorn is the central region predominantly occupied by the Bapedi People. Waterberg is the largest region in the province with the majority of people being the Batswana people. The Vhembe region in the far north is dominated by Vhavenda and Vatsonga people. The Mopani region towards the Kruger National Park is dominated by Vatsonga, whereas the Sekhukhuni region is dominated by Bapedi and Ndebele people. Limpopo is the only Province in South Africa with more than two cultural groups staying together in their original habitat in harmony. Other ethnic groups include the English and Afrikaner people. English is regarded as a business language but other native languages of the province include Tshivenda, Sepedi, Xitsonga, Setswana, Isindebele and Afrikaans. Limpopo has a predominant Christian religious society. However there are other traditional religions such as Islam and Hinduism. Most of the businesses operate normally from 09:00 a.m. to 17:00 p.m and also accept credit cards (e.g. Visa). National Banks are also available and they offer services of international standards, e.g. FNB, Standard Bank, Nedbank, African Bank and ABSA. Five Regions of Limpopo Capricorn District Blouberg Local: Cities/Towns: Alldays Lepelle-Nkumpi Local: Cities/Towns: Zebediela Molemole Local: Cities/Towns: Dendron, Morebeng (Soekmekaar) Polokwane Local: Cities/Towns: Polokwane Mopani District Ba-Phalaborwa Local: Cities/Towns: Gravelotte, Leydsdorp Greater Giyani Local: Cities/Towns: Giyani Greater Letaba Local: Cities/Towns: Modjadjiskloof Greater Tzaneen Local: Cities/Towns: Haenertsburg, Tzaneen Maruleng Local: Cities/Towns: Hoedspruit Sekhukhune District Elias Motsoaledi Local: Cities/Towns: Groblersdal, Roossenekal Ephraim Mogale Local: Cities/Towns: Marble Hall, Schuinsdraai Nature Reserve Fetakgomo – Greater Tubatse Local: Cities/Towns: Burgersfort, Ohrigstad, Steelpoort Makhuduthamaga Local: Completely rural in nature, dominated by traditional land ownership. Vhembe District Collins Chabane Local: Cities/Towns: Malamulele Makhado Local: Cities/Towns: Makhado Musina Local: Cities/Towns: Musina Thulamela Local: Cities/Towns: Thohoyandou Waterberg District Bela-Bela Local: Cities/Towns: Bela-Bela, Pienaarsrivier Lephalale Local: Cities/Towns: Lephalale Modimolle-Mookgophong Local: Cities/Towns: Modimolle, Mookgophong (Naboomspruit), Vaalwater Mogalakwena Local: Cities/Towns: Mokopane (Potgietersrus) Thabazimbi Local: Cities/Towns: Amandelbult Mine Town, Thabazimbi Limpopo’s capital Polokwane (previously Pietersburg), lies in the heart of the Capricorn region. The district has an internal airport, and is linked to Gauteng by one of the best stretches of the N1 in South Africa. It has the third-largest district economy in the province, and is predominantly rural in nature. North West North West North West is bordered by Botswana in the north and fringed by the Kalahari desert in the west, Gauteng to the east, and the Free State to the south. It is known as the “Platinum Province”, owing to its wealth of this precious metal. The province has a population of more than 3,6 million people who mainly speak Setswana. Mahikeng is the capital city and well known for the Mafikeng Siege, which took place in October 1899 during the Anglo-Boer/South African War. North West Population Capital: Mahikeng Principal languages: Setswana 71,5% Afrikaans 8,96% IsiXhosa 5,51% Population: 3 748 435 Percentage share of the total South African population: 6,7% Area: 104 882 km2 Source: Stats SA’s Mid-year population estimates 2017 and Community Survey 2016 Most of the province’s economic activity is concentrated between Potchefstroom and Klerksdorp, as well as in Rustenburg and the eastern region, where more than 83,3% of the province’s economic activity takes place. The province has various tourist attractions. These include Sun City, the Pilanesberg National Park, Madikwe Game Reserve, and the De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Trust. A portion of one of South Africa’s seven Unesco world heritage sites also falls within the borders of North West namely the Taung hominid fossil site, which has been incorporated into South Africa’s Cradle of Humankind. North West Mining and manufacturing Mining contributes 23,3% to North West’s economy, and makes up 22,5% of the South African mining industry. The Rustenburg and Brits districts produce 94% of the country’s platinum, which is more than any other single area in the world. In addition to granite, marble, fluorspar and diamonds, the province also produces a quarter of South Africa’s gold. Employment along the Platinum Corridor, from Pretoria to eastern Botswana, accounts for over a third of the province’s total employment. North West’s manufacturing sector centres on the municipalities of Brits, Rustenburg, Potchefstroom, Klerksdorp and Mahikeng, which together account for more than 50% of the province’s total manufacturing production. The industries in Brits concentrate on manufacturing and construction. While those in Klerksdorp are geared towards the mining industry. In the manufacturing arena, automotive parts, machinery, electronic, audio, and medical equipment are manufactured using local materials and resources. North West Agriculture Some of the largest cattle herds in the world are found at Stellaland near Vryburg. This fact therefore explains why this area is often referred to as the Texas of South Africa. Marico is also cattle country. North West is South Africa’s major producer of white maize. The areas around Rustenburg are fertile, mixed-crop farming land, with maize and sunflowers being the most important crops. The arrestingly diverse landscape of the North West is occupied by charming people who’s responsibility to the land parallels their strong sense of tradition. The culture of the people of the North West is to be found in every aspect of the daily lives of the people. – in their beadwork, the pottery, the houses, the music and song. The people of the North West are predominantly BaTswana in origin and their language is SeTswana. They can trace their origins for many centuries through a turbulent history of war and migration across the plains and valleys of the province to the borders of the Kalahari. Other groups touching the North West are the Ndebele in the east and theSotho in the south. The North West Province is blessed with several cultural villages that entertain and enrich as they interpret South Africa’s people in their own unique manner. Much of the province consists of flat areas of scattered trees and grassland. The Magaliesberg mountain range in the northeast extends about 130 km (about 80 miles) from Pretoria to Rustenburg. The Vaal River flows along the southern border of the province. Temperatures range from 17° to 31° C (62° to 88° F) in the summer and from 3° to 21° C (37° to 70° F) in the winter. Annual rainfall totals about 360 mm (about 14 in), with almost all of it falling during the summer months, between October and April. In 1994 the population of the North West Province was estimated to be 3 669 349 (out of a total of an estimated 44 819 778 people living in South Africa); 65% of the people in the North West Provice live in the rural areas. The majority of the province’s residents are the Tswana people who speak Setswana. Smaller groups include Afrikaans, Sotho, and Xhosa speaking people. English is spoken primarily as a second language. Most of the population belong to Christian denominations. (Figures according to Census 2001 released in July 2003). The province has the lowest number of people aged 20 years and older (5,9%) who have received higher education. The literacy rate is in the region of 57%. As part of the Department of Education’s proposed plans for higher education, the existing four higher learning institutions will be merged to form two. During 2003, as part of the Year of Further Education and Training project, three mega institutions, Taletso, ORBIT and Vuselela, were established to provide technical and vocational training to the youth. These institutions have been incorporated into many of the former education and technical colleges and manpower centres. Mafikeng, formerly Mafeking, serves as the provincial capital. Other significant towns include Brits, Klerksdorp,Lichtenburg, Potchefstroom, Rustenburg and Sun City. The province has two universities: the University of North West, which was formerly called the University of Bophuthatswana (founded in 1979), in Mmabatho; and Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education (founded in 1869; became a constituent college of the University of South Africa in 1921 and an independent university in 1951). Important historical sites in the province include Mafikeng, the traditional capital of the Barolong people, where a British garrison was placed under siege by Afrikaners during the Boer War (1899-1902); Lotlamoreng Cultural Village near Mafikeng, which re-creates a traditional African village; and Boekenhoutfontein, the farm of Paul Kruger, who was the last president of the South African Republic (a state created by Afrikaners in what is now north-eastern South Africa), from 1883 to 1902. The province has several national parks. The largest, Pilanesberg Game Reserve, is located in the crater of an extinct volcano. North West Region From untamed bushveld to the sophistication of 5-star resorts, the North West Province provides the complete tourism package. Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, the province offers an escape route to the real Africa. Nature has blessed this province with breathtaking scenic beauty, rolling fields of maize, golden sunflowers and vast plains of African bushveld. The ideal backdrop for the enjoyment of our outdoor attractions. Superb game parks – home to the Big Five – magnificent golf courses, water features, sporting facilities. The North West Province – a blend of 20th century living and the mystique of ancient Africa. Effectively forming the southern part of the Kalahari Desert, the North West Province offers almost all year-round sunshine. Do not forget your suntan lotion and sun hat. Few days will be spent indoors staring at bleak weather! The North West is all about the authentic African bush experience and it is the hot, dry African climate which is truly unique. Small wonder, then, that so many indulge in the many water recreation facilities available throughout the province. Even less surprising that so many choose to stay in this place of uncompromisingly tempered, often intemperate climate. The North West Province is a must see destination – one that is diverse and exciting. We offer some of the finest game reserves, cultural sights, archaeological treasures as well as entertainment resorts. Visitors seeking to experience the wilderness and cultural treasures of the North West may do so conveniently because of it’s proximity to the Johannesburg International Airport and the major centres of Johannesburg and Pretoria. The agricultural and mining production in the North West plays a vital role in boosting the South African economy. The principal products are namely gold, platinum, diamonds, maize, beef as well as sunflower seeds. While visiting the North West, the traditional warmth of the province will be shared with you as well as the pride in the history and culture of the province. Visitors to the North West can take home with them lasting memories a special experience and enjoyment. Dams in the North West Hartbeespoort Dam : Hartbeespoort Dam is a large dam on the Crocodile River, located about 35 kilometers (22 miles) northwest of Johannesburg. The dam was completed in 1938 and has a capacity of 1,097 million cubic meters (384 billion cubic feet). Hartbeespoort Dam is used for irrigation, hydroelectric power, and recreation. Boskop Dam: Boskop Dam is a small dam on the Boskop River, located about 50 kilometers (31 miles) north of Pretoria. The dam was completed in 1965 and has a capacity of 15 million cubic meters (530 million cubic feet). Boskop Dam is used for irrigation and recreation. Taung Dam: Taung Dam is a small dam on the Taung River, located about 100 kilometers (62 miles) north of Mahikeng. The dam was completed in 1966 and has a capacity of 10 million cubic meters (353 million cubic feet). Taung Dam is used for irrigation and recreation. Vaal Dam: Vaal Dam is the largest dam in South Africa, located about 100 kilometers (62 miles) south of Johannesburg. The dam was completed in 1938 and has a capacity of 30,400 million cubic meters (1,066 billion cubic feet). Vaal Dam is used for irrigation, hydroelectric power, and drinking water. Tzaneen Dam: Tzaneen Dam is a large dam on the Olifants River, located about 300 kilometers (186 miles) northeast of Pretoria. The dam was completed in 1970 and has a capacity of 2,000 million cubic meters (70.7 billion cubic feet). Tzaneen Dam is used for irrigation, hydroelectric power, and recreation. These are just a few of the many dams in the North West Province of South Africa. Dams play an important role in the province’s economy and environment, and they provide a valuable source of water for irrigation and drinking water. Mpumalanga Mpumalanga Mpumalanga, which means “Place Where the Sun Rises”. Spectacular scenic beauty and an abundance of wildlife makes Mpumalanga province one of South Africa’s major tourist destinations. Mpumalanga is home to just more than four million people. The principle languages are Siswati and isiZulu. With a surface area of only 76 495 km2, it is the second smallest province after Gauteng , yet has the fourth-largest economy in South Africa. Bordered by Mozambique and Swaziland in the east, and Gauteng in the west, the province is situated mainly on the high plateau grasslands of the Middleveld. In the north-east, it rises towards mountain peaks terminating in an immense escarpment. In some places, this escarpment plunges hundreds of metres down to the low-lying area known as the Lowveld. The province has a network of excellent roads and railway connections, making it highly accessible. Owing to its popularity as a tourist destination, Mpumalanga is also served by a number of small airports, including the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport. Mbombela is the capital of the province and the administrative and business centre of the Lowveld. Other important towns are eMalahleni, Standerton, Piet Retief, Malalane, Ermelo, Barberton and Sabie, which lies in the centre of one of the largest man-made forests in the world. Mpumalanga lies mainly within the Grassland Biome. The escarpment and the Lowveld form a transitional zone between this grassland area as well as the Savanna Biome. The Maputo Corridor, which links the province with Gauteng, and Maputo in Mozambique, facilitates economic development and growth for the region. Mpumalanga Agriculture and forestry Mpumalanga is a summer-rainfall area divided by the escarpment into the Highveld region with cold frosty winters and the Lowveld region with mild winters and a subtropical climate. The escarpment area sometimes experiences snow on the high ground. Thick mist is common during the hot, humid summers. Agriculture, as the backbone of the province’s economy, employs 8,1% of its total workforce. An abundance of citrus fruit and many other subtropical fruit – mangoes, avocados, litchis, bananas, papayas, granadillas, guavas – as well as nuts and a variety of vegetables are produced here. Mbombela is the second-largest citrus-producing area in South Africa and is responsible for one third of the country’s orange exports. The Institute for Tropical and Subtropical Crops is situated in the city. Groblersdal is an important irrigation area, which yields a wide variety of products such as citrus, cotton, tobacco, wheat and vegetables. Carolina-Bethal-Ermelo is mainly a sheepfarming area, but potatoes, sunflowers, maize and peanuts are also grown there. Mpumalanga Industry and manufacturing Most of the manufacturing production in Mpumalanga occurs in the southern Highveld region; especially in Highveld Ridge, where large petrochemical plants such as Sasol 2 and Sasol 3 are located. Large-scale manufacturing occurs especially in the northern Highveld area, particularly chrome-alloy and steel manufacturing. In the Lowveld subregion, industries concentrate on manufacturing products from agricultural and raw forestry material. The growth in demand for goods and services for export via Maputo will stimulate manufacturing in the province. Mpumalanga is rich in coal reserves with eMalahleni being the biggest coal producer in Africa. South Africa’s major power stations are situated in this province. Kendal power station’s cooling towers are the largest structures of their type in the world. The Kusile power station near Delmas, which was completed in 2016, is the country’s biggest, contributing a massive 4 800 MW of electricity to the national grid. One of the country’s largest paper mills is situated at Ngodwana, close to its timber source. Middelburg, which produces steel and vanadium, is home to Columbus Stainless, South Africa’s only producer of stainless steel flat products. Mpumalanga Capital: Nelspruit Principal languages: Siswati 29,1% IsiZulu 28,8% Xitsonga 9,6% IsiNdebele 10,1% Population: 4 444 200 Percentage share of the total population: 7,8% Area: 76 495 km2 Source: Stats SA’s Mid-year population estimates 2017 and Community Survey 2016 BACK TO TOP