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History of South African Flags & Coat of Arms 1902–1910 The South African Republic Vierkleur The Second Anglo-Boer War between 1899 and 1902 ended with the Treaty of Vereeniging on 31 May 1902 and resulted in what is now South Africa falling under the British Union Flag . The former Boer Republics of the Orange Free State and the Zuid-Afrikaanse Republiek (Transvaal) became British colonies along with the existing Cape and Natal colonies. Each was also entitled to a colonial flag following in the British tradition. 1910–1928 Main article: South Africa Red Ensign On 31 May 1910 these four colonies came together to form the Union of South Africa and the individual colonial flags were no longer used and new South African flags came into being. Once again, as a British dominion the British Union Flag was to continue as the national flag and the standard British ensign pattern was used as a basis for distinctive South African flags. As was the case throughout the British Empire , the Red and Blue Ensigns were the official flags for merchant and government vessels at sea, and the British Admiralty authorised them to be defaced in the fly with the shield from the South African coat of arms .These ensigns were not intended to be used as the Union's national flag, although they were used by some people as such. Although these ensigns were primarily intended for maritime use, they were also flown on land. The South Africa Red Ensign was South Africa's de facto national flag between 1910 and 1928 and was flown at times from Government buildings. The design of the Red Ensign was modified slightly in 1912 when the shield was placed on a white disc so as to make it more distinguishable. The Red Ensign continued to be used as the flag of the South African merchant marine until 1951. A variant of South Africa Red Ensign with the full coat of arms of South Africa on a white disc. Commonly flown by civilians. The Blue Ensign was flown over the Union's offices abroad between 1910 and 1928. These flags never enjoyed much popular support due to the animosities lingering after the Anglo-Boer War – the Afrikaner descendants of the Dutch settlers from the former Boer Republics saw it as a British flag, and the English-speakers saw it was not the Union Flag alone 1928–1994 Main article: Flag of South Africa (1928–1994) Union of South Africa (1928–1961) Republic of South Africa (1961–1994) Oranje, Blanje, Blou Use National flag , civil and state ensign Proportion2:3 Adopted31 May 1928 RelinquishedApril 27, 1994; 30 years ago Three small flags on the flag of South Africa, used from 1928 to 1982. Three small flags on the flag of South Africa, used from 1982 to 1994. The three flags in the centre representing the former British colonies of Cape Colony and Natal with the Union Flag on the left, followed by the flags of the former Boer republics of Orange Free State and the South African Republic on the right. The Union Flag is shown with the hoist on the right . Due to the lack of popularity of these flags, there were intermittent discussions about the desirability of a more distinctive national flag for South Africa after 1910,: 70  it was only after a coalition government took office in 1925 that a bill was introduced in Parliament to introduce a national flag for the Union. This provoked an often violent controversy that lasted for three years based on whether the British Union Flag should be included in the new flag design or not. The Natal Province even threatened to secede from the Union should it be decided to remove it. Finally, a compromise was reached that resulted in the adoption of a separate flag for the Union in late 1927 and the design was first hoisted on 31 May 1928. The design was based on the so-called Van Riebeeck flag or "Prince's Flag " (Prinsenvlag in Afrikaans ) that was originally the Dutch flag ; it consisted of orange, white, and blue horizontal stripes. A version of this flag had been used as the flag of the Dutch East India Company (known as the VOC) at the Cape (with the VOC logo in the centre) from 1652 until 1795. The South African addition to the design was the inclusion of three smaller flags centred in the white stripe. The miniature flags were the British Union Flag (mirrored) towards the hoist, the flag of the Orange Free State hanging vertically in the middle and the Transvaal Vierkleur towards the fly. The position of each of the miniature flags is such that each has equal status. However, to ensure that the Dutch flag in the canton of the Orange Free State flag is placed nearest to the upper hoist of the main flag, the Free State flag must be reversed. The British Union Flag, which is nearest to the hoist and is thus in a more favoured position, is spread horizontally from the Free State flag towards the hoist and is thus also reversed. Although placed horizontally furthest from the hoist, to balance the British Union Flag, the Vierkleur is the only one of the miniature flags which is spread in the same direction as the main flag. This compensates for its otherwise less favourable position. In this arrangement, each of the miniature flags enjoy equal precedence.Note that the miniature flags of the Transvaal Republic and the Orange Free State both contain miniature flags of the Netherlands , while the miniature flag of the United Kingdom is a composition of the flags of England , Scotland and the Anglo-Irish people , making the old South African flag the only former national flag in the world containing five flags within three flags within a flag. The choice of the Prinsenvlag (which was believed to be the first flag hoisted on South African soil by Jan van Riebeeck of the VOC) as the basis upon which to design the South African flag had more to do with compromise than Afrikaner political desires, since the Prinsenvlag was politically neutral, as it was no longer the national flag of any nation. A further element of this compromise was that the British Union Flag would continue to fly alongside the new South African national flag over official buildings. This dual flag arrangement continued until 1957 when the British Union Flag lost its official status per an Act of Parliament . Following a referendum the country became a republic on 31 May 1961, but the design of the flag remained unchanged. However, there was intense pressure to change the flag, particularly from Afrikaners who still resented the fact that the British Union Flag was a part of the flag. In 1968, the then Prime Minister , John Vorster , proposed the adoption of a new flag from 1971, to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the declaration of a republic but this never materialised. Since 2019, public display of this flag in South Africa is considered hate speech (for being a potential symbol of apartheid and white supremacy ) and therefore prohibited, with exceptions for artistic, academic and journalistic purposes, as well as for museums & places of historical interest. Flag from 1928–1982 Flag from 1982–1994 1994–present South African Ambassador to the U.S. Harry Schwarz presenting the new flag to the U.S. president Bill Clinton and vice president Al Gore in May 1994. The present South African national flag was first flown on 27 April 1994,the day of the 1994 election . However, the flag was first intended to be an interim flag only, and its design was decided upon only a week beforehand. The choice of a new flag was part of the negotiation process set in motion when Nelson Mandela was released from prison in 1990. When a nationwide public competition was held in 1993, the National Symbols Commission received more than 7,000 designs.[16] Six designs were shortlisted and presented to the public and the Negotiating Council, but none elicited enthusiastic support. A number of design studios were then contacted to submit further proposals, but these also did not find favour. Parliament went into recess at the end of 1993 without a suitable candidate for the new national flag. In February 1994, Cyril Ramaphosa and Roelf Meyer , the chief negotiators of the African National Congress and the National Party government of the day respectively, were given the task of resolving the flag issue. A final design was adopted on 15 March 1994, derived from a design developed by the State Herald Fred Brownell , who had also claimed to have previously designed the Namibian flag . This interim flag was hoisted officially for the first time on 27 April 1994, the day when the nation's first fully inclusive elections commenced which resulted in Nelson Mandela being inaugurated as South Africa's first democratically elected president on 10 May 1994. The flag was well received by most South Africans, though a small minority objected to it; hundreds of Afrikaner Volksfront members in Bloemfontein burned the flag in protest a few weeks before the April 1994 elections. The flag flying at the Sydney Cricket Ground . The proclamation of the new national flag by South African President F. W. de Klerk was only published on 20 April 1994, a mere seven days before the flag was to be inaugurated, sparking a frantic last-minute flurry for flag manufacturers. As stated in South Africa's post-apartheid interim constitution, the flag was to be introduced on an interim probationary period of five years, after which there would be discussion about whether or not to change the national flag in the final draft of the constitution . The Constitutional Assembly was charged with the responsibility of drafting the country's new constitution and had called for submissions, inter alia, on the issues of its various national symbols. It received 118 submissions recommending the retention of the new flag and 35 suggesting changes to it. Thus on 28 September 1995 it decided that the flag should be retained unchanged and accordingly it was included as Section One of the Constitution of South Africa which came into force in February 1997. Proper display of the flag The South African government published guidelines for proper display of the flag at designated flag stations, in Government Notice 510 of 8 June 2001 (Gazette number 22356). These rules apply only to official flag stations and not to the general public. The Southern African Vexillological Association (SAVA), a non-official association for the study of flags, published their own guide for proper display of the flag in 2002. This guide has no official authority but was drawn up with generally accepted vexillological etiquette and principles in mind. Official description An addendum to the Transitional Executive Council agenda (April 1994) described the flag in pseudo-heraldic terms as follows: The National flag shall be rectangular in the proportion of two in the width to three to the length; per pall from the hoist, the upper band red (chilli) and lower band blue, with a black triangle at the hoist; over the partition lines a green pall one fifth the width of the flag, fimbriated white against the red and blue, and gold against the black triangle at the hoist, and the width of the pall and its fimbriations is one third the width of the flag. Schedule One of the Constitution of South Africa (1996) replaced the heraldic definition and described the flag in plain English as follows: The national flag is rectangular; it is one and a half times as long as it is wide. It is black, gold, green, white, chilli red and blue. It has a green Y-shaped band that is one fifth as wide as the flag. The centre lines of the band start in the top and bottom corners next to the flag post, converge in the centre of the flag, and continue horizontally to the middle of the free edge. The green band is edged, above and below in white, and towards the flag post end, in gold. Each edging is one fifteenth as wide as the flag. The triangle next to the flag post is black. The upper horizontal band is chilli red and the lower horizontal band is blue. These bands are each one third as wide as the flag. Historical flags (1652–1928) See also: South Africa Red Ensign Many flags were used in South Africa prior to political unification in 1910. The original Dutch East India Company colony at the Cape of Good Hope (1652–1795) flew the Dutch flag, with the VOC logo in the centre. This flag was also flown during the period of Batavian Republic rule (1803–06). The Boer Republics , i.e. the Orange Free State (1854–1902), the South African Republic (1857–1902), Stellaland (1882–85), Goshen (1883–85), the Nieuwe Republiek (1884–88), and the Klein Vrystaat (1886–1891) had their own flags. Several derived from the Dutch flag. The British colonies that existed in the 19th century flew the British flags, and from the early 1870s some, i.e. Natal , Cape Colony , and later the Orange River Colony and the Transvaal , added their own colonial flag badges. The Union of South Africa, formed in 1910, initially used a red ensign defaced with a badge depicting the Union coat of arms. The first South African national flag, introduced in 1928, superseded it. FlagDateUseDescription 1652–1795The Prince's Flag A horizontal triband of orange , white and blue . 1652–1795States Flag A horizontal triband of red, white and blue. The blue is a lighter shade than that of the current national flag 1652–1795, 1803–1806Flag of the Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie 1795–1801Flag of the Kingdom of Great Britain the Flags of England and Scotland superimposed. 1801–1803Union Jack The flag was used in the occupation of The Dutch Cape Colony until 1803, only to be reintroduced in 1806. 1803–1806Flag of the Batavian Republic A horizontal triband of red, white and blue with the Republic’s emblem in the canton. 1839–1843Natalia Republic 1857–1902Orange Free State 1857–74, 1875–77, 1881–1902South African Republic (Transvaal Republic)('Vierkleur') 1870–71Flag of the Diggers' Republic ('Diamond flag') 1870–71Flag of the Diggers' Republic ('Klipdrift flag') 1874–1875South African Republic (Transvaal Republic)('Thomas François Burgers 's Voortrekker flag'). A red saltire outlined in white on a dark blue field. 1875–1910Colony of Natal 1876–1910Cape Colony A blue ensign defaced with the shield-of-arms of Cape Colony 1883–1885State of Goshen 1883Stellaland 1883–1885Stellaland 1884–1888Nieuwe Republiek 1890–1891Klein Vrystaat 1902–1910Orange River Colony A blue ensign defaced with a springbok antelope in a disc 1904–1910Transvaal Colony A blue ensign defaced with a disc showing a lion lying on an African plain with palm trees. 1910–1912Union of South Africa (Merchant flag) 1912–1951Union of South Africa (Merchant flag) 1910–1928Union of South Africa (State Ensign and naval jack) National flags (1928–1994) See also: Flag of South Africa (1928–1994) The Hertzog administration introduced the flag after several years of political controversy. Approved by Parliament in 1927, it was first hoisted on 31 May 1928. The flag reflected the Union's predecessors. The basis was the Prince's Flag (royal tricolour) of the Netherlands, with the addition of a Union Jack to represent the Cape and Natal, the former Orange Free state flag, and the former South African Republic flag. Until 1957, the flag was flown subordinate to the British Union Jack. The flag remained unchanged when South Africa became a republic on 31 May 1961. Homeland flags (1966–1994) Nine of the ten Black 'homelands' which were created inside South African Federation under the apartheid system, had their own flags, i.e. Transkei (1966–94), Bophuthatswana (1973–94), Ciskei (1973–94), Gazankulu (1973–94), Venda (1973–94), Lebowa (1974–94), QwaQwa (1975–94), KwaZulu (1977–94), and KwaNdebele (1982–94). KaNgwane was the only homeland that never adopted its own distinctive flag, instead using the national flag of South Africa. All these flags became obsolete when South Africa reincorporated the homelands on 27 April 1994. FlagDateUseDescription 1966–1994Transkei 1973–1994Bophuthatswana 1973–1994Ciskei 1973–1994Gazankulu 1973–1994Venda 1974–1994Lebowa 1975–1994QwaQwa 1977–1985KwaZulu (1) 1982–1994KwaNdebele 1985–1994KwaZulu (2) Sporting flags (1992–1994) As a result of the sporting boycott of South Africa over its policy of apartheid , South Africa did not participate in the Olympic Games between 1964 and 1988. The country was re-admitted to the Olympic movement in 1991. As a result of a dispute over what flag and national anthem to use following readmission, the team participated in the 1992 Summer Olympic Games under the National Olympic Committee flag. The flag consisted of a white field charged with grey diamond, which represented the countries mineral wealth, three cascading bands of blue, red and green, which represented the sea, the land and agriculture respectively and the Olympic rings.This flag was also used to represent the South African team at the 1992 Summer Paralympics . Team uniforms included the emblem of Olympic Committee of South Africa , which depicted Olympic rings surrounded by olive branches, with the name of the country above. The team would use Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" as its victory anthem at these games. At the 1994 Winter Games , South Africa participated under the flag of its Olympic committee. Military flags Military flags South African Defence Force 1947–1981 1981–1994 South African National Defence Force 1994–2003 2003–present National Defence Department Joint Operations Division Department of Military Veterans South African Army 1951–1973 1973–1994 1994–2002 2002–2003 2003–present South African Air Force 1920–1940 1940–1951 1951–1958 1958–1967 1967–1970 (approved but not used) 1970–1981 1981–1982 1982–1994 1994–2003 2003–present South African Navy Main article: South African Naval Ensign Naval ensign, 1922–1946 Naval ensign, 1946–1951 Naval ensign, 1951–1952 (approved but not used) Naval ensign, 1952–1959 Naval ensign, 1959–1981 Naval ensign, 1981–1994 Naval colour, 1981–1994 Naval ensign, 1994–present Naval colour, c. 1998 Police flags South African Police until 1994 South African Police Service 1995–present Provincial flags 1910–1994 Between 1910 and 1994, South Africa was divided into four provinces, Cape Province , Natal , Orange Free State and Transvaal . These provinces had their own coat of arms but not their own flags. 1994–present In April 1994, South Africa was divided into nine provinces . Each province was granted a coat of arms, in most cases designed by State Herald Frederick Brownell . Currently only one province, Mpumalanga , has adopted an official provincial flag, doing so in February 1996. The other eight provinces can be represented by white banners charged with their coats of arms. Flag of South Africa Flag of South Africa For other flags of South Africa, see List of South African flags . Republic of South Africa Use Civil and state flag , civil and state ensign Proportion2:3 Adopted27 April 1994; 30 years ago DesignA horizontal bicolour of red and blue with a black isosceles triangle based on the hoist-side and a green pall, a central green band that splits into a horizontal Y, centred over the partition lines and was edged in both white against the red and the blue bands and yellow against the triangle, in which the arms of the Y ends at the corners of the hoist and embraces the triangle on the hoist-side. Designed byFrederick Brownell South African National Defence Force Use War flag Adopted25 April 2003; 21 years ago South African Naval Ensign Use Naval ensign Adopted16 March 1998; 26 years ago The national flag of South Africa was designed in March 1994 and adopted on 27 April 1994, during South Africa 's 1994 general election , to replace the previous flag used from 1928–1994 . The flag has horizontal bands of red (on the top) and blue (on the bottom), of equal width, separated by a central green band which splits into a horizontal "Y" shape, the arms of which end at the corners of the hoist side (and follow the flag's diagonals). The "Y" embraces a black isosceles triangle from which the arms are separated by narrow yellow or gold bands ; the red and blue bands are separated from the green band and its arms by narrow white stripes. The stripes at the fly end are in the 5:1:3:1:5 ratio. Three of the flag's colours were taken from the flag of the South African Republic , itself derived from the flag of the Netherlands , as well as the Union Jack , while the remaining three colours were taken from the flag of the African National Congress . Nicknames for the flag include the Seskleur (lit. 'six colour')and the Rainbow Flag. Colours At the time of its adoption, the South African flag was the only national flag in the world to comprise six colours in its primary design and without a seal and brocade. The design and colours are a synopsis of principal elements of the country's flag history. The colours themselves have no essential meaning. ColoursTextile colourPantone equivalentRGB hexadecimalRGB decimalSample Green CKS 42 c Spectrum green3415 c#007A4D0, 122, 77 Black CKS 401 c Blue black#0000000, 0, 0 White CKS 701 c National flag white#FFFFFF255, 255, 255 Gold CKS 724 c Gold yellow1235 c#FFB612255, 182, 18 Red CKS 750 c Chilli red179 c#DE3831222, 56, 49 Blue CKS 762 c National flag blueReflex blue c#0023950, 35, 149 Symbolism According to official South African government information, the South African flag is "a synopsis of principal elements of the country's flag history." Although different people may attribute personal symbolism to the individual colours or colour combinations, "no universal symbolism should be attached to any of the colours." The only symbolism in the flag is the V or Y shape, which can be interpreted as "the convergence of diverse elements within South African society, taking the road ahead in unity". Frederick Gordon Brownell who created the flag has said that the green Y-shaped part of the flag was influenced by the chasubles worn by Anglican priests, and stated that he was influenced to include it as he grew up Anglican. From time to time explanations of the meanings or symbolism of the flag's colours are published in various media, including official government publications and speeches by government officials. The flag consists of the four colours of the Vierkleur , expanded by the addition of black and gold signifying South Africa's mineral wealth. Three of the colours – black, green and gold – are found in the flag of the African National Congress . The other three – red, white and blue – are used in the modern flag of the Netherlands and the flag of the United Kingdom ; the colours white and blue were also found in the old flag of South Africa . Former South African President F.W. de Klerk , who proclaimed the new flag on 20 April 1994, stated in his autobiography, The Last Trek: a New Beginning, that chilli red was chosen instead of plain red (which Anglo-Africans would have preferred) or orange (as some Afrikaners would have preferred). Proposed flags Flags proposed in the 1910s 1910 proposal (white) 1910 proposal (red) Flags proposed in the 1920s Flags from the 1925/1926 Public Flag Competition The government of South Africa opened a competition open to the public. While the "Walker Flag" had some support, ultimately none of the designs were chosen. Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, 1926, Four-Color Version, the "Walker Flag" Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, Boxes Version Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, Orange Cross Version Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, Southern Cross Stripes Version Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, Southern Cross Circle Version Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, Bordered Version Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, Five Colors with White Stripes Version Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, Five Colors with Boxes Version Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, Six Stripes NL Version Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, Checkered Version Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, Six Stripes Version Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, Six Stripes with Box Version Flags from the 1927 Flag Commission In 1927, the government set up a flag commission, which came up with three designs, the "Cross Flags". Due to the opposition insisting on the Union Jack being featured, the commission created three more designs at the Flag Conference in April and May of 1927. Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, 1927, Red Cross Version Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, 1927, White Cross Version Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, 1927, Green Version Committee proposal 1 Committee proposal 2 Committee proposal 3 Flags put forward in 1927 by SAP, Government, and Senate In June of 1927, the South African Party proposed a flag with four elements divided by a white cross, and the government proposed a version with a shield defacing the Prinsenvlag . The Senate then combined elements from both into a third proposal. Finally, in October of 1927, a compromise was reached and the Flag of South Africa (1928–1994) was introduced. Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, 1927, Four Quadrants Version proposed by the South African Party 1927 proposal by the government 1927 proposal by the Senate Flags proposed in the 1960s In the 1960s, there was pressure to change the flag, particularly from Afrikaners who resented the fact that the Union Flag was a part of the flag. The then prime minister, Dr Hendrik Verwoerd , had his assistant secretary, HC Blatt, design a "clean" flag, comprising three vertical stripes of orange, white, and blue, with a leaping springbok over a wreath of six proteas in the centre, designed, but he was assassinated before he could introduce it, and the project died with him in 1966. Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, 1965, the "Verwoerd Flag" Flags proposed in the 1990s 1992 Contest by the "Natal Witness" The Natal Witness newspaper held a competition for a new flag design, which was won by Lalsingh Ramlukan with a design featuring four cupped hands and a blue dove. Designs shortlisted by the Commission on National Symbols The Commission on National Symbols proposed six designs in October 1993. Proposal 1 Proposal 2 Proposal 3 Proposal 4 Proposal 5 Proposal 6 Designs Proposed Graphic design studios A group of professional graphic design studios proposed several flag designs in November 1993. Designs shortlisted by the Joint Technical Working Committee The Joint Technical Working Committee shortlisted 5 designs in February 1994. A further design was proposed also by the African National Congress (ANC) based on a design shortlisted in October 1993. Proposal 4, designed by State Herald Frederick Brownell , was submitted to the Transitional Executive Council and approved as the final choice for the new flag. Proposal 1 Proposal 2 Proposal 3 Proposal 4 Proposal 5 Proposal by ANC The South African Flag – History, Meaning, Colour & Designer National Flag The South African flag is one of the National symbols that makes the country unique in its own way. A national flag is used to represent a country without having to use its name. The flag of South Africa is flown at the front of all government buildings. Individuals and private organizations like banks have also taken the liberty of flying the national symbol. Brief History of South African Flag The flag of South Africa was designed by the then State Herald of South Africa Frederick Brownell in March 1994 and was adopted on 27 April 1994, at the beginning of South Africa’s 1994 general election. This was done to replace the flag that had been used since 1928. The present South African national flag was first flown on 27 April 1994, which was the day of South Africa’s 1994 election. Choosing a new flag was part of the negotiation process that was set in place when Nelson Mandela was in 1990 released from prison. Who Designed South African Flag – Frederick Brownell For those of us who do not know and have been researching about this, the South African Flag was designed by Frederick Brownell who was the then State Herald of South Africa. It was designed in March 1994. Frederick matriculated from St. Andrew’s School in Bloemfontein in 1957 and was 54 years of age when he designed the flag. He has designed many coats of arms, badges and flags, including the arms and the flag of Namibia in 1990. Brownell was awarded the Order for Meritorious Service by President Nelson Mandela in 1999 for his role in designing the South African flag. Colours of Flag of South Africa The South African flag has six colours: Green, Black, White, Gold, Blue and Red. Green represents natural wealth, while white represents peace. The design and colours of the South African flag are a synopsis of principal elements of the country’s flag history. The colours actually do not have any essential meaning. Black, Green and Gold yellow are found in the flag of the African National Congress. Red, White and Blue are used in the modern flag of the Netherlands and the flag of the United Kingdom; the colours white and blue were also found in the old flag of South Africa. Description of Flag of South Africa The national flag is rectangular; it is one and a half times as long as it is wide. It is black, gold, green, white, chilli red and blue. It has a green Y-shaped band that is one fifth as wide as the flag. The centre lines of the band start in the top and bottom corners next to the flag post, converge in the centre of the flag and continue horizontally to the middle of the free edge. The green band is edged, above and below in white, and towards the flag post end, in gold. Each edging is one-fifteenth as wide as the flag. The triangle next to the flag post is black. The upper horizontal band is chilli red and the lower horizontal band is blue. These bands are each one third as wide as the flag . South African National Symbols and Their Meaning History No Comments Share Tweet 0 Shares South Africa uses a range of national symbols to identify the country which includes: National flag, National Anthem, National Bird, National Animal, National Fish, National Flower, Coat of Arms and National Orders. According to Wikipedia, a national symbol is a symbol of any entity considering itself and manifesting itself to the world as a national community: the sovereign states but also nations and countries in a state of colonial or other dependence, (con)federal integration, or even an ethnocultural community considered a ‘nationality’ despite having no political autonomy. Through this post, we will be taking a look at the South African National Symbols one by one. THE FLAG The flag of South Africa was designed by the then State Herald of South Africa Frederick Brownell in March 1994 and was adopted on 27 April 1994, at the beginning of South Africa’s 1994 general election. The South African flag has six colours: Green, Black, White, Gold, Blue, and Red. Green represents natural wealth, while white represents peace. The design and colours of the South African flag are a synopsis of principal elements of the country’s flag history. The colours actually do not have any essential meaning. Black, Green and Gold yellow is found in the flag of the African National Congress. Red, White, and Blue are used in the modern flag of the Netherlands and the flag of the United Kingdom; the colours white and blue were also found in the old flag of South Africa. The South African Flag - History, Meaning, Colour & Designer National Anthem , The national anthem of South Africa which was adopted in 1997 combines extracts from the Xhosa hymn Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika (“God Bless Africa”) with extracts from the former national anthem Die Stem van Suid Africa (“The Voice of South Africa”). The first verse is in isiXhosa and isiZulu, the second verse is in Sesotho, the third verse is in Afrikaans while the last and final verse is in English. Nkosi sikelel’ iAfrika Maluphakanyisw’ uphondo lwayo, Yizwa imithandazo yethu, Nkosi sikelela, thina lusapho lwayo. Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso, O fedise dintwa le matshwenyeho, O se boloke, O se boloke setjhaba sa heso, Setjhaba sa South Afrika – South Afrika. Uit die blou van onse hemel, Uit die diepte van ons see, Oor ons ewige gebergtes, Waar die kranse antwoord gee, Sounds the call to come together, And united we shall stand, Let us live and strive for freedom, In South Africa our land. National Coat of Arms National Coat of Arms The National Coat of Arms is the highest visual symbol of the state. It is elegant and contemporary in design and distinctly egg-shaped. The national coat of arm can be interpreted as follows: The central image of a secretary bird with uplifted wings, The sun rising above the horizon is placed between the wings of the secretary bird and completes the oval shape of ascendance. Ears of wheat: This signifies the emblems of the fertility of the land. Tusks of the African elephant: This symbolizes wisdom, strength, and steadfastness. Shield: This signifies the protection of South African Spear and knobkierie: It visualizes the defense of peace rather than a posture of war Images of Khoisan people: This represents the first inhabitants of the land . National Orders South Africa’s current national orders were issued for the first time in 2002. Anyone is eligible for nomination, and nominees don’t have to be famous but must have performed an act of bravery or rendered exceptional service to the country. Order of Mapungubwe: this is awarded to South African citizens for excellence and exceptional achievement. Order of the Baobab: it is awarded for distinguished service in business and the economy; science, medicine, technological innovation; and community service. Order of the Companions of OR Tambo: it is awarded to heads of state and other dignitaries promoting peace, cooperation, and friendship towards South Africa. It is awarded in three categories to eminent foreign nationals and other foreign dignitaries for friendship shown to South Africa. Order of Luthuli: this is awarded to South Africans who have made a meaningful contribution to the struggle for democracy, human rights, nation-building, justice and peace, and conflict resolution. Order of Ikhamanga: this is awarded to South African citizens for excellence in arts, culture, literature, music, journalism or sports. This award is made in made in three categories. The exceptional achievement Order is awarded in gold, for excellent achievement, it is awarded in silver while it is awarded in bronze for outstanding achievement. Order of the Mendi Decoration for Bravery: this is awarded to South African citizens who have performed extraordinary acts of bravery. The act of bravery could have been performed in or outside the Republic of South Africa. National animal & National Bird The National Animal of South Africa is the Springbok. The scientific name of this animal is Antidorcas marsupialis. The South African national rugby team name fondly known as “the Boks” or “die Bokke” was derived from the name of this animal. Public holidays in South Africa The springbok is South Africa’s most popular antelope. This mammal is a vegetarian which can grow up to 75 cm in height. National Bird National bird of south africa The national bird of South Africa is the Blue Crane. The scientific name of this animal is Anthropoides paradisia. They are common in the Karoo and can also find them in the grasslands of KwaZulu-Natal and the highveld, usually in pairs or small family parties. They feed on seeds, insects, and reptiles. The Blue crane distribution is almost entirely restricted to South Africa. National Flower National flower of south africa The national flower of South Africa is the King Protea. The scientific name of this flower is Protea cynaroides. The flower can be found in the south-western and southern areas of the Western Cape, from the Cedarberg up to just east of Grahamstown. The Proteas is the name given to the South African national cricket team. National Fish National fish of south africa The National Fish of South Africa is the Galjoen. The scientific name of this fish is Dichistius capensis. It is found along the coast from Namibia to Durban, and nowhere else in the world. The fish feeds majorly on red bait (ascidians), small mussels and barnacles. National Tree National tree of south africa The national tree of South Africa is the Real Yellowwood Tree. The scientific name of this tree is Podocarpus latifolius. It is found from Table Mountain along the southern and eastern Cape coast, the Drakensberg up to the Soutpansberg and the Blouberg in Limpopo. This tree can grow up to 40 metres in height with the base of the trunk sometimes up to 3 metres in diameter. References: Brand South Africa South Africa Explorer Low Velder Image Sources: Gov.za Share Tweet 0 Shares Related Posts List of Minister of Basic Education Till Date List of Minister of Basic Education Till Date South African History – March 16 South African History – March 16 South African History Today – February 25 South African History Today . National Flower National flower of south africa The national flower of South Africa is the King Protea. The scientific name of this flower is Protea cynaroides. The flower can be found in the south-western and southern areas of the Western Cape, from the Cedarberg up to just east of Grahamstown. The Proteas is the name given to the South African national cricket team. National Fish National fish of south africa The National Fish of South Africa is the Galjoen. The scientific name of this fish is Dichistius capensis. It is found along the coast from Namibia to Durban, and nowhere else in the world. The fish feeds majorly on red bait (ascidians), small mussels and barnacles. National Tree National tree of south africa The national tree of South Africa is the Real Yellowwood Tree. The scientific name of this tree is Podocarpus latifolius. It is found from Table Mountain along the southern and eastern Cape coast, the Drakensberg up to the Soutpansberg and the Blouberg in Limpopo. This tree can grow up to 40 metres in height with the base of the trunk sometimes up to 3 metres in diameter. 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. 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. 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. Coat of arms of South Africa The coat of arms of South Africa is the main heraldic insignia of South Africa . The present coat of arms was introduced on Freedom Day , 27 April 2000, and was designed by Iaan Bekker. It replaced the earlier national arms , which had been in use since 1910. The motto is written in the extinct ǀXam , member of the Khoisan languages, and translates literally to "diverse people unite". The previous motto, in Latin, was Ex Unitate Vires , translated as "From unity, strength". History Following the end of apartheid , the new constitution of South Africa initially retained the coat of arms granted to South Africa in 1910. However, they had been viewed as outdated due to being designed by the British and Afrikaner minorities and not being representative of the black majority. The design process for a new coat of arms was initiated in 1999, the Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology requested ideas for the new coat of arms from the public. A brief was then prepared based on the ideas received, along with input from the Cabinet . The Government Communication and Information System then approached Design South Africa to brief ten of the top designers. Three designers were chosen to present their concepts to the Cabinet, and Iaan Bekker's design was chosen. The new arms were introduced on Freedom Day, 27 April 2000. The change reflected the government's aim to highlight the democratic change in South Africa and a new sense of patriotism. The coat of arms is a series of elements organised in distinct symmetric egg-like or oval shapes placed on top of one another. The completed structure of the coat of arms combines the lower and higher oval shape in a symbol of infinity. The path that connects the lower edge of the scroll, through the lines of the tusks, with the horizon above and the sun rising at the top, forms the shape of the cosmic egg from which the secretary bird rises. In the symbolic sense, this is the implied rebirth of the spirit of the great and heroic nation of South Africa. The coat of arms is also a central part of the Seal of the Republic, traditionally considered to be the highest emblem of the state.Absolute authority is given to every document with an impression of the Seal of the Republic on it, as this means that it has been approved by the president of South Africa. Since 1997, however, the use of the Seal of the Republic has not actually been required by the Constitution, but it continues to be used. Boer Republics Transvaal Republic Orange Free State Republic of Stellaland Nieuwe Republiek Klein Vrystaat Colonies Transvaal Colony Orange River Colony Colony of Natal Cape Colony Bantustans Bophuthatswana Ciskei Gazankulu KaNgwane KwaNdebele KwaZulu Lebowa QwaQwa Transkei Venda Blazon The official blazon of the arms is: Or , representations of two San human figures of red ochre , statant respectant, the hands of the innermost arms clasped, with upper arm, inner wrist, waist and knee bands Argent , and a narrow border of red ochre; the shield ensigned of a spear and knobkierie in saltire , Sable . Thereabove a demi-secretary bird displayed Or, charged on the breast with a stylised representation of a protea flower with outer petals Vert , inner petals Or and seeded of nine triangles conjoined in three rows, the upper triangle Gules , the second row Vert, Or inverted and Vert, and the third row Vert, Or inverted, Sable, Or inverted and Vert. Above the head of the secretary bird an arc of seven rays facetted Or and Orange , the two outer rays conjoined to the elevated wings. Upon a riband Vert, the motto ǃKE E꞉ ǀXARRA ǁKE in letters Argent. Issuant from the ends of the riband two pairs of elephant tusks curving inwards, the tips conjoined to the wings of the secretary bird, Or, therewithin and flanking the shields, two ears of wheat Brunatré . The oval shape of foundation The first element is the motto, in a green semicircle. Completing the semicircle are two symmetrically placed pairs of elephant tusks pointing upwards. Within the oval shape formed by the tusks are two symmetrical ears of wheat, that in turn frame a centrally placed gold shield. The shape of the shield makes reference to the drum, and contains two human figures derived from Khoisan rock art Linton Stone, which is housed and displayed in the South African Museum in Cape Town. The figures are depicted facing one another in greeting and in unity. Above the shield are a spear and a knobkierie , crossed in a single unit. These elements are arranged harmoniously to give focus to the shield and complete the lower oval shape of foundation. The motto Pronunciation of the South African Motto Duration: 4 seconds.0:04 Pronunciation of the South African Motto. Recorded September 21, 2024 The motto is: ǃke e꞉ ǀxarra ǁke, written in the Khoisan language of the ǀXam people, literally meaning "diverse people unite". It addresses each individual effort to harness the unity between thought and action. On a collective scale it calls for the nation to unite in a common sense of belonging and national pride – unity in diversity. The ears of wheat An emblem of fertility, it also symbolises the idea of germination, growth and the feasible development of any potential. It relates to the nourishment of the people and signifies the agricultural aspects of the Earth. Elephant tusks Elephants symbolise wisdom, strength, moderation and eternity. The shield It has a dual function as a vehicle for the display of identity and of spiritual defence. It contains the primary symbol of our nation. The human figures The Linton Panel , a famous San rock art displayed at the Iziko South African Museum ; used as inspiration for the human figures on the shield. The figures are depicted in an attitude of greeting, symbolising unity. This also represents the beginning of the individual's transformation into the greater sense of belonging to the nation and by extension, collective humanity. The spear and knobkierie A dual symbol of defence and authority, they in turn represent the powerful legs of the secretary bird . The spear and knobkierie are lying down, symbolising peace. The oval shape of ascendance Immediately above the oval shape of foundation, is the visual centre of the coat of arms, a protea. The petals of the protea are rendered in a triangular pattern reminiscent of the crafts of Africa . The secretary bird is placed above the protea and the flower forms the chest of the bird. The secretary bird stands with its wings uplifted in a regal and uprising gesture. The distinctive head feathers of the secretary bird crown a strong and vigilant head. The rising sun above the horizon is placed between the wings of the secretary bird and completes the oval shape of ascendance. The combination of the upper and lower oval shapes intersect to form an unbroken infinite course, and the great harmony between the basic elements result in a dynamic, elegant and thoroughly distinctive design. Yet it clearly retains the stability, gravity and immediacy that a coat of arms demands. The King protea The protea is an emblem of the beauty of our land and the flowering of our potential as a nation in pursuit of the African Renaissance. The protea symbolises the holistic integration of forces that grow from the Earth and are nurtured from above. The most popular colours of Africa have been assigned to the protea – green, gold, red and black. The secretary bird The secretary bird is characterised in flight, the natural consequence of growth and speed. It is the equivalent of the lion on Earth. A powerful bird whose legs – depicted as the spear and knobkierie – serve it well in its hunt for snakes, symbolising protection of the nation against its enemies. It is a messenger of the heavens and conducts its grace upon the Earth. In this sense it is a symbol of divine majesty. Its uplifted wings are an emblem of the ascendance of our nation, while simultaneously offering us its protection. It is depicted in gold, which clearly symbolises its association with the sun and the highest power. The rising sun An emblem of brightness, splendour and the supreme principle of the nature of energy. It symbolises the promise of rebirth, the active faculties of reflection, knowledge, good judgement and willpower. It is the symbol of the source of life, of light and the ultimate wholeness of humanity. 1910 arms The first coat of arms was granted by King George V by royal warrant on 17 September 1910.[6] This was a few months after the formation of the Union of South Africa . It was a combination of symbols representing the four provinces (formerly colonies) that made up the Union. The first quarter is the figure of Hope, representing the Colony of the Cape of Good Hope . The two wildebeests of the second quarter represent the Colony of Natal . The orange tree in the third quarter was used as the symbol of the Orange Free State Republic . The wagon in the fourth quarter represented the Transvaal . The supporters are taken from the arms of the Orange River Colony and the Cape Colony. The lion holds four rods, bound together, symbolising the unification of the four former colonies. The motto, Ex Unitate Vires was officially translated as "Union is Strength" until 1961, and thereafter as "Unity is Strength". Evolution Main article: Coat of arms of South Africa (1910–2000) Three official renditions of the arms were used. The original rendition (1910) was the only version used until 1930, and it continued to be used as the rank badge of warrant officers in the South African Defence Force and South African National Defence Force until 2002. The second version, painted in 1930 and known as the "ordinary coat of arms", and the third version, painted in 1932 and known as the "embellished coat of arms", were both used until 2000. The former was also used on the insignia of the South African Police until the 1990s. 191019301932 Provincial arms 1910–1994 Between 1910 and 1994, South Africa was divided into four provinces, Cape Province , Natal , Orange Free State and Transvaal . These provinces had their own coat of arms. Coat of arms of Cape Province Coat of arms of Orange Free State Coat of arms of Transvaal Coat of arms of Natal 1994–present In April 1994, South Africa was divided into nine provinces . Each province was granted a coat of arms, in most cases designed by State Herald Frederick Brownell . Coat of arms of Eastern Cape Coat of arms of Free State Province Coat of arms of Gauteng Coat of arms of KwaZulu-Natal Coat of arms of Limpopo Coat of arms of Mpumalanga Coat of arms of North West Province Coat of arms of Northern Cape Coat of arms of Western Cape Coat of arms of the Orange Free State Orange Free State coat of arms Adopted23 February 1857 Relinquished27 April 1994 1993 artist's recreation of the coat of arms of the Orange Free State The coat of arms of the Orange Free State was the official heraldic symbol of the Orange Free State as a republic from 1857 to 1902, and later, from 1937 to 1994, as a province of South Africa . It is now obsolete. History The Orange Free State was established as a republic in 1854. It needed official symbols, and its first state president, Josias Hoffman decided to have them professionally designed in the Netherlands. At his request, King Willem III of the Netherlands had a flag and coat of arms designed by the Hoge Raad van Adel [nl ] during 1855, and sent them out to South Africa. As the Orange Free State was named after the Orange River which, in turn, had been named after the Dutch royal family, the arms depicted a wavy orange fess (stripe) representing the river, and three bugle horns, which are the badge of the House of Orange. By the time the designs reached Bloemfontein , in January 1856, Hoffman had resigned and been succeeded by Jacobus Boshof . Apparently unaware that state symbols were being designed in the Netherlands, Boshof had had a Great Seal designed and manufactured, and approved by the Volksraad (legislature). The seal depicted a tree of liberty, sheep, a lion, and an ox-wagon. When Boshof placed the flag and coat of arms designs before the Volksraad on 28 February 1856, the legislators decided that The design of the flag sent by the King of the Netherlands shall be adopted, and to the coat of arms sent by the above shall be added the already existing arms in the Great Seal of the State, with omission of the orange stripe. The coat of arms, as actually adopted, then displayed the design of the Great Seal between the three bugle horns. This hybrid design was officially introduced on the republic's third anniversary, 23 February 1857, and was used until the republic ceased to exist on 31 May 1902. As the Orange River Colony (1902–10), the territory had a different coat of arms , granted by King Edward VII of the United Kingdom . When the colony became a province of the Union of South Africa in 1910, the provincial administration took over the Orange River Colony arms, which it used until 1925. In 1937, after a twelve-year period without official arms, the provincial administration adopted the old republican arms, and they were used as the provincial arms until the Orange Free State was reconstituted as the Free State Province in 1994. Blazon The arms were recorded at the College of Arms in July 1955, and registered at the Bureau of Heraldry in October 1967. The official blazon is:[5] On a shield Argent, between three bugle horns Azure, garnished and stringed Gules, a representation of the seal of the Orange Free State Republic as adopted in 1856 viz., on a white roundel, in chief a tree on an island, between dexter, three sheep and sinister a natural lion supporting the tree with his dexter paw, in base a voortrekker wagon on an island, all proper; on a ribbon draped fesswise, the motto GEDULD EN MOED, above the tree the word VRYHEID and below the wagon the word IMMIGRATIE; behind the shield, on two staves in saltire with ball and spear points Or, two flags of the same Republic draped on both sides, each with seven stripes visible, alternately white and orange and a canton of three stripes, red, white and blue. Coat of arms of the Cape Colony Coat of arms of Cape Colony Adopted12 May 1875, formally granted 29 May 1876 Crest The figure of Hope proper vested Azure, resting the dexter arm on a rock and supporting with the sinister hand an anchor Sable entwined with a cable also proper. Shield Gules, a lion rampant between three annulets Or; on a chief Argent as many hurts each charged with a fleur de lis of the second Or. Supporters Dexter a gnu and sinister an oryx both proper. Motto Spes Bona (Latin ) "Good Hope" The coat of arms of the Cape Colony was the official heraldic symbol of the Cape Colony as a British colony from 1875 to 1910, and as a province of South Africa from 1910 to 1994. History The adoption of the arms was a belated response to a British government request, in 1869, for a design for a flag badge to identify the colony. The laying of the foundation stone of the new parliament building in May 1875 was considered as a good opportunity to introduce it. A Cape Town attorney with a keen interest in heraldry , Charles Aken Fairbridge (1824-1893), was accordingly asked to design arms for the Colony. The foundation stone of the colonial parliament was laid on 12 May 1875. According to the Cape Argus newspaper, "among the conspicuous features of the spectacle was the new colonial flag, hoisted aloft above the cornerstone, with the heraldic shielding, surroundings and mottoes blazoned on the Union Flag and the Royal Standard floating in the breeze from the loftiest flagstaff in the centre". Queen Victoria formally granted the arms by Royal Warrant a year later, on 29 May 1876. After the Cape became a province of the Union of South Africa in 1910, the provincial administration took over the arms. They were used as provincial arms until the Cape was divided into three smaller provinces in 1994. Blazon The original blazon was: Gules, a lion rampant between three annulets Or; on a chief Argent as many hurts each charged with a fleur de lis of the second Or. Crest: The figure of Hope proper vested Azure, resting the dexter arm on a rock and supporting with the sinister hand an anchor Sable entwined with a cable also proper. Supporters: Dexter a gnu and sinister an oryx both proper. Motto: SPES BONA. The symbolism of the arms is straightforward. The lion is a South African animal, and also appears in the arms of the two colonial powers which ruled at the Cape, Netherlands and Great Britain . The rings were taken from the arms of the founder of the colony, Jan van Riebeeck . The fleur-de-lis represent the contribution of the Huguenots to the early history of the country. The crest is the Lady of Good Hope , grasping an anchor, first introduced as a symbol of the colony in 1715. The supporters, a gnu (wildebeest ) and an oryx (gemsbok), are two typical South African animals. The motto, "Spes Bona" simply means "Good Hope". Version with redesigned crest New artwork was introduced in 1952. Hope's dress was changed to white, and she was given a blue mantle. The arms were recorded in this format the College of Arms in July 1955 and registered at the Bureau of Heraldry in 1967. Coat of arms of Natal Coat of arms of Natal Versions Badge of the Natal Colony 1875-1907 Adopted1907 The coat of arms of Natal was the official heraldic symbol of Natal as a British colony from 1907 to 1910, and as a province of South Africa from 1910 to 1994. It is now obsolete. History As a British colony, Natal's first official symbol was a Public Seal, authorised by Queen Victoria in 1846, and also used as a flag badge from 1870. The seal was of a standard pattern[clarification needed ] which first came into use on the Great Seal of Newfoundland in 1839 and was described as follows: "Within a Chippendale-type frame, a on plain, two Wildebeest in full course at random (to sinister), with the words COLONY OF NATAL beneath the frame. The frame itself is ensigned with the Royal Arms and around the circumference appears the legend VICTORIA DEI GRATIA BRITANNIAR. REG. F.D." It depicted the British royal coat of arms in the upper half; in the lower half was an ornamental frame enclosing a scene of two wildebeest (gnu) galloping across a plain. The wildebeest became the popular symbol of Natal, and when the government decided in 1905 to obtain an official coat of arms, the wildebeest was an obvious choice for the design. The arms, designed by G. Ambrose Lee, the York Herald at the College of Arms , were granted by King Edward VII by Royal Warrant on 16 May 1907. After Natal became a province of the Union of South Africa in 1910, the provincial administration took over the arms. They were used as the standalone provincial arms until Natal was reconstituted as KwaZulu-Natal in 1994. However, they continued to be used officially jointly with the coat of arms of KwaZulu until 2004 due to the new province being unable to agree on a new coat of arms. Blazon In their original form, as used by the colonial government, the Arms of 1907 consisted only of a shield, blazoned as follows: Azure, in front of mountains and on a plain two black wildebeesten in full course at random all proper. The provincial administration embellished the arms by placing an imperial crown (so-called 'Tudor crown ') above the shield, and a riband inscribed 'Natal' below it. New artwork, introduced in 1930, altered details of the crown, by replacing the fleurs de lis with crosses and omitting the pearls from the transverse arch. This version appeared on the province's Official Gazette and other publications. The arms were recorded in this form at the College of Arms in July 1955, and registered at the Bureau of Heraldry in January 1969. Coat of arms of the Transvaal South African Republic (Transvaal) coat of arms Adopted1869 Crest Eagle Motto Eendragt maakt magt ('Unity makes strength') The coat of arms of the Transvaal was the official heraldic symbol of the South African Republic from 1866 to 1877 and again from 1881 to 1902, and later the symbol of the Transvaal Province from 1954 to 1994 in a simplified form. It is now obsolete. History The South African Republic was established in 1857. On 18 February 1858, the Volksraad (legislature) resolved that the new state should have the following coat of arms: On a silver field there shall be placed a wagon and a golden anchor, while an eagle shall rest upon the arms. On the right hand side of the arms a man in national costume with a gun and accessories. On the left hand side a lion. — National and Provincial Symbols, F.G. Brownell The earliest known appearance of the arms was on banknotes issued in 1866. The crudely drawn arms were depicted as a shield with a lion, an anchor, and a man in the upper half, an ox-wagon in the lower half, and the motto 'Eendragt maakt magt ' (sic, cf. Flag of the SAR ) on a riband across the top. This rendition also appeared on the Staatscourant (government gazette) from 1867. A better version, in which the shield was divided into sections, an eagle was perched on top, and three flags were draped down each side, first appeared on the postage stamps in 1869, and this became the preferred rendition. From 1871, this too appeared on the banknotes, and from 1872 it was on the masthead of the Staatscourant. The arms were in abeyance during the British occupation of the Transvaal, from 1877 to 1881. Revived in 1881, they became obsolete again when the republic ceased to exist in 1902. In 1950, the Transvaal provincial administration decided to adopt the old arms as provincial arms and commissioned chief archivist Dr Coenraad Beyers to investigate and report on the most suitable version. The arms were apparently introduced in 1954, and they were used until the province ceased to exist in 1994. Version used by the Transvaal Province Blazon The arms were recorded at the College of Arms in July 1955, and registered at the Bureau of Heraldry in October 1967. The official blazon is: An oval shield per fess, the chief divided per pale; dexter Gules, a natural lion contourne couchant gardant Or; sinister Azure, a bearded man in national dress wearing a hat and bandolier, and holding in the left hand a gun resting upon the ground; in base Vert, a Voortrekker wagon proper; on an inescutcheon Argent an anchor Sable, cabled Gules. Perched on the shield an eagle displayed Or. Behind the shield and draped below on both sides three flags of the South African Republic, green, red, white and blue. Motto: EENDRACHT MAAKT MAGT Coat of arms of the Orange River Colony Orange River Colony coat of arms Adopted10 December 1904 The coat of arms of the Orange River Colony was the official heraldic symbol of the Orange River Colony as a British colony from 1904 to 1910, and then of the Orange Free State province of South Africa from 1910 to 1925. It is now obsolete. History The Orange Free State republic became a British colony at the end of the Anglo-Boer War in May 1902. The republic's official arms were discontinued, and on 10 December 1904, by Royal Warrant, King Edward VII granted a new coat of arms to the colony. The springbok was chosen as the principal charge in the arms. Although it had made its appearance in heraldry nearly thirty years earlier (in the crest of the arms granted to Edward Randles of Port Natal in 1875), this appears to have been the first time that the animal was used as a charge on a shield. When the colony became a province of the Union of South Africa in 1910, the provincial administration took over the arms, which it used until 1925. In 1937, after a twelve-year period without official arms, the provincial administration adopted the old republican arms , which were used as the provincial arms until the Orange Free State was reconstituted as the Free State Province in 1994. Blazon The official blazon is: Argent, on a mound a springbuck and on a chief Azure the Imperial Crown all proper.

PANARAMA GALLERY Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria Found right in the heart of Pretoria, locals will tell you that Loftus Versfeld Stadium IS itself the beating heart of Pretoria! Home to the Blue Bulls, a passionate rugby team, with hundreds of thousands of local rugby supporters who regularly bring the stadium alive all dressed in the iconic blue jersy of the Blue Bulls. Outside Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Tshwane Art Gallery at Riverbend Croc Farm in Margate Art Gallery at Riverbend Croc Farm Riverbend Art Gallery was opened by the late Dennis Cominos the then mayor of Margate on the 17th August 1984. Riverbend Art Gallery is home to works by many of South Africa’s finest artists including, Dino Paravano, Titta Fasciotti, Rob Wareing, Rob McIntosh, John Smith, Kobus Kotze, Peter Hall, Louis Audie, Richard Rennie, Coral Spenser, Isabel Le Roux, Marc Poisson, Tony De Freitas and many others. Union Buildings sunset in Tshwane Union Buildings in Pretoria The Union Buildings in Pretoria are home to the form the official seat of the South African government and also house the offices of the President of South Africa, and have always been central to South African history. It is here that Nelson Mandela became the state President in 1994, changing the face of South Africa. The beautiful gardens around the Union Buildings are very well maintained, and offer a lovely garden park to stroll through and relax. http://www.360cities.net/image/unionsunset Ou Raadsaal elevated in Tshwane Ou Raadsaal The Ou Raadsaal (old Council Chamber), served as the first parliament of South Africa. The building was designed by Sytze Wopke Wierda in a classical style of Greek and Roman architecture. Originally supposed to be two storeys high, president Paul Kruger insisted a 3rd storey added so that it would not be shorter than the nearby hotel. The Ou Raadsaal building was restored in 1962, when the British Coat of arms over the entrance was replaced by the South African Republic’s coat of arms, a replica of the one originally sculpted by Anton van Wouw. After many years of planning and research, the Raadsaal was once again restored in 1992, in an effort to return it to its former glory. Voortrekker Monument North Roof in Tshwane The great grey colossus of the massive Voortrekker Monument can be seen from all directions as you approach Pretoria. Built in honour of the Voortrekkers (Pioneers), who left the Cape Colony in their thousands between 1835 and 1854. The Voortrekker Monument is the biggest monument in Africa, and is a nature reserve. The Voortrekk Monument's dimentions are 40 meters wide, by 40 meters wide, by 40 meters high. A Cube. The cornerstone was laid by Mrs. J.C. Muller (granddaughter of Andries Pretorius), Mrs. K.F. Ackerman (great granddaugther of Hendrik Potgieter), and Mrs. J.C. Preller (great granddaughter of Piet Retief) on 16 December 1938. Eleven years later the Monument was inaugurated on 16 December 1949. The total cost for the construction of the Monument came to £359,600, of which the state contributed the most.Additional funds were obtained through donations, special stamp sales, commemorative envelopes, souvenirs and publications.This image was taken on the north east side of the roof, 60 meters above the ground. Camera was mounted on a 4.5 meter high pole. Full Virtual Tour of the Voortrekker Monument. Elephants at Hapoor Dam in Addo Elephant Park in South Africa Addo Elephant Park in Port Elizabeth We recently visited the Addo Elephant Park in Port Elizabeth, home to hundreds of African Elephant. We parked the car at Hapoor Dam for about 2 hours, and sat watching these magnificent animals coming down to the dam to drink, cool down, and play! In this 360 degree panoramic photo you can get an idea of how close these elephants were to us, and how big they are. Enjoy! Voortrekker Monument Hall of Heroes in Tshwane The Hall of Heroes is the main central hall of the Voortrekker Monument. It is a high domed hall, 25x25x41 metres, with marble floors and an impressive marble frieze (92 metres long and 2,3 metres high), depicting historical scenes from the Great Trek. Four huge arched windows made from yellow Belgian glass flank the hall and give the impression that the area is a revered place, like a temple. Below the Hall of Heroes is the Cenotaph Hall, and museum. Full Virtual Tour of the Voortrekker Monument. Chain Ladder on Amphitheatre Hike in the Drakensberg in South Africa The Point Hotel in Mossel Bay We recently had the pleasure of staying at The Point Hotel Mossel Bay for a few nights while photographing a number of Virtual Tours in the Mossel Bay area (more on that over the next few months). This Hotel Virtual Tour of The Point Hotel shows its wonderful location, situated right on the point of the natural bay of Mossel Bay, below the St Blaize lighthouse, and right on the rocks! Looking out your hotel suite, one almost feels like you are on a ship! Sentinel View of Amphitheatre in the Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa http://www.360cities.net/image/sentinel-view-of-amphitheatre-in-the-drakensberg-mountains-south-africa The Union Buildings The Union Buildings (Afrikaans: Uniegebou) form the official seat of the South African Government and also house the offices of the President of South Africa. The imposing buildings are located in Pretoria, atop Meintjeskop at the northern end of Arcadia, close to historic Church Square. The large gardens of the Buildings are nestled between Government Avenue, Vermeulen Street East, Church Street, the R104 and Blackwood Street. Fairview Avenue is a closed road through which only officials can enter the Union Buildings. Though not in the centre of Pretoria, the Union Buildings occupy the highest point of Pretoria, and constitute a South African national heritage site. The Buildings are one of the centres of political life in South Africa; "The Buildings" and "Arcadia" have become metonyms for the South African government. It has become an iconic landmark of Pretoria and South Africa in general, and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city and an emblem of democracy. The Buildings are the location of presidential inaugurations. Architecture The eastern wing of The Union Buildings represents the English population of South Africa These buildings, built from light sandstone , were designed by the architect Sir Herbert Baker in the English monumental style and are 285 m long. They have a semi-circular shape, with the two wings at the sides, this serves to represent the union of a formerly divided people.The clock chimes are identical to those of Big Ben in London. The east and west wings, as well as the twin-domed towers, represent two languages, English and Afrikaans, and the inner court was designed and built to symbolise the Union of South Africa. These buildings are considered by many to be the architect's greatest achievement and a South African architectural masterpiece. The Nelson Mandela statue in Sandton City's Nelson Mandela Square was commissioned originally to stand on the spot where Nelson Mandela gave his inaugural address. The building was sited on a disused quarry, which now makes up the amphitheatre. The matching statues on top of the domed towers are Atlas, holding up the world, sculpted by Abraham Broadbent. The statue on the domed rostrum in the amphitheatre between the wings is Mercury, a mythic Roman messenger and a god of trade, sculpted by George Ness. The closest suburb to the Union Buildings is Arcadia, which means "Playground of Gods". Pretoria has the second largest number of embassies in the world, after Washington, D.C., most of which are located in or near Arcadia. View from the gardens The design of each level differs, and therefore each stone had to be individually cut. The Architectural styles of the building ranges from the lower levels' Edwardian style to the top levels' Cape Dutch design with shutters on the windows. The windows from bottom to top are elongated and become shorter towards the top floor. This is to give the illusion of height. The Union Buildings are the site of presidential inaugurations. The official offices of the president are on the left-hand side of the Union Buildings, and the South African national flag is flown on the left-hand side if the president is in office. The Buildings are divided into three sections; the left offices, amphitheatre, and right offices. All are 95 metres in length. Each offices block contains three inner courtyards providing light and air to the offices. Each block has a basement and three floors above ground. The central curved building behind the colonnade houses the committee rooms, a library and conference rooms while the basement contains the kitchen, dining rooms and lounges. The interior is treated in the Cape Dutch style: carved teak fanlights, heavy doors, dark ceiling beams contrasting with white plaster walls and heavy wood furniture. BACK TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE

The First Boer War (Dutch: Eerste Boerenoorlog, Afrikaans: Eerste Vryheidsoorlog, Boer War 1899 - 1902 Introduction The Anglo Boer War was fought by Britain and her Empire against the Boers. The Boers were comprised of the combined forces of the South African Republic and the Republic of the Orange Free State. The Boer Republics declared war on 11th October 1899 and the conflict ended on 31st May 1902, a duration of 2 years and 8 months. There were three distinct phases to the War: Stage 1 - Boer offensive. At first, the Boer republican fighters were successful in three major offensives. Their commandos invaded northern Natal and besieged the town of Ladysmith, invaded Cape Colony to lay siege to the British garrisons in Kimberley and Mafeking. While the British did achieve some tactical victories at Talana and Elandslaagte, there were serious defeats for the British at Stormberg, Magersfontein and Colenso which became known as 'Black Week' (10th - 15th December 1899). Stage 2 - British response. With heavy reinforcements and the assumption of overall command by Lord Roberts with Lord Kitchener as his Chief of Staff, the British turned the situation around. Imperial troops eventually relieved the besieged towns of Ladysmith (28th February 1900), Kimberley (15 February 1900) and Mafeking (18th May 1900). On 13th March 1900 Roberts occupied Bloemfontein, the capital of the Orange Free State, and on 28th May the province was annexed and renamed the Orange River Colony. On 31st May, British troops entered Johannesburg and, on 5th June, Pretoria was taken. The Transvaal was annexed on 1st September 1900. To many it seemed that the war was over. At the end of November, Roberts made a triumphal return to England. Stage 3 - Guerrilla war. Under the leadership of Louis Botha, Christiaan de Wet, Jan Smuts and de la Rey, the Boers abandoned the British style of warfare and increased their reliance on small and mobile military units. The mobility of these units enabled them to capture supplies, disrupt communications and undertake raids on the army of occupation. They were very successful in evading capture. In response, the British embarked on a scorched earth policy to deny supplies to the fighters. Approximately 30,000 farms were burnt. In March 1901 the need to restrict the movement of the Boers brought the development of 8,000 blockhouses and 3,700 miles of wire fencing guarded by 50,000 troops. This was followed by a number of 'drives' which had the intention of cornering the Boers but the operations mainly produced large numbers of displaced Boer and African families. These refugees were sent to concentration camps around South Africa. These measures were largely responsible for bringing the Boers to the negotiation table to end the War. Chronology 1899 October: 11th.-Time fixed by Boers' ultimatum expired at 5 p.m. 14th.-Boers march on Kimberley and Mafeking. 15th.-Kimberley isolated. 20th.-Talana Hill captured by British under Symons. 21st.-Boers routed at Elandslaagte. 22nd.-Yule retires from Dundee on Ladysmith. 23rd.-Death of Gen. Symons at Dundee. 30th.-Nicholson's Nek disaster. 31st.-Gen. Buller lands at Cape Town. November: 1st.-Boers invade Cape Colony. 2nd.-Ladysmith isolated. 9th.-General attack on Ladysmith repulsed. 15th.-Armoured train wrecked near Chievely. 23rd.-Methuen successfully attacks Boers at Belmont. 25th.-Methuen successfully attacks Boers at Enslin. 28th.-Methuen defeats Boers at Modder River. December: 10th.-Gatacre surprised in night attack on Stormberg. 11th.-Methuen repulsed at Magersfontein, Gen. Wauchope killed. 15th.-Buller's force repulsed at Colenso. 18th.-Lord Roberts appointed Com.-in-Chief in S. Africa. 1900 January: 6th.-Disaster to Suffolk Regt. near Rensburg.-Attack on Ladysmith repulsed. 10th.-Lords Roberts and Kitchener arrive at Capetown.-Movement for relief of Ladysmith resumed. 11th. –Dundonald seizes pont at Potgeiter's Drift. 18th.-Buller makes second attempt to relieve Ladysmith. 23rd-24th.-Spion Kop captured on 24th, but evacuated during night.-Gen. Woodgate fatally wounded. February: 5th. -Buller's third attempt to relieve Ladysmith commenced.-Lyttlelton crosses Tugela, and captures Vaal Krantz. 9th.-Lord Roberts arrives at Modder River. 13th.-Lord Roberts at Dekiel's Drift. 15th.-Lord Roberts at Jacobsdal.-Relief of Kimberley. 17th.-Rearguard action between Kelly-Kenny and Cronje en route to Bloemfontein.-Fourth attempt to relieve Ladysmith.-Buller advances on Monte Cristo Hill. 19th.-Buller takes Hlangwane Hill. 20th.-Cronje bombarded by Lord Roberts near Paardeberg. 21st.-Fifth Division crosses Tugela. 23rd.-Buller unsuccessfully attacks Railway Hill. 26th.-Buller makes fresh passage of Tugela. 27th.-Cronje surrenders at Paardeberg.-Pieter's Hill carried by Hildyard. 28th.-Relief of Ladysmith.-Clements occupies Colesberg. March: 5th.-Gatacre occupies Stormberg.-Brabant defeats and pursues Boers. 7th.-Lord Roberts routs Boers at Poplar Grove. 10th.-Lord Roberts defeats Boers at Driefontein. 13th.-Lord Roberts occupies Bloemfontein. 31st.-Broadwood attacked at Waterworks.-Artillery entrapped at Koorn Spruit. April: 7th.-Col. Dalgety isolated near Wepener. 25th.-Dalgety relieved by Chermside. May: 12th-Lord Roberts enters Kroonstad.-Attack on Mafeking repulsed, Commandant Eloff taken. 13th.-Mahon repulses attack at Koodoosrand. 15th.-Buller occupies Dundee.-Plumer joint hands with Mahon. 17th-18th.-Relief of Mafeking. 28th.-Annexetion of Orange Free State. 31st.-British flag hoisted at Johannesburg.-Surrender of Yeomanry at Lindley. June: 5th.-Occupation of Pretoria. 8th.-Hildyard takes Botha's Pass.-Mishap to 4th Derbyshires at Roodeval. 11th.-Fight at Allemans Nek. 12th.-Boers evacuate Langs Nek.-Roberts defeats Botha at Diamond Hill. 14th.-Boer attack on Sand River repulsed. July: 4th.-Roberts and Buller join hands at Vlakfontein. 11th.-Disaster to Scots Greys and Lincolns at Uitval Nek. 21st.-Advance towards Komati Poort begins. 30th.-Surrender of Prinsloo and 3,000 Boers to Hunter in Brandwater basin. August: 16th.-Eland's River garrison relieved. 26th.27th.-Fighting at Dalmanutha. 30th.-Nooigedacht occupied and 2,000 prisoners released. September: 6th.-Buller occupies Lydenburg. 13th.-Proclamation issued by Roberts calling on burghers to surrender.-French occupies Barberton. 25th.-British force occupies Komato Poort. October: 9th.-De Wet driven across the Vaal. 24th.-Buller leaves Cape Town for England. 25th.-Formal annexation of S. African Republic. November: 6th.-De Wet defeated at Bothaville. 23rd.-Garrison at Dewetsdorp captured by De Wet. 29th.-Lord Kitchener takes supreme command. December: 5th.-De Wet’s attempt to enter Cape Colony frustrated by Knox. 11th.-Roberts leaves Cape Town for England. 13th.-Clements defeated by Delarey at Nooitgedacht.-Mishap to Brabant's Horse at Zastron. 14th.-De Wet and Steyn escape through Sprinkhaans Pass. 16th-20th.-Boer raid into Cape Colony. 28th.-De Wet fails to break back into Cape Colony. 29th.-Mishap to Liverpools at Helvetia. 1901 January: 7th.-Boer attack on Belfast. 18th.-Delarey's force defeated near Ventersburg. 28th.-French enters Ermelo.-Smith-Dorrien repels Botha.-Sweeping movement commences in S. E. Transvaal. February: 10th.-De Wet enters Cape Colony. 28th.-De Wet recrosses Orange River, having lost his guns. March: 3rd.-Unsuccessful attack by Delarey on Lichtenburg. 22nd-23rd.-Babington routs Delarey at Ventersdorp. April: 8th.-Plumer occupies Pietersburg. 14th.-Rawlinson captures laager at Klerksdorp. May: 29th.-Delarey defeated by Dixon at Vlakfontein. June: 2nd.-Kruitzinger captures James Town, Cape Colony. 6th.-Elliot captures De Wet's convoy near Reitz. 12th.-Disa.ster to Victorians near Wilmansrust. 26th.-Boers attack blockhouses on Delagoa Railway. July: 13th.-Broadwood surprises Reitz.-Narrow escape of Steyn. August: 6th.-Proclamation by Lord Kitchener of banishment of Boer leaders taken in arms after Sept. 15. 13th. -Kruitzinger's commandos routed near Steynsburg by Col. Gorringe. 17th.-Boer laager near Middelsburg captured by B.A.C. September: 5th.-Lotter's commando captured by Col. Scobell. 10th.-Col. Crabbe routs Scheepers's commando at Laingsburg. 17th.-Major Gough surprised near Utrecht. Smut's commando surprises 17th Lancers at Elands River Poort. 26th.-Botha's attack upon Forts Itala and Prospect, on Zulu Border, repulsed. 30th.-Delarey's attack upon Kekewich's camp at Moedwill repulsed. October: 16th.-Rhenoster River blockhouse line attacked. 20th.-Col. Dawkins captures three laagers, Nylstroom. 22nd.-Col. Benson surprises laager near Clipportje. 24th.-Kemp attacks Von Donop's convoy near Marico River. 25th.-Major Damant disperses Boers near Villiersdorp. 30th.-Col. Benson's column attacked at Brakenlaagte. November: 1st.-Col. Kekewich captures Van Albert's laager. 7th.-Maritz attacks Picquetberg. 11th.-Major Pack Beresford, S.A.C., captures Dutoit's laager at Doornhoek. 14th.-De Wet attacks Col. Byng near Heilbron. 26th.-Gen. C. Knox captures Commandant Joubert. December: 4th.-Gen. Bruce Hamilton captures laager near Ermelo. 10th.-Bruce Hamilton captures Bethel commando. 12th.-Bruce Hamilton captures Piet Viljoen's laager. 20th.-Majors Damant's and Bridgeford's columns severely handled by Boers. 23rd.-Kroonstad-Lindley blockhouse line completed. 24th.-De Wet captures Col. Firman's camp at Tweefontein. 29th.-Bruce Hamilton captures Gen. Erasmus east of Ermelo. 1902 January: 10th.-Bruce Hamilton captures Wolmaran's laager. 22nd.-Beyers enters Pietersburg concentration camp. 25th.-Gen. Ben Viljoen captured near Lydenburg. 28th.-Col. Du Moulin killed at Abraham's Kraal. 30th.-Col. Price takes Wessel's laager in Cape Colony. February: 4th.-De Wet's last gun captured by Col. Hon. J. Byng. 5th.-Lord Kitchener commences Wolvehoek drive against De Wet. 8th.-British convoy captured near Fraserburg. 12th.-Mishap to 28th Co. Mounted Inf. at Klip River. 20th.-Col. Park captures commando in Bothasberg. 22nd.-Col. Mackenzie captures Hans Grobelaar's commando near Lake Chrissie. 24th.-Delarey captures Von Donop’s convoy near Wolmaranstad. March: 7th.-Major Paris's column overwhelmed near Tweebosch by Delarey.-Methuen wounded and captured. 15th.-Bruce-Hamilton surprises Emmett's commando, captures Gen. Cherry Emmett. 31st.-W. Kitchener's column repulse Delarey. April: 1st.-2nd Dragoons surprise laager at Boschman’s Kop. 8th.- Col. Colenbrander attacks Beyers near Pietersburg. 11th.-Kemp's men attack Kekewich's column at Rooiwal; repulsed with heavy loses. May: 11th.-Col. Barker captures Manie Botha.-Rebels invest Ookiep. 7th.-Col. Cooper relieves Ookiep.-Serious accident to armoured train near Pretoria. 16th.-Conference at Vereeniging.-Jack Hindon, train wrecker, surrenders at Balmoral. 18th.-Aberdeen attacked by 120 Boers. 21st.-Lord Lovat captures Fouche's camp at Stapleford. 25th.-J. Hindon's corps surrenders at Balmoral. 27th.-Commandant Malan, mortally wounded, captured at Ripon Road, Cape Colony. 31st.-Conditions of surrender signed. 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. Other potential colonisers included Portugal, who already controlled West (modern day Angola) and East Africa (modern day Mozambique), Germany (modern day Namibia), and further north, Belgium (modern day Democratic Republic of the Congo) and France (West and Equatorial Africa, and Madagascar). The British attempts in 1880 to annexe the Transvaal, and in 1899 both the Transvaal and the Orange Free State (leading to the Second Boer War), were their biggest incursions into southern Africa, but there were others. In 1868, the British annexed Basutoland in the Drakensberg Mountains (modern Lesotho, surrounded by the Orange Free State and Natal) following an appeal from Moshesh, the leader of a mixed group of African refugees from the Zulu wars, who sought British protection against both the Boers and the Zulus. The British did not try to stop Trekboers from moving away from the Cape. The Trekboers served as pioneers, opening up the interior for those who followed, and the British gradually extended their control away from the Cape along the coast toward the east, eventually annexing Natal in 1845. Indeed, the British subsequently ratified the two new Republics in a pair of treaties: the Sand River Convention of 1852 which recognised the independence of the Transvaal Republic, and the Bloemfontein Convention of 1854 which recognised the independence of the Orange Free State. However, British colonial expansion was, from the 1830s, marked by skirmishes and wars against both Boers and native African tribes .n 1875 Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli's Colonial Secretary, Lord Carnarvon, in an attempt to extend British influence, approached the Orange Free State and the Transvaal Republic and tried to organise a federation of the British and Boer territories to be modelled after the 1867 federation of French and English provinces of Canada, however the Boer leaders turned him down. The successive British annexations, and in particular the annexation of West Griqualand, caused a climate of simmering unease for the Boer republics. Outbreak of War With the defeat of the Zulus, and the Pedi, the Transvaal Boers were able to give voice to the growing resentment against the 1877 British annexation of the Transvaal and complained that it had been a violation of the Sand River Convention of 1852, and the Bloemfontein Convention of 1854.Major-General Sir George Pomeroy Colley, after returning briefly to India, finally took over as Governor of Natal, Transvaal, High Commissioner of SE Africa and Military Commander in July 1880. Multiple commitments prevented Colley from visiting the Transvaal where he knew many of the senior Boers. Instead he relied on reports from the Administrator, Sir Owen Lanyon, who had no understanding of the Boer mood or capability. Belatedly Lanyon asked for troop reinforcements in December 1880 but was overtaken by events.The Boers on 16 December 1880 revolted and took action at Bronkhorstspruit against a British column of the 94th Foot, who were returning to reinforce Pretoria.After Transvaal formally declared independence from the United Kingdom, the war began on 16 December 1880 with shots fired by Transvaal Boers at Potchefstroom. This led to the action at Bronkhorstspruit on 20 December 1880, where the Boers ambushed and destroyed a British Army convoy. From 22 December 1880 to 6 January 1881, British army garrisons all over the Transvaal became besieged.Although generally called a war, the actual engagements were of a relatively minor nature considering the few men involved on both sides and the short duration of the combat, lasting some ten weeks of sporadic action. The fiercely independent Boers had no regular army; when danger threatened, all the men in a district would form a militia organised into military units called commandos and would elect officers.Commandos being civilian militia, each man wore what he wished, usually everyday dark-grey, neutral-coloured, or earthtone khaki farming clothes such as a jacket, trousers and slouch hat. Each man brought his own weapon, usually a hunting rifle, and his own horses. The average Boer citizens who made up their commandos were farmers who had spent almost all their working life in the saddle, and, because they had to depend on both their horse and their rifle for almost all of their meat, they were skilled hunters and expert marksmen.Most of the Boers had single-shot breech loading rifle such as the Westley Richards, the Martini-Henry, or the Remington Rolling Block. Only a few had repeaters like the Winchester or the Swiss Vetterli. As hunters they had learned to fire from cover, from a prone position and to make the first shot count, knowing that if they missed the game would be long gone. At community gatherings, they often held target shooting competitions using targets such as hens' eggs perched on posts over 100 yards away. The Boer commandos made for expert light cavalry, able to use every scrap of cover from which they could pour accurate and destructive fire at the British with their breech loading rifles.The British infantry uniforms at that date were red jackets, black trousers with red piping to the side, white pith helmets and pipe clayed equipment, a stark contrast to the African landscape.The Highlanders wore the kilt. The standard infantry weapon was the Martini Henry single-shot breech loading rifle with a long sword bayonet. Gunners of the Royal Artillery wore blue jackets. This enabled the Boer marksmen easily to snipe at red-clad British troops from a distance. The Boers carried no bayonets leaving them at a substantial disadvantage in close combat, which they avoided as far as possible. Drawing on years of experience of fighting frontier skirmishes with numerous and indigenous African tribes, they relied more on mobility, stealth, marksmanship and initiative while the British emphasised the traditional military values of command, discipline, formation and synchronised firepower. The average British soldier was not trained to be a marksman and got little target practice. What shooting training British soldiers had was mainly as a unit firing in volleys on command. At the first battle at Bronkhorstspruit, Lieutenant-Colonel Anstruther and 120 men of the 94th Foot (Connaught Rangers) were dead or wounded by Boer fire within minutes of the first shots. Boer losses totalled two killed and five wounded. This mainly Irish regiment was marching westward toward Pretoria, led by Lieutenant-Colonel Anstruther, when halted by a Boer commando group. Its leader, Piet Joubert, ordered Anstruther and the column to turn back, stating that the territory was now again a Boer Republic and therefore any further advance by the British would be deemed an act of war. Anstruther refused and ordered that ammunition be distributed. The Boers opened fire and the ambushed British troops were annihilated. With the majority of his troops dead or wounded, the dying Anstruther ordered surrender.The Boer uprising caught by surprise the six small British forts scattered around Transvaal, housing some 2,000 troops between them, including irregulars with as few as fifty men at Lydenburg in the east where Anstruther had just left. Being isolated, and with so few troops, all the forts could do was prepare for sieges, and wait to be relieved. The other five forts, with a minimum of fifty miles between any two, were at Wakkerstroom and Standerton in the south, Marabastadt in the north and Potchefstroom and Rustenburg in the west. The three main engagements of the war were all within about sixteen miles of each other, centred on the Battles of Laing’s Nek (28 January 1981), Ingogo River (8/2/81) and the rout at Majuba Hill (27 February 1981). These battles were the outcome of Major-General Sir George Pomeroy Colley’s attempts to relieve the besieged forts. Although Colley had requested reinforcements these would not reach him until mid-February. He was, however, convinced that the garrisons would not survive until then. Consequently, at Newcastle, near the Transvaal border he mustered a relief column (the Natal Field Force) of available men although this amounted to only 1,200 men. Colley’s force was further weakened in that few were mounted, a serious disadvantage in the terrain and type of warfare. Most Boers were mounted and good riders. Nonetheless, Colley’s force set out on 24 January 1881 northward for Laing’s Nek on route to relieve Wakkerstroom and Standerton, the nearest forts.At the Battle of Laing's Nek on 28 January 1881, the Natal Field Force under Major-General Sir George Pomeroy Colley attempted with cavalry and infantry attacks to break through the Boer positions on the Drakensberg mountain range to relieve their garrisons. The British were repulsed with heavy losses by the Boers under the command of Piet Joubert. Of the 480 British troops who made the charges, 150 never returned. Furthermore, sharpshooting Boers had killed or wounded many senior officers.Further actions included the Battle of Schuinshoogte (also known as Ingogo) on 8 February 1881, where another British force barely escaped destruction. Major-General Sir George Pomeroy Colley had sought refuge with the Natal Field Force at Mount Prospect, three miles to the south to await reinforcements. However, Colley was soon back into action. On 7 February a mail escort on its way to Newcastle had been attacked by the Boers and forced back to Mount Prospect. The next day Colley, determined to keep his supplies and communication route open, escorted the mail wagon personally and this time with a larger escort.The Boer attacked the convoy at the Ingogo River crossing, but with a stronger force of some 300 men. The firepower was evenly matched and the fight continued for several hours, but the Boer marksmen dominated the action until darkness and a storm permitted Colley and the remainder of his troops to retreat back to Mount Prospect. In this engagement the British lost 139 officers and men, half the original force that had set out to escort the mail convoy.On 14 February hostilities were suspended, awaiting the outcome of peace negotiations initiated by an offer from Kruger. During this time Colley’s promised reinforcements arrived with more to follow. The British government in the meantime had offered a Royal Commission investigation and possible troop withdrawal, and their attitude toward the Boers was conciliatory. Colley was critical of this stance and, whilst waiting for Kruger’s final agreement, decided to attack again with a view to enabling the British government to negotiate from a position of strength. Unfortunately this resulted in the disaster of the Battle of Majuba Hill on 27 February 1881, the greatest humiliation for the British. On 26 February 1881, Colley led a night march of some 360 men to the top of Majuba Hill that overlooked the main Boer position. Early the next morning the Boers saw Colley occupying the summit, and started to ascend the hill. The Boers, shooting accurately and using all available natural cover, advanced toward the trapped British position. Several Boer groups stormed the hill and drove off the British at great cost to the British, including the loss of Major-General Colley. Many of the British were killed or wounded, some falling to their deaths down the mountain. This had such an impact that during the Second Boer War, one of the British slogans was "Remember Majuba." The Boers suffered only one killed and five wounded.Hostilities continued until 6 March 1881, when a truce was declared, ironically on the same terms that Colley had disparaged. The Transvaal forts had endured, contrary to Colley’s forecast, with the sieges being generally uneventful, the Boers content to wait for hunger and sickness to strike. The forts had suffered only light casualties as an outcome of sporadic engagements, except at Potchefstroom, where twenty-four were killed, and seventeen at Pretoria, in each case resulting from occasional raids on Boer positions.Although the Boers exploited their advantages to the full, their unconventional tactics, marksman skills and mobility do not fully explain the heavy losses of the British. Like the Boers, British soldiers were equipped with breech-loading rifles (the Martini-Henry) but they were (unlike the Boers) professionals and the British Army had previously fought campaigns in difficult terrains and against elusive enemy such as the tribesmen of the Northern Territories in modern day Afghanistan.Historians lay much of the blame at the feet of the British command and Major-General Sir George Pomeroy Colley, in particular, but poor intelligence and bad communications also contributed to British losses.At Laing’s Nek it seems that Colley not only underestimated the Boer capabilities, but had been misinformed of, and was surprised by, the strength of the Boers forces. The confrontation at Ingogo Nek was perhaps rash, given that reserves were being sent, and Colley had by then experienced the Boer strength and capabilities. Indeed, strategists have speculated as to whether the convoy should have proceeded at all when it was known to be vulnerable to attack, and whether it was necessary for Colley himself to take command of the British guard. Colley's decision to initiate the attack at Majuba Hill when truce discussions were already underway appears to have been foolhardy particularly as there was limited strategic value, as the Boer positions were out of rifle range from the summit. Once the Battle of Majuba Hill had begun, Colley’s command and understanding of the dire situation seemed to deteriorate as the day went on, as he sent unclear signals to the British forces at Mount Prospect by heliograph, first requesting reinforcements and the next stating that the Boers were retreating. The poor leadership, intelligence and communications resulted in the deaths of many British soldiers.The British government of William Gladstone was conciliatory as it realised that any further action would require substantial troop reinforcements, and it was likely that the war would be costly, messy and protracted. Unwilling to get bogged down in a distant war with apparently minimal returns (the Transvaal at the time had no known mineral resources, or other significant resources, being essentially a cattle and sheep agricultural economy), the British government ordered a truce.Under instructions from the British government, Sir Evelyn Wood (who had replaced Colley upon his death on 27 February 1881) signed an armistice to end the war, and subsequently a peace treaty was signed with Kruger at O'Neil's Cottage on 6 March. In the final peace treaty on 23 March 1881, the British agreed to Boer self-government in the Transvaal under a theoretical British oversight, the Boers accepting the Queen’s nominal rule and British control over African affairs and native districts. A three-man Royal Commission drew up the Pretoria Convention, which was ratified on 25 October 1881, by the Transvaal Volksraad (parliament). This led to the withdrawal of the last British troops.When in 1886 a second major mineral find was made at an outcrop on a large ridge some thirty miles south of the Boer capital at Pretoria, it reignited British imperial interests. The ridge, known locally as the "Witwatersrand" (literally "white water ridge" – a watershed) contained the world's largest deposit of gold-bearing ore. Although it was not as rich as gold finds in Canada and Australia, its consistency made it especially well-suited to industrial mining methods. By 1899, when tensions erupted once more into the Second Boer War, the lure of gold made it worth committing the vast resources of the British Empire and incurring the huge costs required to win that war. The sharp lessons the British learned during the First Boer War which included Boer marksmanship, tactical flexibility, and good use of ground had largely been forgotten when the second war broke out 18 years later, which also led to heavy casualties as well as many setbacks for the British. Nicolaas Pieter Johannes ("Niklaas" or "Siener") Janse van Rensburg Anglo-Zulu Wars 1879-1896 The destruction of the Zulu kingdom 1879 -1896 In the 1870s settler and colonial determination to bring Blacks under firm political control had undermined the hard-won security that many African societies had achieved. This was due to changes in economic conditions in South Africa's hinterland, and the consequent need to secure sufficient political authority over Africans- which would ensure security and access to labour. These societies attempted to resist the extension of colonial control over them, one of which was the Zulu kingdom. Sir Bartle Frere was appointed British high commissioner to South Africa in 1879 to realise the Policy of Confederation. This policy was set to bring the various British colonies, Boer republics and independent African groups under common control- with a view to implementing a policy of economic development. Sir Bartle Frere saw the self-reliant Zulu kingdom as a threat to this policy, a belief which was supported by Shepstone, the Secretary for Native Affairs. Shepstone averred that the Zulu people had revived their military power under Cetshwayo , which made them more of a threat to peace and prosperity in South Africa. On 11 December 1878, under the flimsy pretext of a few minor border incursions into Natal by Cetshwayo's followers, the Zulu were given an impossible ultimatum- that they should disarm and Cetshwayo should forsake his sovereignty. The inevitable invasion of Zululand began after the ultimatum had expired on *10 January 1879 (see insert note). Instead of fragmenting the Zulu as Shepstone predicted, this rallied the Zulu to their king's cause. Many historians mark the 10* January 1879 as the beginning of the Anglo-Zulu war, while others claim that the 12 January 1879 (first attack) or the 22 January 1879 (first decisive battle of Isandlwana) marked the beginning of the war. However, even the 10 January date is disputed as many sources say that the ultimatum actually expired on the 11 January 1879. Under the overall command of Lord Chelmsford, the British forces -many of them colonials (Whites) or members of the Natal Native Contingent (Blacks) – began carrying out the general plan put in place for the invasion of Zululand. The main objective was to occupy the Zulu royal kraal at Ulundi by advancing on it from three directions. This operation was similar to the Zulu tactic of attacking from three sides by means of the main force or chest in the centre, and an extended left and right ‘horn’ on each side. The right or Number I Column, commanded by Colonel C.K. Pearson, was to cross the lower Tugela River and advance towards Ulundi by way of Eshowe. The centre or main force, the Number III Column, advanced from Pietermaritzburg via Greytown to Helpmekaar, under the leadership of Lord Chelmsford himself. From Helpmekaar the centre force was to enter Zululand at Rorke's Drift and move eastwards to the royal kraal. The left or Number IV Column, commanded by Brevet Col Sir H. Evelyn Wood, concentrated at Utrecht with the object of reaching Ulundi from the north-west. In addition, two minor forces guarded the borders. The first of these forces was the Number II Column at Krantzkop, under Brevet Col A.W. Durnford to prevent the Zulus crossing the Tugela. The second was the Number V Column at Luneberg to safeguard the Transvaal, which had been annexed by the British in 1877 (see map). The first attack of the war took place on 12 January 1879, when the position of Sihayo's kraal, situated in the Batshe valley, threatened the successful advancement of the British column. Under Chelmsford’s orders, the attacking force moved across the Batshe to attack a rocky gorge into which Sihayo's men had retreated, driving their cattle before them. The Natal Native Contingent showed reluctance to face the Zulus, some of whom were armed with rifles. In an attempt to thwart the attack, stones were also rolled down onto the attackers and after sharp action, the Zulus retreated, with 30 dead, 4 wounded and 10 captured. The British however, suffered only 2 casualties, with 15 wounded. The Battle of Isandlwana The main Zulu army left Nodwengu on 17 January to defend Zululand from the centre column. These forces were under the command of chiefs Ntshingwayo kaMahole Khoza and Mavu-mengwana kaNdlela Ntuli. Cetshwayo had promised his men that the British would be defeated in a 'single day'. On the 17 January Chelmsford and his forces rode to Isandlwana, which he had selected as the site for his next camp. On 20 January Chelmsford’s men arrived and set up camp at Isandlwana hill. Chelmsford encountered some local resistance and mistakenly assumed it to be the main Zulu force. This divided his column, half of which he took to support an engagement some fifteen kilometres away. Colonel Henry Pulleine was left in charge of the remaining forces, but did not organise his troops into a defensive circular ‘laager’ formation, as the wagons would be needed shortly to transport supplies. Colonel A.W. Durnford arrived the next day with a detachment to reinforce the camp and take over command. Durnford, described as being 'as plucky as a lion but as imprudent as a child', impetuously pursued a Zulu foraging party. As he proceeded over the ridge of the Mabaso heights he encountered, to his horror, the Zulu army, a mass of 20 000 strong below. The Zulu had not intended to attack then, as it was a new moon and it was considered unwise to fight on a 'dark day'. However, once discovered, they had no choice but to go on the offensive. Pulleine was therefore forced to spread his firepower over a long distance, instead of concentrating his men in a tight formation. The Zulu steadily advanced in the horn formation, their centre, or chest, pitted against Puileine's left flank. They suffered huge losses as the British concentrated fire on the chest, and the attack was temporarily stalled. The Zulu’s left horn outflanked Durnford's infantry and descended onto the British camp from behind. Realising he was surrounded, Pulleine tried to retreat in order to save the endangered camp. This allowed the Zulu centre to advance again, and while raising the national cry of 'uSuthu' the Zulu interposed themselves between the retreating British and their camp. Hand to hand combat ensued and the Zulu carried the day. A detachment of British troops tried to mount a final stand at a stream two miles away, but most retreated to Rorke's Drift or fled down the Mzinyathi River with the Zulu in pursuit. The British lost 52 officers, 727 white soldiers and 471 black men of the Native Contingent - a third of Chelmsford's men. The Zulu, ‘as was their custom, took no prisoners at Isandlwana, and spared no lives, despite pleas for mercy'’. Everything else left behind was carried off as booty. The Battle of Rorke’s Drift and the Aftermath The Charge of the 17th Lancers at the Battle of Ulundi. Source: http://www.britishbattles.com/ One day later, a depot at Rorke's Drift was attacked against the orders of Cetshwayo, who favoured a defensive strategy. After the overwhelming victory over the British at Isandlwana, Zulu reserve forces who were not involved in the previous day’s battle retaliated with an attack on the “hastily erected fort” at the small garrison of Rorke’s Drift. Here the British fought with ‘rifle fire and bayonets’ and the Zulu force, led by Prince Dabulamanzi, suffered 500 casualties in this fruitless engagement. This provided the British with “much needed propaganda to counter the Zulu success at Isandlwana”. On the coast, the right column brushed aside Zulu resistance at the Nyezane river, before advancing to occupy the deserted mission station at Eshowe. The left column was also involved in heavy skirmishing around the Hlobane mountain. When the central British collapsed at Isandlwana, however, the left and right flanking columns were left exposed. The Zulus managed to cut Colonel C.K. Pearson’s right column off from the border, and Pearson's men were besieged for three months at Eshowe. The left flank column, however, managed to remain operative. Chelmsford swiftly made his way back to Natal. The might of the British army had suffered a severe repulse and any thoughts of a quick British victory were put to rest. On the other hand, the Zulu themselves suffered terrible casualties, and worse was to follow. After the defeat at Isandlwana British pride had to be restored, and reinforcements were sent for. Chelmsford's army advanced again into Zululand, inflicting heavy defeats on the Zulu in April at Gingindlovu, relieving Pearson's column, and at Khambula. The Zulu were now on the back foot. In July Chelmsford moved in on oNdini, and in a final onslaught known as the Battle of Ulundi, they secured an overwhelming military success. More than 1 000 Zulu were killed and Cetshwayo was forced to flee for safety, until he was captured in the Ngome forest in August and exiled to the Cape. The Zulu were then instructed to return to their homesteads and resume productive activities. The British, nonetheless, were at pains to explain that the war was against the Zulu royal house. The Division of Zululand The war itself had not destroyed the kingdom, but subsequent events served to divide the Zulu and undermine their economic and social cohesion. Taking a leaf out of Shepstone’s 'native policy', Sir Garnet Wolseley, the new British commander in Natal, divided the kingdom into thirteen territories under appointed chiefs. They were meant to represent the chiefly lineages of pre-Shakan times, which was a shaky argument at best, especially since one of them was John Dunn who had joined the British when hostilities began. Others had either been outrightly opposed to Cetshwayo or had shown little loyalty to him during the war. The chiefs’ allegiance was to those who had appointed them, and Britain thus effectively began to administer indirect rule over Zululand. Melmoth Osborn, who enthusiastically supported Shepstone's views, was appointed as British Resident in Zululand. Unsurprisingly Zululand suffered civil strife as a result of this arrangement. Those who continued to espouse the old Zulu order were known as the uSuthu, and were led by Ndabuko kaMpande, Cetshwayo's brother. They were to come into conflict with the appointed chiefs and by 1887 had 'fought themselves to a standstill'. In addition, a hut tax was imposed, not only on each hut but on every wife regardless of whether she occupied a hut. Wolseley's infamous settlement of Zululand had not destroyed the Zulu homestead-the basic productive unit in the kingdom's economy- nor had the Zulu been deprived of their land. The hut tax, however, served to divert some of the surplus accruing to an individual homestead head to the British government. Subsequently over 70% of the annual cost of administering Zululand was derived from this tax. As the civil war intensified, the British realised that this settlement was simply not workable. Cetshwayo, encouraged by Bishop Colenso and his daughter Harriette- who both visited him in Cape Town-petitioned the British government and was granted permission to visit England to put forward his case for the restoration of the Zulu monarchy. In Zululand similar petitions were presented to the British Resident by the uSuthu. Early in 1883 Cetshwayo was reinstalled as king, but his powers had been severely reduced. He was confined to a smaller area, surrounded by enemies, and his every move was watched by a Resident. Those who wished to show their loyalty to Cetshwayo were obliged to move into his central district of the kingdom. Zibhebhu, an arch opponent of Cetshwayo, whose allegiance was more to the colonial order than the royal house, occupied a large tract of territory to Cetshwayo's north, and forced uSuthu loyalists resident in his portion to return to Cetshwayo's area. A pre-emptive strike by the uSuthu against Zibhebhu failed. Later Zibhebhu and Hamu, another of the appointed chiefs, invaded the uSuthu. Cetshwayo was soundly defeated at his newly built capital at oNdini in 1883, with the level of bloodshed exceeding anything the Zulu had experienced during Cetshwayo's reign. Matters worsened for the uSuthu when Cetshwayo died in late 1883- as the balance of power in Zululand had now shifted decisively to the Imperial administration, and its supporters in Zululand. In a last-ditch measure to regain power, Cetshwayo's son, Dinuzulu, entered into a treaty with the Transvaal. In military terms, the alliance proved successful and Zibhebhu's army was forced out of the loyalists' territory. But this agreement came at a huge cost. In return for their assistance, the Boers were promised vast tracts of territory on Zululand's western margin, which they called The New Republic, with its 'capital' at Vryheid. When the Transvaalers tried to claim even more land than what was agreed upon, the uSuthu refused. Having realised the extent of the chaos in Zululand, the British intervened. Dinuzulu was allowed to retain control of his portion of central Zululand, but the Boers were also acknowledged as owners of the New Republic. This lead to a Reserve area being set aside for those opposed to the loyalists. In Natal, pressure mounted for the annexation of Zululand, and almost inevitably it was annexed to the Crown in 1887. The promulgation of a Code of Laws placed Zululand under a similar 'Native Policy' to that in Natal. Once more the uSuthu mounted resistance to the annexation, and again Zibhebhus services were called upon. The revolt was spectacularly successful for a short period, as the uSuthu under Dinuzulu made good use of the mountainous terrain to repulse a police contingent sent to arrest their leaders. Zibhebhus followers were attacked by Dinuzulu and forced to flee hastily from the Ndwandwe district. Finally reinforcements arrived, the uSuthu were driven from their hideouts, leading Dinuzulu to surrender. In 1889, he and his leading adherents were tried for treason, found guilty and sentenced to prison terms on St Helena. In 1894 Dinuzulu was pardoned and allowed to return to Zululand, but as a mere induna, or state official, with no chiefly powers or privileges. To appease colonial interests, his return was coupled with the annexation of Zululand by Natal in 1897. After eighteen years, settler interests had prevailed in the land of the Zulu, and the plans Shepstone initially envisaged for the kingdom could be put into place. White settlers and traders entered Zululand in increasing numbers, and Zululand was thus 'reconstructed'. The territory was divided among compliant chiefs who ruled with limited authority, and the governor of Natal became the supreme chief over Zululand. The situation was worsened further by several natural disasters between 1894 and 1897. These disasters included a plague of locusts, drought and the devastating rinderpest epidemic of 1897- which led to a massive decline in homestead production. Already under stress from the imposition of the hut tax, many more Zulu men were forced into the Witwatersrand labour market to make ends meet and pay taxes. The gradual emergence of a permanent labouring class alongside a traditional economy, based on homestead production and cattle-keeping, led to new social divisions in Zulu society. 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 (who are the smaller section of the language based macro group which became known as Afrikaners). Consequently his nickname became Siener, which is Afrikaans for "seer" or "soothsayer". His seemingly accurate predictions of future events were typically wrapped in a patriotic, religious format. During the Boer War he soon acquired a reputation which made him a trusted companion, if not advisor to General de la Rey and President Steyn. The true extent of his influence with these figures is disputed,though the very religious de la Rey seemed to have considered him a prophet of God 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. He only received 20 days of formal school training at the Rooipoort farm school, and spent much of his youth as a cattle herder. He could never write, but assisted by his mother learnt to read from the Bible. He never read anything else. At age 16 he participated in a government expedition against the rebellious tribal leader Mapog. He survived malaria acquired on the expedition and settled near Wolmaranstad in the then western ZAR. He was elected as elder for the Hervormde Kerk at age 21, possibly due to his scriptural knowledge. He married Anna Sophia Kruger in 1884. Van Rensburg and his brother were commandeered to participate in the second Anglo-Boer War under General du Toit. He was however unarmed and never fired a shot, but delivered a stream of prophesies that continued throughout the war. As the seer would later explain, a nightly visitor would have woken him only a day before the outbreak of war, with a message that his work was dedicated to God. Following the encounter he was beset with a fear that wouldn't dissipate. When his disturbed state continued to their sojourn in Kimberley, his superiors sent him home. Experiencing no relief, he returned to the Siege of Kimberley, where a vision revealed to him the defeat and loss of life that the war would bring about.Shortly afterwards, possibly at Graspan, his disturbed state lifted permanently when a soldier was wounded on his side, as a vision revealed to him shortly before. Van Rensburg then travelled with general Piet Cronjé but escaped the encirclement by British forces at Paardeberg. Subsequently he travelled with different commandos, where a number of apparently accurate predictions established his reputation. A report of his visions attracted the attention of General de la Rey, who recruited Van Rensburg for his commando. On December 7, 1900, General de Wet found himself cornered against the Caledon River which was in flood, while British forces were assailing his position. When his surrender appeared imminent, a message of De la Rey was delivered by a Boer scout. Van Rensburg had foreseen the situation and the message outlined an escape route, which was duly followed, leaving the pursuers to succumb in the torrent De Wet had just traversed.De la Rey, also hard pressed by his enemy, dispatched Van Rensburg to accompany President Steyn to Roodewal, De Wet's safe retreat in the northern Free State. Here Van Rensburg advised them to wait upon two horsemen which he described, who arrived the next day with a message from acting President Schalk Burger. On September 13, 1901, Van Rensburg found himself in the camp of Commandant Roux at Rietkuil near Vredefort. Sensing imminent danger, he advised those present, who had just retired for the day, to depart from the camp at once. Roux was slow to take heed, and his men more so, as scouts had not observed any enemy units. Van Rensburg, his wife and children escaped on a cart, shortly before the greater part of the camp was captured in a surprise attack Van Rensburg was present when Commandant Van Aardt's company returned from the action at Yzerspruit on February 25, 1902. Van Aardt was despondent as his brother was missing in action but Van Rensburg assured him that he was neither dead nor captured, but alive though in great pain. The wounded soldier was returned to camp the same evening, carried on the horse of a burgher who found him. Before the Battle of Tweebosch, Van Rensburg gave a number of predictions indicating how the enemy would approach along the Harts River, and when he deemed them most vulnerable. He also envisaged how the victory would enhance De la Rey's reputation. Methuen's force collapsed in the face of De la Rey's sudden attack on March 7, 1902, and Methuen was captured. On March 17, 1902, President Steyn, in the company of De Wet and Hertzog, arrived at Zendelingsfontein, De la Rey's headquarters near Klerksdorp, to consult De la Rey's physician about an eye ailment. Van Rensburg was once again dispatched to guard the president. Around the 23rd he had a vision of English troops arriving, but the president was unwilling to heed his warning, until De la Rey intervened urgently on Van Rensburg's behalf. The president departed for the safety of the Molopo River on the evening of the 24th. British troops arrived at Zendelingsfontein during the early hours of the 25th and captured two of De la Rey's adjutants. Gaining entry to General Kemp's war council in the bushveld region, he soon warned them against attacking a retreating enemy, which would leave them vulnerable to encirclement. At the subsequent Battle of Harts River on March 31, 1902, some British units did fall back, though some Canadians stood their ground until overpowered by burgher forces. Kemp, though partially or grudgingly heeding the seer's visions, was generally reluctant to give him credit. In January 1901 Van Rensburg had a vision indicating the flight of three Boer women, who were soon found and rescued by his host Willem Bosman. Days after rejoining De la Rey's commando he had visions of members of his own family being captured, and asked for leave to assist them. The Van Rensburg family fled from their farmhouse as English forces approached, but the wagon train carrying the elderly, women and neighbours was surprised and captured by traitors the following morning. Van Rensburg's parents, eldest daughter Hester and four younger children were subsequently interned at the Mafeking concentration camp. Van Rensburg, his wife, eldest son Willem and two daughters travelled with a group which managed to evade their pursuers, and Van Rensburg once again joined De la Rey's commando. Upon meeting his wife again in mid October 1901, they found their farmhouse destroyed. Van Rensburg's ominous premonition concerning their daughters, Anna and Maria, was confirmed when news arrived that they and two relatives had died during an outbreak of measles in the concentration camp. When the Union of South Africa came out in support of the Allied Powers in World War I, Van Rensburg allied with the rebels. The rebellion received a fatal blow even before it started, when the influential general Koos de la Rey was accidentally killed on September 15, 1914. De la Rey, when killed, was en route to General J.G.C. Kemp, who subsequently organised the rebellion in western Transvaal. On November 2, Kemp addressed a public meeting at Vleeskraal, near Schweizer-Reneke, with the locally influential Van Rensburg at his side. Van Rensburg also addressed the assembly, and assured them that his visions indicated they had little to fear. 610 men then joined the rebel cause, and with conscription imminent, the number of rebel volunteers grew to 1,800. General Kemp decided on a company of 720 men, mostly farmers, which included Van Rensburg and his son. They departed immediately on a journey to join Manie Maritz in German South-West Africa. After a desert trek and much hardship they linked up with Maritz's company on November 29. Rebels under De Wet and Beyers were rounded up by South African forces in the days that followed. Returning to South Africa, Maritz and Kemp engaged government forces at Nous, Lutzputs and finally at Upington, on February 3, 1915. Van Rensburg's son Willem was mortally wounded in the Upington clash, and the whole rebel force captured, with the exception of Maritz who fled via German South-West Africa, to Angola and from thence to Portugal,Van Rensburg, like his comrades, received a prison sentence. He however served about a year, first in Boksburg, then in the Old Fort, Johannesburg After his release Nicolaas van Rensburg returned to his farm Rietkuil, near Wolmaranstad. Some of his visions were then recorded by reverend Dr. Rossouw. Van Rensburg's daughter Anna Badenhorst also recorded a set of visions up to his death at age 61. The latter set is considered to be difficult to interpret and not very coherent. With the outbreak of World War II, the collections of visions were considered inflammatory. Distribution was prohibited and some copies seized on orders of prime minister Jan Smuts. Upon Anna's death her hand written documents were transferred to Lichtenburg museum's archives, where they were rediscovered in 1991. The farm and van Rensburg family cemetery are located 11 km from Ottosdal, in the North West Province. Gen.De La Rey His mother perceived his visions even as a toddler, and noticed that these seemed to disturb him. General Hertzog described him as someone continuously distracted by a maze of imagery and symbolism. In all, some 700 visions have been recorded. The nature of his visions invariably concerned the welfare of the Boere, the Netherlands and Germany, and were experienced by him as visual imagery to be interpreted afterwards. When the image of the sisal plant occurred in his visions, he for instance interpreted this as a portend of an important meeting, assembly or parliament. He is believed by some to have made many accurate predictions of local events, including foretelling the death of general Koos de la Reyand the political transition of South Africa after his own death. At times his visions also concerned international events, among which the start of World War Iand the rise of Communism.He was unable to interpret some of his own visions. These, written down, are still open to interpretation, and believed by some to pertain to future events. Boer soldier Deneys Reitz's account of the Boer War contains a colourful objective account of one of the seer's predictions (shortened): ... a prophet, a strange character, with long flowing beard and wild fanatical eyes, who dreamed dreams and pretended to possess occult powers. I personally witnessed one of the lucky hits while we were congregated around the General's cart. Van Rensburg was expounding his latest vision to a hushed audience. It ran of a black bull and a red bull fighting, until at length the red bull sank defeated to its knees, referring to the British. Arms outstretched and eyes ablaze, he suddenly called out: See, who comes?; and, looking up, we made out a distant horseman spurring towards us. When he came up, he produced a letter from General Botha, hundreds of miles away. General de la Rey opened it and said: Men, believe me, the proud enemy is humbled. The letter contained news that the English had proposed a peace conference. Coming immediately upon the prophecy, it was a dramatic moment and I was impressed, even though I suspected that van Rensburg had stage-managed the scene. Of the general's sincerity there could be no doubt as he firmly believed in the seer's predictions. Second Anglo-Boer War - 1899 - 1902 'South African War ( a.k.a. the Anglo-Boer War) remains the most terrible and destructive modern armed conflict in South Africa’s history. It was an event that in many ways shaped the history of 20th Century South Africa. The end of the war marked the end of the long process of British conquest of South African societies, both Black and White'. - Gilliomee and Mbenga (2007). The Causes A number of interrelated factors led to the Second Anglo-Boer War. These include the conflicting political ideologies of imperialism and republicanism, the discovery of gold on the Witwatersrand, tension between political leaders, the Jameson Raid and the Uitlander franchise. Conflicting political ideology After the First Anglo-Boer War the British government did not give up its ambition for unifying South Africa under Imperial British rule. The two Boer republics of the Orange Free State and the South African Republic or Transvaal still maintained their desire for independence. The Boer republics were a stumbling block for the British Empire. The discovery of gold on the Witwatersrand Gold had been mined since the early 1870s but was discovered on the Witwatersrand, in the Transvaal, in 1886. Thousands of white and black South Africans were employed on the mines by 1890. South Africa became the single biggest gold producer in the world and this meant great growth for the independent Boer governments. The Transvaal now also became more prominent in international finance because the importance of gold as an international monetary system. Britain was the centre of industry and trade in the world at the time and needed a steady supply of gold to maintain this position. Neighbouring independent states like the Orange Free State and British colonies like Natal could also gain from the riches and investment brought to the country. The Cape Colony wasn’t the leading economic state in the country anymore and a Boer republic took its place. Even though the Transvaal gold mines were the richest in the world they were also the most difficult to mine because the reefs lay so deep under the ground. The gold had to be mined by shafts as opposed to open mines, like diamonds. Mining as an individual was not as efficient as using groups of miners with special skills. Large companies were created with local and international investment and individual miners were soon squeezed out. Prospectors streamed to South Africa from all over the world, and especially from Europe. The Transvalers saw these foreigners, or Uitlanders, as a threat to their independence. In order to maintain its control of gold mining and the growth of the as they called them immigrant population, the Transvaal government restricted the voting rights of Uitlanders.Only foreigners who had been in the country for 14 years or more could vote. It was called the Uitlander franchise and didn’t really bother most Uitlanders, who had come to South Africa to make their fortunes, but it did cause strain between the Transvaal and British governments. Tension between political leaders Paul Kruger. Source: wikipedia.org There were various political leaders with opposing views in power in different parts of South Africa during the 1890s. Paul Kruger was president of the Transvaal or South African Republic (SAR) and Cecil John Rhodes became the premier of the Cape Colony in 1890. Rhodes was from Britain and had made his fortune in South Africa by mining diamonds. He was also a supporter of the British imperial plan to unite South Africa under British rule. Kruger was a supporter of Boer independence and the two leaders were in direct conflict with each other. Rhodes believed that if the SAR was left to grow financially it would eventually grow in size and topple Britain from its position of power in South Africa. He specifically did not want the SAR to gain access to a route to the sea, as this would seriously affect the economies of the British colonies. Rhodes and Britain were determined to stop the SAR’s expansion. The Jameson Raid By 1895 Britain was getting more confident about taking action in South Africa. Joseph Chamberlain was appointed Colonial Secretary. He joined forces with Rhodes to try to develop and promote the British Empire in South Africa. In September and October 1895 the Drift Crisis between the Cape Colony and the Transvaal or SAR developed. The Cape had finished building a railway line to Johannesburg and tried to get as much of the Transvaal’s railway traffic by reducing its rates.It was aware that the Transvaal's Delagoa Bay line was al most complete.The Transvaal government increased the rates on the part of the railway that ran through the Transvaal once it had crossed the Vaal River. In answer to this goods, were taken to the Vaal River by train, and then taken further by wagon to avoid paying the higher prices in the Transvaal. Kruger reacted by blocking access to the Transvaal, closing the drifts on the Transvaal side. The British government demanded that Kruger open the drifts and used the situation to involve itself directly in Transvaal affairs. Rhodes planned an uprising of Uitlanders in Johannesburg. The uprising was timed to coincide with an invasion of the Transvaal from Bechuanaland (present day Botswana), by Dr Leander Starr Jameson . Rhodes wanted to take over the government of the Transvaal and turn it into a British colony that would join all the other colonies in a federation. Chamberlain helped plan the Jameson Raid. The Jameson Raid which began on on 29th December 1895, was a total failure. Jameson waited on the border, but the Uitlander leaders in Johannesburg argued among themselves about the kind of government to be put into place after the invasion. Many of the Uitlanders had no interest in violent uprising, but preferred to celebrate the New Year. Rhodes decided to stop the raid, but it was too late because Jameson and his party had already crossed into the Transvaal. Jameson’s troops tried to cut communication lines to Pretoria, but cut the wrong lines. This meant that the Transvaal government knew the raiders were on their way before they reached Johannesburg. On 2 January 1896 Jameson had to surrender at Doornkop near Krugersdorp. The prisoners were handed over to their own government and the Uitlander leaders who had been part of the plot were put to trial in Johannesburg. Some of them were condemned to death, but the sentences were later reduced to large fines. Rhodes was forced to resign as the premier of the Cape Colony and the political problems between Afrikaans and English-speaking people became worse than ever in the colony. The Orange Free State co-operated more closely with the Transvaal. Transvaal residents felt that they were being threatened and Uitlanders were treated with more suspicion than ever before. Read a more detailed feature on the Jameson raid The Uitlander Franchise The Uitlanders were not only from Britain, but came from all over the world to make money on the goldfields in the Transvaal. Some of them were not interested in the political situation in the republic and were not concerned about the fact that they couldn’t vote. Some Uitlanders felt that they contributed to the exploitation of the riches in the republic and had the right to a say in the way the country was being run. The Transvaal government realised that this could be a threat to the republic’s independence, but also knew that it couldn’t ignore the Uitlanders’ demands. The foreigners could apply for citizenship or naturalisation after 5 years of living in the Transvaal. A Second Volksraad was created in 1890 and new laws were made. Uitlanders who had been naturalised for two years could now vote. The Second Volksraad only had say in local matters in Johannesburg and on the mines; any bills it put forward could only become laws if the First Volksraad agreed. Only Uitlanders who had been in the country for a full 14 years or longer could vote for the first Volksraad. Now Uitlanders had a say in political matters, but the First Volksraad still ran the country. Very few Uitlanders used their right to vote, but the Second Volksraad took its responsibilities seriously.After the Jameson Raid Chamberlain wanted to win back some of the respect he had lost because of the raid’s failure. He was more determined to make the South African union a reality and decided to use diplomatic power to do so. He invited Kruger to London for talks about the Uitlander Franchise, but the president would not discuss his country’s internal affairs. He felt that this would create the impression that the SAR could not take care of its own politics independently. Next Chamberlain called a meeting in London to try to involve Britain directly in Transvaal affairs. His interference caused even more tension between the two countries. He also sent Sir Alfred Milner , another loyal supporter of British expansion, to South Africa as British High Commissioner.Milner hoped that Kruger would not be re-elected, but in 1898 he was. Milner was afraid that the Boer republics wanted to take over the whole country and told Chamberlain that war was the only way to prevent that from happening. In December 1898 Transvaal police shot an Uitlander called Tom Edgar. The officer responsible said that it was in self-defence, but the Uitlander community reacted as if it was a political incident. This made the franchise issue an important factor in the outbreak of the war because political tension between Boers and British subjects in the Transvaal became worse. MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE ANGLO BOER WAR - 1 &2 First Anglo Boer War Causes of the War The First Anglo-Boer is also known as the First Transvaal War of Independence because the conflict arose between the British colonizers and the Boers from the Transvaal Republic or Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek (ZAR). The Boers had some help from their neighbours in the Orange Free State. There were several causes of the First Anglo-Boer War. The expansion of the British Empire. Problems within the Transvaal government. The British annexation of the Transvaal. The Boer opposition to British rule in the Transvaal. Henry Herbert, the 4th Earl of Carnarvon was the British Secretary of State for the Colonies (referred to as Lord Carnarvon) under Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, who was premier from 1868 to 1880. At the time the British government wanted to expand the British Empire. Lord Carnarvon wanted to form a confederation of all the British colonies, independent Boer republics and independent African groups in South Africa under British control. By 1876 he realised that he would not be able to achieve his goal peacefully. He told Disraeli that: "By acting at once, we may ... acquire ... the whole Transvaal Republic after which the Orange Free State will follow." He was prepared to use force to make the confederation a reality, a fact that was proved by the Anglo-Zulu War in 1879. Problems within the Transvaal Government T. F. Burgers was the president of the Transvaal Republic from 1872 until its annexation in 1877. The Republic was in serious financial trouble, especially as a war had just started between the Boers and the Pedi under their leader, Sekhukhune , in the North Eastern Transvaal, and because the Boer people not paid their taxes. The Transvaal public was disappointed with their leadership and although Sekhukhune agreed to peace in February 1877, and was willing to pay a fine to the Republic, it was too late. Herbert sent Sir Theophilus Shepstone , the former Secretary for Native Affairs in Natal, to the Transvaal as special commissioner. Shepstone arrived in the Transvaal on 22 January 1877 with 25 men as support. Initially, he was vague about his real purpose. He used the weakness in the Transvaal government by making the Boers aware of the dangers of a bankrupt state and focusing on the government’s lack of control over black people like the Pedi and the Zulu. This demoralised the Boers. Burgers did very little tried to stop Britain from taking over the Transvaal. Shepstone had told Burgers what his intentions were by the end of January 1877 and Burgers tried to convince the Transvaal government to take the situation seriously, but they refused to see the urgency of the matter. The British annexation of the Transvaal Lord Carnarvon thought that annexing the Transvaal would be the first step to confederation. English speaking people in the republic were positive towards the idea and the Boers were disappointed in their own government, which the thought would make it easier to convince them that they could not avoid annexation. Shepstone said that he had more than 3 000 signatures from people who wanted to be part of the British Empire.What he did not tell Carnarvon was that within the Boer population, there were many against the idea and wanted to retain their independence. On 12 April 1877 a proclamation of annexation was read out in Church Square in Pretoria, the capital of the Transvaal Republic. There was no resistance and the Union Jack replaced the Vierkleur. The Transvaal Republic or Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek (ZAR) did not exist anymore, but was now the British Colony of the Transvaal Colony. The Volksraad decided in May 1877 to send a delegation to England to make sure that the British government knew that most of the residents of the Transvaal Republic did not agree with the annexation but this delegation failed.. They also asked citizens not to resort to violence because this would create a negative impression in Britain. The Boer opposition to British rule in the Transvaal Former President T. F. Burgers and other people loyal to the former Transvaal Republic objected to the annexation and Paul Kruger and E. J. P. Jorissen went to London, England, in 1877 to present their case to Carnarvon. They failed and in 1878 they took a petition with more than 6 500 signatures from Boers to London, but the British government insisted that the Transvaal remain a British possession. Sir Theophilus Shepstone was now the administrator of the Transvaal Colony and he realised that running it was going to be much more difficult than annexing it. The British government had made promises to the Boers to allow them some self-government, but Shepstone was slow to initiate this process. The colony remained nearly bankrupt and British plans to build a railroad to Delagoa Bay had to be put on hold. Shepstone became increasingly unpopular with the Colonial Office in London. British Native commissioners were trying to control the black people in the area, but they could not get Sekhukhune and the Pedi to pay the fine he owed to the Transvaal Republic because they did not have enough soldiers to force him to do so. Shepstone also failed to control the Zulus on the southeastern border of the colony and many farmers had to leave their farms. Sir Owen Lanyon replaced Shepstone as administrator in 1879. In September of the same year Sir Garnet Wolseley was appointed High Commissioner of South East Africa and governor of Natal and Transvaal. The Anglo-Zulu War in 1879 was supposed to increase British standing in South Africa, but had the opposite effect. The Zulu and Pedi were both defeated by the British in 1879, but non-violent Boer opposition had grown. In January 1878 a large group of Boers gathered in Pretoria to protest against the annexation. Another Boer delegation had gone to London in 1877, but they also returned unsuccessful in 1879, even though they spoke to Sir Michael Hicks Beach, Carnarvon's successor, who was far less committed to confederation. The Boers had hoped that the election of the Liberal Party in Britain in April 1880 would mean independence for the Transvaal, but the new Prime Minister, W. E. Gladstone, insisted on maintain British control in Pretoria. The Volksraad of the Orange Free State, south of the Vaal River backed the Transvaal Boers in their call for the independence of the Transvaal in May 1879. Even Boers in the Cape Colony gave moral support to their comrades in the north. In October 1880 a newspaper from Paarl in the Cape Colony took the view that: "Passive resistance is now becoming futile." The War The first open conflict between the British and Boers began in November 1880 in Potchefstroom. P. L. Bezuidenhout refused to pay extra fees on his wagon saying he already paid his taxes. The British authorities then confiscated the wagon. On 11 November 1880 a commando of 100 men under P. A. Cronje took back the wagon from the British bailiff and returned it to Bezuidenhout. Following this, between 8 000 and 10 000 Boers gathered at Paardekraal, near Krugersdorp on 8 December 1880. As a result a triumvirate of leaders; Paul Kruger , Piet Joubert and M. W. Pretorius were appointed. On 13 December 1880 the leaders proclaimed the restoration of the Transvaal Republic and three days later raised their Vierkleur flag at Heidelberg, thus rejecting British authority. The events of the 13 December 1880 thus in effect started the war and ended passive resistance. British Soldiers and their artillery. © Museum Africa The first shots were fired in Potchefstroom. The Boers had about 7 000 soldiers, and some Free Staters joined their fellow Boers against the British enemy. There were only about 1 800 British soldiers stationed in towns across the Transvaal so British were outnumbered. Sieges and battles during the First Anglo-Boer War There were 4 main battles and several sieges during the First Anglo-Boer War. The Battles were at Bronkhorstspruit, Laingsnek, Schuinshoogte (Ingogo) and Majuba. The sieges were at Potchefstroom, Pretoria, Marabastad, Lydenburg, Rustenburg, Standerton and Wakkerstroom. Early in the war it became clear that the colonisers had underestimated their opponents. They had assumed that the Boers were no match for the superior might of the British military force. The Boers had the advantage of knowing the local terrain. They were skilled with firearms because they hunted often. The red British uniforms made soldiers easy targets while the Boers who simply wore their civilian clothing, had good enemy cover. At the battles of Laingsnek and Schuinshoogte the British forces suffered heavy losses and had to retreat. Major-General Sir George Pomeroy Colley had to wait for more reinforcements. Sir Evelyn Wood was appointed as his second-in-command, and Colley wanted him to lead in the extra soldiers from Newcastle. On 16 February 1881 Colley agreed to stop fighting on condition that the Boers gave up their hopes of requiring independence of the Transvaal. Negotiations came to nothing. On 26 February 1881 Colley decided to march on Majuba with 554 men, where the Boers had an outpost. On the same day, General Piet Joubert and the Boer forces took up a position at Laing's Nek to check on the arrival of British reinforcements. Colley’s men reached the top of the mountain in the early hours of the morning and were very tired. From the hill Colley could see the Boer laager of tents and covered wagons, but as he could not bring his heavy guns up the steep slopes, he was unable to fire on their encampment. Joubert, however, immediately ordered his men to climb the steep hill, take cover and shoot down on the British. At 7 a.m., a force of 150 Boers in three divisions under veld-cornets S J Roos, J Ferreira and D J Malan began to climb from ledge to ledge up the mountain, firing steadily and effectively on the British as they climbed. Untrained in guerrilla warfare, the exposed British soldiers made easy marks, and when Colley himself was killed and the Boers were almost at the summit, the British fled. The magnitude of their defencelessness may be appraised from the fact that they had over 200 casualties killed and wounded, whereas the Boers lost only one man killed and one who died later of his wounds. There are two simple monuments on the battlefield: an obelisk erected by the Boers, and a rectangular column commemorating the British fatalities. The humiliating British defeat at Majuba brought about the end of the First Anglo-Boer War and introduced a short-lived peace. Gladstone's Liberal government abandoned the previous government's federation policy, and, by the signing of the Pretoria Convention in August 1881, the Transvaal was granted 'complete self-government, subject to the suzerainty of Her Majesty Queen Victoria'. Many British, however, assured of the innate power of their imperial status, continued to regard the Boer commandos as inferior adversaries. Looking on the Majuba Hill disaster as a 'freak' victory, they vowed retribution. The Transvaal War (also known as the First Boer War or the First War of Independence) was a 'curtain-raiser' to the far more ruthless Anglo-Boer War of 1899-1902. "Remember Majuba!" became a rallying cry of the British during Second Anglo-Boer War. During the first Anglo-Boer War there were several sieges. Lydenburg, Potchefstroom, Pretoria, Marabastad, Rustenburg, Standerton and Wakkerstroom were all surrounded in by the Boers in order to stop the British forces stationed there from taking part in the fighting. Prior to the war the British had been building a fort in Potchefstroom. Progress was very slow. On 15 December 1880 a large group of Boers on horses rode up to Potchefstroom. Major Thornhill, who saw them, raced back to the fort to warn his comrades. When a small group of Boers approached the fort shots were fired. Soon afterwards the Boers started firing on the fort from three directions. The fort’s low walls didn’t provide much protection.On 16 December 1880 the Boers replaced the Union Jack at the Landdrost’s office with a white flag. The thatched roof building was also set alight. The Boers demanded the British surrender of the fort but Colonel Winsloe refused. The siege continued and after 95 days the British force inside the fort surrendered as a result of hunger. The siege of Lydenburg lasted from 6 January 1881 to 30 March 1881. After 5 December 1880 less than a hundred soldiers under 24 year-old Lieutenant Walter Long were left in Lydenburg. Although Long improved the fort's defences the water supply ran low by 23 January 1881. Long rejected a peace offering from the Boers and the siege only came to an end after 84 days. Marabastad was a military station with about 50 000 British soldiers put in place to control the black population in the area. It was about 165 miles or 265 km north of Pretoria.Two companies of the 94th regiment that had been positioned in Lydenburg arrived at Marabastad in February 1880 and on 29 November 1880 they were ordered to march into Pretoria. This left only 60 men at the fort. On the same day the news of the British defeat at Bronkhorstspruit arrived and Brook was told to protect the fort against any attack. This siege began on 29 December 1880. The local residents supported the British fort and provided food. Captain Brook was told about the armistice on 22 March 1881, but decided to keep on defending the fort. The siege ended on 2 April 1881. There were very few British soldiers at Rustenburg when the war broke out. When Boers demanded the surrender of the fort on 27 December 1880 the British force refused. The small mud fort provided little protection and the people inside suffered from the lack of food and water and diseases. The Boers issued terms of a truce on 14 March 1881 and on 30 March they received confirmation that it had been accepted. When the news of the British loss at Bronkhorstspruit reached Pretoria, Colonel W. Bellairs, commander of the soldiers in the Transvaal, declared martial law and moved the whole civil population of Pretoria into 2 military camps. All food was taken and stored within the camps and 5 000 people waited for relief from Natal. There were about 1 340 fighting men and 2 forts were built south of the town. Boer General Piet Joubert was happy with the effective containment of the British soldiers in Pretoria. This allowed him free movement elsewhere so he did not attack Pretoria. There were very few Boers stationed in the area and the British force tried to attack them on 29 December 1880, but gave up after several efforts.The siege dragged on because the British garrison was not aware of the events in Natal. On 28 March 1880 news of the peace terms reached Pretoria and by 8 August the Boer government took office in Pretoria once again. The aftermath of the War In the aftermath of the war the South African Republic (Tranvaal) regained its independence. The Pretoria Convention (1881) and the London Convention (1884) laid down the terms of the peace agreement. We must now look at these terms in more detail. Peace President Brand of the Orange Free State had been trying to get both the Transvaal Boers and the British to the negotiation table from the beginning of the conflict. Several peace offerings had been made from both sides with the most important ones being in January 1881, when Paul Kruger offered peace on the condition that the Transvaal independence was guaranteed. Another was made on 21 February 1881, when the British government offered peace if the Boers laid down their weapons. Major-General Sir George Pomeroy Colley didn’t forward the message from the British government fast enough and because Paul Kruger was not in Natal, the battle of Majuba took place before peace negotiations could begin. On 5 March 1881 Sir Evelyn Wood and Piet Joubert agreed on an armistice in order to start peace negotiations at O’Neill’s cottage, which lay between the British and Boer lines. Negotiations were successful and the war ended on 23 March 1881. The Pretoria Convention and the Independence of the Transvaal After peace had been negotiated a British royal commission was appointed to draw up the Transvaal’s status and new borders. These decisions were confirmed and formalised at the Pretoria Convention that took place on 3 August 1881. The new republic was named the Transvaal and was to be bean independent Republic, but it still had to have its foreign relations and policies regarding black people approved by the British government. The new state was also not allowed to expand towards the West. All these policies meant that the Transvaal was still under British suzerainty or influence. The Boer Triumvirate was worried about some of the requirements, but they took over the rule of the Transvaal on 10 August. The conditions put forward by the British government were unacceptable from the Transvalers’ point of view and in 1883 a delegation including Paul Kruger, the new President of the Transvaal, left for London to review the agreement. The London Convention In 1884 the London Convention was signed. The Transvaal was given a new Western border and adopted the name of the South African Republic (SAR). Although the word suzerainty did not appear in the London Convention, the SAR still had to get permission from the British government for any treaty entered into with any other country other than the Orange Free State. The Boers saw this as a way for the British government to interfere in Transvaal affairs and this led to tension between Britain and SAR. This increased steadily until the outbreak of the Second Anglo-Boer War in 1899. Second Anglo-Boer War - 1899 - 1902 'South African War ( a.k.a. the Anglo-Boer War) remains the most terrible and destructive modern armed conflict in South Africa’s history. It was an event that in many ways shaped the history of 20th Century South Africa. The end of the war marked the end of the long process of British conquest of South African societies, both Black and White'. - Gilliomee and Mbenga (2007). The Causes A number of interrelated factors led to the Second Anglo-Boer War. These include the conflicting political ideologies of imperialism and republicanism, the discovery of gold on the Witwatersrand, tension between political leaders, the Jameson Raid and the Uitlander franchise. Conflicting political ideology After the First Anglo-Boer War the British government did not give up its ambition for unifying South Africa under Imperial British rule. The two Boer republics of the Orange Free State and the South African Republic or Transvaal still maintained their desire for independence. The Boer republics were a stumbling block for the British Empire. The discovery of gold on the Witwatersrand Gold had been mined since the early 1870s but was discovered on the Witwatersrand, in the Transvaal, in 1886. Thousands of white and black South Africans were employed on the mines by 1890. South Africa became the single biggest gold producer in the world and this meant great growth for the independent Boer governments. The Transvaal now also became more prominent in international finance because the importance of gold as an international monetary system. Britain was the centre of industry and trade in the world at the time and needed a steady supply of gold to maintain this position. Neighbouring independent states like the Orange Free State and British colonies like Natal could also gain from the riches and investment brought to the country. The Cape Colony wasn’t the leading economic state in the country anymore and a Boer republic took its place. Even though the Transvaal gold mines were the richest in the world they were also the most difficult to mine because the reefs lay so deep under the ground. The gold had to be mined by shafts as opposed to open mines, like diamonds. Mining as an individual was not as efficient as using groups of miners with special skills. Large companies were created with local and international investment and individual miners were soon squeezed out. Prospectors streamed to South Africa from all over the world, and especially from Europe. The Transvalers saw these foreigners, or Uitlanders, as a threat to their independence. In order to maintain its control of gold mining and the growth of the as they called them immigrant population, the Transvaal government restricted the voting rights of Uitlanders.Only foreigners who had been in the country for 14 years or more could vote. It was called the Uitlander franchise and didn’t really bother most Uitlanders, who had come to South Africa to make their fortunes, but it did cause strain between the Transvaal and British governments. Tension between political leaders Paul Kruger. Source: wikipedia.org There were various political leaders with opposing views in power in different parts of South Africa during the 1890s. Paul Kruger was president of the Transvaal or South African Republic (SAR) and Cecil John Rhodes became the premier of the Cape Colony in 1890. Rhodes was from Britain and had made his fortune in South Africa by mining diamonds. He was also a supporter of the British imperial plan to unite South Africa under British rule. Kruger was a supporter of Boer independence and the two leaders were in direct conflict with each other. Rhodes believed that if the SAR was left to grow financially it would eventually grow in size and topple Britain from its position of power in South Africa. He specifically did not want the SAR to gain access to a route to the sea, as this would seriously affect the economies of the British colonies. Rhodes and Britain were determined to stop the SAR’s expansion. The Jameson Raid By 1895 Britain was getting more confident about taking action in South Africa. Joseph Chamberlain was appointed Colonial Secretary. He joined forces with Rhodes to try to develop and promote the British Empire in South Africa. In September and October 1895 the Drift Crisis between the Cape Colony and the Transvaal or SAR developed. The Cape had finished building a railway line to Johannesburg and tried to get as much of the Transvaal’s railway traffic by reducing its rates.It was aware that the Transvaal's Delagoa Bay line was al most complete.The Transvaal government increased the rates on the part of the railway that ran through the Transvaal once it had crossed the Vaal River. In answer to this goods, were taken to the Vaal River by train, and then taken further by wagon to avoid paying the higher prices in the Transvaal. Kruger reacted by blocking access to the Transvaal, closing the drifts on the Transvaal side. The British government demanded that Kruger open the drifts and used the situation to involve itself directly in Transvaal affairs. Rhodes planned an uprising of Uitlanders in Johannesburg. The uprising was timed to coincide with an invasion of the Transvaal from Bechuanaland (present day Botswana), by Dr Leander Starr Jameson . Rhodes wanted to take over the government of the Transvaal and turn it into a British colony that would join all the other colonies in a federation. Chamberlain helped plan the Jameson Raid. The Jameson Raid which began on on 29th December 1895, was a total failure. Jameson waited on the border, but the Uitlander leaders in Johannesburg argued among themselves about the kind of government to be put into place after the invasion. Many of the Uitlanders had no interest in violent uprising, but preferred to celebrate the New Year. Rhodes decided to stop the raid, but it was too late because Jameson and his party had already crossed into the Transvaal. Jameson’s troops tried to cut communication lines to Pretoria, but cut the wrong lines. This meant that the Transvaal government knew the raiders were on their way before they reached Johannesburg. On 2 January 1896 Jameson had to surrender at Doornkop near Krugersdorp. The prisoners were handed over to their own government and the Uitlander leaders who had been part of the plot were put to trial in Johannesburg. Some of them were condemned to death, but the sentences were later reduced to large fines. Rhodes was forced to resign as the premier of the Cape Colony and the political problems between Afrikaans and English-speaking people became worse than ever in the colony. The Orange Free State co-operated more closely with the Transvaal. Transvaal residents felt that they were being threatened and Uitlanders were treated with more suspicion than ever before. Read a more detailed feature on the Jameson raid The Uitlander Franchise The Uitlanders were not only from Britain, but came from all over the world to make money on the goldfields in the Transvaal. Some of them were not interested in the political situation in the republic and were not concerned about the fact that they couldn’t vote. Some Uitlanders felt that they contributed to the exploitation of the riches in the republic and had the right to a say in the way the country was being run. The Transvaal government realised that this could be a threat to the republic’s independence, but also knew that it couldn’t ignore the Uitlanders’ demands. The foreigners could apply for citizenship or naturalisation after 5 years of living in the Transvaal. A Second Volksraad was created in 1890 and new laws were made. Uitlanders who had been naturalised for two years could now vote. The Second Volksraad only had say in local matters in Johannesburg and on the mines; any bills it put forward could only become laws if the First Volksraad agreed. Only Uitlanders who had been in the country for a full 14 years or longer could vote for the first Volksraad. Now Uitlanders had a say in political matters, but the First Volksraad still ran the country. Very few Uitlanders used their right to vote, but the Second Volksraad took its responsibilities seriously.After the Jameson Raid Chamberlain wanted to win back some of the respect he had lost because of the raid’s failure. He was more determined to make the South African union a reality and decided to use diplomatic power to do so. He invited Kruger to London for talks about the Uitlander Franchise, but the president would not discuss his country’s internal affairs. He felt that this would create the impression that the SAR could not take care of its own politics independently. Next Chamberlain called a meeting in London to try to involve Britain directly in Transvaal affairs. His interference caused even more tension between the two countries. He also sent Sir Alfred Milner , another loyal supporter of British expansion, to South Africa as British High Commissioner.Milner hoped that Kruger would not be re-elected, but in 1898 he was. Milner was afraid that the Boer republics wanted to take over the whole country and told Chamberlain that war was the only way to prevent that from happening. In December 1898 Transvaal police shot an Uitlander called Tom Edgar. The officer responsible said that it was in self-defence, but the Uitlander community reacted as if it was a political incident. This made the franchise issue an important factor in the outbreak of the war because political tension between Boers and British subjects in the Transvaal became worse. Black Concentration Camps during the Anglo-Boer War 2, 1900-1902 While the two main forces in the Anglo-Boer War 2 were White, it was not an exclusively White war. At least 15 000 Blacks were used as combatants by the British, especially as scouts to track down Boer commandoes and armed block house guards, but also in non-combatant roles by both British and Boer forces as wagon drivers, etc. They suffered severely as result of the British "scorched earth policy" during which those who lived on White farms were removed to concentration camps, as were the women and children of their White employers. The rural economy was destroyed as crops were ravaged and livestock butchered. Displaced and captured civilians were forced into 'refugee camps', a total misnomer, because more often they did not seek refuge in the camps, but were rounded up by the British forces and forced into the camps, which soon became known as 'concentration camps'. Field-Marshal Lord Roberts had an ulterior motive in putting Blacks into camps, namely to make them work, either to grow crops for the troops or to dig trenches, be wagon drivers or work as miners once the gold mines became partly operational again. They did not receive rations, hardly any medical support or shelter and were expected to grow their own crops. The able-bodied who could work, could exchange labour for food or buy mealie meal at a cheaper price. The British along racial lines separated the White and Black camps. The inmates of the Black camps, situated along railway lines and on the border, became the eyes and ears of the British army. They formed an early warning system against Boer attacks on the British military's primary logistic artery - the railway lines and acted as scouts for British forces. This strategy alienated Whites and Blacks from each other by furthering distrust between the two population groups and was detrimental to racial harmony in South Africa after the war. Concentration Camps for Blacks. Transvaal Colony: Balmoral; Belfast; Heidelberg; Irene; Klerksdorp; Krugersdorp; Middelburg; Standerton; Vereeniging; Volksrust; Bantjes; Bezuidenhout's Valley; Boksburg; Brakpan; Bronkhorstspruit; Brugspruit; Elandshoek; Elandsrivier; Frederikstad; Greylingstad; Groot Olifants River; Koekemoer; Klipriviersberg; Klip River; Meyerton; Natalspruit; Nelspruit; Nigel; Olifantsfontein; Paardekop; Platrand; Rietfontein West; Springs; Van der Merwe Station; Witkop; Wilgerivier. Free State: Allemans Siding; America Siding; Boschrand; Eensgevonden; Geneva; Harrismith; Heilbron; Holfontein; Honingspruit; Houtenbek; Koppies; Rooiwal; Rietspruit; Smaldeel; Serfontein; Thaba 'Nchu; Taaibosch; Vet River; Virginia; Ventersburg Road; Vredefort Road; Welgelegen; Winburg; Wolwehoek. Cape Colony and British Bechuanaland.(Administered by the O.R.C): Kimberley; Orange River; Taungs; Dryharts. 1900 21 December, The inaugural meeting of the Burgher Peace Committee is held in Pretoria. Lord Kitchener discusses his concentration camp policies with this group, mentioning that stock and Blacks would also be brought in. 1901 22 January, At the Boschhoek concentration camp for Blacks, about 1 700 inmates, mostly Basuto, hold a protest meeting. They state that when they have been brought into the camps they have been promised that they will be paid for all their stock taken by the British, for all grain destroyed and that they will be fed and looked after. They are also unhappy because "... they receive no rations while the Boers who are the cause of the war are fed in the refugee camps free of charge ... they who are the 'Children of the Government' are made to pay'. 23 January, Two inmates of the Heuningspruit concentration camp for Blacks, Daniel Marome and G.J. Oliphant, complain to Goold-Adams: "We have to work hard all day long but the only food we can get is mealies and mealie meal, and this is not supplied to us free, but we have to purchase same with our own money. "We humbly request Your Honour to do something for us otherwise we will all perish of hunger for we have no money to keep on buying food." 30 January, The population for the Black camps is 85 114 and 2 312 deaths are recorded for the month. 31 January, The population of Blacks in camps is 75 950 and 1 327 deaths are recorded for the month. 4 May, The first gold mine on the Rand re-opens, after all mines have been closed in October 1899, a few days before war was declared. The Minister for Native Affairs permits the Witwatersrand Native Labour Association to recruit mining labour from the concentration camps. Simultaneous to the resumption of economic activity is the establishment of the Department of Native Refugees (DNR) under direct British military command. 15 June, The British authority establishes the Department of Native Refugees in the 'Transvaal Colony'. The Transvaal camps are brought under the control of the newly formed department. 30 June, The official camp population of the Black camps is 32 360 and the deaths are not shown in official returns. 31 July, The camp population in Black camps is 37 472 and 256 have died in the Free State camps during the month, while in Transvaal deaths are not yet recorded. 31 August, The Free State camps are also brought under the control of the Department of Native Refugees 31 August, The camp population in Black camps is 53 154 and 575 deaths are recorded for August. 30 September, The camp population in Black camps is 65 589 and 728 deaths are recorded. 31 December, The population in Black camps is 89 407, while the deaths peak during December at 2 831. 1902 18 January, Major De Lorbiniere, in charge of the Native Refugee Department, writes that supplying workers to the army 'formed the basis on which our system was founded'. The department's mobilisation of Black labour is very successful - not really surprising, considering the incentives offered: those in service and their families can buy mealies at a halfpence per lb, or 7/6 a bag, while those who do not accept employment have to pay double, or 1d per lb and 18/- or more per bag. By the end of 1901, when the death rate peaks, more than 6 000 accept employment in the British army. This figure grows to more than 13 000 in April 1902. The labourers are largely housed in Black concentration camps, situated close to military garrisons and towns, mines and railways sidings. 31 January, The population of Black camps is 97 986 and 2 534 deaths are recorded. 28 February, The population in Black camps is 101 344 and 1466 deaths are recorded. 24 March, Mr H.R. Fox, Secretary of the Aborigines Protection Society, after being made aware by Emily Hobhouse of the fact that the Ladies Commission (Fawcett Commission) ignored the plight of Blacks in the concentration camps, writes to Joseph Chamberlain, Colonial Secretary. He requests that such inquiries should be instituted by the British government "as should secure for the natives who are detained no less care and humanity than are now prescribed for the Boer refugees". On this request Sir Montagu Ommaney, the permanent under-secretary at the Colonial Office, is later to record that it seems undesirable "to trouble Lord Milner ... merely to satisfy this busybody". 31 March, The population of the Black camps is 101 299 and 972 deaths are recorded. 30 April, The population of the Black camps is 108 386 and 630 deaths are recorded. 31 May, Black concentration camp population in the 66 Black camps (some sources give the number as 80) reach 115 700, of which 60 000 are in the Free State camps and 55 969 in the ZAR (South African Republic/Transvaal). 523 deaths are recorded for the month. 31 May, The final peace conditions, The Treaty of Vereeniging, is signed by both the Burghers and the British at 23:05 at Melrose House, Pretoria. The total Black deaths in camps are officially calculated at a minimum of 14 154 (more than 1 in 10), though G. Benneyworth estimates it as at least 20 000, after examining actual graveyards. According to him incomplete and in many cases non-existent British records and the fact that many civilians died outside of the camps, caused the final death toll to be higher . The average official death rate, caused by medical neglect, exposure, infectious diseases and malnutrition inside the camps was 350 per thousand per annum, peaking at 436 per thousand per annum in certain Free State camps. Eighty-one percent of the fatalities were children. Anglo Boer War Museum, Bloemfontein One of the most significant events in the history of South Africa was the Anglo-Boer War of 1899-1902. Although the protagonists were Britain and the two Boer Republics, the population of South Africa as a whole became embroiled in the war either directly or indirectly. The War Museum in Bloemfontein does not only give the visitor insight into the Boer War through it`s unique art collection, dioramas and exhibits but also brings the visitor closer to understanding the background against which the war took place. The outcome was bitterness, hatred, dispossession and division for many decades to come. More than a Century later South Africans can look back at this event as a shared tragedy that shaped the social, political, economic and historical landscape of South Africa as we know it today. The museum not only provides the visitor with an insight into the course and development of the Anglo-Boer War through its unique collection and exhibitions, but it also brings the visitor closer to understanding the background against which the war took place and the universal suffering it caused. A visit to the War Museum is an absolute necessity for anyone who wants to understand the History of South Africa. References https://www.places.co.za/html/warmuseum.html https://www.wmbr.org.za/ https://shongololo.com/activity/anglo-boer-war-museum/ Further Reading https://www.sa-venues.com/things-to-do/freestate/anglo-boer-war-museum-and-battlefields/ https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/History-Museum/Official-Anglo-Boer-War-Museum-247267542136112/ https://shongololo.com/ Anglo-Boer War 2 - Kitchener proposes establishment of concentration camps Giliomee, H and Mbenga, B (2007) A New History of South Africa. Cape Town|SAHO Lord A. Kitchener [online] Available at: www.sahistory.org.za [Accessed on 3 December 2013] The arrival of Lord Kitchener and Lord Roberts, with the latter taking up the role of Supreme Commander of British forces in 1900 helped turn the tide in the Anglo-Boer War. In the early stages of the war, the Boer Commandos were scoring important victories over British forces. Several British garrisons in the Cape, Mafikeng and Natal had come under siege and subsequent attempts to relieve them ended disastrously for the British forces. The Colonial Office sent Roberts and Kitchener along with reinforcements of up to 180 00 troops. The impact of these reinforcements was immediate. Roberts managed to relieve all the garrisons, and in June 1900 entered and took control of Pretoria. This, the British had hoped, would bring the Boer Republics to their knees. So confident were they that Roberts was allowed to return to Britain, handing over the command of British forces to Lord Kitchener. To their chagrin, the Boers embarked on a campaign of guerrilla warfare, attacking key military installations in territories held by the British. And clearly, the Anglo-Boer war was far from over. Kitchener realised that the success of the Boers depended heavily on the support they received from the civilian populations, mainly women and children. He proposed the establishment of concentration camps around the country where Afrikaaner children and women were to be confined. At the end of the war, 27 000 Afrikaaner women and children had perished. Most historians observe that this is the one single incident that inspired the rise and growth of Afrikaaner Nationalism, whose ultimate triumph was realised with the Nationalist Party (NP) seizing power in the elections of 1948. Anglo-Boer War 2: The Battle of Bothaville or Doornkraal is fought with Gen. De Wet surrendering Cloete, P.G. (2000). The Anglo-Boer War: a chronology, Pretoria: Lapa | Wallis, F. (2000). Nuusdagboek: feite en fratse oor 1000 jaar, Kaapstad: Human & Rousseau Anglo-Boer War 2: The Battle of Bothaville or Doornkraal is fought with Gen. De Wet surrendering, after heavy losses on both sides. SA National Museum of Military History. (1999). Anglo-Boer War 1899-1902, Johannesburg: The Museum.) Emily Hobhouse reports on her findings regarding concentration camps during the Second Anglo Boer War Wallis, F. (2000). Nuusdagboek: feite en fratse oor 1000 jaar, Kaapstad: Human & Rousseau.| Cloete, P.G. (2000). The Anglo-Boer War: a chronology, Pretoria: Lapa.| spartacus ,'Emily Hobhouse ', [Online]Available at:www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk , [Accessed on 17 December 2013] Emily Hobhouse , an English philanthropist and social worker who visited the Transvaal and Orange Free State Republics during the Second Anglo Boer War , reported to the British government that she found 2 000 women and children in shocking circumstances in the British concentration camp at Bloemfontein. The British government was unsympathetic to the plight of the prisoners and the dire circumstances continued. It was estimated that more than 27 000 people in White camps and more than 18 000 inhabitants of Black camps had died in captivity during the war. 523 people die in the Black concentration camps of the Second Anglo Boer War On 11 October 1899 war was officially declared between Britain and the Boers. In March 1901 Lord Kitchener, the commander of the British forces, decided to cut off the Boers supply of food. The Boers were being supported by farmers so he initiated the "scorched earth" policy. About 30 000 Boer farmhouses and more than 40 towns were destroyed and livestock was killed. Boer women and children and Black African people were put into separate concentration camps. Towards the end of the war approximately 116 000 Boer women and children were housed in concentration camps, with camps housing approximately 115 000 Black African people. These camps were overcrowded, the captives underfed and the conditions poor. There were limited medical supplies and staff. Diseases like measles, whooping cough, typhoid fever, diphtheria and dysentery resulted in the death of 1 in every 5 people. 26 370 Boer women and children died in the concentration camps and it is estimated that more than 15 000 Black African people died in segregated concentration camps. 81% of the total fatalities in the camps were children Click here for more information on Black Concentration Camps during the Anglo-Boer War 2, 1900-1902 References 1. Pieter G. Cloete (2000). The Anglo-Boer War: A chronology. ABC Press, Cape Town, p.331. Benneyworth, G.,August 2006, The department of native refugee camps,[online],Available at www.sahistory.org.za ,[Accessed:28 May 2013] The Anglo-Boer War 1 (Transvaal War of Independence) begins 13 December 1880 References Wallis, F. (2000). Nuusdagboek: feite en fratse oor 1000 jaar, Kaapstad: Human & Rousseau.|Swart, M.J., et al. (eds) (1980). Afrikaanse Kultuuralmanak, Aucklandpark: Federasie van Afrikaanse Kultuurvereniginge.|Potgieter, D.J. et al. (eds) (1970). Standard Encyclopaedia of Southern Africa, Cape Town: NASOU, v. 1, p. 381. Three years prior to this date, the British had annexed the Transvaal under Shepstone. Following this was a period of passive resistance and repeated attempts by Boer leaders to have the annexation of the Transvaal revoked. These attempts did not work. So on 8 December 1880 between 8 000 and 10 000 Boers gathered at Paardekraal, near Krugersdorp. A triumvirate of leaders were elected (Paul Kruger, Piet Joubert and M. W. Pretorius) and on 13 December 1880 the leaders resolved to restore the Transvaal Republic and three days later raised their Vierkleur flag at Heidelberg, thus rejecting British authority. The events of the 13 December 1880 thus in effect started the war and ended passive resistance. The war became known as the Anglo-Boer War 1 or the Transvaal War of Independence. Armistice negotiations are concluded during the First Anglo-Boer War 6 March 1881 References Potgieter, D.J. et al. (eds)(1970). Standard Encyclopaedia of Southern Africa, Cape Town: NASOU, v. 1, p. 383 & v. 10, p. 611."/> Paving the way for the end of Anglo-Boer War 1 (Transvaal War of Independence or First Transvaal War), a provisional armistice was agreed upon by General Evelyn Wood of the British forces and Republican General J.P. Joubert. This led to the commencement of peace negotiations, which were concluded on 23 March 1881. The end of the war was finally reached with the signing of the Convention of Pretoria on 3 August 1881, recognising limited independence of the Transvaal Republic. The Volksraad accepted the provisions of the Convention with reluctance, as it differed considerably from those agreed upon in March. Winston Churchill, is captured by Boer forces during the Anglo-Boer War Wallis, F. (2000). Nuusdagboek: feite en fratse oor 1000. Kaapstad:Human& Rousseau.| War Correspondent. The Winston Churchill Centre [online] Available at: winstonchurchill.org [Accessed 10 November 2009] Winston Churchill joined the British army in 1893 and developed a keen interest in war correspondence. Some of his early literary works were reports on various military campaigns. This led Churchill to work as a war correspondent for The Morning Post, in which he was to cover the occurrences of the Anglo-Boer War in South Africa. Soon after his arrival in South Africa, he accompanied a scouting expedition on an armored train. The train was ambushed by the Boers and on 15 November 1899, Churchill was captured and imprisoned in a Prisoner of War (POW) camp. He managed to escape, and with the assistance of an English mine manager, made his way to Delagoa Bay. Hailed as a hero in England, Churchill then joined the army that marched on Mafikeng. On his return to England, he published a volume on his experiences during the war in South Africa. Later, Churchill turned his attention to politics, winning a seat in Parliament in the 1906 general election. He became the Chancellor of Exchequer (Cabinet Minister) in 1924 upon rejoining the Conservative Party. Churchill was outspoken on a number of issues, such as the danger of Germans re-armament after World War One. His warnings against Hitler were largely ignored, but at the outbreak of the Second World War, his foresight was acknowledged and he became the war-time Prime Minister. His speeches and military strategy were a great encouragement to the British. Churchill was said to have a very close relationship with South African Prime Minister Jan Smuts, who offered him great support during the Second World War. The Anglo Boer War Britain sends 30 000 additional troops to South Africa in the Anglo-Boer War (now called the South African War). Initially, the British government thought that the war would last only weeks. This was largely because they underestimated the resilience of the Boers to defend their autonomy from being usurped by the British government. Instead of lasting for a few weeks the war dragged on for four years. 30 000 Blacks fight for Britain in Anglo-Boer War BBC News, "Race and apartheid ", from BBC News, [online], Available at www.bbc.co.uk [Accessed: 14 March 2014]|Cloete, P.G. (2000). The Anglo-Boer War: a chronology, Pretoria: Lapa. David Lloyd George stated in the British House of Commons that as many as 30 000 armed Blacks were at that stage employed in the British army during the Second Anglo Boer War. Although theoretically both the Boer and the British sides were opposed to using armed Blacks in the war, realities gradually started to influence their approach. Since the 1980s, the perception that the war was a 'White man's war' was considerably weakened. Anglo-Boer War 2: President Steyn takes General Snyman to task for a cattle raid against Chief Montshiwain Cloete, P.G. (2000). The Anglo-Boer War: a chronology, Pretoria: Lapa. Anglo-Boer War 2: President Steyn takes General Snyman to task for a cattle raid against Chief Montshiwa in which 203 head of cattle and 1 570 sheep and goats have been taken, admonishing him that it was not advisable to alienate the local people for the sake of a small herd of livestock. Anglo-Boer War 2. The British Colonial Office appoints a Ladies Commission to investigate the concentration camps in South Africa. HistoryWiz, ‘The Concentration Camp ’, [online] Available at www.historywiz.com [Accessed: 15 July 2014]|South African History Online, 'Women & Children in White Concentration Camps during the Anglo-Boer War, 1900-1902 ', [online] Available at www.sahistory.org.za [Accessed: 15 July 2014]| Anglo Boer, 'Concentration camps ', [online] Available at www.anglo-boer.co.za [Accessed: 15 July 2014] On 16 July 1901, the Ladies commission was appointed. The members who were considered impartial were, Mrs. Millicent G. Fawcett, Emily Hobhouse and Dr. Jane Waterson. They were appointed by the British Office to investigate the concentration camps in South Africa during the Second Anglo Boer War. The camps were found to have been inadequately built and maintained, unclean, and overcrowded. These factors contributed to the spread of disease. There was a shortage of both medical supplies and medical staff. At least 25 000 children and women died from epidemics of dysentery, measles, and enteric fever. Emily Hobhouse visited the camps to try and improve the life of the prisoners living on the concentration camps. Hobhouse was an English philanthropist and social worker who tried her best to make the British authorities aware of the plight of women and children in these inhumane conditions. Due to the publicising of what was occurring in the concentration camps international opinion turned against the British, and critics were outspoken about their disdain and disgust over the situation. This led to the British General Kitchener changing and ceasing the practice of imprisoning women and children in the camps. Anglo-Boer War 2: The British evacuate Rustenburg to occupy Commando Nek and Silkaatsnek After the fall of Pretoria on 5 June 1900, the British maintained a favourable command of several strategic points in the Transvaal area. Western Transvaal burghers, or farmers, who had begun to think the war was at an end, had surrendered Rustenburg to Col. Robert Baden-Powell. At this stage of the Second Anglo Boer War, set-piece battles had become futile, and the Boers, under leaders like General De la Rey, had realized that war would now have to be conducted by unconventional means- guerrilla warfare. The surrounding areas of Pretoria were places of strategic importance due to seven passes or neks [necks]. As wheeled-traffic could only cross these passes at certain points, Commando Nek and Silkaatsnek were of tactical importance, and so Col. Baden-Powell was ordered to occupy this area. The British occupation of Silkaatsnek led to the Battle of Silkaatsnek on 11 July 1900, when De la Rey was informed that the nek was lightly held and that the British had ignored the "shoulders" of the pass. He decided to attack, and the battle began in the early hours of 11 July 1900. The British surrendered the next morning. Baden-Powell is an important figure in the military history of South Africa, as he is also credited with founding the international Boy Scouts and Girl Guides movement, which began partly as a result of his observations of children during the siege of Mafikeng and throughout the British Empire. References: Cloete, P.G. (2000) The Anglo-Boer War: a chronology. Pretoria: Lapa. Copley, I.B. "The Battle of Silkaatsnek- 11 July 1900". Military History Journal - Vol. 9 No 3 [online] Available at: samilitaryhistory.org [Accessed 23 June 2009] KÁ¶hler, K. "Some Aspects of Lord Baden-Powell and the Scouts at Modderfontein". Military History Journal - Vol. 12 No 1 [online] Available at: samilitaryhistory.org [Accessed 23 June 2009] Anglo-Boer War 2: The Battle of Silkaatsnek begins Cloete, P G (2000). The Anglo-Boer War: a chronology. ABC Press, Cape Town, pg 169.| Wallis, F. (2000). Nuusdagboek: feite en fratse oor 1000 jaar, Kaapstad: Human & Rousseau).| Kormorant, (2009), ‘The Battle of Silkaatsnek 11 July 1990 - ARMAGEDDON OF THE MOUNTAIN ’, from Kormorant, 18 February [Online], Available at www.kormorant.co.za [Accessed: 10 July 2013] There is a pass in the Magaliesberg known as Silkaatsnek It was here that the two 12-pounder guns of 'O' Battery, Royal Horse Artillery (RHA), were placed and ultimately captured in the first battle of Silkaatsnek on 11 July 1900. After the fall of Pretoria on 5 June 1900, the British forces found themselves in command of most strategic points, but with enormously extended lines of communication. In the then 'Western Transvaal', communications were maintained through huge tracts of inhospitable country, which were difficult to fight in; rough hills, tenacious bushes and hard stony ground with infrequent sources of water, especially in the southern winter. Conditions were ideal for guerrilla warfare conducted by tough, unsophisticated fighters who were brought up as horsemen and marksmen, who knew the country intimately and who could adapt themselves to harsh conditions using the topography to their advantage. 11 July 1900 marked the beginning of this type of war with four Boer actions, of which the action of Silkaatsnek was but one of three successes, with resultant timely encouragement to Boer morale in the Western Transvaal, and dismay amongst English garrisons and outposts. General De la Rey had commanded the northern sector of the Boer forces at Diamond Hill. After this battle, De la Rey, who also commanded the Western Transvalers, fell back to the Bronkhorstspruit-Balmoral area. On lO July, De la Rey was travelling north of Silkaatsnek towards Rustenburg with some 200 men, when his scouts brought information that the Nek was lightly held and that the commanding shoulders of the Nek had been ignored. He decided to attack. De la Rey launched a three-pronged attack on the small British force commanded by Colonel HR Roberts. De la Rey personally lead the frontal assault from the north and sent two groups of 200 men to scale both shoulders of the pass, where the British had placed small pickÂets. The burghers surrounded and captured two British field-guns, but the British put up a gallant fight that lasted the entire day. Colonel Roberts surrendered the next morning. 23 British troops were killed, Colonel Roberts and 44 others were wounded and 189 (including the wounded) were captured. The Boers casualties are unknown, but De la Rey's nephew and his adjutant were both killed, and a known 8 men were wounded. The Boers captured two field-guns, a machine gun, a numÂber of rifles ammunition. De la Rey used these weapons to rearm several burghers who returned to duty. Read SAHO's Anglo-Boer war feature. Anglo-Boer War 2: Lord Methuen, British general, destroys the village of Schweizer-Reneke Black Concentration camps time line : website: www.sahistory.org.za | Paul Sanford Methuen,theThird Baron Methuen . Website: www.scottsboro.org | Anglo-Boer War Museum . Website: www.anglo-boer.co.za Paul Sanford Methuen (b. 1845 d.1932) was the 3rd Baron Methuen and a soldier all his life. Before arriving in South Africa in 1899, he had served in the Ango-Ashante campaigns in present day Ghana as well as Egypt, and Bechuanaland (Botswana). At the outbreak of war in South Africa, he was given command of the British 1st Division. In December 1899 he commanded the British forces at the Battle of Magersfontein where the British suffered a humiliating defeat with heavy losses, one of three that week which became known in England as Black Week (the others were at Stormberg and Colenson). Methuen was effectively sidelined for the remainder of the war and his command replaced by Lord Roberts. Methuen's destruction of Schweizer-Reneke took place towards the end of the war, when the British were pursuing a devastating scorched earth policy towards the Boers to deprive Boer guerilla forces of local support in the form of food, water and shelter. During the course of the war, some 30 000 Boer farmhouses were destroyed and tens of thousands of head of cattle slaughtered. Inevitably, those most heavily affected were boer women and children and the elderly who were left destitute and starving. The British solution was to intern them in concentration camps, the first time the term was used. It was also the first time that razor wire was used in battle. Extremely poor shelter in tents, poor diets and chronic shortage of medical supplies meant that the camps were overrun with diseases, among them whooping cough, measles, typhoid fever, diphtheria, diarrhoea and dysentery, especially amongst the children. Eventually 26 370 Boer women and children (81% were children) died in the concentration camps. The British scorched earth policy also displaced thousand of African farmworkers and the British established 66 concentration camps for them, accommodating 11 500 people at the height of their existence. Mortality rates in Black camps were as high as in Boer camps. Half of the recorded Black deaths occurred in the three months between November and January 1901 (2831 deaths were recorded in December 1901). Officially 14 154 deaths were recorded but as the records of the camps are unsatisfactory the number could be as high as 20000. Click to read our feature on the Ango-Boer War 2 BACK TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE

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. Although soccer commands the greatest following among the youth, other sports like basketball, surfing, and skateboarding are increasingly popular. South African rugby union teams Rugby union in South Africa is centrally administered by the South African Rugby Union , which consists of fourteen provincial unions – the Blue Bulls Rugby Union, the Boland Rugby Union, the Border Rugby Football Union, the Eastern Province Rugby Union, the Free State Rugby Union, the Golden Lions Rugby Union, the Griffons Rugby Union, the Griqualand West Rugby Union, the KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union, the Leopards Rugby Union, the Mpumalanga Rugby Union, the South Western Districts Rugby Football Union, the Valke Rugby Union and the Western Province Rugby Football Union. Each of these unions administers a senior professional rugby team that participates in the domestic Currie Cup and Rugby Challenge (previously Vodacom Cup ) competitions. In addition, these unions are responsible for amateur club rugby in their region. Clubs participate in provincial leagues organised by the unions; university sides also participate in the annual Varsity Cup competition, while non-university sides participate in the annual Gold Cup . 20 best Springbok rugby players ever: where are they today? Wednesday, December 07, 2022 at 8:42 PM by Priscillah Mueni Cyprine Apindi Did you know the Springboks was founded in July 1891? Over the years, there have been many Springbok rugby players. These elite sportsmen play for the South Africa National Rugby Union Team. They are known for playing in green and gold jerseys and white shorts. Read more: Rugby Rugby is one of the most popular sports in South Africa. The national team, the Springboks, have achieved great success, including winning the Rugby World Cup three times. The Springboks are known for their physical and aggressive style of play, and they have a passionate fan base all over the world. Rugby is played by people of all ages and abilities in South Africa. There are many different levels of competition, from schoolboy rugby to professional rugby. The Currie Cup is the premier domestic rugby competition in South Africa, and the Super Rugby competition is a regional competition that features teams from South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. Rugby is more than just a sport in South Africa. It is a part of the culture and the national identity. The Springboks are a symbol of national pride, and their victories on the field are celebrated by the entire country. Provincial Rugby Teams Blue Bulls Eastern Province Free State Cheetahs Golden Lions Griquas Leopards Sharks Stormers Western Province https://briefly.co.za/37259-list-20-springbok-rugby-players-ever.html https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/2023/matches To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. SOUTH AFRICAN TEAMS Blue Bulls The Blue Bulls (known for sponsorship reasons as the Vodacom Blue Bulls) is a South African rugby union team that participates in the annual Currie Cup tournament and the United Rugby Championship . They are governed by the Blue Bulls Rugby Union and are based at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, Gauteng province. In 1997 the Northern Transvaal team, representing the Northern Transvaal Rugby Union (NTRU), was renamed, officially taking on their then nickname the Blue Bulls. The NTRU itself became the Blue Bulls Rugby Union and the United Rugby Championship team operated by the union was renamed simply the Bulls . When Vodacom became the team's major sponsor their name was added. Previously the side was sponsored by ExxonMobil and known as the Mobil Blue Bulls. Their main colour is blue and their emblem a bull's head and horns. Blue Bulls Full nameBlue Bulls UnionBlue Bulls Rugby Union Founded1938; 86 years ago LocationPretoria , South Africa RegionPretoria , Gauteng Province Limpopo Province Ground(s)Loftus Versfeld (Capacity: 51,762) Coach(es)Jake White Captain(s)Marcell Coetzee League(s)Currie Cup 2023 Semi-finalist 4th on log 1st kit 2nd kit 3rd kit Official website bullsrugby.co.za Current season The Blue Bulls (known for sponsorship reasons as the Vodacom Blue Bulls) is a South African rugby union team that participates in the annual Currie Cup tournament and the United Rugby Championship . They are governed by the Blue Bulls Rugby Union and are based at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, Gauteng province. In 1997 the Northern Transvaal team, representing the Northern Transvaal Rugby Union (NTRU), was renamed, officially taking on their then nickname the Blue Bulls. The NTRU itself became the Blue Bulls Rugby Union and the United Rugby Championship team operated by the union was renamed simply the Bulls . When Vodacom became the team's major sponsor their name was added. Previously the side was sponsored by ExxonMobil and known as the Mobil Blue Bulls. Their main colour is blue and their emblem a bull's head and horns. History Northern Transvaal The team as it is known today has its beginnings in 1938 when the then Northern Transvaal Rugby Union broke away from the Transvaal Rugby Football Union to gain status as an independent rugby union. The new team was named Northern Transvaal and donned light blue jerseys with a red Barberton Daisy emblem. However, in their very first match, they played in the red and gold hooped jerseys of the Pretoria Combined team that often "locked horns" with teams touring South Africa (red and gold being the colors of Pretoria). Eight years passed before they first lifted the Currie Cup in 1946, when they defeated the Western Province 11–9 at home at Loftus Versfeld thanks to two dropped goals (one off his left foot) by Springbok flyhalf Hansie Brewis ; the score was 8–9 to Province (a drop goal counted 4 points in those days). With time running out Brewis, the first true Northerns legend, received the ball in his own twenty-two. With an enormous kick, he tried to get the ball rolling out in the north-eastern corner, but the ball kept rolling and the Western Province full-back, Con de Kock, carelessly waited for it to roll out. When the ball jumped back in field, De Kock noticed Johnny Lourens storming down at full pace and, realising the danger, kicked hastily at the ball but missed it completely. Lourens scooped it up to score the winning try. Six members of the 1946 team later became Springboks: Hannes Brewis, Fonnie du Toit, Jorrie Jordaan, Flip Geel, Fiks van der Merwe, Louis Strydom and Daan Retief . Retief initially played on the wing, but later became a Springbok loose forward. It was a great pity that the Springboks did not play sooner after World War II as many players could have achieved national colours had they been given the opportunity.[citation needed ] They included centres, Hannes de Villiers and Attie Botha, as well as the lock Doerie van Deventer. Northern Transvaal next appeared in the Currie Cup final in the 1954 season against Western Province but this time Western Province ran out winners; after being up 11–0 at half time they eventually won the game 11–8. The match was played at Newlands . In 1956 they played Natal at Kingsmead, the well-known cricket ground in Durban in the final. King's Park rugby stadium had not been built yet. The wind was almost gale force and during this exciting struggle the two fly-halves, Thys van Zyl (Northern Tvl) and the later Springbok Keith Oxlee , kicked a lot. Five minutes before the final whistle flanker, Schalk van Dyk scored a try that allowed Northern Transvaal to win the match 9–8. 1968 saw the start of a golden era for Northern Transvaal rugby. Under the coaching of Buurman van Zyl they played Transvaal in the final, defeating them 16–3 at Loftus Versveld. Many players went on to become Springboks.[1] They were Willem Stapelberg, Alan Menter, Piet Uys , Mof Myburgh , Polla Fourie, Johan Spies, Frik du Preez and Thys Lourens. They defeated Western Province 28–13 in the subsequent season's final. This was the match in which South Africa's player of the century, Frik du Preez, dropped, scored and placed, according to his good friend and teammate, Springbok front ranker, Mof Myburgh. They faced Griqualand West in the 1970 final, with Griqualand West winning 11-9 thanks to two tries from winger Buddy Swarts. Buurman van Zyl described this as the single most disappointing occasion in his 14 seasons at Northerns. The 1971 team did not lose a single game and was most unlucky to play to a draw against Transvaal in the final, 14-all at Ellis Park in Johannesburg. The controversy which surrounded Transvaal's equalising points - a try by prop Theo Sauerman - once again emphasized the necessity of objective referees for Currie Cup finals. Chris Luther kicked a huge penalty that put the game beyond question in injury time and the fans started to run onto the field. The referee ordered them off and indicated that there was still time left. From the restart, Transvaal got possession and after some good support play scored a try. Jannie van Deventer kicked the conversion and Transvaal got a hand on the Cup. This final marked the end of an era for Frik du Preez who announced his retirement from the game. In 1973 they defeated the Orange Free State 30–22 in the final. This was followed by the 17–15 win over Transvaal in 1974 in a match in which Northerns centre John Knox had a particularly strong game. This match also started a very successful coach and captain combination. Thys Lourens, playing in his fifth final was captain of the side this day. He was to captain Northerns in a further 3 finals and in total play 8 finals - none of them ever on a losing side. A record to this very day. In 1975 Northerns travelled to Bloemfontein to play against Free State. 2 hours before kick-off an extraordinary rainstorm flooded the field and the players, despite playing in sunshine for most of the match, were unrecognizable within the first ten minutes after the start. The match was closely contested with the conditions playing a strong equalising hand. In the dying seconds of the game with the score level at 6-all, Northerns centre Christo Wagenaar put in a chip kick that was collected brilliantly by right winger Pierre Spies (father of current Springbok and Bulls eight-man, also Pierre) who scored in the corner. Keith Thorresson added the two extra points to a try that was to become legendary and Northern ran out 12-6 winners. Northern Transvaal defeated the Orange Free State in the 1977 (27-12) and 1978 (13-9) finals as well. 1977 saw the emergence of a young 19-year-old that was to become one of the games greats - Naas Botha. The 1978 final was one that was donned the Free State backs against the Bulls forwards. Northerns ran out victors by scoring two fantastic tries by the backs, one of them by Naas Botha. They were runners-up with Western Province in 1979 after two fantastic drop goals by Naas Botha late in the second half. They won the 1980 final against Province in one of the most one-sided finals of all-time scoring five tries to nil and winning by 30 points, a record! In 1981 they defeated Free State 23–6 at Loftus in what was marked an unsatisfactory final. Returning from New Zealand, Northerns fielded all 10 their Springboks except Theuns Stoffberg. Free State did not field their 4 Springboks hoping that Northerns would not do the same and improve their chances of getting a rare victory. Although not in the same line as 1980, the match was still very one-sided. This marked the end of an era for Northerns, since their highly respected coach, Buurman van Zyl, died early in 1982. Another shock was the loss of Springbok flyhalf Naas Botha to America where he tried out American Football . South African rugby was to see a domination by Western Province for the following 5 seasons. Despite not being able to achieve any success during this time (except for a Lion Cup final victory over Free State in 1985), they still managed to reach the final on 3 occasions being runners-up to Western Province in the 1982, 1983 and 1985 finals. 1983 also saw the first time they lost a final on home ground. 1987 saw the return of the Cup to Pretoria. Under the coaching of John Williams and captaincy of Naas Botha (returning at the end of 1984 after his stint in America) they defeated Transvaal in the final with a legendary performance by the captain, who scored all 24 points with 4 penalties and 4 drop goals. In the 1988 final they defied all odds by beating Western Province and drew with Province again in 1989 at Newlands. This was the one finals victory that has always eluded the team and to this day The Bulls have never managed to win a final at Newlands against their greatest rivals. They were runners-up to the Sharks in the 1990 final at Loftus but won the cup back in 1991 by defeating Transvaal. Northerns, Province and Free State ended tied second after Transvaal on the 1991 Currie Cup log. Due to points difference, Province and Northerns had to slug it out in a first semi-final on a Tuesday afternoon and managed to do so by winning 34–21. On the Saturday they had to play Free State in the second semi-final and after trailing at one stage 11–0 in the first half and with about 20 minutes to go by 20–9, they managed to turn around the match and run out victors 27-23 - fullback (and old Grey College learner) Gerbrand Grobler being the hero with 6 penalties and a conversion! The following Saturday Northern easily won the final 27–15. They also managed to win the Lion Cup (for a second time) with a record victory of 62–6 over The Sharks. The rest of the 1990s was a dismal period for Northerns. They lost a lot of players to Transvaal, most notably Uli Schmidt - a legend in his own right and son of former Springbok and Northerns flanker Louis Schmidt (often called the first Blue Bull). Other players included Gavin Johnson, Rudolf Straeuli , Theo van Rensburg , Heinrich Rodgers , Johan Roux , Gerbrand Grobler and Hannes Strydom . The biggest upset came when two Northern Transvaal stalwarts for many years, Ray Mordt and Kitch Christie accepted offers from Transvaal boss Louis Luyt to coach. Christie, after being asked to leave by the Northerns administration halfway through the 1990 season, moulded the players into a great unit and achieved success in 1993 and 1994 at Currie Cup level before becoming Springbok coach to win the World Cup in 1995. Most of the players who followed him would represent his Transvaal side before doing duty at a national level. Without doubt one of the darkest periods in Northern Transvaal's history! Lion Cup Northern Transvaal participated in the Lion Cup between 1983 and 1994. The Lion Cup was a domestic rugby union knock-out competition held in South Africa. Northern Transvaal tasted success in the competition on three occasions, winning the competition in 1985 , 1990 and 1991 . They also finished as runners-up three times in 1987 , 1988 and 1989 . Northern Transvaal claimed the Lion Cup 62–6 against Natal in 1991 which is one of the biggest victories ever in a final . Currie Cup / Central Series The Northern Transvaal rugby team participated in the Currie Cup / Central Series from 1986 to 1994. The competition saw the top Currie Cup teams play the Currie Cup Central A teams, with the Currie Cup team with the best playing record awarded the Percy Frames Trophy. Northern Transvaal was the most successful team, claiming six consecutive titles between 1987 and 1992.[citation needed ] Super 10 Prior to the professional Super Rugby competition, Northern Transvaal competed in the Super 10 , which was a tournament featuring ten teams from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Tonga and Western Samoa, which ran from 1993 to 1995. The top three teams from the previous Currie Cup season qualified for each of the Super 10 tournaments. Northern Transvaal competed in the 1993 season, where they were grouped in Pool B alongside Transvaal, New South Wales, North Harbour and Waikato. Transvaal finished at the top of the pool, with Northern Transvaal finishing third, behind New South Wales. Northern Transvaal did not qualify for the 1994 or 1995 Super 10 seasons. Northern Transvaal played four fixtures in the 1993 Super 10: Northern Transvaal 22–42 Transvaal Northern Transvaal 45–20 New South Wales Waratahs Northern Transvaal 28–18 Waikato Northern Transvaal 14–29 North Harbour Name Change: Northern Transvaal became Blue Bulls Logo of Northern Transvaal prior to 1997, still used on the jersey The team had been known informally as the Blue Bulls since the 1940s and from 8 June 1963 in a newspaper cartoon by Victor Ivanoff had been portrayed as such.[2] Their name officially changed to the Blue Bulls at the end of 1997 season and in 1998 after 6 years of not reaching the final and some very heavy defeats at Currie Cup level, the Bulls, captained by another legend, Joost van der Westhuizen , managed to reach the final for a record 24th time after the come-back of the century in the semi-final against a star-studded Sharks outfit. The Bulls' triumph was nothing short of remarkable. After André Joubert 's second try early in the second half, which stretched the Sharks' lead from 10–3 to 17–3, even their coach, Eugene van Wyk, believed that they had no chance. But whatever Bulls captain Van der Westhuizen told his team while Gavin Lawless was setting up for the conversion of Joubert's second try, it made them realise that it was now or never. Suddenly, they started playing with new life and new direction. Franco Smith scored a couple of penalties and then prop Piet Boer dived over for a try. The last 12 minutes with the score on 17-all, were dramatic. First, flanker Nicky van der Walt put the Bulls ahead with a magnificent try following Van der Westhuizen's brilliant opportunistic play and great ball skills. And the last nail went into the Sharks coffin when the Bulls were awarded a penalty try for an early tackle by André Joubert on Grant Esterhuizen in the in-goal area. The following Saturday they defeated Western Province 24–20 at Loftus. With only a few minutes left on the clock, Province must have thought they won it when their Springbok-winger Chester Williams went over in the corner, but referee André Watson ruled the pass from Robbie Fleck forward. The 1998 side was not a side with great names except maybe for Joost van der Westhuizen and Ruben Kruger (who missed the final with injury), but most certainly the one that has showed the most character and guts in the history of the union. As Kruger described it after the final: "The team's success could be ascribed to the fact that the Light Blue jersey made every player's heart beat faster." 2002 was the start of the Heyneke Meyer and Anton Leonard era. They defeated the Golden Lions 31–7 at Ellis Park thanks mainly to heroics by a 19-year-old Derick Hougaard who scored a try, 2 drop goals and 5 penalties for a record 26 points. The following season they defeated the Sharks 40–19 in the final with most of the team doing duty at the 2003 World Cup. The Blue Bulls then won the 2004 final, defeating the Cheetahs by 42–33. This match saw one of the finest individual tries scored in a final. Ettiene Botha received the ball just inside the Free State half and skipped and dummied his way past a legion of defenders - epitomising the great Mannetjies Roux against the Lions of 1962 - to score a brilliant try next to the posts. A player that surely would have achieved higher honours, he died in a motor car accident the following year. Free State eventually won the Cup (the first time since 1976) in the following final by beating the Bulls in their own backyard. This was only the third time ever that the Bulls had lost a final at fortress Loftus (1983 and 1990 being the other years). The Blue Bulls shared the 2006 Currie Cup with the Free State Cheetahs with the score remaining locked at 28-all after twenty minutes of extra time. Northern Transvaal competed in all the years of Super 12 competition but were never very successful. In 1996 they managed to reach the semi-final but suffered a heavy defeat to the Auckland Blues by 48–11. From 1997 to 2002 The Bulls did not reach the final on a single occasion, at times ending last in the competition. 2003 saw them ending fifth and 2004 to 2006 saw them reach the semi-finals for the first time since 1996, but every time away from home. In 2007 they reached the final for the first time and also became the first South African team to win the Super Rugby competition by beating fellow South Africans, The Sharks, in a humdinger final in Durban. Down by 13–19, they kept the ball alive after the final hooter, taking it through various phases which eventually led to a try by Springbok winger Bryan Habana . Derick Hougaard added the conversion and The Bulls won by 20–19. The Blue Bulls have a positive winning record against all the South African domestic sides including their arch rivals, Western Province. Rivalries Through the years the rivalry between the Blue Bulls and Western Province has become legendary, and a clash between these two sides is one of the Currie Cup's biggest rivalries.[3] The first time that the two sides met in an actual Currie Cup final was in 1946, which was also Northern Transvaal's first final contest. The match was played at Northern Transvaal's home ground at Loftus Versfeld, and saw the Western Province go down 11 to 9. After meeting in numerous other finals following 1946, it would not be until the 1982 season, when the Western Province would defeat Northern Transvaal in a Currie Cup final. In the 1980s the two sides met in six Currie Cup finals, with the Western Province winning three of them and one being drawn. One of the most recent Currie Cup seasons when both sides made it to the final was the 1998 season: The Blue Bulls beat the Western Province by four points, 24 to 20, at Loftus Versfeld. In recent years, the great rivalry between the Blue Bulls and Western Province has faded. It has been many years since the decades that these two teams dominated the Currie Cup competition and new rivalries have come to the foreground. Many Blue Bull fans actually agree that the rivalry has shifted towards Free State, especially after both teams qualified for the Currie Cup final for the third consecutive year in 2006. Statistics have shown that Loftus Versfeld currently experiences more incidents of bad behaviour during Bulls home games against Free State and the Sharks, than during any other games in the season, including those against Western Province.[4] The team has one of the largest support bases, averaging over 38,000 to Super rugby games and 26,000 in the Currie Cup competition. Most of the Bulls support is concentrated in Pretoria and the Limpopo Province, however the Bulls also have significant support in Johannesburg, Mpumulanga Province, the North West Province and in Aliwal North. Notable players Through the years Northern Transvaal/Blue Bulls have produced many great players that captured the imagination of the rugby public. Lucas Strachan was a brilliant Springbok flanker and one of members of the legendary 1937 Springboks that won a series in New Zealand. He was the first of the truly great Springbok rugby players produced by the Blue Bulls. And after his playing days, he achieved fame as both coach and selector. He will also be remembered for his enthusiastic team talks and witty speeches. Northern honoured him by naming the club rugby trophy in Pretoria after him - teams compete for the Lucas Strachan Shield. Hannes Brewis was one of the best South African fly-halves of all time and played in 10 tests between 1949 and 1953 and never on the losing side. Brewis who was renowned for his speed and deadly drop goals, was a great playmaker that graced the Light Blue side when they won the Currie Cup in 1946. In his playing career, he was regarded as probably the best fly-half in world rugby, and together with Fonnie du Toit, he formed the legendary halfback pair both at national and international level. Tom van Vollenhoven the brush-cut wing who appeared on the scene in 1955, was the kind of player who captured the imagination every time he touched the ball. His try for the Light Blues against the Junior Springboks in 1955, when he beat one player after another in spectacular a zigzag run of almost 80 metres, is still lauded as the try of all tries. This got him into the Springbok side against the 1955 British Lions of Robin Thomson and in the second test scored a hat trick of tries. He would probably have been one of the greatest heroes if he had not gone off to play professional rugby league in England so early in his career. Louis Schmidt played only two tests as Springbok flank, but for the Light Blues this man with the monster moustache, was a true hero who also made his mark as captain. Schmidt, who ran out in 63 games for the Northern Transvaal in the fifties and sixties, is generally regarded "the first Blue Bull". Controversy surrounded his omission from the side after a heavy tackle on Province winger Jannie Engelbrecht resulting in a broken collarbone for the Springbok winger. Schmidt was dropped and never played for the Bulls again. Frik du Preez is probably the greatest Northerns hero of all heroes. The Springbok lock and flank was not only a dazzling player on the field, but was equally popular off the field. Together with his close friend, Mof Myburgh, both played a total of 109 matches for the Northern Transvaal. Du Preez and Myburgh were inseparable, and Myburgh also proved to be a hero of note. Despite being rather short for a lock, Du Preez's line-out work was practically unequalled and his powerful sprints struck fear in the hearts of his opposition, while he also kicked for posts for the Springboks and Northern Transvaal and put away some magnificent drop goals. How popular he was, even outside Pretoria, is apparent from the fact that he was carried, shoulder high, off the field after his last game at Newlands in Cape Town in a match that Northerns won by 25–14. Frik retired at the end of the 1971 season. Du Preez was nominated by the magazine SA Rugby as the South African player of the century, and was the first South African to be honoured, along with Dr Danie Craven, in the International Hall of Fame in Auckland, New Zealand. Thys Lourens represented Northern Transvaal in 168 games of which 84 he captained. He played in 8 Currie Cup finals (4 as captain) and was never on a losing side. He was a very resourceful captain and player and highly respected on and off the field. The partnership he established with Brigadier Buurman van Zyl, was the foundation on which the Blue Bulls built their dominance of the Currie Cup scene in the 1970s. Naas Botha was, without doubt, the most controversial Northerns hero ever, because no-one was ever neutral about him. People either loved him or loved to hate him. Just like his predecessor, Hannes Brewis, Botha was a genius at fly-half and the great points machine. Amongst all true Northerns supporters, he was one of the greatest heroes of all time, however outside Northern Transvaal he was hated, because the supporters of other teams feared him. Botha's popularity was mainly due to his excellence with the boot. He was the greatest match winner SA rugby has ever seen and has a record that speaks for itself. Botha was fetched by Buurman van Zyl from the Tukkies under-20 team, and included him as a 19-year-old in the most successful side of the 1970s. It was also Oom Buurman who chose him as captain of the Blue Bulls in 1980 over many other more senior players like Daan du Plessis, Jan Oberholzster and Louis Moolman. His great claim to fame came on the 1981 tour to New Zealand where he had the local public in canter. He was an absolute genius and his insight into and knowledge of the game and its rules, and his ability to motivate players, made him the ideal player-captain. Botha would probably have rewritten the record books far more often had it not been for apartheid, which robbed him of the opportunity to play regular test rugby. He was both a brilliant kicker and a true strategist. He received the SA Rugby Player of the Year award a record 4 times (1979, 1981, 1985 and 1987). Uli Schmidt , son of Louis Schmidt, was the prince of hookers and a genius of a player. A medical doctor by profession he was a favourite amongst all Bulls supporters, even when leaving Northerns for arch-enemies Transvaal at the beginning of the 1993 season. Thanks to his fiery performance and expertise he played many times for his province and country and was desperately unlucky to miss out on the 1995 World Cup year due to a neck injury. If he had been able to play test rugby on a regular basis especially during the late 1980s, he would probably have been regarded as one of the world's greatest hookers. Legendary All Black lock, Colin Meads, in fact described Schmidt as the world's best hooker. Johan Heunis was a true gentleman and probably the best full-back the union had ever produced. Except for the scrum-half, he played and gave outstanding performances in all the backline positions. In 1989, Heunis was nominated as SA Player of the Year. Naas Botha described Heunis as a; " ... ideal team mate in any crisis situation." He was rock solid on defence, very secure under the high-ball and fantastic with ball in hand. In 1992, a young scrumhalf by the name of Joost van der Westhuizen partnered Naas Botha as the Bulls' halfback combination. Everyone knew he would become something very special, and with time he did. He is one of only a handful of players that have won a World Cup winners medal (1995), and Tri-Nations winners medal (1998) and a Currie Cup winners medals (1998 and 2002). He captained his side in both the Currie Cup finals he played and was later also awarded the captaincy of the Springboks in the 1999 World Cup. It was not just on the field where Northern Transvaal have there heroes. Off the field heroes are as important as the on-the-field ones. Professor Fritz Eloff and Brigadier Buurman van Zyl will be remembered as the greatest of all Blue Bulls heroes off the field. Eloff was the chairman of the Northern Transvaal Rugby Union for 26 years, and one of the most acclaimed and respected rugby personalities in South Africa. He was also Deputy Chairman of the South African Rugby Board for 15 years, member of the International Rugby Board for 27 years as well as chairman for a term, and co-chairman of the SA Rugby Football Union (SARFU). During his time at the helm Northern Tranvaal played in 18 finals, winning 11 and drawing 3 times. Brig. van Zyl remains not only the most successful coach the Blue Bulls have produced to date, but also the most successful Currie Cup coach of all time. He started coaching the Bulls in 1968 and for the following 14 seasons (except 1972 when poor health forced him to take a temporary leave from coaching) he coached Northerns to 12 finals winning 9 times sharing it twice. He lost only once in a final. Springbok and Northern Transvaal lock and later coach, John Williams said, "For him, it was about fitness, motivation and discipline. In his days as coach, Northern Transvaal won many of their matches in the dying minutes of the game." Williams in his own right a legend was privileged to be able "to drink from the full rugby cup", first as a player and thereafter as coach and administrator. He doesn't know whether his remarkable hat trick is a first for Blue Bull rugby, but he is proud of the fact that, as player, he was on the winning side in Currie Cup rugby three times from 1973 to 1975 and was the Bulls coach when they won the Cup in 1987 and 1988 and shared it with Western Province in 1989. He was part of the Blue Bulls' administration when the team won the cup in 1998. Another Bulls coaching legend is Heyneke Meyer . Meyer has coached his side to victories in the 2002, 2003 and 2004 finals, and drew in the 2006 final. He became the first South African coach to achieve success at Super Rugby level when the Bulls beat the Sharks in 2007. Meyer coached the Springboks from 2012 to December 2015. Home Stadium Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, which was first used for sports in 1906, and rugby in 1908, when the site was known as the Eastern Sports Ground. The stadium was later renamed after Mr Robert Loftus Owen Versfeld , the founder of organised sports in Pretoria, and dedicated many years of his life to rugby union. Due to the Bulls exemplary record when playing at home, the stadium is often referred to as "Fortress Loftus" by South Africans. The stadium at its current configuration has a 52,000 all-seater capacity, and is shared with the Bulls .[5] The stadium is expected to receive minor upgrades in the near future as it will be hosting matches at the 2010 FIFA World Cup . It will not be the first time this has happened and since 1948 there have been continuous improvements on the stadium: 1972 - Upper Eastern Pavilion 1974 - Lower Southern Pavilion 1977 - Main Pavilion 1984 - Northern Pavilion 1989 - South just as it is today 1995 - East just as it is today The Blue Bulls represent the Limpopo province in the Currie Cup, the northernmost province in South Africa , as well as part of the Gauteng province, drawing all their players from these two areas. In age group and Women's rugby Limpopo is represented by a sub union called the Limpopo Blue Bulls . During the 1920s the Pretoria Sub-union had not foreseen the growing need for fields, but in the first part of that decade, the Sub-union, in co-operation with the Municipality, systematically put their existing rugby fields under kikuyu. University and Boys' High followed their example in 1923, so that there were seven grass fields available in that year. The Railway Institute field at Berea Park was similarly grassed in 1924. At the end of 1928 there were ten grass fields in Pretoria. The Pretoria Sub-union also wished to improve the facilities at the Eastern Sports Ground. In 1923 the City Council commenced the building of a concrete stand which could accommodate 2 000 spectators. At the end of 1928, mainly as a result of the All Blacks tour, the Sub-union could show a record financial gain and used the profits to erect the changing-rooms and toilets they had waited for, for so long. Springbok rugby players ever: where are they today. 20 best Springbok rugby players ever: where are they today. Did you know the Springboks was founded in July 1891? Over the years, there have been many Springbok rugby players. These elite sportsmen play for the South Africa National Rugby Union Team. They are known for playing in green and gold jerseys and white shorts. Best Springbok rugby players ever Photo: canva.com (modified by author) Source: UGC Springbok rugby players have a native antelope, the springbok, as their emblem. They are known for their agility, speed, muscular strength, and power, just like the springbok. Best Springbok rugby players ever Below is a list of the best Springbok rugby players' names and photos. They have made indelible marks in the sports scene in South Africa. 20. Cobus Reinach Springbok rugby players Cobus Reinach holding a trophy and a rugby ball. Photo: @cobus.reinach (modified by author) Source: UGC Full name: Jacobus Meyer Reinach Date of birth: 7th February 1990 Age: 32 years (as of 2022) Place of birth: Bloemfontein Cobus Reinach followed in his father's footsteps. His dad, Jaco, is also on the list of Springbok rugby players who propelled the team to greater heights. Jaco won four caps on the wing for the Springboks in 1986. Read also Mpilwenhle Mokopu's biography: age, idols, P.O.B, occupation, social media Reinach made his South Africa debut against Australia in September 2014. In 2019, he made history after scoring the fastest hat trick from the start of a match. 19. Eben Etzebeth Springbok rugby players Eben Etebeth holding a trophy and posing for a picture with his dog. Photo: @ebenetzebeth4 (modified by author) Source: UGC Full name: Eben Etzebeth Date of birth: 29th October 1991 Age: 31 years (as of 2022) Place of birth: Cape Town Eben Etzebeth has a towering 6' 7" stature and normally plays number four lock, but can switch to a flanker. He started his career in the Western Province youth setup and is currently signed with French Top 14 side Toulon. In 2017, Etzebeth was named the new captain of the Springboks. In the 2019 World Cup, he helped South Africa get its famous win over England. 18. Franco Mostert Full name: Franco John Mostert Date of birth: 27th November 1990 Age: 32 years (as of 2022) Place of birth: Welkom Read also Who is Kwezi Ndlovu? Age, boyfriend, height, pictures, profiles, net worth Growing up, Franco Mostert dreamed of becoming a golfer. He started his age-grade rugby career for the Blue Bulls and later for the Tuks at the University of Pretoria. His older brother, Jean-Pierre, is an athlete who played flanker for the Pumas and Falcons until 2017. In June 2016, Franco Mostert made his international debut for South Africa in a match against Ireland. He played for South Africa in the 2019 World Cup. 17. Trevor Nyakane Full name: Trevor Ntando Nyakane Date of birth: 4th May 1989 Age: 33 years (as of 2022) Place of birth: Bushbuckridge Trevor Nyakane is an alumnus of Hoërskool Ben Vorster and is the first-ever Springbok from this high school. His late dad briefly played representative football. Nyakane signed with the Bulls in 2015 and has been playing with the team since then. He was selected for the 2019 Rugby World Cup squad but had to go home after tearing his right calf in the opening pool match. Besides rugby, he is a businessman and entrepreneur. Read also Cebolenkosi Mthembu’s biography: Age, family, career, qualifications, net worth 16. Tendai Mtawarira Springbok rugby players Tendai Mtawarira at Karl Lagerfeld Store in Sandton City, South Africa. Photo: @Oupa Bopape/Gallo Images via Getty Images Source: Getty Images Full name: Tendai Mtawarira Date of birth: 1st August 1985 Age: 37 years (as of 2022) Place of birth: Harare Tendai Mtawarira is arguably the greatest South African prop of all time. He has been in over 150 games for the Sharks in Super Rugby. At Springboks, he is known as the beast. In 2019, he played a crucial role in the final of the Rugby World Cup, which the Springboks won. 15. Faf de Klerk list of springbok rugby players Faf de Klerk pictured in rugby uniform. Photo: @fafster09 (modified by author) Source: UGC Full name: Francois "Faf" de Klerk Date of birth: 19th October 1991 Age: 31 years (as of 2022) Place of birth: Mbombela Faf de Klerk is a household name in the South African sports scene. He is a strong and powerful scrum half. Klerk started his career in high school. He was scouted by the Blue Bulls and the Golden Lions at the youth level. He was first picked to represent South Africa in 2016 and has been an integral part of the team. Read also Who is Mbalenhle Mavimbela? Age, family, pregnancy, TV roles, profiles, net worth 14. Bongi Mbonambi Full name: Mbongeni Theo 'Bongi' Mbonambi Date of birth: 7th January 1991 Age: 31 years (as of 2022) Place of birth: Bethlehem Did you know Bongi Mbonambi was once told he was too small to play rugby? He beat the odds to become one of South Africa's best rugby players of all time. Mbonambi comes from a sporty family. His dad is a boxer and baseball player, while his mother played tennis. In 2016, Mbonambi made his international debut against Ireland. 13. Duane Vermeulen Springbok rugby players Duane Vermeulen posing for pictures in black, grey, and white outfits. Photo: @customs08 (modified by author) Source: UGC Full name: Daniel Johannes "Duane" Vermeulen Date of birth: 3rd July 1986 Age: 36 years (as of 2022) Place of birth: Mbombela Duane Vermeulen plays as a number-eight forward. In 2021, he was inducted into the RugbyPass Hall of Fame for his impressive work. The major teams he has played for include the Blue Bulls, Barbarians, Bulls, Emerging Springboks, Cheetahs, Stormers, Western Province, and Toulon. In the 2020/21 season, he was named SA Rugby Player of the Year. Read also List of Standard Bank branch codes in 2024: All universal codes 12. Damian de Allende Full name: Damian de Allende Date of birth: 25th November 1991 Age: 31 years (as of 2022) Place of birth: Cape Town Damian de Allende is arguably one of the best defensive centres globally. He first featured at the professional level for Western Province and made his international debut for South Africa in 2014. He made his first try for the Springboks in 2015. After winning the 2019 World Cup, he signed for the Panasonic Wild Knights on a short-term basis. 11. Malcolm Marx Springbok rugby players Malcolm Marx holding a trophy and at the gym. Photo: @malcolm_marx (modified by author) Source: UGC Full name: Malcolm Justin Marx Date of birth: 13th July 1994 Age: 28 years (as of 2022) Place of birth: Germiston Malcolm Marx is one of the Springbok rugby players in 2022. He was a member of the South African squad at the 2014 Junior World Cup in New Zealand. In September 2016, Marx made his international debut for the Springboks against New Zealand. In his career, he has been voted SA Rugby Player of the Year and SA Rugby Young Player of the Year. Read also Esme Creed-Miles: age, boyfriend, height, movies, TV shows, interview, worth 10. Pieter-Steph du Toit Full name: Pieter Stephanus du Toit Date of birth: 20th August 1992 Age: 30 years (as of 2022) Place of birth: Cape Town Pieter-Steph du Toit can play in both the second and back rows. He comes from a sporty family and one of his siblings, Johan, is a back-row or lock for the Stormers. In November 2013, Du Toit made his senior Springbok debut against Wales. He tore his ACL in 2014 and had a transplant before the 2019 World Cup. 9. Siya Kolisi list of springbok rugby players Siya Kolisi looks on during the South Africa Springboks training session held at The Lensbury in Teddington, England. Photo: @David Rogers/Getty Images Source: Getty Images Full name: Siyamthanda Kolisi Date of birth: 16th June 1991 Age: 31 years (as of 2022) Place of birth: Zwide, Eastern Cape Province In 2020, the Rugby World magazine named Siya Kolisi the rugby’s most influential person. Kolisi is the national team’s first black captain. The athlete started playing rugby at seven, following in the footsteps of his family members. His professional career began in 2011 at Western Province. Besides rugby, he runs the Kolisi Foundation that assists children from underprivileged backgrounds. Read also Joe Cole (actor): age, family, movies and TV shows, height, profile, net worth 8. Lood de Jager list of springbok rugby players Lood de Jager posing for pictures against a brown door and inside a room. Photo: @loodejager (modified by author) Source: UGC Full name: Lodewyk de Jager Date of birth: 17th December 1992 Age: 30 years (as of 2022) Place of birth: Alberton Lood de Jager is a brilliant defender with a towering height of 6' 9". He joined the English club Sale Sharks in 2019 and is also part of the South African national team. In 2019, he played in the World Cup final. However, he was forced to exit from the game after dislocating his shoulder in the 22nd minute. 7. Sbu Nkosi list of springbok rugby players Sbu Nkosi holding a trophy and standing in front of a red car. Photo: @sbu_nkosi14 (modified by author) Source: UGC Full name: S'busiso Romeo Nkosi Date of birth: 21st January 1996 Age: 26 years (as of 2022) Place of birth: Barberton Sbu Nkosi plays as a winger. He is a professional rugby union player for the South Africa national team and the Bulls in United Rugby Championship. He has previously played for the Pumas, Golden Lions, Sharks, UKZN Impi, and South Africa Under-20. He was part of South Africa's squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Read also Izabela Vidovic: age, family, movies and TV shows, profiles, net worth 6. Francois Louw springbok rugby players in 2022 Francois Louw at the 14th Annual Feather Awards at the Market Theatre in Johannesburg, South Africa. Photo: @Oupa Bopape/Gallo Images Source: Getty Images Full name: Francois Louw Date of birth: 15th June 1985 Age: 37 years (as of 2022) Place of birth: Cape Town Francois Louw is a former player who retired in 2019. He made his professional rugby debut in 2006 for the Western Province. He later played for the Stormers. He then joined the English Premiership giants Bath and was signed with the team until his retirement. He made 76 appearances during his career at Springboks. 5. Willie le Roux Full name: Willem Jacobus le Roux Date of birth: 18th August 1989 Age: 33 years (as of 2022) Place of birth: Stellenbosch Did you know Willie le Roux was part of the 2019 World Cup-winning squad? He made his International debut against Italy in June 2013. In 2013, he was named the South African Players’ Association Player of the Year. The following year, he was nominated for the World Player of the Year award, but Brodie Retallick bagged the title. Read also Tendai Ndoro: age, twin, family, health, current team, stats, salary, net worth 4. Jesse Kriel Full name: Jesse André Kriel Date of birth: 15th February 1994 Age: 28 years (as of 2022) Place of birth: Cape Town Jesse Kriel is the Springboks centre. He previously played for the Bulls, Lions, Stormers, and South Africa U20. He made his Springbok debut right before the 2015 World Cup. He participated in the opening game at the 2019 World Cup but had to leave due to a hamstring injury. 3. Frans Steyn how much do springbok rugby players earn Francois Steyn plays a shot during an offbeat session golf day for the Springboks South Africa national rugby squad at Wentworth Club in Virginia Water. Photo: @Tertius Pickard/Gallo Images Source: Getty Images Full name: François Philippus Lodewyk Steyn Date of birth: 14th May 1987 Age: 35 years (as of 2022) Place of birth: Aliwal North Frans Steyn has earned a good reputation because of his long-range goal-kicking ability. He started his professional career in 2007 at the Sharks. In 2019, Steyn made history as the second South African to win the Rugby World Cup twice. He is also the youngest player to win a Rugby World Cup. Read also Mulatto's net worth, age, real name, parents, ethnicity, songs, profiles 2. Elton Jantjies Full name: Elton Thomas Jantjies Date of birth: 1st August 1990 Age: 32 years (as of 2022) Place of birth: Graaff-Reinet Elton Jantjies is a veteran member of the Lions. He has played for South Africa since 2012. His younger brother, Tony Jantjies, is also a professional rugby player. At 21, he played in the Currie Cup final and won the Man of the Match award. His body has dozens of tattoos that tell his life story. 1. Handré Pollard Springbok rugby players Handré Pollard of Leicester Tigers poses during the EPCR 2022/2023 Season Launch at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Beaconsfield, England. Photo: @David Rogers/Getty Images Source: Getty Images Full name: Handré Pollard Date of birth: 11th March 1994 Age: 28 years (as of 2022) Place of birth: Somerset West Handré Pollard is arguably the best Springbok rugby player ever. He is respected for kicking South Africa to Rugby World Cup glory in 2019. Pollard can kick, pass, run and tackle, which is quite impressive. He played in three Junior World Championships, where he honed his skills. Read also Rick Ross' net worth, age, real name, height, albums, mansion, profiles Who is the best rugby player in South Africa in 2022? Handré Pollard is arguably the best South African rugby player as of 2022. Besides playing for the national team, he is signed with Leicester Tigers in England. How much do Springbok rugby players earn? The amount a player earns varies depending on the terms of the contract they signed. More experienced athletes typically earn more than those with less experience. Who is the best rugby player in Springbok? The best Springboks player as of 2022 is Handré Pollard. The athlete also plays for the Leicester Tigers. Who is the youngest Springbok player in 2022? The youngest player in the 2022/23 season is Canan Moodie. Moodie is 20 years old as of 2022. Springbok rugby players have placed South Africa on the map, especially after winning the 2019 World Cup. The team is made of members of different ages and strengths. Read more: https://briefly.co.za/37259-list-20-springbok-rugby-players-ever.html RWC 2023 Spotlight: South Africa South Africa are one of only two teams, alongside New Zealand, to have won Rugby World Cup on three occasions. The Springboks missed the first two tournaments due to their exclusion from international sport, but have more than made up for it since. As hosts in 1995, they united the country with victory against the All Blacks and then went on to lift the Webb Ellis Cup again, in 2007 and 2019, with England the beaten team on both occasions. RWC debut: 25 May, 1995 v Australia at Newlands, Cape Town RWC appearances: Played 43 – Won 36 Drawn 0 Lost 7 – Points for 1,512 Points against 552 – Win ratio 84 per cent Most RWC appearances: Schalk Burger, 20 Most RWC tries: Bryana Habana, 15 Best finish: Champions 1995, 2007, 2019 Qualification for RWC 2023: RWC 2019 champions Most memorable match: For sheer drama, the 1995 final against New Zealand eclipses either of the Springboks’ finals against England. With the scores locked at 9-9 at full-time and 12-12 in extra-time, the destiny of the Webb Ellis Cup was still undecided until Joel Stransky received the ball from Joost van der Westhuizen and drop kicked himself and the Springboks into history. Iconic moment: While the sight of Nelson Mandela presenting the Webb Ellis Cup to Francois Pienaar in the Springbok captain’s number six jersey in 1995 will forever remain the iconic image of Rugby World Cup, Siya Kolisi leading the Springboks to victory in 2019 as the team’s first black captain is right up there, too. Low point: Ten places and just over 13 points separated the sides in the World Rugby Men’s Rankings when South Africa and Japan met on day two of RWC 2015. Japan had not won a RWC match since 1991, while South Africa were world champions in both 1995 and 2007. Nobody gave the Brave Blossoms a prayer. But the formbook went out the window as the Springboks succumbed to the biggest shock in the tournament’s history, losing 34-32 to a late try from Karne Hesketh. Iconic player: Chester Williams. Now sadly deceased, Williams became only the third non-white player to play for the Springboks in 1993. Two years later, he was the reluctant poster boy of Rugby World Cup 1995. Injury delayed his involvement at RWC 1995 until the quarter-finals but he made an instant impression with four tries against Samoa and then went on to play a pivotal role in the semi-final and final. Record-breaker: Anyone who shares a record with Jonah Lomu must be good, very good, and Bryan Habana definitely falls into that category. The lightning-quick winger equalled Lomu’s record of most tournament tries when he completely his hat-trick in a 64-0 win against USA at RWC 2015 to take his overall tally to 15. Did you know? Jannie de Beer’s ‘nap-hand’ of drop goals against England in the 1999 quarter-finals is a record for a single Rugby World Cup match. Quote: “I dropped down to my knees just to say a quick prayer and before I realised it, everybody was around me. All the tension of the six weeks, everything that led to the final just came to the fore, it was very, very emotional. I was incredibly proud of the team, proud of that moment and very much proud to be a Springbok rugby player.” – Francois Pienaar, after the Springboks won the RWC 1995 final. Western Province (rugby union) Full nameWestern Province UnionWestern Province Rugby Football Union Nickname(s)Province, Die Streeptruie and WP Emblem(s)Disa uniflora or Red Disa Founded1883 LocationCape Town , South Africa RegionWestern Cape , South Africa Ground(s)Cape Town Stadium (Capacity: 55,000) Coach(es)John Dobson Captain(s)Ernst van Rhyn League(s)Currie Cup 2022 Finals: DNQ 6th on log Team kit 2nd kit Official website www.wprugby.com Current season Western Province (known for sponsorship reasons as DHL Western Province) is a South African professional rugby union team based in Newlands , Cape Town , that participates in the annual Currie Cup and Vodacom Cup tournaments. Founded in 1883, the team has won multiple titles, a record of 34 Currie Cup titles including the inaugural competition, the Vodacom Cup, the Absa Nite Series, and the Lion Cup. The club is nicknamed Die Streeptruie ("The Striped Jerseys" in Afrikaans) in reference to their legendary blue and white hooped jerseys. These Striped Jerseys were the colours of Malmesbury Rugby Football Club, established in 1881. They are also known simply as "Province" by all South African rugby lovers, while Afrikaans -speaking supporters also refer to the team by its abbreviation, W.P. (pronounced: "vee pee" ["ee" as in "beer"]). Western Province were the 2012 Vodacom Cup Champions, having defeated the Griquas in 2012 by 20 points to 18. They also are the 2014 Currie cup champions, having defeated the Lions 19–16 in the final. Western Province is the only South African Team besides the Blue Bulls to have appeared in every final of every competition in South African rugby: the Vodacom Cup, the Lion Cup, the Absa Nite Series, the Currie Cup the Super Rugby Competitions and the United Rugby Championship (as the DHL Stormers ). Another accomplishment of Western Province, which no South African team has ever been able to match, is the double victories over the All Blacks the first being (10–3) played on 15 August 1928 and again (12–11) on 16 July 1976, while several countries have never been able to beat the All Black team, Province managed this feat. In 2010 province again did a remarkable victory over all of New Zealand's five super unions, this was the first and only time such an accomplishment has been achieved. Province has also beaten the Wallabies 17–6 in a thrilling encounter in 1963. Province has also drawn to other countries including England in 1984 with a score of 15 all, however province has beaten the British and Irish Lions numerous times, including three times in 1903 and won another match in 1924, the match then had been regarded as "test" status. The only two teams to have beaten overseas countries as well as combination teams (Lions) are yet again the Blue Bulls and Western Province. Province was unstoppable by any other opposition in the 1980s except for Northern Transvaal. Among the ten Currie Cup trophies in the 1980s 5 went to Province 4 went to Northern Transvaal and 1 was shared, this shows the dominance between the two teams and the constant intense rivalry between the unions. Since 1983 Western Province has been sponsored by Adidas , in 2013 this will mark the 30th Anniversary of the sponsorship and the 130th anniversary of the team itself. In 1983 Province launched their centenary jersey of which 50 only ever came into existence, but this is not the rarest province top, the rarest being a complete maroon kit of which only 15 were ever made, this team played under the WP Presidents XV. The maroon jersey along with the centenary jersey as well as the original Stormers orange tops are the three most sought after Province and or Stormers tops. Team sponsor DHL has officially renewed their sponsorship with Western Province until 2016, following an emphatic 2012 season. Boland falls within the Western Province and combines with Boland Cavaliers to compete as the DHL Stormers in the United Rugby Championship competition. Stormers UnionSouth African Rugby Union Founded1883 (Western Province Rugby Union) 1997 (Stormers franchise) LocationCape Town , South Africa RegionCape Town Cape Winelands or Boland West Coast Ground(s)Cape Town Stadium (Capacity: 55,000) Coach(es)John Dobson Captain(s)Salmaan Moerat Neethling Fouche League(s)United Rugby Championship 2022–23 Runners-up 1st South African Shield (3rd overall) 1st kit 2nd kit Official website thestormers.com/home/ The Stormers (known for sponsorship reasons as the DHL Stormers) is a South African professional rugby union team based in Cape Town in the Western Cape that competes in the United Rugby Championship , a trans-hemispheric competition that also involves sides from Ireland , Italy , Scotland and Wales . They competed in the Super Rugby competition until 2020. They are centred on the Western Province Currie Cup side, but also draw players from the Boland Cavaliers (covering the Cape Winelands and West Coast districts, with home matches in Wellington ). Through 2005, they also drew players from the SWD Eagles (George ), which meant that they drew players from all three unions in the Western Cape Province . However, the general realignment of franchise areas resulting from the expansion of the competition resulted in the Eagles being moved to the area of the Southern Spears (later succeeded by the Southern Kings ). Before 1998, South Africa did not use a franchise system for the Super 12, instead sending the top four unions from its domestic competition, the Currie Cup, into the Super 12. In 1996, the Stormers qualified and competed in the Super 12 as Western Province. In 1997, they did not qualify, the 4th South African team being the Orange Free State (now the Free State Cheetahs at Currie Cup level; the region would later be represented in Super 12 by the Cats (now known as the Lions) and in Super 14 by the Cheetahs ). The Stormers played their first ever final, against the Bulls in front of 36,000 fans in Johannesburg,[1] in 2010 after beating the Waratahs in the semi-final stage but ultimately lost to the Bulls. In the two previous years in which they reached the semi-finals, 1999 and 2004, they were eliminated by the Highlanders and Crusaders . They made consecutive home semifinals in 2011 and 2012, but lost both at Newlands to the Crusaders and the Sharks respectively. In 2015 they won the South African conference for a third time, before losing their home quarterfinal against the Brumbies. In 2021–22, the Stormers, with their other South African Super Rugby colleagues the Bulls , the Sharks and the Lions , left Super Rugby to join the newly renamed United Rugby Championship with teams from Ireland, Scotland, Italy and Wales. Their first season in the URC was a success, winning the South African shield as the top team in their national conference, followed by the overall URC title with a win against the Bulls in the 2022 final . On 2 June 2022 it was confirmed that the four South African URC franchises, and the former Pro 14 franchise, the Cheetahs would be entering the European Professional Club Rugby competitions for the first time in 2022-23, with the Stormers in the first tier European Rugby Champions Sharks (rugby union) The Sharks (known as the Hollywoodbets Sharks as they are their title sponsor) is a South African professional rugby union team based in Durban in KwaZulu-Natal . They compete internationally in the United Rugby Championship and EPCR Challenge Cup , having competed in the Super Rugby competition until 2020. They are centred on the Sharks union, also based in Durban and drawing players from all of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape . The team plays its home matches at the Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium in Durban . In 1993–1995 South Africa was represented in the Super 10 by their three top unions (top three teams from the previous years Currie Cup). Natal (as they were called then) qualified in 1993 and 1994. Natal were runners-up in 1994 after having lost to Queensland 21–10 in the final. In 1996 and 1997 South Africa was represented in the Super 12 by their four top unions rather than franchises, and Natal qualified and competed both years. They have never won the Super Rugby competition, but have reached the final four times, as Natal in 1996 and as the Sharks in 2001, 2007 and 2012. The side sports many Springbok players, including Ox Nche , Makazole Mapimpi , Lukhanyo Am , Eben Etzebeth and Bongi Mbonambi . They have also featured many international stars including France international Frédéric Michalak and former Australian International Ben Tapuai . Cheetahs (rugby union) Unionouth African Rugby Union Emblem(s)Cheetah Founded1895 (Orange Free State Rugby Union ) 2005 (Cheetahs franchise) LocationBloemfontein , Free State , South Africa RegionFree State Northern Cape Ground(s)Free State Stadium (Capacity: 46,000) Coach(es)Izak van der Westhuizen Captain(s)Victor Sekekete League(s)European Rugby Challenge Cup 2022−2023 (Round of 16) Team kit 2nd kit Official website www.fscheetahs.co.za The Cheetahs (known for sponsorship reasons as the Toyota Cheetahs), is a South African professional rugby union team based at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein . They have played Super Rugby between 2006 and 2017, then the Pro14 (now United Rugby Championship ) from 2017 to 2020, and currently the EPCR Challenge Cup since 2022. The franchise area encompasses the western half of the Free State province, the same as that of provincial Currie Cup side the Free State Cheetahs . Between 2006 and 2015 , the Griffons from the eastern half of the Free State province and Griquas from the Northern Cape province were Cheetahs franchise partners, but this ended prior to the 2016 Super Rugby season .[1] The Cheetahs was one of the two new franchises that entered the expanded Super 14 competition in 2006, the other being Australia's Western Force . The Central Union was awarded the fifth South African franchise over the SEC franchise in April 2005. In its first season the Cheetahs did surprisingly well, finishing tenth in the final standings, out of 14 sides. Prior to being accepted into the 2006 Super 14 season, the Cheetahs were represented as a part of the Cats . In addition, before the South African Rugby Union entered regionalised franchises into the competition, the Free State Cheetahs side competed in the 1997 Super 12 season . SPORT IN SOUTH AFRICA 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. Rugby union is also very popular, especially among persons of Afrikaner descent. The national rugby union team, The Springboks, have enjoyed considerable success since the early 20th Century, including two Rugby World Cup victories in 1995 & 2007.Other popular sports include: boxing, hockey, tennis, golf, surfing, netball and running.South Africa was absent from international sport for most of the apartheid era due to sanctions, but started competing globally after the country's white electorate voted in a referendum in favour of a negotiated settlement of the apartheid question. The South African government and SASCOC have been striving to improve – incrementally – the participation of the previously excluded majority in competitive sports (i.e. Blacks in rugby and Whites in association football), but so far with limited success, due to resistance on part of numerous federations. South Africa was banned from the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo due to the apartheid policies. This ban effectively lasted until 1992. During this time, some sports people (like Zola Budd and Kepler Wessels) left for other countries in order to compete internationally. Some athletes continued their sports careers in South Africa in isolation, with some stars like women's 400 metres runner Myrtle Bothma running a world record time at the South African championships. Some sports teams toured South Africa as "Rebel Tours" and played the Springbok rugby and Proteas cricket teams in South Africa during the isolation period.In 1977, Commonwealth Presidents and Prime Ministers agreed, as part of their support for the international campaign against apartheid, to discourage contact and competition between their sportsmen and sporting organisations, teams or individuals from South Africa. South Africa has an active athletics schedule and has produced a number of athletes who compete internationally and qualify for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. At the 2011 World Championships in Athletics in Daegu, South Korea, the relay team of Shane Victor, Ofentse Mogawane, Willem de Beer and Oscar Pistorius set a national record time of 2:59.21 seconds in the heats. South Africa went on to win a silver medal in the finals with the team of Victor, Mogawane, de Beer and Louis Jacob van Zyl.In 2012 Caster Semenya won a silver medal in the women's 800m of the 2012 Olympic Games in London, with a time of 1:57.23 seconds. Also in 2012, Oscar Pistorius became the first double amputee sprinter to compete at the Olympic Games, but did not win a medal. Pistorius won a gold medal and a bronze medal in the T44 class at the 2004 Summer Paralympics in Athens, and three gold medals at the 2008 Summer Paralympic Games in Beijing. He also won two gold medals at the 2012 Paralympic Games and remained the T43 world record holder for the 200 and 400 metres events. The South African team of Pistorius, Arnu Fourie, Zivan Smith and Samkelo Radebe won a gold medal and set a Paralympic record in the 4x100m relay with a time of 41.78 seconds. Fourie also set a world record in the heats of the T44 200m event and won a bronze medal in the 100m event. Australian rules football is a popular sport in South Africa. Since 1996 the sport has been growing quickly and especially amongst the indigenous communities. South Africa's has a national team the South African national Australian rules football team. The team made history in 2007 by competing against Australia's best Under 17 players, as well as defeating a touring Australian amateur senior team for the first time. There is an annual national championships which was first held in 2008. The South African national team also competes in the Australian Football International Cup which is essentially a World Cup for all countries apart from Australia which is the only place where the sport is played professionally. The South African national team highest finish at the International Cup is 3rd which was in 2008. Cricket is the second most popular sport in South Africa. It is popular among English-speaking whites. It is the only sport in South Africa to feature in the top two sports of all race groups. The national team is known as the Proteas.South Africa is one of the leading cricket-playing nations in the world and one of ten countries that is sanctioned to play test cricket. Cricket was traditionally popular among English-speaking whites and the Asian community, though the latter were not able to compete in top-level South African cricket in the apartheid era. Since the end of the apartheid era, a higher proportion of white players have come from Afrikaans-speaking backgrounds, and attempts have been made to increase the number of non-white players, in part through a quota system. The current national team features prominent non-white players, such as Ashwell Prince, Hashim Amla (the first Muslim to play for South Africa), Herschelle Gibbs, Monde Zondeki, Loots Bosman, Charl Langeveldt, and Makhaya Ntini. Afrikaners in the team include AB de Villiers, Albie Morkel, Morné Morkel, Johan Botha and Dale Steyn The team has had success with batsmen like Herschelle Gibbs, who is one of the sport's most dominating batsmen, all-rounders like Jacques Kallis and Shaun Pollock, the former being one of the greatest all rounders of the game, and bowlers such as Makhaya Ntini, who reached number two in the ICC Player Rankings in 2006. Dale Steyn is currently ranked as one of the best test bowlers, and captain Graeme Smith is one of the most dominant left-handed batsmen in world cricket today. Wicketkeeper Mark Boucher has the world record for the most number of dismissals for a wicketkeeper and continues playing for the team. Kevin Pietersen, who is white, left the country claiming that he was put at a disadvantage by positive discrimination, and within a few years became one of the world's top batsmen, playing for England. South Africa is one of the strongest teams and in 2006, in Johannesburg in what was the highest scoring 50 over ODI ever, South Africa led by Gibbs' 175 chased down Australia's mammoth and then world record score of 434–4. South Africa hosted the 2003 Cricket World Cup an event that was disappointing to them as they lost against Sri Lanka in what happened to be in a farcical situation and were eliminated on home soil. In the 2007 Cricket World Cup, South Africa reached the semi-finals of the event but lost to Australia. Rugby league is a popular sport in South Africa. It has a long history, and consisting of no less than three and possibly four different administrative boards, committee or interests over 40 odd years that attempted to establish the game of rugby league in South Africa. None of the earlier attempts were very successful.The first attempted expansion of the code into South Africa was primarily put together by the English and encouraged by the French for the purpose of expanding the game into new nations that would inevitably bring more tests to the English and French shores, ensuring a lucrative future. At least, that was the plan however, it was not to be; the South African public did not take to the sport and the expansion plans were stopped prematurely, causing the cancellation of a third scheduled match in London. The second attempted expansion was a strange double act in the 1960s consisting of two separate factions, known as the National Rugby League and South African Rugby League. Each fought for their own survival until the RLIF laid down the law that saw the NRL effectively shut down and its clubs moved to the SARL. All was looking good for SARL until a South African representative team toured Australia and were embarrassingly beaten, enough to discourage South African fans from supporting their national team and thus it never caught on.The 1990s brought forth a more committed band of entrepreneurs. The foundation left by the 1990s administration still lives on today, albeit a former shadow of itself.The rugby league competition in South Africa is the Tom van Vollenhoven Cup. Rugby union is a popular sport in South Africa, especially amongst Afrikaners. The national team is known as the Springboks. South Africa hosted and won the 1995 Rugby World Cup, in what was their first appearance. The defeat of the All Blacks in the final is remembered as one of the most famous South African sporting moments. The domestic league the Currie Cup is also played annually, as well as the international Super Rugby.After being tainted by associations with apartheid, the Springboks (or 'Boks') have sought to become part of the 'New South Africa', with President Nelson Mandela wearing the Springbok jersey, once only worn by whites, at the final of the 1995 Rugby World Cup.South Africa won the 1995 Rugby World Cup and the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Rugby league is a team sport played in South Africa. There has been three dynasties of rugby league in South Africa that attempted to establish a thriving rugby league. Not all attempts were in the interest of South Africans; rather an interest in financial windfall. Others took to the townships and promoted the league at the grass roots, which saw some of the most successful periods of rugby league in South Africa. The game has changed over 50 years of involvement in South Africa and today is played by a small number of teams in the Tom van Vollenhoven Cup which is administered by the South African Rugby League. Rugby league in South Africa has a long and turbulent history, consisting of no less than three administrations over 40 years that attempted to establish the game of rugby league in South Africa. Neither, certainly the earlier attempts were very successful.The first attempted expansion of the code into South Africa was primarily put together by the English and encouraged by the French for the purpose of expanding the game into new nations, that would inevitably bring more tests to the English and French shores, ensuring a lucrative future. At least, that was the plan; however it was not to be, the South African public did not take to the sport and the expansion plans were stopped prematurely causing a 3rd scheduled match in London to not be played. The second attempted expansion was a strange double act in the 1960s consisting of two separate factions, known as the National Rugby League and South African Rugby League. Each fought for their own survival until the RLIF laid down the law that saw the NRL effectively shut down and its clubs moved to the SARL. All was looking good for SARL until a South African representative team toured Australia and were embarrassingly beaten.In 1991 the South African Rugby Football League was established to promote amateur rugby league.1998's World Club Challenge between the British and Australian champions was mooted as a showpiece fixture at Ellis Park in Johannesburg. However this didn't eventuate.In 2009 there are currently three South Africans playing in Australia, Jarrod Saffy who plays for the St. George Illawarra Dragons, Allan Heldsinger who plays for the Redcliffe Dolphins and Daine Laurie who plays with the Wests Tigers. In 2010 the Sydney Roosters have signed South African rugby union junior JP Du Plessis. The NRL plan to sign more South Africans in the future.So far the Sydney Roosters have signed four South African rugby union players and Peter O'Sullivan stated he will bring them all on a bus back to Bondi the Melbourne Storm have also recruited players from the country.In 2011 a host of changes were implemented by the remaining clubs, the first of which was to elect a representative board and establish a Commercial Entity to take the sport forward. The result is a new National Club Championship as well as several international tours next year. The South African Senior Side also played in the Rugby League World Cup Qualifier in 2011 and will hope to build in 2012 towards a strong showing in the 2012 and 2013 international seasons.The South African Students will be competing in the Rugby League Students World Cup in July 2013 in England. Sports in South Africa The South Africa national rugby union team (Afrikaans : Suid-Afrikaanse nasionale rugbyspan) commonly known as the Springboks (colloquially the Boks, Bokke or Amabhokobhoko), is the country's national team governed by the South African Rugby Union . The Springboks play in green and gold jerseys with white shorts. Their emblem is a native antelope, the Springbok , which is the national animal of South Africa. The team has been representing South African Rugby Union in international rugby union since 30 July 1891, when they played their first test match against a British Isles touring team. Currently, the Springboks are the number one ranked rugby team in the world and are the reigning World Champions, having won the World Cup on a record four occasions (1995 , 2007 , 2019 and 2023 ). They are also the second nation to win the World Cup consecutively (2019 and 2023). The team made its World Cup debut in 1995 , when the newly democratic South Africa hosted the tournament. Although South Africa was instrumental in the creation of the Rugby World Cup competition, the Springboks could not compete in the first two World Cups in 1987 and 1991 because of international anti-apartheid sporting boycotts . The Springboks defeated the All Blacks 15–12 in the 1995 final , which is now remembered as one of the greatest moments in South Africa's sporting history , and a watershed moment in the post-Apartheid nation-building process . This cast a new light on South Africa, where people of all colour united as one nation to watch their team play. South Africa regained the title as champions 12 years later, when they defeated England 15–6 in the 2007 final . As a result of the 2007 World Cup tournament the Springboks were promoted to first place in the IRB World Rankings , a position they held until July the following year when New Zealand regained the top spot. They were named 2008 World Team of the Year at the Laureus World Sports Awards . South Africa then won a third World Cup title, defeating England 32–12 in the 2019 final . As a result of this, the South African National Rugby Union Team were named 2020 World Team of the Year at the Laureus World Sports Awards for a second time. They went on to retain their title in 2023 . The Springboks also compete in the annual Rugby Championship (formerly the Tri-Nations), along with their Southern Hemisphere counterparts Argentina , Australia and New Zealand . They have won the Championship on four occasions in Twenty-Four competitions and are the only team to have won a version of the competition and the Rugby World Cup in the same year. For almost a century, South Africans have taken great pride in the performance of their national rugby union team. The team has gained widespread recognition around the world, even among non-rugby fans. Rugby union is a highly popular sport in South Africa, and it is often the preferred sport of the country's most talented athletes. Sixteen former Springboks and influential South Africans have been inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame . They are also the only team with a 50% win-rate in the Rugby World Cup series. Many teams have had their biggest defeats to the Springboks; including Australia , Italy , Scotland , Uruguay , Wales and New Zealand . south african rugby teams Organisation Blue Bulls Rugby Union ( Pretoria) Boland Rugby Union ( Wellington) Border Rugby Football Union ( East London) Eastern Province Rugby Union ( Gqeberha) Falcon-Valke Rugby Union ( Brakpan) Free State Rugby Union ( Bloemfontein) Golden Lions Rugby Union ( Johannesburg) Griffons Rugby Union ( Welkom) Springboks.rugby a Few Players André Esterhuizen Centre Age 30 Caps 16 Points 0 Height 193 cm Weight 116 kg View Stats Full Bio Bongi Mbonambi Hooker Age 33 Caps 68 Points 65 Height 176 cm Weight 106 kg View Stats Full Bio Canan Moodie Wing Age 21 Caps 10 Points 25 Height 191 cm Weight 92 kg View Stats Full Bio Cheslin Kolbe Wing Age 30 Caps 31 Points 91 Height 171 cm Weight 77 kg View Stats Full Bio Cobus Reinach Scrumhalf Age 33 Caps 32 Points 65 Height 175 cm Weight 85 kg View Stats Full Bio Damian de Allende Centre Age 32 Caps 78 Points 55 Height 189 cm Weight 106 kg View Stats Full Bio Damian Willemse Flyhalf Age 25 Caps 39 Points 56 Height 184 cm Weight 95 kg View Stats Full Bio Deon Fourie Loose Forward Age 37 Caps 13 Points 10 Height 176 cm Weight 98 kg View Stats Full Bio Duane Vermeulen Loose Forward Age 37 Caps 75 Points 15 Height 193 cm Weight 117 kg View Stats Full Bio Eben Etzebeth Lock Age 32 Caps 119 Points 30 Height 203 cm Weight 120 kg View Stats Full Bio Evan Roos Loose Forward Age 24 Caps 5 Points 0 Height 191 cm Weight 109 kg View Stats Full Bio Faf de Klerk Scrumhalf Age 32 Caps 55 Points 50 Height 171 cm Weight 75 kg View Stats Full Bio Sport in South Africa South Africa was banned from the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo due to the apartheid policies. This ban effectively lasted until 1992. During this time, some sports people (like Zola Budd and Kepler Wessels ) left for other countries in order to compete internationally. Some athletes continued their sports careers in South Africa in isolation, with some stars like women's 400 metres runner Myrtle Bothma running a world record time at the South African championships. Some sports teams toured South Africa as "Rebel Tours" and played the Springbok rugby and cricket teams in South Africa during the isolation period. In 1977, Commonwealth Presidents and Prime Ministers agreed, as part of their support for the international campaign against apartheid, to discourage contact and competition between their sportsmen and sporting organisations, teams or individuals from South Africa. South Africa was banned from the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo due to the apartheid policies. This ban effectively lasted until 1992. During this time, some sports people (like Zola Budd and Kepler Wessels ) left for other countries in order to compete internationally. Some athletes continued their sports careers in South Africa in isolation, with some stars like women's 400 metres runner Myrtle Bothma running a world record time at the South African championships. Some sports teams toured South Africa as "Rebel Tours" and played the Springbok rugby and cricket teams in South Africa during the isolation period. In 1977, Commonwealth Presidents and Prime Ministers agreed, as part of their support for the international campaign against apartheid, to discourage contact and competition between their sportsmen and sporting organisations, teams or individuals from South Africa. Regulation The National Sport and Recreation Act (1998) provides for the promotion and development of sport in South Africa, and coordinates relationships between the Sports Commission, sports federations and related agencies. It aims to correct imbalances in sport by promoting equity and democracy, and provides for dispute resolution mechanisms. It empowers the Minister to make regulations, and allows the Sports Commission (and NOCSA in respect of the Olympic Games) to co-ordinate, promote and develop sport in South Africa. Membership of the Sports Commission is open to a wide range of sports bodies, as long as these meet the criteria set by the commission. Sports bodies that permit forms of discrimination based on gender, race, disability, religion or creed, are for instance not allowed. A draft amendment bill (December 2019) proposed by the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture aims to strengthen the minister's regulatory control over sports codes (at local, provincial or national levels), besides clubs and fitness organisations. If accepted, a Sport Arbitration Tribunal will be created. The tribunal will determine the delegation of sporting powers and will be tasked with disputes arising between different sports bodies. It will also regulate the fitness industry (registration and certification), set up procedures in bidding for and hosting of international sports events, regulate combat sport, and decide on offences and penalties (including jail sentences). Sports bodies would not operate independently anymore, but would promote their sports in consultation with the minister. The role of sport in the formation of a South African identity, post-Apartheid Association football has historically been particularly popular amongst persons of African descent, although it does have a strong following amongst white South Africans as well and is South Africa's most popular sport overall. South Africa also hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup . The South Africa national rugby union team , which is nicknamed Springboks or the Bokke, are currently ranked no. 1 in the world in Rugby union , and have had multiple successful international and world cup campaigns. Rugby union is traditionally the most popular sport among white South Africans overall, with half of whites preferring it. (Cricket is a distant second, favored by 1 in 5 white South Africans).[4] Today, rugby is played and enjoyed amongst all races in South Africa. South Africa hosted the 1995 Rugby World Cup , the first in Africa, and won it as well. Cricket is popular among the English-speaking white and Indian communities, although it has followers among all races. The national cricket team is nicknamed The Proteas. South Africa hosted the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup and 2007 ICC World Twenty20 . Other popular sports include: athletics , basketball , boxing , golf , netball , softball , field hockey , swimming , surfing and tennis . Women's sport Sport in South Africa is still largely seen (in the words of a former member of Women and Sport South Africa) as "the domain of men". In 1997, one writer described "massive gender inequalities in the sporting structures of the country, and a strong association between sport and masculinity". National teams and names South Africa's national sporting colours are green, gold and white. The protea is the national emblem worn by South Africans representing their country in sport. The national rugby union teams are nicknamed the "Springboks", while the national cricket teams are known as the "Proteas". Rugby Rugby union Main article: Rugby union in South Africa The 1906 Springboks team Rugby union is the most popular team sport among white South Africans, but in more recent years has garnered a dedicated following among other ethnic groups.[4] The national team is known as the Springboks . South Africa hosted and won the 1995 Rugby World Cup , in what was their first appearance as South Africa emerged from the isolation of the Apartheid era. The defeat of the All Blacks in the final is remembered as one of the most famous South African sporting moments overall. The domestic league – the Currie Cup – is also played annually. From 1996, South Africa fielded sides against teams from Australia and New Zealand in the Super Rugby competition. This was expanded to include teams from Argentina and Japan but, after the COVID-19 pandemic forced the competition to split into three, South Africa left and joined the United Rugby Championship facing teams from Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Italy. This new alignment to the Northern Hemisphere led to South Africa's inclusion in the European Rugby Champions Cup from 2022. After being tainted by associations with Apartheid, the Springboks (or 'Boks') have sought to become part of the 'New South Africa', with President Nelson Mandela wearing the Springbok jersey, once only worn by white South Africans, at the final of the 1995 Rugby World Cup . South Africa has won the Rugby World Cup four times, in 1995, 2007, 2019 and 2023, the only country in the world to ever do so. Rugby league Main article: Rugby league in South Africa Rugby league is popular, although to a much lesser extent than rugby union.[citation needed ] The national team , nicknamed the Rhinos, have enjoyed moderate success since their first international matches in the 1960s, reaching the World Cup in 1995 and 2000 and were among the premier nations in the sport in the 1990s and early 2000s. They are ranked 25th in the world. Rugby league (XIII) is a more recently growing spectator sport in South Africa in current years, but it has struggled to gain a foothold in the country due to the popularity of sports such as soccer, rugby union and cricket, and also due to their location, meaning a lack of meaningful international matches. The South Africa national rugby league team (Rhinos) is ranked 25th in the world out of 51 countries ranked and doesn't manage to enjoy the success or media attention that most other sports receive.[citation needed ] The national team dates back to the early 60's and have featured in 2 World Cups, the 1995 Rugby League World Cup and the 2000 Rugby League World Cup .[11] [12] South African players who have played professionally in Australasia's NRL and the Super League include Tom Van Vollenhoven (St Helens R.F.C. ), Jamie Bloem (Castleford Tigers , Huddersfield Giants and Halifax ) and Jarrod Saffy (Wests Tigers and St. George Illawarra Dragons ). There are currently three competitions, the top-level Rhino Cup consisting of 8 teams, the Protea Cup , consisting of 4 and the Western Province Rugby League , consisting of 5. Rugby sevens The South Africa national rugby sevens team (known as the Blitzbokke) compete in the World Rugby Sevens Series, the Rugby World Cup Sevens, the Summer Olympic Games and the Commonwealth Games. They won the bronze medal in the 2016 Olympic Games, and silver in the 1997 Rugby World Cup Sevens. They have won the Commonwealth Games tournament twice in 2014 and 2022. As of 2024, South Africa have won the Sevens World Series four times. The South Africa Sevens is an annual tournament held in Cape Town as the South African leg of the Sevens World Series. Soccer Main article: Soccer in South Africa Soccer , as the sport is known in South Africa, is the most popular team sport amongst all South Africans.[13] [4] [5] [6] South Africa hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup , becoming the first African nation to do so. Bafana Bafana , as hosts of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, were drawn in Group A with Mexico , Uruguay and France , they played their first match against Mexico which ended in a 1–1 draw in Johannesburg . They played their second match against Uruguay and the match ended in a 3–0 defeat in Pretoria , their last match was against France in Bloemfontein which South Africa needed more goals to advance to the knockout stages but the match ended in a 2–1 win that was not enough for them to progress to the knockout stages, thereby becoming the first host nation to exit at the group stage in history of World Cup. After the world cup the team continues to struggle as they missed the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cups . The team has made three appearances in the FIFA World Cup ; 1998 , 2002 and 2010 and, as of 2024, has made 11 appearances in the Africa Cup of Nations . Their best result was in 1996 when, as hosts, they won the tournament. Mamelodi Sundowns is the most successful team in the South African Premiership era, boasting the most appearances in the CAF Champions League (Champions in 2015), Africa Football League (inaugural participant in 2023) and in the FIFA Club World Cup (2016). Other popular teams include Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, dubbed the Soweto rivals. The domestic cups are the MTN 8 , Black Label Cup and Nedbank Cup while the international cups are CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup . The sport's governing body is SAFA . Cricket Main article: Cricket in South Africa The Proteas at The Oval in August 2008 Cricket is one of the most popular team sports in South Africa. The national team is known as the Proteas . South Africa is one of the leading cricket-playing nations in the world and one of the twelve countries sanctioned to play test cricket . South Africa is famous for its batters, fast bowlers and fielders such as AB De Villiers, Dale Steyn and Jonty Rhodes. Cricket was traditionally popular among English-speaking whites and the Asian (Subcontinent) community, though the latter were not able to compete in top-level South African cricket in the apartheid era. Since the end of the apartheid era, a higher proportion of white players have come from Afrikaans-speaking backgrounds, and attempts have been made to increase the number of non-white players, in part through a quota system. The current national team features prominent non-white players, such as Kagiso Rabada , Hashim Amla (the first Muslim to play for South Africa), Keshav Maharaj , Temba Bavuma , Vernon Philander , Lungi Ngidi , and Tabraiz Shamsi . Afrikaners in the team include Faf du Plessis , Rassie van der Dussen , Wiaan Mulder , and Heinrich Klaasen . Charl Langeveldt , a non-white player, also became the first South African to take a hat-trick in an ODI match in 2005. Kagiso Rabada became the third after JP Duminy, and currently boasts the best match figures by a South African, 6 for 16, in an ODI. The team has had success with batsmen like Herschelle Gibbs , who was one of the sport's most dominating batsmen, all-rounders like Jacques Kallis and Shaun Pollock , the former being one of the greatest all rounders of the game, and bowlers such as Makhaya Ntini , who reached number two in the ICC Player Rankings in 2006. Dale Steyn is currently ranked as one of the best test bowlers, and former captain Graeme Smith was one of the most dominant left-handed batsmen in recent world cricket history. Wicketkeeper Mark Boucher has the world record for the most dismissals for a wicketkeeper in Tests. Kevin Pietersen , who is white, was forced to leave the country to pursue his career given he was put at a disadvantage by the discriminatory racial quotas, and within a few years became one of the world's top batsmen, playing for England . South Africa is one of the strongest teams[citation needed ] and in 2006, in Johannesburg in what was the highest scoring 50 over ODI ever, South Africa led by Gibbs' 175 chased down Australia's mammoth and then world record score of 434–4. South Africa hosted the 2003 Cricket World Cup an event that was disappointing to them as they tied against Sri Lanka in what happened to be in a farcical situation and were eliminated on home soil. In the 2007 Cricket World Cup , South Africa reached the semi-finals of the event but lost to Australia . They were sent home by New Zealand in the 2011 Cricket World Cup and the same team also defeated them in the 2015 Cricket World Cup in a thrilling semi-final. South Africans are at the top and are a consistent team in the test format for the last half decade.[citation needed ] They are often considered as fearsome for the teams touring from the Indian subcontinent because of their brutal fast bowling. Hockey Major events: Hockey Africa Cup of Nations , Hockey World Cup and Women's Hockey World Cup Hockey in South Africa has been played for decades, mainly by the white minority. Like most other sports, South Africa was banned from international Hockey from 1964 onwards. In August 1992, the South African Hockey Association was formed, with the aims of "Creat[ing] opportunities for participation without distinction based on colour, race, creed, religion or gender" and to "Redress historical disparities to allow all to participate and compete equally and specifically address the needs of historically disadvantaged communities through special programmes."[14] As a result, South Africa was allowed to take part in international competitions from 1993 onwards, including the Hockey Africa Cup of Nations , a trophy that has been won every time since by both the South African Men's Hockey team and the South African Women's Hockey team . On the national level, the major competition within South Africa is the Premier Hockey league. This consists of two leagues (one men, one women) each of six teams. The men's teams are the Addo Elephants, Drakensberg Dragons, Garden Route Gazelles, Golden Gate Gladiators, Mapungubwe Mambas and the Maropeng Cavemen. The women's teams are the Blyde River Bunters, Madikwe Rangers, Namaqualand Daisies, Orange River Rafters, St Lucia Lakers and the Wineland Wings. The Golden Gate Gladiators and the Namaqualand Daisies are the South African national U21 teams for men and women respectively. The teams played each other on a round robin tournament and the bottom two teams are eliminated (and then play each other to determine 5th and 6th place.) The top four teams play in two semi-finals, the 1st against the 3rd and the 2nd against the 4th. The winners of each semi-final then play each other in the final (and the losers play each other for 3rd and 4th place.)[15] The league usually plays over four weekends from late November to mid December. On the world stage, the men's team has qualified for the Olympics four times, highest placing 10th (2004). They've also qualified for the Hockey World Cup seven times, highest placing 10th (1994 and 2010 ). The women's team has qualified for the Olympics four times, highest placing 9th (2004), and the Women's Hockey World Cup six times, highest placing 7th (1998). South Africa's Men's and Women's teams are both members of the African Hockey Federation , the governing body for Hockey in Africa, and the International Hockey Federation . BACK TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE

THE GREAT TREK SOUTH AFRICA The Great Trek was a significant event in South African history that took place in the 1830s. It involved the migration of thousands of Boers, or Afrikaans-speaking farmers, from the British-controlled Cape Colony to the interior of the country. The reasons for the trek were complex, but included dissatisfaction with British rule, a desire for greater independence, and a search for new land to farm. The Great Trek had a profound impact on South African history, shaping the country's politics, culture, and society in important ways. Intro Great Trek 1835-1846 … TheGreatTrek 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. … December 16 and the Construction of Afrikaner Nationalism … The date, December 16, holds a special significance in South African history. On this day in 1838, the Voortrekkers fought a … abolition of slavery that sparked a unique event that would transform the former Dutch colonists into a new ‘volk’ – theGreatTrek ). The British outlawed slavery in 1834. Without slaves, the burghers could not survive as farmers, and the Dutch Cape … Louis Botha … Louis Botha was born near Greytown in Natal in 1862. He was the son of Voortrekker parents and was brought up on a farm in the Free State, and was educated at the local German mission … included both British and Dutch. Botha was a leading figure in the Paris Peace Conference at the end of World War I. A great man of action, he was renowned for his simplicity, humanity, quick wit and good nature. He was endowed with natural … of his descendants signed themselves as 'Both' and 'Boota'. His paternal grandfather Philip Rudolf took part in theGreatTrek. Louis, the ninth among thirteen children, was born near Greytown in the Colony of Natal on 27 September 1862. The … Deployment of Racism in South Africa by Rooha Variava … Contents Chapter 1: Theoretical Debates and Methodological Controversies Chapter 2: Questions Method Chapter 3: The Constitution of Black as ‘Other’ Chapter 4: The Black as Uncivilized Chapter 5: The Management of Blacks Chapter 6: The … or 'total' history situates events into grand explanatory systems and linear processes, celebrating individuals and great movements, seeking to record a specific point of origin for a particular historical process, whereas genealogical … I should wish that the Hottentots be given no rights, because otherwise we shall be obliged to leave our property and to trek as well. 83 The Afrikaner wanted to retain control over blacks without let or hindrance from outside. The Great Trek in South Africa between 1835 and 1840 The Great Trek in South Africa started in 1835 when over a time span of three years more then 12,000 Boers (farmers) left the Cape Colony. They trekked (moved) into the interior by ox wagon, in search of land where they would be free and beyond British control. In time, after facing many hardships, these farmers started to build a unique identity and started calling themselves "Afrikaners". They also developed a hybrid language, Afrikaans, which stemmed from high Dutch but incorporated strong French, Malay, German and Black influences. The Afrikaans-speaking descendants of these people would later simply be called "Boere" (Farmers) Causes of The Great Trek,... One of the most important causes of the Great Trek in South Africa was the unrest on the eastern border. The government was unable to segregate the Xhosas from the whites and the two groups kept on clashing. The Xhosas stole the white farmers’ cattle and the farmers occupied territory that had traditionally belonged to the Xhosa. Not even the establishment of neutral territory could keep the parties from becoming involved in battles with each other. Some governors did more than others to protect the frontier farmers but there was nevertheless a significant number of wars on the eastern frontier. During the sixth eastern frontier war, farmers lost livestock to the value of R600 000. Vagrant Hottentots also plundered the farms. Conditions deteriorated badly after the institution of Ordinance 50 of 1828, which cancelled the pass laws. In 1834, when the slaves were freed, the situation worsened even further, as many of them had no option but to steal to make a living. The freeing of the slaves also meant financial loss for the farmers and this added to their dissatisfaction. Sketch of a 17th century farm house in the cape colony The Great Trek in South Africa The Dutch-speaking people also felt that their identity was being threatened. A series of laws proclaimed between 1823 and 1828 enabled the government to substitute the official use of Dutch with English. When the magistrates and councils were also abolished, the colonists no longer had any say in the government and their desire for self-government increased. Leaders of The Great Trek,... Trichardt and Van Rensburg Andries Hendrik Potgieter Gerrit Maritz Piet Retief Piet Uys Trichardt and Van Rensburg,... The Great Trek in South Africa started with Louis Trichardt and Hans van Rensburg leading the first groups to leave the Colony. There were 53 people in Trichardt’s group and they crossed the Orange River in 1835 on their way to the Soutpansberg. Hans van Rensburg also left the colony at the same time with his group of followers but his aim was to move to Mozambique. The Van Rensburg party was subsequently massacred near the Limpopo River. Louis Trichardt moved on to the area where the town of Louis Trichardt is situated today. He waited for some time for Potgieter’s trek to meet up with them but eventually became impatient and moved on to Lourenco Marques (present day Maputo). By the time Trichardt reached Maputo, on 13 April 1838, many of his cattle had been killed by tsetse flies and nearly half of his group had died of malaria. Sketch of a Voortrekker with his wagon encampment in the background The Great Trek in South Africa Andries Hendrik Potgieter,... Potgieter left the Cape Colony towards the end of 1835 with 200 people. They also wanted to go to Lourenco Marques for trading purposes, but they did not get that far. They were attacked by an army of 1 000 men sent by Mzilikazi. A few of the Voortrekkers were killed and Potgieter left his trek temporarily to meet up with Louis Trichardt. On his return, he instructed his people to form a laager (circle of ox wagons) as a defence strategy against the black armies. Two months later, all their cattle were stolen during another attack at Vegkop. Moroka (chief of the Barolong) and Gerrit Maritz helped Potgieter’s group to get back to Thaba Nchu. Gerrit Maritz,... Gerrit Maritz, also joining the Great Trek in South Africa, left for Thaba Nchu with 700 people. When they arrived in November 1836, they held a mass meeting with the Voortrekkers who had already arrived. Maritz was elected as the president of a council of 7 members who were to look after the interests of the Voortrekkers. Potgieter was elected the military leader. One of the first decisions of the council was to send an expedition out to recapture their cattle from Mzilikazi. Encampment of a Voortrekker family The Great Trek in South Africa Piet Retief,.. . Piet Retief was the commandant of the Winterberg ward in the district of Albany. He was also a farmer, building contractor and speculator and had sufficient money to finance a venture into the interior. Before he left, he published a manifesto in the Grahamstown Journal in which he explained his reasons to join the Great Trek in South Africa. He left the Cape in March 1837, together with 400 people. When he joined the Voortrekkers in the Free State, they numbered more or less 5 000. Retief was elected governor and military leader at a convention held at Winburg. At the same convention Maritz was elected chairman of the Political Council. Piet Uys,... Piet Uys and his followers were the last to leave the Cape as part of a big organised trek. These 100 odd men, women and children departed from the district of Uitenhage in April 1837. They arrived in the Free State in August of the same year. The Voortrekkers in Zululand and Natal,... 1938 photograph of a column of ox wagons in commemoration of the Great Trek in South Africa The Voortrekkers had opposing views about the direction the trek should take. Potgieter felt it best to remain in Transvaal, since Britain might annex Natal, which would mean that the Voortrekkers would once again be under British rule. Maritz, Cilliers and Retief did not share his fears and decided to move to Natal. Piet Uys was not quite sure where his trek should be heading. When the Voortrekkers arrived in Natal, one of the favourite destinations during the Great trek in South Africa, the greater part of Natal was under the control of Dingane. Retief attempted to buy land from Dingane who promised to sell it if the Voortrekkers agreed to recover the cattle which had been stolen by Sikonyela. When Retief and his people brought back the stolen cattle, they signed a contract with Dingane. Later that day, however, Dingane’s people killed 67 of the Voortrekkers, including Retief. Dingane’s soldiers then went to the laagers (camps) of the Voortrekkers and killed many more, including women and children. The Zulus also drove off the bulk of the Voortrekkers' cattle. Portrait of Voortrekker leader Andries Pretorius The Great Trek in South Africa In April 1838, Uys and Potgieter retaliated by launching a counterattack against the Zulus. They were defeated by the Zulus at Italeni. The Zulus attacked again on 13 August and in December 1838, the last remaining Voortrekker leader, Maritz, died. As the Voortrekkers needed a new leader, they sent for Andries Pretorius. Pretorius acted as their leader in the Battle of Blood River on 16 December 1838 when they defeated the Dingane’s Zulu army. Dingane fled, after setting fire to his kraal. At Kwa Maritane, the skeletons of Retief and his men were found, together with a satchel containing the treaty between Dingane and the Voortrekkers. The Voortrekkers were now the owners of the land between the Drakensberg Mountains, from the Tugela River to the Umzimvubu River and the sea. Dingane was finally defeated by Mpande who became the new paramount chief of the Zulus. The Voortrekkers now felt safer and on 14 February 1840, Andries Pretorius proclaimed Natal a Voortrekker Republic, the Republic of Natal. They formed a government and Pietermaritzburg was chosen as the new capital. The Republic of Natal existed for only 5 years until the governor of the Cape, Sir George Napier, sent Sir Harry Smith and his men to annex Natal. A struggle followed, during which the British suffered a number of casualties and lost two of their cannon. Dick King (a legend in the history of the Great Trek in South Africa) escaped on horseback, and astonishingly, it took him only six days to reach Grahamstown. The British sent reinforcements and the Voortrekkers were forced to retreat to Pietermaritzburg. On 12 May 1843, Natal became a British colony and most of the Voortrekkers chose to return to the Free State and the Transvaal. The Voortrekkers in the Transvaal,... Voortrekker family settling down on their new land The Great Trek in South Africa After being attacked by Chief Mzilikazi and his Matabele army, the Voortrekkers in the Transvaal moved back to Thaba Nchu under the leadership of Andries Potgieter. In two attacks against Mzilikazi, one a counter-attack and the second a precautionary attack, the Matabele were defeated and Potgieter and his followers thought it safe to remain in Transvaal. Soon after, Potgieter gave in to pressure and moved to Natal, but soon returned to the Transvaal where he founded the town of Potchefstroom. He proclaimed the district as the Republic of Winburg-Potchefstroom. From here, the Voortrekkers moved to Marico and Rustenburg. Potgieter and his people wanted to move as far away from the Cape as possible and in the process, other towns such as Ohrigstad and Lydenburg were founded. Conflict arose between Potgieter and another group and Potgieter moved even further north and founded the town of Schoemansdal. Some of the Voortrekkers who had fled to northern Natal after the British occupation, asked to be incorporated into the ZAR (the South African Republic) as the Transvaal had been named. In order to do this, the land on which the town of Utrecht was founded, had to be bought from Zulu king Mpande. Britain did not recognise the independence of Transvaal, but made no attempt at annexation. The reason for its inactivity was the hostile attitude of certain black tribes towards Britain and also the fact that war was looming in Europe. On 17 January 1852, the Sand River Convention was signed between Britain and the Transvaal Republic. It was the first time that Britain had acknowledged the independence of a Voortrekker Republic. The Voortrekkers in the Orange Free State,... The Voortrekker monument in Pretoria in commemoration of the Voortrekkers The Great Trek in South Africa Long before the Great Trek in South Africa started, the "Trek Boers" had already moved into the area that would come to be known as the Free State, as early as the 17th and 18th centuries. At the start of the 19th century there were already different groups present in the area. Some of these groups were the Basotho (under leadership of Moshweshwe, the Griqua (under Adam Kok), the Batlokwa, the Bataung and the Barolong. The area that became known as Trans Orangia was situated between the Orange and the Vet Rivers. Many of the Trek boers settled in the Phillippolis area, where Adam Kok rented land to them. The Trek boers considered themselves British subjects but, when the Voortrekkers passed through the area, some Trek boers joined them while others chose to remain. When the Potgieter trek arrived at Thaba Nchu in 1836, Potgieter made an arrangement with Makwana, chief of the Bataung, that, in exchange for cattle and protection against Mzilikazi, Potgieter would be given land in an area between the Vet and Vaal Rivers. This area became known as Winburg. When Retief arrived, it was decided that the Trekkers should move to Natal. Potgieter eventually agreed, but he moved back to Winburg after his defeat at Italeni by Dingane. He later also founded Potchefstroom, a town next to the Mooi River. Potgieter linked the towns of Winburg and Potchefstroom by declaring the Winburg Potchefstroom Republic. The Vet River divided the area between the Vaal River and the Orange River. The southern part became known as Trans-Orangia and the Northern area formed part of the Winburg - Potchefstroom Republic. The Voortrekkers had to travel across wild country, negotiating rivers, mountains and gorges The Great Trek in South Africa The Vet River divided the area between the Vaal River and the Orange River. The southern part became known as Trans-Orangia and the Northern area formed part of the Winburg - Potchefstroom Republic. Jan Mocke and Jan Kok were the leaders of the Voortrekkers who lived in the vicinity of the Vet River. After the annexation of Natal, their numbers increased because many people who were not prepared to submit to British rule moved back to the area. In Trans-Orangia, however, the Trek boers, under the leadership of Machiel Oberholzer, wished to remain under British authority. Oberholzer therefore informed the judge at Colesberg of the plans of the upper region to establish a republic. Without consulting the British government, the judge immediately annexed the area but the British government would not ratify the annexation. When Sir Harry Smith became governor of the Cape Colony in 1847 long after the Great Trek in South Africa had fizzled out, he wanted to annex the territory as far as the Vaal River. He informed the British government that the majority of the people living in the area strongly supported such an annexation, which was not true. Typical Voortrekker wagon on display at the Voortrekker monument museum The Great Trek in South Africa However, Smith went ahead and annexed the area up to the Vaal River and called it the Orange River Sovereignty. The citizens of Winburg revolted but were defeated at Boomplaats by Smith’s soldiers. Potgieter was outlawed and magistrates were appointed in the districts of Bloemfontein, Winburg and the Vaal River. The Battle of Boomplaats disturbed the British government because it cost a lot of money and proved that many of the inhabitants were opposed to the annexation. The Basotho under Moshweshwe were one of the dissatisfied groups and in 1854 they defeated a British armed force sent to punish them for their raids. The British government was of the opinion that since the independence of Transvaal had been recognised in 1852, there was no reason why the same could not be done for the Orange Free State. When the Basotho defeated another British force in the area of Berea, Britain decided to officially recognise the Republic of the Orange Free State. On 23 February 1854, the Bloemfontein Convention was signed and the area between the Vaal and Orange Rivers officially became the Republic of the Orange Free State. With the Independence of the republics Transvaal and Free State, the Voortrekkers saw their dreams come true. Dreams of freedom, independence and self-government that had moved them to embark upon the Great trek in south Africa. SHORT INTRODUCTION ABOUT THE GREAT TREK Introduction The Great Trek was a very important event in the history of South Africa. It came about because of disagreements between British and Afrikaner settlers in the colony known as the Cape Colony. As a result of the disagreements, many Afrikaner farmers moved away from the Cape Colony and established their own colonies. This was a first step in establishing their independence from Britain and forming their own country. The farmers would later be called Voortrekkers, or “early migrants.” Background In the 1830s, Afrikaner farmers in the eastern part of the Cape Colony (now Eastern Cape) were unhappy. They were descendants of Dutch settlers who had first landed in the area in 1652. The British had taken over the colony in the early 1800s, and the Afrikaners did not like the change. They were also unhappy about cattle theft by the Xhosa, a group of people who lived nearby. Journey to Independence The Great Trek began in 1835. More than 10,000 farmers left the Cape Colony. They took about 10,000 black workers and large herds of cattle with them. The farmers mostly traveled by horse and ox wagon. They were armed with muzzle-loading guns. The most well-known leaders were Piet Retief, Gerrit Maritz, and Andries Pretorius. There were many battles between the Voortrekkers and black tribes during the Great Trek. The main tribes were the Ndebele (beyond the Vaal River) and the Zulu tribes in Natal (now KwaZulu-Natal). The Zulu king Dingane had Piet Retief and his men killed. Later, other Voortrekkers were also killed by the Zulus. The Voortrekkers recovered from those setbacks. The most famous battle between the Voortrekkers and the Zulu took place on December 16, 1838. In what became known as the Battle of Blood River, more than 3,000 Zulu warriors were killed. The Voortrekkers eventually defeated the Ndebele and the Zulus. Then they were able to set up their own republics, or places where they could live and make their own laws. But their republics were taken over by Britain. Their battles ended only when the Voortrekker republics in the Orange Free State and Transvaal were recognized as independent states by Britain in the 1850s. That meant that the Voortrekkers were free to establish their own governments in those places. Andries Pretorius was a leader of the Boers of southern Africa. Pretorius helped to gain independence for the Transvaal, a Boer republic. The city of Pretoria, South Africa,... Piet Retief was one of the leaders of the Boers during the Great Trek in the 1830s. The Boers were mostly descendants of early Dutch settlers. They undertook the Great Trek... A long journey to a new home is called a migration. Migrating animals generally go back and forth between summer and winter homes. When people migrate, however, they often... Voortrekkers were a group of European settlers in what is now South Africa. The word Voortrekkers means “those who trek ahead.” They were called Voortrekkers because they... South Africa is the southernmost country on the continent of Africa. It has three capital cities: Pretoria (Tshwane), Cape Town, and Bloemfontein. They each are home to a... Dingane was one of the most famous kings of the Zulu people of South Africa. He was king of the Zulus from 1828 to 1840. Dingane was born in about 1795. He was the son of... World War II started in 1939. By the time it ended in 1945, the war involved nearly every part of the world. The two sides that fought the war were called the Axis powers and... The Cape Frontier Wars were a series of wars between European colonists and the Xhosa people of southern Africa. Nine wars took place between 1779 and 1878. They were fought... The Battle of Blood River took place on December 16, 1838, in what is now South Africa. On that day a group of European settlers called Voortrekkers defeated an army of Zulu... The countries that won World War I (1914–18) set up an organization called the League of Nations. They wanted the League to be a place where countries could settle... Jacob Zuma is a politician who served as the president of South Africa from 2009 to 2018. He also served as president of his party, the African National Congress (ANC). Early... In the South African War (also called the Boer War or the Second Boer War), British and Boer forces fought for control of what is now South Africa. The war lasted from 1899... Nelson Mandela spent almost 30 years in prison for fighting against apartheid in South Africa. Apartheid was a government policy that separated people of different races.... About one third of the world’s population lives in the member countries of the Commonwealth, or Commonwealth of Nations. The organization was formerly known as the British... The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was created in South Africa in 1995, after the end of apartheid. It was established by the country’s parliament. The main task... Jan Smuts was a South African soldier, politician, and prime minister. He was also a scholar and naturalist. During the Anglo-Boer War he fought against the British forces in... The Soweto Uprising of 1976 was a major protest against apartheid in South Africa. It began as a march by black schoolchildren. The students were unhappy because schools in... The metal gold has been considered valuable for centuries. At times people have discovered places where gold can be dug out of the ground. This has created a gold rush, when... Desmond Tutu was a religious leader in South Africa. His protests helped to bring an end to South Africa’s apartheid laws. Apartheid was a system that kept blacks separate... Thabo Mbeki is a South African politician. He served as president of South Africa from 1999 to 2008. He was also president of the African National Congress (ANC) for two... Mangosuthu Buthelezi Mangosuthu Buthelezi was a South African politician. He was the leader of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP). He was also a Zulu chief and a prince in the Zulu royal family.... The Anglo-Zulu War, or Zulu War, was fought between Great Britain and the Zulu people of southern Africa in 1879. The British won the war. Their victory allowed them to take... F.W. de Klerk was the president of South Africa from 1989 to 1994. He helped to end apartheid and to make South Africa a democratic country in which people of all races are... Steve Biko was a founder of the Black Consciousness Movement in South Africa. The movement encouraged black South Africans to be proud of their culture and to stand up for... Kgalema Motlanthe is a South African politician. He served as president of South Africa during 2008–09. He was named deputy president of South Africa in 2009. Motlanthe was... Hendrik Frensch Verwoerd H.F. Verwoerd was a South African professor and politician. He served as prime minister of South Africa from 1958 to 1966. He also helped create the policy of apartheid.... BACK TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE

HOTELS IN SOUTH AFRICA South Africa offers leisure as well as corporate travellers excellent four-star hotels where satisfactory service and convenient facilities are available. Some of South Africa's four-star hotels are member hotels of groups, while others are privately owned. The Protea Hotel Group of South Africa, the City Lodge Hotel Group as well as Tsogo Sun, Southern Sun manage some of the countries four-star hotels most of which are in South Africa's major centres like Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. Best 4-star hotels in South Africa: Victoria and Alfred Hotel , Cape Town Commodore Hotel , Cape Town DaVinci Hotel , Sandton, Johannesburg (Gauteng) Best 4-star Johannesburg hotels: DaVinci Hotel, Sandton The Maslow Hotel, Sandton Holiday Inn Sandton Park Inn Sandton The Devonshire, Johannesburg city centre. Best 4-star Cape Town hotels: Victoria and Alfred Hotel, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront Commodore Hotel, Victoria and Alfred Waterfront Portswood Hotel, Cape Town Best 4-star Durban hotels: Makaranga Garden Lodge, Kloof The Benjamin Hotel, Morningside Riverside Hotel & Spa, Morningside Premier Hotel Pinetown Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani, Durban North Beach City Lodge Durban, city centre Royal Hotel, city centre. Explore South Africa’s natural beauty and diverse landscapes with The Asia Collective’s exclusive guide to the Best Hotels in South Africa. Whether your idea of the perfect getaway is an authentic safari experience, a coastal retreat or a wine tasting trip to South Africa’s world-famous wine region, there’s bound to be a stay on this list that ticks all of your boxes. Start planning your African escape now with our expert collection of the Best Hotels in South Africa. CAPE TOWN TINTSWALO ATLANTIC Address: Chapman’s Peak Drive, Hout Bay, Cape Town (Location map) Instagram: @tintswalo_atlantic Nestled at Chapman’s Peak at the base of the iconic Table Mountain National Park sits Tintswalo Atlantic, a 5-star boutique lodge overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Perched on a pebbled beach with panoramic views of Hout Bay harbour and the dramatic Sentinel peak, your stay at Tintswalo Atlantic will be both a seaside and mountainous escape. Each luxurious suite pays tribute to the beauty of Cape Town’s surrounding nature and rich heritage, with the Elba & Corsica suites an ideal retreat for families or friends on vacation. Joined by a spacious common living area, each suite is uniquely decorated in island vibes, with opulent king beds, ensuite bathrooms and the finest amenities, plus a private lounge and deck ideal for evening entertaining. Prices for Tintswalo, one of the best hotels in South Africa, start at US $408++ per night. Click for best available prices . THE SILO HOTEL Address: The Silo Hotel, Silo Square, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town (Location map) Instagram: @thesilohotel_ Discover a seamless blend of accommodation and art at the Silo Hotel, Cape Town’s premier luxury hotel in the heart of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Built into the elevator portion of the historic grain silo above Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, the Silo Hotel is a work of art in itself. Recognised globally as one of the best art hotels in the world, here you’ll find an extensive collection of vibrant, contemporary African art. Each of its 28 rooms have been individually designed by South Africa’s famous female hotelier, Liz Biden. The modern, industrial architecture of the Silo is perfectly complemented by colourful and eclectic furniture and artwork. For a truly luxurious experience, the Penthouse on the top floor offers unparalleled views of Cape Town and Table Mountain, from both inside your suite and outside on your enormous, 24sqm balcony. Prices for The Silo Hotel, one of the best hotels in South Africa, start at US $934++ per night. Click for best available prices . BELMOND MOUNT NELSON HOTEL Address: 76 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town (Location map) Instagram: @belmondmountnelsonhotel Discover South Africa’s soul at Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, a vibrant retreat with a star-studded history. Step back in time as you walk through the hotel’s iconic pink walls, a symbol of peace from 1918, stroll through John Lennon’s meditation gardens or sit at Nelson Mandela’s favourite table. Each room has been tastefully restored, maintaining the beauty of the past with quirky modern touches for the ultimate comfort. Your stay at Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel is destined to be something special. Satiate your palate at Lord Nelson Restaurant, home to a sensational seasonal menu from summer salads to winter beef wellingtons. Indulge in a tiered high tea with sandwiches and sweet treats, or lounge poolside with snacks from Oasis Bistro. With so many options to choose from, Belmond Mount Nelson is a pure haven for foodie enthusiasts. Prices for Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, one of the best hotels in South Africa, start at US $219++ per night. Click for best available prices . GAME RESERVES & LODGES KARONGWE RIVER LODGE Address: R36 Hoedspruit, Hoedspruit (Location map) Instagram: @karongweportfolio Be surrounded by nature in the heart of Africa with tranquil views overlooking the Makhutsi River at Karongwe River Lodge. Choose between one of 11 spacious suites, or enhance your experience with a Presidential Suite boasting a private plunge pool. The expansive Karongwe Reserve homes the Big Five – lions, leopards, buffalos, rhinos and elephants – as well as an abundance of other creatures big and small. After your open vehicle game drive, take in a blazing sunset with the backdrop of the incredible Drakensberg Mountains before returning to the comfort of your suite. The lodge specialises in authentic Pan African cuisine, to be enjoyed under the stars in a rustic outdoor Boma or indoors in a beautifully appointed dining room. Their top-shelf South African wines and imported beers and spirits are the perfect match to your meal. A trip to Karongwe River Lodge wouldn’t be complete without a rejuvenating treatment at Thera Naka Spa, drawing inspiration from Africa’s original inhabitants and the beauty of the surrounding nature. Prices for Karongwe River Lodge, one of the best hotels in South Africa, start at US $515++ per night. Click for best available prices . THE OUTPOST Address: Pafuri/Makuleke Region, Kruger National Park (Location map) Instagram: @theoutpostlodge The Outpost lodge in Pafuri offers an unparalleled getaway in the heart of the Kruger National Park. Pafuri boasts nearly 80% of Kruger Park’s biodiversity, meaning your safari experience will be bustling with life. The 12 open plan luxury suites that makeup Outpost sit perched atop a hill overlooking the Luvuvhu River. Understated, contemporary architecture is seamlessly integrated into the natural surroundings, offering 180degree uninterrupted views of the park. Experience the best of Kruger National Park on a fully immersive guided walking safari, or put your feet up and keep your eyes peeled during twice-daily game drives at first light or late afternoon. After a big day of adventures, return to the Outpost for dinner under an expanse of stars alongside a crackling campfire. Prices for The Outpost, one of the best hotels in South Africa, start at US $943++ per night. Click for best available prices . KRUGER SUNSET LODGE Address: Mjejane Game Reserve in the Greater Kruger National Park (Location map) Instagram: @krugersunsetlodge Wake up to wildlife on your doorstep at Kruger Sunset Lodge situated in an exclusive reserve within the greater Kruger National Park. You’ll feel part of nature with rare and up-close animal encounters from the comfort of your luxury room as you witness herds and hunters passing by a stone’s throw away. The savanna surrounding Kruger Sunset Lodge is home to majestic male lions that greet guests with their roars mere metres away. Each night, look out in awe at the incredible sunsets over the plains of the savanna and gaze at the sparkling Milky Way while you sit fireside. Find a new favourite spot every day with over 1200sqm on one level, overlooking the abundant wildlife and endless plains. Shower under the African sky, soak in a stone bath or curl up with a book on an oversized couch. Take a dip in the one of a kind swimming pool with ample space to lounge and relax or cool off in the deep end. The unique design of the pool draws inspiration from nature with its charcoal bottom, exuding a subtle tint of colour so as to enhance and not distract from the natural surroundings. Prices for Kruger Sunset Lodge, one of the best hotels in South Africa, start at US $830++ per night. Click for best available prices . Images by Kruger Sunset Lodge EZULWINI GAME LODGES Address: Billy’s Lodge & River Lodge Olifants West Nature Reserve, Kruger National Park (Location map) Instagram: @ezulwinigamelodges Experience the essence of Ezulwini, the Zulu word for paradise, this lodge is a piece of paradise right in the heart of the African savanna. Authentic African experiences take centre stage at Ezulwini, with its design and decor paying homage to Africa’s unique look and feel. Guests are invited to choose between Billy’s Lodge or River Lodge, depending on your individual desires. Billy’s Lodge offers three private and ultra-luxurious suites complete with the most lavish amenities, including a super king-size bed, indoor and outdoor showers, private plunge pool and unspoiled views of the bush from your spacious deck. With no more than 12 guests at any time, Billy’s Lodge guarantees unrivalled exclusivity and intimacy. River Lodge is immersed in nature, tucked away in the Riverine Forest alongside the Olifants River. This area is home to hippos, crocodiles, elephants and centuries-old trees standing tall on the horizon. Both lodges are lavish by design, yet charming and authentic at heart, leaving guests with lasting memories of their time in the jungle. Prices for Ezulwini Game Lodges, one of the best hotels in South Africa, start at US $1055++ per night. Click for best available prices . PONDORO GAME LODGE Address: Balule Nature Reserve, Greater Kruger National Park, Hoedspruit (Location map) Instagram: @pondoro_game_lodge Pondoro Game Lodge in Kruger National Park is more than just accommodation, it’s a lifestyle. The team at Pondoro have found the perfect balance between African adventure and romance, with activities ranging from safari game drives to intimate picnics for two in an exclusive treehouse hideaway. Located on the banks of the Olifants River, Pondoro Game Lodge is a magical retreat seemingly surrounded by untouched nature and teeming with wildlife. Twice daily game drives led by expert trackers will give you unrivalled insight into the African safari experience, leaving you with memories to last a lifetime. The only thing that can make your experience even more memorable is the exquisite cuisine on offer. Enjoy a beverage or two with a light snack as you take in the mesmerising African sunset, followed by a romantic candlelit dinner overlooking the banks of the Olifants River with the only soundtrack being that of the surrounding wildlife. The menu at Pondoro Game Lodge is a delicious fusion of traditional African cuisine and modern European trends, perfectly paired with an extensive selection of wines from the cellar. Prices for Pondoro Game Lodge, one of the best hotels in South Africa, start at US $1272++ per night. Click for best available prices . BUHALA LODGE Address: Kruger National Park, N4, Malelane (Location map) Instagram: @buhalalodge Perched on the southern banks of the Crocodile River, under a charming thatched roof sits Buhala Lodge. Relax to the sound of nearby wildlife from the comfort of your beautifully appointed room, complete with your own private balcony overlooking the Kruger National Park and Crocodile River. Each room has been individually decorated to feel like your very own slice of African heaven, providing a welcome retreat after a day of exploration. Guests of Buhala Lodge have the chance to test their golfing skills amongst the wildlife at the nearby Leopard Creek Country Club. Usually reserved for members only, golf enthusiasts at Buhala Lodge have the rare privilege of experiencing South Africa’s number one golf course. After a jam-packed day of golf or safari adventures, retreat to the open deck spa and choose from a variety of treatments that will leave you feeling brand new. Prices for Buhala Lodge, one of the best hotels in South Africa, start at US $287++ per night. Click for best available prices . PARSONS HILLTOP SAFARI CAMP Address: Balule Game Reserve, Plot 36, Balule (Location map) Instagram: @parsonshilltop Discover next-level glamping at Parsons Hilltop Safari Camp, a rustic-chic tented experience that will bring you closer than ever to nature. Luxury is still the focus, with each tent being lavishly appointed with stylish decor and plush bedding for an uninterrupted night’s sleep. An unfenced property within the Greater Kruger Area, expect to get up close and personal with the wildlife that calls the bushveld home, as you watch them from the comfort of your balcony while they roam freely and drink from the waterholes. Aside from an authentic African safari experience spotting exciting wildlife, guests can also relax with a book in hand from the cosy bush library, unwind on the lounge deck, take a dip in the plunge pool, or sit by the crackling outdoor fire pit. In the evening, satiate your palate with delicious cuisine cooked with fresh local ingredients and finish it off with world-class South African wine. Prices for Parsons Hilltop, one of the best hotels in South Africa, start at US $337++ per night. Click for best available prices . HAMILTONS TENTED CAMP Address: Kruger National Park Hamiltons Tented Rd Kruger Park (Location map) Instagram: @hamiltons_safari_official Affectionately coined the “Gem of Kruger”, Hamiltons Tented Camp offers unrivalled exclusivity with six opulent luxury tents, elevated to overlook the N’waswitsontso River. Each tent comes complete with teak floorboards, slipper baths, outdoor showers and incredible views of the river, all linked to the main lodge by a quaint timber walkway winding through ancient Jackalberry trees. Every tent is delightfully decorated with an old world charm, featuring old brass light switches and sepia-stained photographs, giving you the feeling of stepping back in time. Dining at Hamilton will take you back to a bygone era complete with butlers dressed in colonial uniforms, tending to your every need. Sip from crystal wine glasses as you indulge in exquisite meals against the backdrop of the African bushveld. Dine on the deck or delight in an intimate bush picnic, while you indulge in the luxury of champagne breakfasts and sumptuous high teas featuring fresh pastries baked daily at the lodge. Experience a discerning menu seamlessly infusing the best of Africa’s authentic flavours with modern, international influences. Prices for Hamiltons Tnted Camp, one of the best hotels in South Africa, start at US $1217++ per night. Click for best available prices . MOTSWARI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE Address: Motswari Private Game Reserve (Location map) Instagram: @motswari_private Become part of a family legacy at Motswari Private Game Reserve, a luxury safari lodge that has been family owned and operated for the last forty years. In the Tswana language, Motswari means “to conserve and protect” which is what the reserve has aimed to do for as long as it has existed. Spanning across an 18,000-hectare expanse, with 15 bungalows and no more than 30 guests at any given time, you’ll feel totally secluded from the outside world during your stay. Emphasis is placed on attention to detail, with each guests’ experience being tailored to suit their needs and expectations. Admire traditional local artwork and authentic African design influences that make Motswari Private Game Reserve a truly unique South African retreat. Experience destination dining at its best, with meals taken at a scenic location on the trail accompanied by an expert guide, in the open-air boma, under the stars in the bush, or in the comfort of the lodge. Prices for Motswari Private Game Reserve, one of the best hotels in South Africa, start at US $543++ per night. Click for best available prices . CEDERBERG RIDGE WILDERNESS LODGE Address: Cederberg Ridge Old Klawer Road, Clanwilliam (Location map) Instagram: @cederberg_ridge Get lost in raw and rugged nature at Cederberg Ridge Wilderness Lodge, a modern African farmhouse overlooking the picturesque Cederberg Mountains. Seemingly cut off from the rest of civilisation, Cederberg Ridge is surprisingly conveniently located just 2.5 hours from Cape Town and the Winelands region. This intimate property of nine rooms and suites makes great use of natural materials and rich timber finishings, giving it a home away from home feel. There’s plenty to do at Cederberg Ridge Wilderness Lodge, with a range of activities to be experienced. Depending on the level of adventure you crave, choose from guided walks, mountain biking, rock art excursions, rooibos farm tours and sunset boat cruises. Take a guided trip into the mountains or out to the West Coast with its abundance of rustic beach restaurants. Back at the lodge, enjoy wine tasting, stargazing or rejuvenating spa treatments. Prices for Cederberg Ridge Wilderness Lodge, one of the best hotels in South Africa, start at US $390++ per night. Click for best available prices . BUSHMANS KLOOF WILDERNESS RESERVE AND WELLNESS RETREAT Address: Agert Pakhuis Pass, Clanwilliam (Location map) Instagram: @bushmanskloof Tucked away in the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains on South Africa’s charming west coast sits Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat. The surrounding region is a diverse oasis of open plains, towering mountains, sandstone formations and 10,000-year-old bush art sites. Bushmans Kloof is a boutique luxury property, accommodating no more than 34 guests, making it an exclusive and intimate retreat. For a heightened luxury experience, the Koro Lodge is an old farmhouse that has been lovingly transformed into a spectacular private villa, surrounded by open vistas and rugged wilderness. If being at one with nature isn’t therapy enough, then The Spa is sure to reinvigorate your senses. Recently awarded the Best Spa in Africa & Indian Ocean at the Global Spa & Wellness Awards, The Spa at Bushmans Kloof is guaranteed to have you feeling brand new. Every treatment is individually tailored around each guest and the expertly skilled therapists are dedicated to restoring internal beauty and balance. Treatments are inspired by ancient African traditions and the signature B|Africa products incorporate native African plant extracts, from baobab tree oil and mafura butter to cape aloe and rooibos. Prices for Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat, one of the best hotels in South Africa, start at US $529++ per night. Click for best available prices . SINGITA LEBOMBO LODGE Address: Kruger National Park Singita Lebombo Lodge (Location map) Instagram: @singita_ Inspired by the eagle nests built into the cliff face, the 15 glass-walled suites at Singita Lebombo Lodge will have you feeling at one with nature amidst the Kruger National Park. Perched above the N’wanetsi River, every contemporary luxury has been considered in a way that complements the beauty of the surrounds, and guests are even given the option to sleep under the stars on their private viewing deck. At Lebombo Lodge, you can sleep easy knowing that all the necessities are covered in the room rate, including all meals and beverages including premium wines, spirits and liqueurs, twice daily guided Land Rover safaris, walking safaris, return airport transfers, and even your laundry! Prices for Singita Lebombo Lodge, one of the best hotels in South Africa, start at US $2099 per night. Click for best available prices . NAMBITI HILLS Address: Nambiti Hills Private Game Reserve, Ladysmith, 3370, South Africa (Location map) Instagram: @nambitihills Luxury meets adventure at Nambiti Hills Private Game Reserve. This luxury lodge is inspired by the earthy surrounds and authentic African culture, representing life, renewal, nature and energy. Whether your idea of a retreat is relaxing poolside or spotting the Big 5 on a game drive, Nambiti Hills is the place to be. Delightfully exclusive, Nambiti Hill’s 8 spacious suites offer guests a serene escape from the outside world with an open-plan lounge, outdoor deck overlooking the sweeping plains and the finest luxury amenities. For the ultimate rejuvenating experience, indulge in a range of spa treatments at Zolile Spa using soothing Healing Earth products. Zolile, meaning “calm, peaceful & quiet” was designed with relaxation at its core and inspired by Mother Earth. All Healing Earth products are eco-friendly, chemical-free and bio-degradable, so guests are able to enjoy the finest products whilst respecting Africa’s incredible biodiversity. Prices for Nambiti Hills, one of the best hotels in South Africa, start at US $460++ per night. Click for best available prices . REST OF SOUTH AFRICA LANZERAC WINE ESTATE Address: 1 Lanzerac Rd, Jonkershoek, Stellenbosch (Location map) Instagram: @lanzeracwineestate Take a trip back in time to 1692 at Lanzerac Wine Estate, a historic landmark and Stellenbosch icon. Located in the dreamy Jonkershoek Valley, Lanzerac Wine Estate is grandiose by design, tipping its hat to the rich history of the town of Stellenbosch, maintaining its old-world charm for all these years. At Lanzerac, you’ll find endless rows of lush vineyards, jaw-dropping views of dramatic mountain ranges and hectares of lush gardens shaded by towering Oak trees. Guests of Lanzerac can expect the finest modern comforts, a variety of exquisite dining options and of course wine tasting and cellar tours. Treat yourself to a range of luxe spa experiences in one of seven therapy rooms, from facial therapies to ancient Rasul rituals. Take a dip in the heated indoor pool or soak away any lingering stresses of the outside world in the bubbling jacuzzi. After a day of pampering, why not indulge in wellness dishes and healthy smoothies at the Spa’s Vitality Corner for a well-rounded spa experience. Prices for Lanzerac Wine Estate, one of the best hotels in South Africa, start at US $366++ per night. Click for best available prices . DELAIRE GRAFF ESTATE Address: Helshoogte Rd, Stellenbosch (Location map) Instagram: @delairegraff Nestled between towering mountains and the rolling vineyards of Stellenbosch sits Delaire Graff Estate, the pinnacle of South African hospitality. Unrivalled views provides a picture-perfect backdrop for award-winning restaurants, a world-class winery, exclusive accommodation and a luxurious day spa. At Delaire Graff Estate, Cape Dutch architecture meets African artefacts and styling for a seamless fusion between timeless European luxury and authentic African touches. Planning a couples retreat or girls getaway? Look no further than the Owner’s Villa, an opulent four-bedroom villa that can comfortably accommodate up to eight guests. Feel at home with your private living room, dining room, spacious kitchen and multiple entertainment areas. Meanwhile, outside on the deck, the 14-metre swimming pool takes centre stage alongside your private jacuzzi and mesmerising views of the vineyards and mountains beyond. Prices for Delaire Graff Estate, one of the best hotels in South Africa, start at US $1292++ per night. Click for best available prices . LA RESIDENCE FRANSCHHOEK Address: Elandskloof Road, Franschhoek (Location map) Instagram: @laresidencesa Experience unrivalled exclusivity at La Residence Franschoek, located in the Cape Winelands on a private 30-acre estate. More than just a winery, La Residence is surrounded by Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz vineyards, as well as endless olive groves and plum orchards against a striking mountain backdrop. Graced by the stylish hand of renowned hotelier Liz Biden, La Residence is a colourful, opulent work of art. Each of the 11 suites at the hotel are uniquely designed with their own colour scheme and design influences, from the rich and oriental Tibetan Suite to the charming and Provençal Chamber Bleu. More than just a hotel, La Residence also offers guests tailored dining experiences led by Executive Chef Lennard Marais. Guests are invited to sit down with the chefs to create dishes according to personal preference, emphasising fresh and local ingredients which are often grown on the estate. Prices for La Residence Franschoek, one of the best hotels in South Africa, start at US $833++ per night. Click for best available prices . LEEU ESTATES Address: Dassenberg Rd, Franschhoek (Location map) Instagram: @leeucollection Leeu Estates in Cape Winelands offers its visitors an unrivalled luxury experience, being the only hotel in the region to secure the new 5-Star Premium status, awarded by South Africa’s Tourism Grading Council. Leeu Estates has been recognised for reaching the very height of luxury, where every aspect of the hotel has reached perfection. Leeu Estates’ attention to detail is unrivalled, with underfloor heating, bespoke furniture and marble bathrooms equipped with heated towel rails are standard in every room. Wine lovers are invited to delight in a truly immersive wine experience at The Wine Studio. Guests are led on a premier tasting journey by experienced and expert staff and are guided through the finer nuances of these world-class wines. At Le Chéne, award-winning chef Darren Badenhorst leads his team of culinary experts to serve guests French-inspired dishes made with fresh and local produce. Prices for Leeu Estates, one of the best hotels in South Africa, start at US $498++ per night. Click for best available prices . Explore a world within a city South Africa's best resort is home to many thrilling activities with something for everyone to enjoy. Make it a beach day on the palm-fringed shore of the Roaring Lagoon or discover the ruins of a mythical civilisation at the Maze of the Lost City. Embark on a Big Five safari into the heart of the African bush, or above it, in a hot-air balloon when you stay at Sun City in the Pilanesberg. Improve your golf handicap on two world-class golf courses . Find your groove on the dance floor at Encore, or find your fun at Sun Central where two levels of action-packed, family entertainment venues give you even more great things to do at Sun City. Stay and play Choose from four internationally recognised hotels at Sun City. Indulge in the lavish opulence of The Palace of the Lost City or the cool sophistication of the five-star Cascades. Book your stay at the always-on Sun City to enjoy access to Sun City's thrilling nightlife, or treat the kids to an adventure holiday at the family-friendly Cabanas. You could even own a piece of Sun City when you sign up with the Sun Vacation Club . Sun City Resort is famous for hosting some of the most iconic events in South Africa, including the annual Nedbank Golf Challenge . A massive selection of conference venues across Sun City Resort provides you with expertly organised meetings, conferences and exhibitions. You'll find the right venue for any event, whether you have six or 6 000 attendees. Holiday Accommodation at Sun City There’s no other resort in South Africa that has a wide variety of accommodation options like Sun City. If you’re looking for unsurpassed 5-star luxury, something to suit the whole family, or your own comfortable unit away from the crowds – we’ve got everything you need. Each hotel has its own unique style, character, and attractions. Book your Sun City holiday accommodation directly with us and get the best available rate. For your convenience and safety around the resort, tap, swipe, scan or use your Leisure Points to pay. Cabanas at Sun City The Cabanas hotel is situated at the Sun City Waterworld Lake, offering guests a contemporary twist and great ‘base’ to explore the resort. As the sun sets over the open spaces and rolling lawns the nights begin at the Cabanas Pool Deck, with chic cocktails and a vibrant island setting. The Haven Hotel is a family and adventure destination located within the Dwesa / Cwebe Nature Reserves on the Wild Coast of South Africa. Blessed with sea, sun and endless things to see and do, it offers a way of life that lets you forget the rest of the world and relax in the most secluded and unspoilt surroundings. Established over 50 years ago, the Haven comprises of 38 spacious en-suite chalets scattered within a tranquil, garden-like environment. Located at the mouth of the Mbashe river, the Haven has long been renowned as one of the prime fishing destinations in South Africa. But that is only one of the many reasons to visit this unique resort. Some of the other activities you can enjoy include horse riding, tennis, golf, hiking, bird watching, canoeing, whale- and dolphin-watching, snorkelling, 4x4ing. The favourite pastime of our guests, however, seems to be . . . simply relaxing. Break away to the Haven – unspoilt, unbelievable, unforgettable. "It is another Eden – the most beautiful site for a hotel in the world." Charles Roberts Guest: February 2006 Some cottages are sea facing while others are set further back in a garden-like setting around the mashie golf course. Most consist of 2 en suite bedrooms with a common veranda/stoep. Some have interleading doors suitable to those with young children. There are also 5 thatched rondawels designed in traditional Xhosa style. Accor Accor's hotel operations include brands which complement each other ranging from luxury to budget. These brands are known throughout the world and are recognized for their service quality. Present in 92 countries around the globe, with more than 3,600 hotels and 470,000 rooms, Accor’s brands offer hotel stays which are tailored... VIEW HOTELS African Anthology An African Anthology is a hospitality management company located in South Africa. African Anthology provides a wide range of services to the hospitality industry including marketing, sales, reservations and management of establishments and services throughout Southern Africa. The African Anthology portfolio has been carefully constituted th... VIEW HOTELS African Elite Properties African Elite Properties provides luxury serviced accommodation in exclusive homes and apartments for short- or long-term rentals. The African Elite properties are located within walking distance of Restaurants, Shops, Nightlife, the Cape Town International Convention Centre and the V&A Waterfront. Pristine beaches and Table Mountain a... VIEW HOTELS African Pride Hotels, Lodges & Country Houses African Pride Deluxe Hotels, Lodges and Country Houses The African Pride hotel group of South Africa is Protea Hotels' Superior-Deluxe range of hotels, lodges and country houses. Established in 2001, the launch of African Pride Hotels, Lodges and Country Houses coincided with the beginning of a significant period of growth in the to... VIEW HOTELS African Sky Hotels, Spas and Resorts African Sky Hotels, Spas and Resorts offers quality hotels at reasonable costs in Johannesburg, Cape Town, White River, Harrismith, Ermelo, Newcastle and Werlte in Germany. The properties run by African Sky Hotels, Spas and Resorts offer convenient facilities and services including conference facilities and wellness sanctuaries. Whet... VIEW HOTELS African Sun Hotels African Sun offers comfortable and quality hotels in and around Africa. Currently, African Sun operates hotels and resorts in Ghana, Nigeria, Zambia, Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe. In Zimbabwe African Sun operates hotels in all major cities and holiday resorts, including the world-famous Victoria Falls. In South Africa... VIEW HOTELS AHA Hotels & Game Lodges The South African based AHA Hotel & Game Lodge Group has an exceptional collection of hotels, resorts & game lodges located in Southern Africa. Their properties are in KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West Province, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia & Mauritius. Whether travellers are looking... VIEW HOTELS and Beyond / &Beyond &Beyond, which used to operate under the name of CC Africa, is committed to providing world-class experiences for discerning luxury adventure travellers in some of the most spectacular natural locations in the world. A journey at one of the &Beyond game lodges is an adventure that promises not only to capture your imaginat... VIEW HOTELS Anew Hotels Located in some of South Africa’s most scenically beautiful settings, the Anew Hotels and Lodges offer a spirit of adventure for guests. Travellers explore the countries tranquil indigenous forests on foot or by bike and have the unique opportunity to experience close encounters with Africa’s most iconic wildlife. Anew Hotel Hl... VIEW HOTELS Beachcomber Resorts Whether in pursuit of sport or leisure, culture or cuisine, excitement or relaxation, guests will be captivated by the extraordinary mix of friendly people, the intoxicating fragrances, luxurious beach resorts and the finest hospitality that is Beachcomber's Mauritius - an island to be discovered and enjoyed time and again. Beachcomber... VIEW HOTELS BON Hotels The BON Hotel Group in South Africa features unique hotels and villas each of which features a unique getaway destination. BON properties: BON Hotel Riviera on Vaal This popular resort is located on the scenic Vaal River, only 45 minutes from the O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. The resort offers a great variety of recreat... VIEW HOTELS Centara Hotels and Resorts Centara Hotels & Resorts, which used to be called the Central Hotels & Resorts hotel group, is a leading hotel chain in Thailand with a history of 30 years in the hotel industry. Three sub brands have been established under the Centara Hotels & Resorts hotel chain in order to uniquely market each hotel. Centara Hotels... VIEW HOTELS City Lodge No matter which hotel group is chosen by travellers for their stay in cities throughout South Africa, the City Lodge Family of Hotels provides great value for money while enjoying central locations in South Africa's major cities. The individual hotels offer leisure, family and business travellers with comfortable accommodation and services such as ... VIEW HOTELS Coastlands Hotels and Resorts The Coastlands Hotels and Resorts group in South Africa forms part of the Saantha Naidu Group which offers three, four and five star accommodation as well as conference and restaurant facilities in the KwaZulu-Natal province.... VIEW HOTELS Cradle Hotels and Resorts Cradle Hotels & Resorts Limited is a holding company whose subsidiaries are veterans in operating, marketing and selling luxury hotels, resorts and lodges. Furthermore, the quality, experience and diversity of the company’s management and staff make it a best-practice supplier of international and local travel, conference facilities an... VIEW HOTELS Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts Crowne Plaza® is The Place to Meet. Whether clients are holding a sales convention, board meeting or informal get-together with associates, guests' comfort and success are paramount. Crowne Plaza provides meeting services that include a 2-Hour Response Guarantee, Crowne Meetings Director and Daily Meeting Debrief. The fol... VIEW HOTELS Extraordinary Extraordinary features a collection of luxurious game lodges and hotels in Southern Africa. The criteria for Extraordinary properties include unique style, personalised service and scenic geographical locations. The Extraordinary Marketing Group for hotels and safari lodges prides itself on professionalism and high values. Extra... VIEW HOTELS Faircity Hotels Group The Faircity Group in South Africa consists of three and four star conference hotels and serviced apartments in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Mpumalanga. These hotels are situated in central locations, so as to benefit each specific target market. The investor- owned hotels of the Faircity Group offer homely comforts which are perfectly suited towa... VIEW HOTELS Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Fairmont is a leader in the global hospitality industry, with a distinctive collection and a worldwide reputation for excellence. Fairmont's diverse portfolio includes historic icons, elegant resorts and modern city centre properties. From the beaches of Hawaii and Bermuda to the heart of New York City, all of Fairmont's hotels offer a su... VIEW HOTELS Forever Resorts Forever Resorts South Africa is a tourism and hotel group comprising of luxury game lodges, adventure holidays, self-catering holidays, caravanning and camping, conferences, weddings and other events, as well as health hydros and spas. Each of the group's properties has been carefully selected to enhance the range and quali... VIEW HOTELS Four Seasons Hotels Four Seasons Hotels ... VIEW HOTELS Gatsby International Hotels & Resorts Gatsby International Hotel & Resorts is a Management and Marketing company specializing in luxury Boutique Hotels, Resorts and Guest Houses. Gatsby manages & markets the Lanzerac Hotel & Spa, the newly renovated St. James in Knysna to mention but a few. We are also involved in marketing various luxury hotels in Mauritius. Part ... VIEW HOTELS Go Touchdown Resorts South Africa's Hotel Group "Go Touchdown Resorts" was established in the year 2010. The "Go Touchdown Resorts" hotel group features family friendly resorts in South Africa which offer exciting activities as well as self catering accommodation at affordable prices. The company's slogan “Perfectly Positioned. ... VIEW HOTELS Gondwana Collection Gondwana Collection Namibia Come and experience Etosha National Park, Twyfelfontein, the Kalahari, the Fish River Canyon, the Wild Horses of the Namib and Sossusvlei with the Gondwana Game Lodges. The Gondwana Collection consists of exquisite, yet affordable accommodation establishments to suit anybody’s taste - each of them with a di... VIEW HOTELS Gooderson Leisure Group The Gooderson Leisure hotel group in South Africa owns and manages a variety of leisure destinations within KwaZulu-Natal, the Limpopo Province and Gauteng offering guests the choice to experience the very best of the beach, berg, bush or battlefields. With a heritage of hospitality spanning over 50 years the Gooderson Leisure Hotel Group e... VIEW HOTELS Guvon Hotels Guvon Hotels & Spas offers a great collection of hotels which are situated in the Gauteng, North-West and Mpumalanga provinces of South Africa. The hotels and game lodges provide excellent accommodation, conference as well as wedding facilities. Muldersdrift / Cradle of Humankind: Kloofzicht Lodge & Spa Glenburn... VIEW HOTELS Hilton Hotels & Resorts Hilton Hotels Globally As one of the most recognized names in the hospitality industry worldwide, Hilton Hotels stands as the stylish, forward thinking global leader of hospitality. Today Hilton welcomes guests in more countries than any other full-service hotel brand, with more than 530 hotels and resorts in 76 countries across six ... VIEW HOTELS Hunter Hotels Group Set in magnificent locations, each Hunter Hotels property is unique, offering the discerning visitor to South Africa an unforgettable experience. Rich in character, beautiful and opulent, with specific attention to detail, the internationally acclaimed Hunter Hotels are the pinnacle of unobtrusive service excellence. The four family owned and run e... VIEW HOTELS Hyatt Hotel Group Hyatt is a global hospitality company with widely recognized, industry leading brands and a tradition of innovation developed over more than fifty-years. Hyatt's mission is to provide authentic hospitality by making a difference in the lives of the people we touch every day. The Hyatt hotel group focuses on this mission in pur... VIEW HOTELS Our Best Southern Africa Luxurious Hotels, Lodges & Resorts 1. The Silo Hotel Cape Town, South Africa Perched at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, The Silo Hotel is a 5-star masterpiece within a historic grain silo complex and one of the most expensive hotels in South Africa. With 28 individually designed rooms, a rooftop pool, and direct access to the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, it offers unparalleled luxury. Virtuoso’s “Best Achievement in Design” winner, the hotel boasts panoramic views from Table Mountain to the Table Bay harbour, sights sought by locals and travellers alike. It’s a sanctuary of art, style, and architectural wonder, making it worthy of its three-time premium status tourism council certificate recipient. See This Hotel 2. Delaire Graff Estate Stellenbosch, South Africa It is fitting that the owner of this wine estate in South Africa's premier wine-producing area is connected to the glittering, polished world of diamonds. Delaire Graff has perfect attention to detail, from an extensive pillow menu (yes, a menu for pillows!) to the landscaped gardens, an extensive art collection and even a Graff Jewellery Boutique – it is these features that have crowned the estate as one of the most expensive hotels in South Africa. Check into the Presidential Suite or Owner's Lodge for arguably the best accommodation in the Winelands , with a cellar and cuisine to match. With accolades like the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Award for Best Hotel in South Africa and three consecutive Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star ratings, Delaire Graff stands as a globally recognised luxury destination and one of the best hotels in Africa! See This Lodge 3. Ellerman House Cape Town, South Africa An automatic choice for celebrities from Oprah Winfrey to Ellen DeGeneres, Ellerman House in the exclusive enclave of Bantry Bay exudes a subtle glamour and old-world grace which has seen it repeatedly ranked as one of the best hotels in Africa by Conde Nast Traveller and is known as one of the most expensive hotels in South Africa. Strung along a seaside hill with views over the Atlantic Ocean, Ellerman House has a private modern art collection packed with the best South African names, a brandy bar, and a vintage champagne cellar. All of that and more in an enviable location that is equidistant from the cosmopolitan Cape Town city centre, V&A Waterfront, Table Mountain and the gorgeous beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay. See This Hotel 4. Londolozi Granite Suites Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa Voted the number one resort in South Africa in Conde Nast's 2019 Reader's Choice Awards, Londolozi has long been synonymous with luxurious safaris. Their accommodation reaches its zenith at the three Granite Suites in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve , which is adjacent to the world-famous Kruger National Park . Perfectly designed and located in a very exclusive private concession, you will be able to sink into your indulgent outdoor bathtub between game drives, have a 1-on-1 yoga session or edit your photographs in the private studio. See This Lodge 5. Morukuru Ocean House De Hoop, South Africa Known by many as South Africa's Leading Beach Hotel, De Hoop is a coastal reserve on South Africa's picturesque Whale Coast , which runs along the ocean from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. Ocean House is probably the most outstanding vacation villa along the way – after jetting in by private plane and landing on a runway with bontebok grazing peacefully nearby, you will have the 6-bedroom, eco-friendly house to yourself. Toast the sunset after sandboarding, unwind in the private hot tub while looking out for southern right whales or curl up with a book from the library in the 360-degree view living area. See This Lodge 6. Lion Sands Ivory Lodge Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa The Lion Sands Ivory Lodge is an award-winning 5-star safari lodge in South Africa, set on the banks of the Sabie River in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. This luxury escape is synonymous with wildlife encounters such as the Big 5 and invites you to immerse yourself in bush walks and sunset game drives. Spend a few nights in one of eight Zen-inspired one-bedroom villas or the single two-bedroom villa, each with a heated plunge pool for you to dip into after a long day. You can indulge in a sumptuous dining experience under the stars, customizable by request, and end the night with a treehouse sleepover under one of Africa's best star-beds if you're feeling adventurous. The Lion Sands Ivory Lodge is a true safari gem, epitomized by Tatler Magazine as one of the best hotels in the world. See This Lodge 7. Puku Ridge South Luangwa National Park, Zambia For some, the prime location in South Luangwa National Park is enough to invite safari lovers from all over the world to Puku Ridge; it overlooks a private floodplain and watering hole, parts of land scoured by wildlife. On many days you may find yourself lucky enough to begin your sighting even before you leave your compound. Puku Ridge has been tastefully designed with refined architectural lines that bring a touch of modernity to the authentic camp-feeling. At night, the area comes alive with candlelit dinners and lights radiating from inside of the property – what a sight it is to see. Tents are small, but sophisticated with outdoor showers and outdoor day beds. Puku Ridge is among the smaller locations on this list, but this only adds to its intimacy, fostering a sense of homeliness within the lively national park teeming with wildlife. See This Camp 8. Jao Camp Okavango Delta, Botswana A luxury safari lodge and not technically a hotel, it still makes our list as one of the most luxurious hotels in Africa. Jao Camp places a huge emphasis on its oneness with its natural surroundings- an essence that invites you to embrace the true beauty and life of the Okavango Delta. This safari camp on a remote island manages to both stand out in its grandeur and blend in through organic elements such as the exposed wood hung throughout its structure. Choose from one of five safari suites or two villas which allow you to completely let go under the care of your private butler, chefs, and guides, who are there to take care of your every need. When you aren't spending time outdoors, the in-house museum and library await just a stroll away, with plenty of stories to tell. See This Camp 9. Thorntree River Lodge Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Livingstone, Zambia Thornhill's chic interior welcomes you with a blend of contemporary and African-influenced décor in spacious tents, but for some, the stunning design comes second to its idyllic setting overlooking the Zambezi River. Nestled on the Zambian side of The Victoria Falls region, Thorntree places you just 40kms away from Victoria Falls, allowing for daily excursions to the falls and a rare deck view of “Smoke that Thunders” on clear days. Evenings provide the perfect end to a day of exploring with private sunset river excursions on the Zambezi, and dinner beneath the multihued sky, its reflection dancing on the water beside you. See This Lodge Travel Article Africa's Top 15 Luxury Safari Lodges Travel Article 20 Best Luxury Hotels, Lodges & Camps in South Africa Best in East Africa Our Best East Africa Luxurious Hotels, Lodges & Resorts 10. Alfajiri Villas Majengo Mvita, Kenya Positioned on the 10-mile shoreline of Diani Beach, Alfajiri welcomes all – families and couples- to some of the most luxurious villas in Kenya and on the East African coast. A stay here promises exclusivity, with your own butler on hand and a private pool that seems to go on forever against the marine backdrop. Remarkable views of the Indian Ocean are yours to take in at all times and direct beach access makes for an easy skip to the stunning shores. Honeymooners can enjoy the Turret Suite, often referred to as one of the most romantic bedrooms in the world while the Alfajiri Cliff Villa has four suites, perfect for a family of up to eight, and worthy of its rating by Conde Nast Traveller as one of the most luxurious villas in the world! See This Villa 11. Thanda Island Private Marine Reserve Shungimbili Island, District of Mafia Island, Tanzania Thanda Island, open since 2016, reflects a decade of dedicated development in every aspect of your stay. Enjoy exclusive access to a five-bedroom villa and two Tanzanian bungalows, perfect for family and friend getaways. Relax on Thanda’s boat, complete with champagne, a sound system, and attentive waitstaff, or explore Chole, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar on exciting excursions. Dive into the turquoise marine reserve waters via snorkelling or kayaking, and swim with gentle whale sharks. Unwind with spa treatments on the beach, in your villa, or at the island spa, take a dip in the rim-flow pool, or challenge friends to a tennis match. A week at Thanda Island, a seven-time World’s Leading Exclusive Private Island winner, guarantees a dreamlike experience. See This Villa 12. Singita Sasakwa Serengeti National Park, Tanzania The grand Singita Sasakwa finds itself perched on Sasakwa Hill, exuding the vintage charm of an Edwardian Manor House with all the opulence to match it. The 5-star lodge effortlessly merges classical architectural elements with contemporary finishings resulting in interior décor that exudes a soft elegance. All of this is complemented perfectly by the neutral tones of the never-ending savanna that surround the property, offering guests an uninterrupted view of some of the best year-round game viewing opportunities, including the rhapsodized wildebeest migration. For those seeking romance, hot air balloon safaris and wine-tasting experiences beckon, while thrilling game drives and guided safari walks call to the adventurous, all from the Travel Awards World's Leading Safari Lodge. See This Lodge 13. Segera Retreat Laikipia Plateau, Kenya In Kenya's Laikipia Plateau, conservation thrives at the core of the region, benefiting both communities and wildlife. This care for the environment extends to all Segera guests. Choose from 10 uniquely designed home-style villas and houses, offering a lavish home-away-from-home experience, tailored to your needs, inviting you to embrace the essence of sustainable luxury. The spacious and modern three-bedroom farmhouse opens onto a patio with breathtaking Mount Kenya views and a sun-kissed private pool, providing a refreshing escape from the Kenyan summer heat Outside, a wealth of experiences awaits you: join a wilderness walk with tracking dogs and East Africa’s first women-only team, participate in community tree planting, engage with Kenyan beekeepers, or explore the creative studio for some retail therapy. Safaris can be customized to your daily schedule, allowing flexibility to fill your itinerary or the chance to simply unwind and savour your surroundings. See This Lodge Travel Article Sleep Under the Stars: Africa's Best Star-Beds Travel Article East vs Southern Africa Safari: Which is Best? Travel Article Africa’s Top Luxury Tented Safari Camps Best in Indian Ocean Islands Our Best Indian Ocean Islands Luxurious Hotels & Resorts 14. The Oberoi Turtle Bay, Mauritius The word ‘refinement' isn't found very often in conjunction with the phrase ‘carefree beach holiday'… except if you check into The Oberoi. Built on a long stretch of pristine coastline and sheltered by extensive sub-tropical gardens, this beach hotel in Mauritius manages to make traditional elements like thatch and timber seem effortlessly sophisticated. Sunny days are best spent on the Oberoi's own yacht, while balmy evenings set the mood for stargazing on the beach, listening to the waves lazily lapping the shore… Each day here makes it more apparent why The Oberoi was voted the Best Hotel Brand in The World by Travel + Leisure (2022). See This Resort 15. Six Sense Zil Payson Félicité, Seychelles There's a reason Six Senses Zil Payson has been named amongst the best 5-star hotels in Seychelles. It certainly offers an exclusive Seychelles escape like no other! This 5-star resort on the private Island of Félicité blends grandly into the granite boulders and pristine beaches that surround it. With a variety of accommodation, a spa, and endless activities and amenities available, it caters to all, from honeymooners to families. Their commitment to sustainability includes growing organic produce for use in mouth-watering dishes, as well and sea turtle conservation. As a recent recipient of the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Award, it's easy to understand why we're ranking it as one of the most ultra-luxurious hotels on the continent. Top 10 best luxury hotels in South Africa November 20, 2023 8 Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire. Today: Top 10 most luxurious hotels & lodges in South Africa South Africa – one is the planet’s most hauntingly beautiful country – holds a special place in my heart since I spent part of medical training here. The country offers an epic diversity of majestic landscapes, from the jagged peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains and the vast landscapes of the Karoo desert, to the stunning coastal scenery of the Cape Peninsula and the endless savannas of the Kruger National Park. But it’s not only the unsurpassed natural scenery that travelers are raving about. Observing Africa’s Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo), whale watching, the enjoyable climate, delicious food, excellent wines, the world’s most beautiful city , and above all the warm hospitality of its diverse population make the rainbow nation a must-see destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. South Africa also harbors some of the finest and most luxurious hotels & lodges in the world that match the breathtaking scenery. To ensure that you find the right hotel for your next African adventure , I have compiled a top 10 list of my favorite hotels & lodges in South Africa. There is more information (with reviews & Youtube clips) below the slide show. Think I missed one? Share your favorite hotel in South Africa in the comments section! 10. FOUR SEASONS HOTEL THE WESTCLIFF, JOHANNESBURG *** Follow me on Twitter , Instagram and Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration *** 10. FOUR SEASONS HOTEL THE WESTCLIFF, JOHANNESBURG Formerly known as The Westcliff, the iconic hillside hotel closed its doors in June 2013 for an ambitious $56 million USD renovation, reopening to the public in December 2014 as a Four Seasons property. Perched on a cliffside, this resort-style retreat offers panoramic views over the neighbouring Johannesburg Zoo and the dense tree canopy of the city’s prestigious northern suburbs. The ambience is like a sun-splashed Mediterranean village laced with courtyards, fountains and gardens. Fully transformed, the hotel’s approximately 114 guest rooms and suites offer cool, contemporary décor inspired by modern Africa. Four Seasons Hotel Westcliff Johannesburg is a lively social hub for the city’s elite, and the first choice for business and holiday travellers – providing a pampering start or finish for a South African safari. Hotel website: Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff Tip: get complimentary VIP persk when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD spa credit). Review: read my review of the Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff here . 9. BUSHMANS KLOOF WILDERNESS RESERVE, CEDERBERG MOUNTAINS Nestled in the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains north of Cape Town, South Africa, lies Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat, an ideal refuge to feel the pulse of an extraordinary and ancient landscape. The lodge offers a distinctive wilderness experience among open plains, ancient sandstone formations, and over 130 sites of bush art paintings, some dating back as far as 10,000 years. The breathtaking beauty and timeless tranquility of the wide open plains, majestic rock formations and crystal clear waterfalls reconnect guests with life’s true essence. As a Relais & Châteaux property, the lodge offers splendid luxury, generous hospitality and all modern amenities. Bushmans Kloof consists of 16 luxurious guest rooms and suites, as well as Koro Lodge, a private, fully-catered villa close to the main lodge. Hotel website: Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, an,d $100 USD resort credit). 8. THE SILO HOTEL CAPE TOWN The Silo Hotel is a magical space towering above the V&A Waterfront surrounded by the natural wonder of South Africa’s Mother City. The Silo has been built in the grain elevator portion of the historic grain silo complex occupying six floors above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA). From the outside, the greatest visible change to the building’s original structure is the addition of pillowed glazing panels, inserted into the geometry of the hotel floors, which bulge outward as if gently inflated. By night, this transforms the building into a glowing lantern or beacon in the harbor. The Silo hotel has 28 lofty rooms, including a spectacular one bedroom penthouse, which all come with lovely freestanding bathtubs and balconies. A highlight of the hotel is its spectacular wraparound rooftop terrace, which features an infinity pool, two bars and several lounge areas. Hotel website: The Silo Cape Town Other accolades: The Silo features in my in my top 10 list of the best hotels in Cape Town . Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit). Review: read my review of The Silo Hotel Cape Town here . 7. KRUGER SHALATI – THE TRAIN ON THE BRIDGE, KRUGER NATIONAL PARK Permanently stationed on the historically-rich Selati Bridge above the Sabie River in Kruger National Park, Kruger Shalati offers the most unique luxury accommodation in a re-envisioned train which pays homage to the guests who explored the park nearly 100 years ago. The train celebrates where the first visits to the iconic park were allowed in the early 1920s: the train would park overnight in the exact spot where Kruger Shalati is positioned. The hotel offers 31 rooms, consisting of 24 carriage rooms and 7 Bridge House rooms, all of which provide a deeply visceral experience, tailored for immersive comfort. Whether you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind adventure, an enthralling break or to simply immerse yourself in earth’s finest creations, Kruger Shalati welcomes you on a journey of discovery with nature in the most extraordinary way imaginable. Hotel website: Kruger Shalati – The Train on the Bridge Other accolades: Kruger Shalati, the Train on the Bridge also features in my top 10 list of the best safari lodges in South Africa . Review: read my review of Kruger Shalati here . 6. LONDOLOZI GAME RESERVE, SABI SAND Londolozi Game Reserve, Member of Relais & Châteaux, is one of the original safari camps in South Africa. Four generations of family-run hospitality and 40 years of experience hosting ecotourism have culminated in an entirely unique and transcendent bushveld experience for the discerning guest. Guests can choose from one of four small camps or stay in one of just three exclusive Private Granite Suites, each built with nature in mind and designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding habitat. Londolozi offers some of the most spectacular game viewing in an ideal setting, with the some of the highest densities of wild leopards in the world. The Londolozi Healing House experience also offers guests to combine the core safari excursions with artful resting, curated bodywork and yoga in the surrounds of the expansive wilderness presence of Londolozi. Hotel website: Private Granite Suites Other accolades: Private Granite Suites also features in my top 10 list of the best safari lodges in South Africa . 5. MONT ROCHELLE, FRANSCHHOEK Mont Rochelle is a stunning 26-bedroom hotel and vineyard just under an hour’s drive from Cape Town in the town of Franschhoek in South Africa. Franschhoek is a traditional vineyard town in the Western Cape Province famously known as the French Corner of the Cape and is considered to be the food and wine capital of South Africa. Located at the foot of the gorgeous Klein Dassenberg Mountain Range, Mont Rochelle was purchased by Sir Richard Branson in 2014 and is now part of the exclusive Virgin Limited Edition collection which also includes Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands. The hotel offers its (often famous) guests the ultimate in privacy and relaxation, in addition to a superb culinary experience accompanied by some outstanding wines (the hotel’s vineyard processes close to 150 tons of grapes in a season). Mont Rochelle also has two dedicated spa treatment rooms as well as a Hammam. Hotel website: Mont Rochelle Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and ZAR 1300 gift shop, spa or food & beverage credit to be utilized during stay). 4. ELLERMAN HOUSE, CAPE TOWN Situated in the heart of Bantry Bay (one of Cape Town’s most exclusive neighborhoods), Ellerman House, Member of Relais & Châteaux, is an elegant mansion just ten minutes away from the city center and within walking distance of Clifton and Camps Bay beaches. The true splendor of the property rests in faithful preservation of its historical architecture, combined with discreet hospitality and efficient service reflecting the ambience experienced only in the comfort and familiarity of home. Whether you choose the luxurious atmosphere of Ellerman House (which comprises 13 bedrooms) or the modern-art-gallery style of its two three-bedroom villas, you will fall under the spell of an address that lets you relish all the pleasures of Cape Town. Enjoy dining on gourmet cuisine, tasting fine vintage wines, and surveying the impressive private art collection; plus, the ocean view is spectacular! Hotel website: Ellerman House Other accolades: Ellerman House also features in my top 10 list of the best hotels in Cape Town . Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, a paired chocolate and South African Brandy tasting with a sommelier, and 10% discount on first spa treatment). Review: read my review of Ellerman House here . 3. SINGITA LEBOMBO LODGE, KRUGER NATIONAL PARK Singita Lebombo Lodge is a celebration of cutting-edge design in an African context where everything defers to nature. This dramatic lodge comprises 13 suites and one villa that give guests a front row seat to the Kruger National Park with bold, contemporary open plan suites suspended above the N’Wanetsi River. The exclusive concession is a richly diverse habitat, teeming with game, beneath endless African skies. Other highlights of the lodge include a roof terrace and wine studio (a multi-level retreat which boasts a library, multi-media room, wine studio and rooftop viewing area), an interactive kitchen, and a lovely lap pool. All communal areas of the lodge have been pushed out to ensure that the outside bursts in, offering elegant, calm and meditative spaces immersed in a dramatic landscape of giant euphorbia trees. Hotel website: Singita Lebombo Lodge Other accolades: Singita Lebombo Lodge also features in my top 10 list of the best safari lodges in South Africa . Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and a Virtuoso gift to the value of $100 USD equivalent per adult couple). 2. LION SANDS IVORY LODGE, SABI SAND Set along the banks of the Sabie River and attracting abundant “big five” wildlife from Sabi Sand Game Reserve and Kruger National Park, Lion Sands has four luxurious lodges: River Lodge, Ivory Lodge, Tinga Lodge, and Narina Lodge. Ivory Lodge, which was completely renovated in 2017, is the understated jewel in the Lion Sands crown and the most exclusive safari lodge of South Africa. The ultra-luxe lodge is all about elegance, with an aura of sophistication yet simplicity, boldness yet balance, ebony and ivory, perfect harmony, exclusivity, sensitivity and complete privacy. The 8 one-bedroom Villas and 1 two-bedroom Fish Eagle Villa have their own private rim flow plunge pools with magnificent views over the Sabie River, allowing guests to cool down from the hot African sun while watching animals as they quench their thirst a mere stone’s throw away. Hotel website: Lion Sands Ivory Lodge Other accolades: Lion sands Ivory Lodge also features in my top 10 list of the best safari lodges in South Africa . Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and a 60 min massage for two). Review: read my review of Lion Sands Ivory Lodge here . 1. &BEYOND TENGILE RIVER LODGE, SABI SAND Situated in a perfect position on the banks of the Sand River – in the heart of the world-famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve – lies &Beyond Tengile River Lodge. The magnificent lodge features nine enormous, air-conditioned, secluded suites, dotted in the dappled shade of the bushveld, each with panoramic river views. In addition to a master bedroom, bathroom and outdoor shower, there is a lounge, dining area, fully-stocked bar, coffee station, and an outdoor deck with private lap pool. For families, two of the lodge’s suites are joined by a covered walkway to create a family suite. The lodge’s guest area offers a mixed selection of open, interactive and private places. Bespoke furniture, lights and unique décor pieces have been created from skilled local artists and striking fabrics have been masterfully hand-painted. Hotel website: &Beyond Tengile River Lodge Other accolades: &Beyond Tengile River Lodge also features in my top 10 lists of the most fabulous &Beyond lodges in the world and the best safari lodges in South Africa . best hotels in South Africa Is one on the coast worth two in the bush? Or would you rather be based in the city or winelands? Here are some of the country’s top spots to bed down Heather Richardson Friday November 29 2024, 2.33pm GMT, The Times Oh, South Africa. Could this nature-rich country be the ultimate sunny winter escape? It may be 12 hours from London but the time difference is just one hour, meaning no jet lag. The arts scene is thriving, the mercury rarely drops below the mid-20s and, although they’re frequently upstaged by animal stars such as whales and lions, there are a serious number of high-quality hotels to choose from. From sleek urban villas and stylish savannah lodges to wellness retreats that draw on traditional healing wisdom, the options are as varied as the landscapes. Our expert has considered location, style, service and value to bring you the best hotels in South Africa . Main photo: Delaire Graff Lodges and Spa (Booking.com) This article contains affiliate links. Show more Our travel journalism is written and edited by independent experts to inform, inspire and advise our readers about the best choices for your holidays. We also feature properties and itineraries from a specially selected list of trusted operators. These buttons and adverts are clearly signposted, and provide direct links through to external sites. If you click and buy a product, we may earn revenue. 1. Ellerman House, Cape Town In the swanky Cape Town suburb of Bantry Bay, Ellerman House overlooks the Atlantic from the cliffside. Tucked away from view, this is a firm favourite with visiting celebrities. The style is comfortable and elegant in the main 13-room hotel, whereas the two villas are more contemporary and chic. South African art is a focus of the hotel and there’s a gallery attached; there are excellent art tours for guests if you’d like to learn more about the impressive collection. The wine collection is also standout, with 7,500 bottles to keep you busy — check out the giant corkscrew wine rack, a striking functional art piece. Book a stay 2. Grootbos, Walker Bay Since the 1990s the owners of Grootbos have worked to restore this swathe of coastal fynbos overlooking Walker Bay. The reserve has grown, new species have been discovered, and neighbouring farmers have bought into their conservation initiatives. It has been a huge success — and guests of this luxury resort, with two lodges (housing 11 and 16 rooms) and two villas, can reap the rewards, with fynbos safaris to learn about the ecosystem; horse riding and mountain biking along the trails; and magical lantern-lit dinners in the indigenous milkwood forest. In the bay you can take a boat trip to spot whales — or even cage-dive with great white sharks. Book a stay La Residence (Booking.com) 3. La Residence, Franschhoek Completely over the top in its opulent design, with red velvet and crystal chandeliers galore, La Residence somehow manages to make it work, perhaps because the staff are so unpretentious and friendly. A favourite of Elton John (his photograph graces “his” room), La Res, as it’s known, is in the Franschhoek valley, surrounded by mountains and vineyards. Each room is furnished uniquely, with the owners’ vast art collection adorning the walls. Franschhoek is right on your doorstep, so you can eat at some of South Africa’s finest restaurants and drink at some of its top vineyards. Book a stay Advertisement Emily Moon River Lodge (Booking.com) 4. Emily Moon River Lodge, Plettenberg Bay A boutique hotel with 16 rooms, Emily Moon is set by the Bitou River in Plettenberg Bay, overlooking mountains and wetlands. You might stop here if you’re doing a Garden Route road trip to or from Cape Town. The quirky style is made up of pieces from the owners’ travels and lives — Samburu spears from Kenya, old family photos. There’s a restaurant on site, or you can go into “Plett” after a day of fishing or canoeing on the river, mountain biking or unwinding with an in-room massage. Book a stay Cederberg Ridge Wilderness Lodge (Booking.com) 5. Cederberg Ridge, Cederberg On a farm just past the little town of Clanwilliam, about two and a half hours north of Cape Town, Cederberg Ridge is a relatively new boutique hotel that sits — as the name suggests — on a ridge with a view of the Cederberg mountains. The style is clean and minimal, with big windows that put the landscape centre stage. The seven chalets are spread out either side of the main farmhouse, where meals are served. Make the most of the farm’s network of private trails before heading out on one of the hotel’s tours, including guided rock art trails to learn more about the indigenous San, and rooibos tea tasting in town. Book a stay Mount Nelson Hotel (Booking.com) 6. The Mount Nelson, Cape Town A classic for a reason, the art-festooned Belmond Mount Nelson is a grande dame that has been welcoming visitors to Cape Town for well over 100 years. The Nelly, as it’s affectionately known, is set in the pretty city bowl neighbourhood of Gardens, with a distinctive sugar-pink central building surrounded by lush gardens and tall palm trees. It’s on the larger side, with 198 rooms and suites, and it’s open to the public for dining and for its famous afternoon tea, lending it a livelier vibe than other hotels. But if you want to get out and about, it’s well positioned for you to explore the many attractions, bars and restaurants of central Cape Town. Book a stay • Read our full review of Belmond Mount Nelson The Peech Hotel (Booking.com) 7. The Peech, Johannesburg A stylish boutique hotel in upmarket Melrose, The Peech comprises a complex of buildings set amid neat leafy gardens — a little retreat in a big city. The 32 rooms and suites are modern and simple, with pops of colour or prints, and lots of natural light. The two-bedroom villa is ideal for families, with a private terrace and outdoor dining area. There are two restaurants, one open to the public, which gives the hotel a more local feel. Book a stay Advertisement Bushmans Kloof (Booking.com) 8. Bushmans Kloof, Cederberg Although the grounds feel a little too manicured for the Cederberg — a wild, raw and rugged landscape — Bushmans Kloof is nonetheless an excellent hotel for all kinds of travellers. There are 16 rooms and suites spread around the grounds, and a spa. Within an 18,500-acre private reserve, the luxury resort has no problems offering seclusion and is home to some of the Cederberg’s ancient rock art paintings — a tour with one of the knowledgeable guides is recommended. You can also spend your days mountain biking, kayaking around the dam followed by a picnic lunch (the food is excellent), or heading into the Cederberg mountains for a guided hike. Book a stay The Oyster Box (Booking.com) 9. The Oyster Box, Durban In the snazzy neighbourhood of Umhlanga, the elegant Oyster Box is a longstanding favourite hotel with locals and internationals alike, and through the years has done a lot to keep tourists coming to Durban . The grand white building overlooks the beach and the red-and-white lighthouse; the ocean-facing pool is lined with similarly coloured loungers. The hotel has a huge spa — including a hammam — and is known for its curry buffet on the ocean terrace. Book a stay Four Seasons Westcliff (Booking.com) 10. Four Seasons Westcliff, Johannesburg When Four Seasons moved into South Africa’s largest city, it was seen as a major coup — and a sign that Joburg ’s tourism scene was on the up. The hotel overlooks the city centre from a hilltop and is conveniently located between the lively neighbourhoods of Rosebank, Melville and Parkhurst, where you can browse art galleries, shop and eat out — although there’s on-site dining too, including a grill and a fine-dining restaurant. The 117 rooms are classically luxe — opt for one with a panoramic view from the balcony. Book a stay Labotessa boutique hotel (Booking.com) 11. Labotessa, Cape Town Labotessa is something a bit different in Cape Town’s city centre. This pale-blue townhouse has been converted into six chic, jewel-toned suites and a penthouse. There are two large suites on each floor, each with a lounge area, kitchenette and view of Lion’s Head across Church Square (which is quiet at night, unlike other parts of the CBD). The penthouse has a fully equipped kitchen, a large terrace that’s perfect for summer evenings, and its own plunge pool. Bathrooms are stocked with Diptyque products — and if you like the samples, there’s a Diptyque boutique downstairs. Book a stay Delaire Graff Lodges and Spa (Booking.com) 12. Delaire Graff, Stellenbosch Set in its own wine estate outside Stellenbosch, Delaire Graff is a seriously sleek hotel — not surprising considering it’s owned by Laurence Graff of Graff Diamonds. Wander through the verdant grounds to find sculptures dotted around the gardens; there’s art all over the hotel too. The lodges have private pools and incredible views across rolling vineyards. Indochine is one of the region’s — even the country’s — best restaurants; there’s wine tasting of course; and a spa with full-day packages for when you really want to zen out. Book a stay Advertisement Pineapple House boutique hotel (Booking.com) 13. Pineapple House, Cape Town Tucked away from the main road in busy Sea Point — one of Cape Town’s coolest neighbourhoods — Pineapple House is a great place to stay if you’re looking for a hotel that’s chic, friendly and chilled out. The house has loads of local art and design pieces, an open-plan lounge, kitchen and dining room on the ground floor, and each room is decked out differently, with lots of bold prints and colours. It’s a stone’s throw from the Atlantic promenade and all the cafés, indy restaurants and boutiques of Sea Point — and within walking distance of the trails of Signal Hill and Lion’s Head. Book a stay 14. Lekkerwater Beach Lodge, De Hoop Nature Reserve Lekkerwater — “good water” in Afrikaans — has seven stand-alone units facing the Indian Ocean, each stylishly decorated with open fires to keep you snug in winter (when the whales are in town). Take a stroll along the gleaming beach to explore rock pools for sea creatures such as starfish or even octopuses. Sip a local chardonnay on your private deck watching for whales and dolphins in the surf — the roaring waves make for the most relaxing of white noise. Meals are served communally in the main area; sometimes there’s a braai (barbecue), other times it’s local classics such as bobotie (baked spiced mince with an egg topping that is considerably more delicious than it sounds). With loads to do outdoors, this is a fun place for children (6+) and there’s a family unit next to the main area, so everyone can stay together. BACK TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE

To see this working, head to your live site. Categories All Posts My Posts Forum Welcome! Have a look around and join the discussions. Create New Post General Discussion Share stories, ideas, pictures and more! subcategory-list-item.views subcategory-list-item.posts 7 Follow Questions & Answers Get answers and share knowledge. subcategory-list-item.views subcategory-list-item.posts 0 Follow New Posts Andy Dezius Jan 24 THE NINE PROVINCE OF SOUTH AFRICA General Discussion 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. In 1910 these four states were united into a single country, the Union of South Africa, under British rule. This became the Republic of South Africa in 1960, under apartheid rule. In the 1970s and eighties, under the apartheid doctrine of “separate development”, the map of South Africa was spattered with the odd outlines of the “homelands”. These unsustainable states were set up on disjointed parcels of land with no economic value. Laws were passed to make black South Africans citizens of these barren regions, denying black people’s citizenship of South Africa as a whole. In 1996, under South Africa’s new democratic constitution, the homelands were dismantled and South Africa consolidated into today’s nine provinces. The land area of South Africa’s nine provinces, from smallest to largest: • Gauteng: 18,178 square kilometres (1.5% of total) • Mpumalanga: 76,495 square kilometres (6.3%) • KwaZulu-Natal: 94,361 square kilometres (7.7%) • North West: 104,882 square kilometres (8.6%) • Limpopo: 125,755 square kilometres (10.3%) • Western Cape: 129,462 square kilometres (10.6%) • Free State: 129,825 square kilometres (10.6%) • Eastern Cape: 168,966 square kilometres (13.8%) • Northern Cape: 372,889 square kilometres (30.5%) • South Africa: 1,220,813 square kilometres (100%) Population of the provinces The population of the provinces also varies considerably. Gauteng, the smallest province, has the largest number of people living there – over a quarter of South Africa’s population. The Northern Cape, which takes up nearly a third of the country’s land area, has the smallest population: just over 2% of the national total. The population of South Africa’s nine provinces in 2017, from smallest to largest: • Northern Cape: 1.2 million people (2.1% of South Africa’s total population) • Free State: 2.9 million people (5.1%) • North West: 3.9 million people (6.8%) • Mpumalanga: 4.4 million people (7.9%) • Limpopo: 5.8 million people (10.2%) • Eastern Cape: 6.5 million people (11.5%) • Western Cape : 6.5 million people (11.5%) • KwaZulu-Natal: 11.1 million people (19.6%) • Gauteng: 14.3 million people (25.3%) South Africa’s population South Africa has 56.5-million people, according to 2017 estimates. The 2011 census puts it at 51.5-million. Black South Africans make up around 81% of the total, coloured people 9%, whites 8% and Indians 3%. Census counts of provincial populations South Africa has held three censuses in its recent democratic history: in 1996, 2001 and 2011. Over those 15 years, the population of the provinces shifted.Gauteng’s population grew dramatically, overtaking that of KwaZulu-Natal – which saw significant growth of its own. Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West and the Western Cape also had notable increases in population. By contrast, the populations of the Eastern Cape, Free State and Northern Cape remained fairly static, as people migrated to other provinces. Population density in the provinces The variation in land area and population among South Africa’s population translates into huge differences in population density. Gauteng has an average of 785 people per square kilometre, while the Northern Cape has only three people for each square kilometre. Population density in South Africa’s nine provinces in 2017, from smallest to largest: • Northern Cape: 3 people per square kilometre • Free State: 22 people per square kilometre • North West: 37 people per square kilometre • Eastern Cape: 38 people per square kilometre • Limpopo: 46 people per square kilometre • Western Cape: 50 people per square kilometre • Mpumalanga: 58 people per square kilometre • KwaZulu-Natal: 117 people per square kilometre • Gauteng: 785 people per square kilometre Provincial migration South Africans migrate away from poverty to where the jobs are, moving from poorer provinces to the richer ones. Gauteng is South Africa’s wealthiest province, mostly a city region and the centre of the country’s economy. It has the largest population, constantly swelled by migration. The province’s net migration rate (the number of people moving in minus people moving out) was nearly a million between 2011 and 2016. The Eastern Cape is the poorest province. Between 2011 and 2016 nearly half a million of its people migrated to other provinces, while only 170 000 or so moved into the province. Province and race There is also a wide variation in the racial composition of the different provinces’ populations. Census 2011 figures reveal that black South Africans are the majority population group in seven of the nine provinces, comprising from 75% to 97% of the provincial total. Yet they make up less than a third of the population in the Western Cape (26.7%) and under a half in the Northern Cape (46.5%). The distribution of a population group can reflect that people’s history in the country. Coloured South Africans are to be found mainly in the Western, Eastern and Northern Cape (respectively 61.1%, 12% and 10.7% of South Africa’s total coloured population) because they are descended from a mixture of slaves brought to what was then the Cape Colony, white immigrants to the colony, and indigenous Africans, particularly the Khoisan. The majority (71.6%) of Indian South Africans live in KwaZulu-Natal because their ancestors were brought to Natal in the early 20th century to work on sugarcane plantations. And only 0.3% of Indians live in the Free State (0.1% of the total Free State population), as they were forbidden by law to enter what was then the Orange Free State during the apartheid era. Provincial distribution also reflects a group’s socioeconomic position. White South Africans, the beneficiaries of the apartheid system, are largely found in the more developed and urbanised provinces of Gauteng (40.4% of the total white population, and 18.9% of the total Gauteng population) and the Western Cape (19.4% of the total white population, and 18.4% of the Western Cape population). Languages of the provinces There’s considerable variation in home languages between the provinces, according to Census 2011. IsiXhosa, for instance, is spoken by almost 80% of people in the Eastern Cape, while around 78% of those in KwaZulu-Natal speak isiZulu. IsiZulu is also the most common home language in Gauteng, but at a much smaller percentage. In the Western Cape and Northern Cape, Afrikaans comes into its own. Like 0 Andy Dezius Jan 24 THE BIG FIVE General Discussion In Africa, the Big five game animals are the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and African buffalo The term was coined by big-game hunters to refer to the five most difficult animals in Africa to hunt on foot but is now more widely used by game viewing tourists and safari tour operators.They are examples of charismatic megafauna, featuring prominently in popular culture, and are among the most famous of Africa's large animals. The 1990 and later releases of South African rand banknotes feature a different big-five animal on each denomination. Countries where all can be found include Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Species Elephant African bush elephant The African bush elephant and the African forest elephant are the largest extant land-based animals. Elephants are herbivores with thick, almost hairless skin; a long, flexible, prehensile trunk; upper incisors forming long, curved, ivory tusks; and large, fan-shaped ears. Elephants are difficult to hunt because, despite their large size, they are able to hide in thick bush and are more likely to charge than the other Big Five species. They become aggressive when their young are threatened. Rhinoceros Black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) The black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) and the white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) are large herbivores with two upright horns on their nasal bridge. The black rhino is classified as critically endangered and the white rhino as near threatened, and both are subject to extensive poaching. Among big-five game hunters, the black rhinoceros is more highly prized. The current existing rhinos throughout the savanna are southern white rhinoceros, eastern black rhinoceros, south-western black rhinoceros and south-central black rhinoceros. African buffalo African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) The African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) is a large horned bovid. It is the only animal among the Big Five that is not on the "endangered" or "threatened" list. The Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer caffer) is considered by many to be the most dangerous of any of the Big Five:[12] buffalos have reportedly been known to ambush and attack humans: Lion Lion (Panthera leo) The lion (Panthera leo) is a large, carnivorous feline found in both Africa and northwestern India. It has a short, tawny coat; a tufted tail; and, in the male, a heavy mane around the neck and shoulders. As a large and charismatic apex predator with cultural significance, lions are among the most popular species to view on safari tours. Leopard African leopard (Panthera pardus) The leopard (Panthera pardus) is a large, carnivorous feline. Its fur is generally tawny with dark rosette-shaped markings. The leopard is the most seldom seen of the Big Five because of its nocturnal habits (it is most active between sunset and sunrise, although it may hunt during the day in some areas), and because it is wary of humans and will take flight in the face of danger. Leopards can be located in the grasslands, dense brushes, deserts, and forested areas of African savannas. Conservation status Africa's Big Five have become major concerns for wildlife conservationists in recent years. The African lion and African leopard are both classified as vulnerable. The African savanna elephant is listed as endangered by the IUCN as of 2021. The southern white rhinoceros and African buffalo are classified as near threatened while the black rhinoceros is classified as critically endangered. Like 0 Andy Dezius Jan 24 The most incredible national parks in South Africa for wildlife General Discussion From snow-capped mountains and the Bushveld to sub-tropical beaches and the Kalahari, South Africa is a mind-bogglingly diverse country. Showcasing an astonishing array of landscapes, the country's national parks and game reserves are great places to experience true wilderness and get close to Africa's famous wildlife. If you include private reserves, South Africa has hundreds of national parks and game areas. In some reserves, the focus is on wildlife encounters, while others are primarily wilderness sanctuaries or hiking areas. Here are the best national parks to add some natural wonder to your South Africa itinerary. Kruger National Park Best national park for wildlife watching Kruger National Park is one of the world's greatest wildlife-watching destinations. Some of Africa's most iconic species – elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, rhino, buffalo, giraffe, hippo and zebra – share the bushveld with a supporting cast of 136 other mammals and more than 500 bird species. Beautiful granite kopjes (hills) pepper the south, while the Lebombo Mountains rise from the savanna in the east, and tropical forests cover northern parts of this 7520 sq mile park. Yes, we concede that Kruger can sometimes become crowded with safari groups. And yes, you may have to wait in line to see those lions around a kill. On the flip side, Kruger's vast network of roads makes this one of Africa's most accessible parks, and it's well suited for families. You can explore with your own vehicle or join a huge range of guided wildlife safaris, and accommodation is plentiful and great value. Leopard close encounters are just one of the thrills that may be waiting in Kruger National Park . Like 0 Forum - Frameless

Is South Africa Safe? 10 Essential Travel Safety Tips t's true, crime levels are high in South Africa. But, as a born-and-raised South African, I can tell you that the media doesn't always paint an accurate reflection of the safety situation that's relevant to travelers specifically. So, don't let the news or social media frighten you from visiting this unique destination. If you keep these safety tips in mind, you will experience South Africa at its best. COVID-19 safety measures in South Africa How bad is crime in South Africa? Crime hot spots in South Africa Public transport safety Hiking safety LGBTQ+ travel safety Safety for solo women travelers Nightlife safety Politics and civil unrest Drug laws COVID-19 safety measures in South Africa A nationwide lockdown began in South Africa on 26 March 2020, based on a risk-based, five-level approach. It was considered one of the strictest lockdowns in the world. Not only were people told to stay at home, but the government also shut down all non-essential businesses and banned cigarettes, alcohol and outdoor exercise. Since 21 September 2020, the country has been on Alert level 1 , and most normal activities have resumed, with precautions and health guidelines in place. And, while new cases are identified on a daily basis, those who have contracted COVID-19 in South Africa have had a 90% recovery rate . South Africa partially opened its borders to international tourists on 1 October 2020. However, travelers arriving from these high-risk countries will not be permitted. While visiting South Africa, be aware of the following: To enter the country, you must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test (PCR) taken within 72 hours of your arrival. Without the test, you’ll be put into government-appointed quarantine at your own expense It’s mandatory to wear a face mask indoors and in all public places, except when doing vigorous exercise Countrywide, restaurant, supermarket, airports and hotel staff are required to wear face masks Hand sanitizers are widely available, and you must sanitize your hands before entering a restaurant, public building, shopping mall, etc Hotels, restaurants and bars can only operate at 50% capacity, so book ahead to make sure you get a room or a table Nightclubs are closed, and a curfew is in place from midnight to 4am Alcohol is only sold Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm, excluding public holidays. You can buy alcoholic drinks from licensed restaurants and bars on the weekends You need to practice social distancing of 5ft (1.5m) in all public spaces, including beaches, public park, museums, galleries, and hiking trails. Travel Insurance Simple and flexible travel insurance You can buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world. With 150+ adventure activities covered and 24/7 emergency assistance. Get a quote How bad is crime in South Africa? Recent years have seen a steady increase in crime in South Africa, both violent and non-violent in nature. According to the UK Government travel advisory, the majority of South Africa’s violent crime statistics come from the townships – the poor, densely populated neighborhoods on the outskirts of major cities. Among the crimes to look out for during your stay: Minor theft, fraud, and scams Muggings and armed robbery are sadly common; theft is typically the motive Protests can turn violent, resulting in clashes with the local police, and people ending up injured or killed. South Africans hold protests frequently, and most remain peaceful Food and drink spiking have been reported, with victims often assaulted and robbed following the incident – always keep an eye on your drink while out, and never accept a drink from a stranger There have also been some reports of foreigners being carjacked. Click here to read about common travel scams in South Africa. Crime hot spots in South Africa Perhaps more important than knowing the type of crimes committed in South Africa is knowing the areas where they're more likely to occur – that way, you can steer clear of troubled areas. The general rule of thumb is that crime increases when the sun goes down, particularly in the major cities. Carjackings, however, can occur at any time of the day or night. When driving, always be aware of your surroundings and look out for any suspicious activity, especially at red traffic lights and highway off-ramps as this is where carjackings tend to happen. If you’re driving late at night, slowly approach a red light, so by the time you reach the intersection, the light is green. Read our road safety tips here for more advice on driving in South Africa. Townships in South Africa Townships in general experience a higher crime rate than other areas, and while they're certainly not off-limits, it's recommended that you only explore them as a part of an organized tour group. Additionally, day or night, always avoid isolated picnic areas or beaches. Johannesburg If you're planning to visit Johannesburg, be aware of but not panicked by the high levels of crime in the city. Not all suburbs in Joburg are dangerous, though caution should be taken at night, when muggings are common, especially in the city center, so it's best not to walk anywhere. Joubert Park, Hillbrow, and Berea are hot spots for criminal activity and are best avoided. However, other areas of Joburg, such as Vilakazi Street in Soweto, Maboneng and Newtown and have undergone a revitalization, and crime has reduced. Hillbrow, Johannesburg. Photo credit: iStock/THEGIFT777 Cape Town Cape Flats sees a large proportion of the crime in Cape Town, and gang violence has been on the rise. Salt River, Sea Point, Mowbray, and Observatory also tend to see more criminal activity than other areas. Visitors are unlikely to visit Salt River or Mowbray, however, it is worth knowing these are not safe areas regardless. Watch out for scammers in the V&A Waterfront and pickpockets in the City Bowl. Sea Point’s promenade is popular among walkers and joggers and is generally a safe place to go – however, you should avoid walking here at night. Most tourists do not visit Observatory, however, you may be interested in going here if you are looking for alternative live music venues with a bohemian cultural vibe. If you're out at night, stick to the more crowded, well-lit locations, and don't walk alone. Table Mountain is a favorite destination for hikers and outdoor adventurers however there have been multiple attacks, including muggings, on the trails. You're advised to avoid (or at least be extra vigilant in) the more deserted areas of the park, particularly during early morning hours and shortly before the park closes. Apply the safety-in-numbers theory, stay to the more popular trails, and stick with a group. Durban Be cautious while traveling in the city center, or better yet, avoid it altogether. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and muggings are still a problem along the beachfront but have declined since the area's redevelopment, which first took place in 2010 for the FIFA World Cup, and again in 2019. Stay street-smart by remaining vigilant and sticking to well-lit areas at night. Instead of Durban’s city center, stick to the beachfront area and visit the promenade, Golden Mile Beach, and apply usual safety measures. Ice cream vendor on the Durban Promenade. Photo credit: iStock/wildacad Public transport safety in South Africa As with many destinations around the world, public transport facilities are often the scene of unwelcome criminal activity. Johannesburg and Cape Town airports have experienced frequent luggage theft. Never place items of value in your checked luggage. If you have to, consider using a service that will wrap your baggage in plastic to keep it from being tampered with. Criminals have also been known to wait outside the Johannesburg airport, then follow unsuspecting tourists to their accommodation to rob them. Pay close attention to your surroundings at all times, and whatever you do, don't accept a ride from the airport to wherever you are staying, unless it's from a reputable company. In Johannesburg, the high-speed Gautrain connects the northern suburbs with the city center and Pretoria. The train has a good reputation for safety, but robberies and assaults have been known to happen around the station. The Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit system is a safe bus network that runs between Johannesburg's city center and outer suburbs, including Soweto. Local commuter rails and metro trains have also been the locations of several assaults and robberies. Trains that travel between Johannesburg and Pretoria are especially risky, as well as the commuter trains in Cape Town. If you plan to take the train in Cape Town, always travel in first class, during the day, and in a cabin with other people. Avoid traveling to Cape Flats. When traveling by train, use common sense and always remain alert. Keep an eye out for general lurkers and suspicious characters at Central Station. Similarly, if you plan to do any shopping at local malls, be aware of your surroundings as armed robberies are on the rise in these locations. Alternatively, the MiCiTi Cape Town Integrated Rapid Transit bus system is a safe and reliable mode of transport that operates between the airport, Blouberg, Century City, Cape Town Central, V&A Waterfront, the suburbs of the City Bowl and Atlantic Seaboard to Hout Bay. Is it safe to go hiking in South Africa? South Africa is blessed with an abundance of beautiful mountains and hiking trails. It’s rare for hikers to experience any incidence of crime on the majority of hikes around the country, including multi-day trips. As mentioned above, there has been an increase in attacks and muggings on Table Mountain. To stay safe take note of these hiking safety tips: Never hike alone; four or more in a group is ideal Tell someone (could be the person at the front desk of your hotel, another traveler, or a local friend) your up-and-down routes and expected return time Plan your route and stick to the designated paths to avoid getting lost. Allow for ample time to finish the hike before it gets dark Don’t take risks or shortcuts, and always respect restricted areas; there’s a good reason the sign says ‘no entry’ Bring a fully-charged cellphone with local emergency numbers saved on it Be discreet with your valuables; only take them out when you need to Be wary of everyone you come across, especially suspicious ‘hikers’ who aren’t wearing hiking clothes or carrying a backpack. If you are confronted by a mugger, hand over your stuff without resistance or retaliation Pack sufficient water and snacks Dress appropriately and pack a warm jacket, no matter the season – the weather on the top of a mountain can change in an instant. Is South Africa safe for LGBTQ+ travelers? According to a 2019 study , South Africa is the 15th safest country for LGBTQ+ travelers, with Cape Town among the top gay travel destinations in the world. Despite the progressive and liberal laws, homosexuality remains culturally unacceptable in some parts of South Africa. LGBTQ+ individuals living in Black communities in the townships are more likely to be victims of discrimination and homophonic attacks. Be aware if you travel outside city centers. Ahead of your arrival to a particular city, check online forums where you can chat with members of the local LGBTQ+ community to get information about gay-friendly hotels, bars and tour agencies. Always practice safe sex, as HIV is prevalent throughout South Africa. Is South Africa safe for solo women travelers? While gender-based violence and femicide are a widespread problem in South Africa, it mostly takes place away from tourist destinations, in isolated areas and townships. However, solo women travelers might find themselves in vulnerable situations when they’re alone. If you use common sense and are vigilant you’ll have a fantastic time. Here are my top safety tips: Don’t walk alone at night and avoid isolated beaches, parks, streets and parking lots. Instead stick to more crowded, well-lit places When you’re walking around during the day, act confident and walk with purpose. Looking lost makes you an easy target. If you feel you are being followed, head to a nearby mall or restaurant and alert the security on site Do go out and socialize. But, like any other city in the world, watch your drink and never accept drinks offered by strangers (no matter how good looking they are) as spiking does happen. Always practice safe sex When you’re sitting at a café or restaurant, especially outdoors, don’t leave your handbag (or valuables) on the table, underneath your chair, or hanging off the back of your chair. Petty thieves may be watching and can quickly run past and grab it. I prefer to keep my bag on my lap or looped around the leg of my chair Don’t be flashy – leave your expensive jewelry at home, and keep your pricey things like your phone or camera hidden from pickpockets. If you need to check something on your phone, walk into a nearby store to do it. Is it safe to go out at night in South Africa? Travelers to South Africa should experience the country’s diverse and vibrant nightlife. You must, however, take safety precautions when going out at night, as you would when visiting any foreign country. While the popular party hotspots of Long Street in Cape Town and Melville, Rosebank and Sandton in Jo’burg are generally safe, it’s not uncommon for petty thieves and muggings. Avoid walking around these zones at night, especially if you’re alone or you’ve been drinking Keep your valuables in a safe place – in zippered pockets or a handbag strapped across your body – and be aware of people around you as pickpocketing does occur Drunk driving in South Africa is a very serious offense . Just don’t do it. e-Hailing apps such as Uber and Bolt are cheap, safe, reliable ways to get around town Carry a copy of your passport and leave the original safely locked up at your accommodation Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Nearly all bars and restaurants around the country accept debit and credit cards Never leave your drink unattended or accept drinks from strangers. Politics and civil unrest in South Africa Political demonstrations and strikes can occur anywhere in South Africa. While the majority of protests are peaceful, they can turn violent. Stay away from the areas of demonstrations and monitor local media for information and updates. If you suddenly come across a large gathering of protesters, exercise caution and follow the instructions of local authorities. Don’t attempt to cross protester roadblocks. In September 2019, riots broke out in Johannesburg. Several people were killed, and the riots were allegedly xenophobic in nature, targeting foreign nationals from the rest of Africa. These types of events may happen again, so be extra careful if you are traveling to South Africa while riots are taking place. Here are a few tips on what to do if you are traveling in a country experiencing civil unrest . Drug laws in South Africa Taking drugs in any country isn’t a smart idea, and it’s no different in South Africa. You’re not only placing yourself at risk with the law, but also your safety. Drug offenses carry severe penalties, including lengthy jail terms in grim conditions. It’s illegal in South Africa to smoke dagga or zol (local names for marijuana) in public places, in a car or in the presence of a child. However, a new cannabis law allows for the use of the drug in private residences only. Bear in mind that buying and selling marijuana remains illegal. So, is South Africa safe for travelers? After reading this, you may question whether it's worth it to travel to South Africa. Rest assured, there are plenty of safe areas to visit with enough beauty, friendly people, and adventure to go around. As long as you avoid unsavory areas, act wisely and remain alert for petty thievery, your experience will far outweigh any fears you may face as a traveler to the country. 10 things to know before traveling to South Africa Let’s not beat about the bush: South Africa has a bit of a scary reputation. Much is said about the country’s unenviable crime rate, but so much more can be said about all the things that make this diverse destination so magnificent. You shouldn't let anxiety about possible dangers put you off visiting this amazing African country. Huge and diverse, South Africa never stops doling out gifts to the traveler – world-class surf breaks , eclectic local cuisine , mountains to climb, cities to visit , tiny towns to hide away in, desert landscapes to photograph and, of course, plenty of wildlife to watch . The country’s extraordinary variety is both its biggest draw and its biggest challenge, at least when it comes to planning a trip. Much research is needed to decide where to go, what to do and how long to stay. Visiting for less than two weeks is not ideal – three weeks or more would be a better bet if you can manage so much time away. With tips to help you plan as well as information on health, safety and etiquette, here's what you need to know for a successful trip to South Africa. If you come to South Africa as a family, bring the right paperwork. Getty Images 1. Carry the relevant paperwork if you’re traveling with kids If you’re entering or leaving South Africa with a child under the age of 18 , you’ll need to have a few extra bits of paper in your carry-on bag. In a bid to stamp out child trafficking, all minors need to have an "unabridged" birth certificate – that is, one that lists both parents’ names. If only one parent is traveling with the child, you’ll need an affidavit from the other parent confirming that they give consent for the child to travel. The rules keep changing and papers are not always checked, but it’s wise to have the documents on hand just in case. 2. Carry cash, just not too much While credit and debit cards are widely accepted, there are still a few places in South Africa that only take cash. It’s best to keep a small stash of notes and coins for purchases at corner stores, buying things from market traders and for the various tips you’ll be expected to give throughout the day (more on tipping below). Of course, it’s not wise to walk around with large wads of cash on your person, so keep the bulk of your money hidden away in the hotel safe, or withdraw modest amounts from ATMs while you are out and about. Be wary of using ATMs on the street; theft and card scams are common, so it’s best to stick to machines inside malls or banks. 3. Buy a South African SIM card and use local Wi-Fi Public Wi-Fi is fairly easy to find in larger cities and more touristed towns, but if you’re planning on wandering far from the main population centers, it’s worth picking up a South African SIM card on arrival at the airport. The card costs just a few rand, but like pretty much everything in South Africa, it does come with a bit of paperwork. You’ll need to “RICA” your SIM card – a fairly simple registration process that requires a photo ID and confirmation of your address in South Africa (a simple booking confirmation will suffice). Book a car with one of the major rental companies to see more of the country. Ilyas Kalimullin/Shutterstock 4. If you really want to see SA, you need to rent a car There's no sugar-coating it – public transport in South Africa often falls short. Long-distance bus services exist but routes tend to bypass many smaller destinations, and fares can be expensive for shorter hops. Long-distance trains are unreliable, and hitchhiking is most definitely not recommended. If you really want to see the country, you’re going to have to rent a car. Fortunately, there are plenty of fantastic road trips to choose from, and all the big car hire companies are represented in South Africa – just be sure to book ahead, especially if you’re traveling in the November to March peak season . 5. Be more cautious when driving in cities When I first moved to South Africa, there was so much talk of carjackers that I expected to find balaclava-clad people lurking at every intersection waiting to appropriate my vehicle. I remember panicking at the gas station because I had to lower the window to pay, then passing my cash through an inch-high gap before driving away, stressed and sweating. These days I often drive with the windows down, but I do approach "robots" (the local term for traffic lights) with caution, always leaving a car-length gap in front of me just in case I need to make a quick escape. Be cautious while driving, but not paranoid. Keep your doors locked and be extra vigilant when driving at night, keeping your windows up and your wits about you. 6. Listen to the locals (but be ready for a little exaggeration) Local advice is always important, particularly in countries that have a reputation for crime and social problems. In South Africa, the host at your accommodation is a good person to ask about the best bars or restaurants, how to get around and which areas to avoid. Just be aware that there are many awesome attractions found in areas that South African locals – particularly older locals – wouldn’t consider visiting. Once, while staying in a guest house in suburban Durban, I asked the owner if there were any places to avoid and she replied “The CBD” (city center), which would have cut my sightseeing rather short. South Africans have a tendency to exaggerate the danger posed by crime – it’s almost a part of the national psyche, and a favorite topic of conversation. You might have to do a bit more research to sort out the worthwhile warnings from the sometimes-inevitable scaremongering. Expect to tip at restaurants, gas stations and even parking lots. Shutterstock 7. Be prepared to tip South Africa has a strong tipping culture. In many customer-facing industries, salaries are low and workers make much of their money from tips. Restaurant staff will expect a top of around 10%, but leaving 12–15% will generate bigger smiles. Drivers never pump their own gas in South Africa; you’ll be expected to pay at least R5 to the person filling your tank, or R10–20 if the attendant also checks your tires, oil or water. Then there are South Africa’s informal parking attendants. While larger cities and towns have areas with pay-as-you-go street parking, in most places, you can park at the side of the road for free… sort of. Ubiquitous car guards will offer to keep an eye on your car while you’re away, and they come in a range of helpfulness levels. Some will go the extra mile, stopping traffic to help you back out into a busy street. Others are opportunists who approach as you pull out your keys, claiming they were keeping a close eye on your car while you were shopping. Reward car guards according to the service they provide – a R5 coin is the standard thank you but R10 is more appropriate for someone who provided a more useful service. 8. South African English takes some getting used to While there are 11 official languages in South Africa, you’ll almost always find someone who speaks English, unless you’re in a remote rural area. There will still be a few local phrases that trip you up. One thing that often baffles foreigners is the (extremely liberal) use of the word “shame.” It’s a versatile word in South Africa. A cute child fell asleep in the car? Shame. A close family member passed away? Shame. Busy week at the office meaning you couldn’t make Friday drinks? Shame. The word is often preceded by the utterance "ag" and followed by the word "man." So the phrase "Ag, shame man" can mean anything from “awww” to “Oh no, that’s terrible!” Also frequently used is the word “hectic.” While it can be used to discuss a particularly busy intersection, it could also be used to describe a ridiculously tall building, a very long line at the bank, an insanely windy day or a particularly large baby being born. In South Africa, hectic doesn’t really mean busy – it usually means "wow." The bright lights don't stay on all day in many parts of SA. Zach Louw/Getty Images 9. Expect lots of talk about politics and power outages Certain subjects are off-limits in every country, but in South Africa, politics is not one of them. Everyone has an opinion on the government’s latest endeavors, whether that’s discussing the abundance of potholes, the latest corruption scandal or – more often than not – the government's failure to provide (electrical) power to the people. You'll very quickly become familiar with the inconvenience of what locals call "load-shedding." Basically, load-shedding is a never-ending series of planned power outages designed to take pressure off the ailing electricity grid. Cities and towns are split into zones, and depending on the severity of the load-shedding, you might end up without power for anything from two to 12 hours a day. There are eight "stages" of load-shedding, broken up into two-hour slots. Larger hotels won’t be affected thanks to backup generators, but if you’re staying in a guesthouse, hostel or private home, you are bound to encounter load-shedding at some point in your stay. Many places come equipped with fail-safes such as emergency lights, backup power for fridges and Wi-Fi hubs, and sometimes generators big enough to power the whole property. Your host will likely give you daily updates on when the power will be off, or there’s a handy app – EskomSePush – that has all the details and comes with a handy warning notification. 10. Driving in the emergency lane is standard practice While greetings, table manners and general day-to-day etiquette in South Africa should largely be familiar, the way South Africans drive can be a bit of a culture shock for visitors. One of the most idiosyncratic rules of the road is “yellow line driving” – many roads are single-lane highways, and enterprising drivers often use the emergency lane (hard shoulder) as a backup. If you’re on a highway and a driver behind you indicates that they want to get by, you'll be expected to briefly move across the yellow line into the emergency lane to let them pass. If you don’t, you’re likely to find yourself privy to another favorite local driving habit: tailgating. Drivers will usually flash their hazard lights in thanks as they pass, but be aware that obliging drivers aren’t the only thing to be found on the hard shoulder. Always make sure there is good visibility before you pull over, for around the next corner you might find a troop of baboons, a stray cow or a bunch of school kids walking home. South Africa Travel Advisory Exercise increased caution in South Africa due to crime and civil unrest. Country Summary:  Violent crime, such as armed robbery, rape, carjacking, mugging, and "smash-and-grab" attacks on vehicles, is common. There is a higher risk of violent crime in the central business districts of major cities after dark. Using GPS navigation can lead to unsafe routes. GPS navigation may suggest shortcuts through townships as the quickest preferred route but can lead to increased risks of crime. There have been incidents in which tourists traveling in Cape Town while using GPS navigation apps have been routed through residential areas with high rates of violent crime. The safest approach to return a rental car to Cape Town International Airport is to take the N2 highway and follow signs to Airport Approach Rd (exit 16). Alternatively, request the rental car company to collect your vehicle and subsequently arrange an airport transfer from established taxi companies or established ridesharing services to reach the airport. Demonstrations, protests, and strikes occur frequently. These can develop quickly without prior notification, often interrupting traffic, transportation, and other services; such events have the potential to turn violent. Please see our Alerts  for up-to-date information. Read the country information page  for additional information on travel to South Africa. If you decide to travel to South Africa: Research your route in advance, stay on major highways, avoid shortcuts through townships, and avoid reliance on GPS navigation apps. Avoid walking alone, especially after dark. Avoid visiting informal settlement areas unless you are with someone familiar with the area. Do not display cash or valuables. Drive with doors locked and windows closed. Always carry a copy of your U.S. passport and visa (if applicable). Keep original documents in a secure location. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  (STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Follow the Department of State on Facebook  and Twitter . Review the Country Security Report  for South Africa. Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist . Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information  related to your travel. DANGERS ON VISITING SOUTH AFRICA Is South Africa Safe for Tourists in 2024? (Solo & Family Travel Guide) If you’re thinking of visiting Africa, chances are South Africa is at the top of your list. But you probably have some safety concerns and questions, which is how you ended up here. We created this guide to address all of your concerns and give you practical advice so you can enjoy a safe and memorable trip to South Africa in 2024 – let’s go! Is South Africa Safe? South Africa is generally a safe place to visit. Most tourists visit Cape Town, go on a safari, and enjoy a beach break either in South Africa or nearby, like Mauritius, which, fun fact, holds the title of the safest place in Africa ! These trips usually follow safe routes. However, South Africa does have a high crime rate and poverty, so stay alert! Most crime happens in the outskirts of bigger cities, townships, or isolated areas, whereas the main tourist spots, like Cape Town’s city center and inner suburbs, the Cape Winelands, the Garden Route, and safari areas, are usually safe during the day but become risky after dark. Theft is the main crime visitors are prone to. For hiking or safaris, always go with a guide. Popular beaches have lifeguards but avoid late-night beach strolls as they can be riskier when deserted. Overall, visiting South Africa takes some preparation. A good tip is to ask your hotel or accommodation staff about places you want to visit—they’ll know if it’s safe and can recommend a guide if needed. Travel advisory for South Africa: Level 2, practice increased caution Crime rating: Moderate but approaching high, 74,80 Most common crime that affects tourists: Public transportation safety: Public transport is prone to crime – taxis and ride-shares are the safest option Beach safety: The coast is generally safe – pick beaches that have lifeguards on duty Safety walking alone during the day: Moderately safe Safety walking alone during the night: Not safe Common natural disasters: Floods, droughts, wildfires, severe storms, earthquakes, tsunamis, and landslides Carbon monoxide poisoning: Possible, so a carbon monoxide detector is a must Police presence: ~180,000 police personnel Medical care quality: Good healthcare, but limited in rural areas Tap water: Safe to drink, but opt for bottled water just in case Best time to visit: June to October Travel Advisory for South Africa The US, UK, NZ, Canadian, and Australian travel advisories rate South Africa at Level 2, meaning it’s generally safe but requires a “High Degree of Caution.” The travel advisories confirm that South Africa’s tourism industry is well-regulated. Hazardous areas are marked, pro guides ensure safety in nature, and tourism police patrol tourist spots. Medical help is available if you get injured, but it might take longer outside big cities. For added peace of mind, visitors should consider medical evacuation insurance. Here’s where to be extra careful: Berea (after dark) Hillbrow and Yeoville in Johannesburg (after dark) Sunnyside in Pretoria (after dark) The beachfront and Victoria Wharf in Durban (after dark) Cape Town downtown hotels to the waterfront (after dark) Secondary roads near Cape Town International Airport Numbi Gate entrance to Kruger National Park and R538 road Hiking trails like Table Mountain, Lions’ Head, Signal Hill Commuter and metro trains between Johannesburg and Pretoria and in Cape Town Key precautions from the advisories: Demonstrations, protests, and strikes can pop up quickly, often turning violent and disrupting services. Crime can happen anytime, anywhere, even in broad daylight. Scams are common, including online dating, money transfers, lucrative sales, gold purchases, fake contracts, and more. GPS navigation might lead you through unsafe areas. For instance, returning a rental car to Cape Town International Airport is safest via the N2 highway. Be cautious when using ATMs outside banks and reputable hotels to avoid skimming. Terrorist attacks are possible, so always stay aware of your surroundings. Xenophobic attacks can occur without warning, targeting refugees and immigrants. Wild animals can be dangerous in game parks, so stay in your vehicle except in designated areas. On beaches, watch out for sharks and rip tides. Don’t swim alone in isolated spots. Hikers should be prepared for rapid weather changes and summer brush fires in the Western Cape. Power outages (load shedding) and water supply interruptions are common, causing inconvenience. A Comprehensive Look at South Africa Crime Rates South Africa has a high crime rating of 74.80. According to the 2023 Organized Crime Index , it ranks third in Africa for organized crime. The South African cities with the highest crime rates are Pretoria, Durban, and Johannesburg. Major issues fueling this include corruption, poverty, unemployment, and lack of public services. From October to December 2023, property-related crimes saw a 2.9% drop . Theft at non-residential places went down by 5.9%, and residential theft decreased by 4.4%. Here are some arrest highlights from that period: 32,229 people were arrested for assault 6,383 for DUI 3,747 for dealing drugs 16,942 for drug possession 2,581 for having illegal firearms and ammunition Safety ConcernsCrime RateStatus Overall Crime Level82.12Very High Crime Increasing in the Past 3 Years82.17Very High Home Break-Ins and Thefts74.88High Mugging and Robbery76.59High Car Theft70.80High Theft from Vehicles75.77High Personal Attacks70.17High Verbal Insults59.83Moderate Racial, Ethnic, Gender, or Religious-Based Attacks59.05Moderate Drug Use and Dealing72.32High Property Crimes (Vandalism and Theft)77.20High Violent Crimes (Assault and Armed Robbery)79.91High Corruption and Bribery83.26Very High Safety Walking Alone in Daylight41.62Moderately Safe Safety Walking Alone at Nighttime15.08Unsafe Source: Numbeo , 2024 data based on 3,943 contributors. Personal Crime in South Africa South Africa has a moderate to high presence of personal crime, mostly concentrated in Johannesburg Central and Nyanga . That said, crime can happen anywhere, so staying cautious is key! Here are some tips to keep you safe: Always lock your hotel door and don’t open it for strangers. Stick to well-lit streets and avoid shortcuts. Skip the late-night walks! Don’t accept rides from strangers. If a driver asks for directions, keep a safe distance. If you think someone is following you, switch up your route, change your pace, and head to a busy, well-lit area. Property Crime in South Africa Property crime is a big issue in South Africa. However, as a tourist, you’re more likely to face someone picking your pockets or snatching your purse rather than something more violent. Either way, you need to keep your belongings safe: Wear a money belt. Leave flashy jewelry and valuables in your hotel safe. Don’t leave cameras, phones, or wallets unattended on public transport or restaurant tables. Only carry the cash you need for the day. Use ATMs inside banks or malls for withdrawals. Hide extra cash in less obvious spots, like your sock. Stay alert to avoid distractions that thieves can exploit. If you do fall victim to a crime, stay calm and don’t resist. Cooperate to ensure your safety. Police Presence in South Africa South Africa has just under 180,000 police personnel . Over 90,000 are involved in visible policing, followed by detective services with nearly 37,500 staff members. Additionally, the country has over 2.7 million registered private security officers , with more than 580,000 actively employed—outnumbering the police and army combined. The government is even considering a special policing unit dedicated to protecting tourists. Travel Safely! Join 30,000 Mother Earth Travel readers that get Travel Alerts, News, and Giveaways! If you need help, your first call should be to the South African Police (call them on 10111). If they approach you for a check, be respectful and cooperate. Public Transportation Safety in South Africa Tourists should avoid using public transport in South Africa due to frequent criminal activity. In cities, you’ll find city buses that operate similarly to those in other countries. In Cape Town, the best bus service is MyCiTi. For intercity travel, go with Intercape—it’s your safest bet. Just avoid the central bus station in Johannesburg. Avoid traveling by train in second or third class. The Gautrain (between O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and Pretoria), the Blue Train, and Rovos Rail are known as the safest for tourists. Taxis are your safest option for getting around in South Africa. The safest way to get a taxi is to call one. You’ll likely get a better-quality vehicle than those at taxi ranks. Ask your hotel, a restaurant, or a bar to call a reputable taxi company for you, and always wait inside until your taxi arrives. Uber is also available. Medical Care Quality in South Africa South Africa has good healthcare, but keep in mind that remote areas may have limited medical facilities, and air evacuation might be your only option in an emergency. If you need to see a doctor, do your homework first and pick a reputable facility. Here are some of the best hospitals in South Africa: Cormed Private Hospital, Gauteng (+27 169818080) Zuid-Afrikaans Hospital, Gauteng (+27 123430300) Midvaal Private Hospital, Gauteng (+27 164546000) Netcare Jakaranda Hospital, Gauteng (+27 124216700) Mediclinic Louis Leipoldt, Western Cape (+27 86155 5511) Mediclinic Milnerton, Western Cape (+27 86 122 4555) Life Bay View Private Hospital, Western Cape (+27 446913718) Visitors should definitely get medical travel insurance to avoid big bills in case of any health issues. Is It Safe to Travel Solo in South Africa? South Africa isn’t the safest place for solo travelers, so keep your eyes peeled and make sure your valuables are tucked away securely. Solo female travel to South Africa is doable, but extra caution is a must. Whatever you do, avoid wandering alone after dark. It’s not a good idea for anyone, but especially not for solo female travelers. When picking where to stay, don’t just go for the cheapest option. Do your research, read reviews, and choose a place that’s secure and recommended. Spending a bit more on a well-reviewed resort or a social hostel can be worth it. You might even find some travel buddies! A great way to stay safe on the streets is to join a tour, just make sure to check out the reviews and pick a reputable company. And for transport, opt for Uber—it’s got extra security features like driver facial recognition and GPS tracking to keep you safe. Is It Safe to Travel to South Africa as a Family? Traveling with your family in South Africa is generally safe, but keep your kids close and stay aware of your surroundings, whether you’re in the city, rural areas, or nature. If you’re traveling with kids under 18, you’ll need to show an unabridged birth certificate (UBC) along with a passport. This is a safety measure against child trafficking. Make sure everyone is up to date with vaccinations and be extra cautious in malaria-prone areas. Pick a family-friendly resort or hotel where everyone can unwind and have fun with all the essentials within reach. When planning your trip, remember that distances can be vast and travel times longer than expected, so renting a car can be a lifesaver for bigger families. If you’re considering safaris, know that older kids will likely enjoy them more. If you’re traveling with younger children, safari experiences can be hot and exhausting, so Kruger National Park might be a better option with activities designed for little ones. Perils of Nature: The Risk of Natural Disasters in South Africa South Africa’s force of nature is varied and plentiful. Here are the main natural hazards. Floods Flooding in South Africa usually happens when a series of heavy rains hit coastal areas, river basins, and low-lying spots. KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, and the Eastern Cape are often in the flood zone. For example, a storm surge on January 7, 2024 , caused flooding in KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State, impacting about 6,418 people across 1,226 households. To stay safe: Be up to date with the weather. Steer clear of flooded areas. Droughts Droughts mean extended dry spells with not enough rain. In places like the Western Cape, they usually hit during the winter months, from May to August. The interior areas, such as parts of Gauteng, the Free State, and the Northern Cape, are more prone to summer droughts from December to February. If you’re in a drought-affected area, get ready for potential water shortages. Stock up on water and stay tuned to the news for any restrictions. Wildfires Wildfires are a common sight in South Africa during the dry season. These fires can be sparked by long dry spells and high temperatures or by human activities like clearing land for farming. The Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and parts of Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal are hotspots for these blazes. For example, in July 2024, huge wildfires swept through KwaZulu-Natal , burning 14,000 hectares of land. If you come across a big fire, get out of the area quickly and keep up with local news for the latest updates and evacuation info. Severe Storms Severe storms are a summer staple in South Africa, especially in the interior regions like Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and the Free State. KwaZulu-Natal also gets its share of stormy weather. However, stormy weather may happen at any time of the year. In July 2024, a storm in Cape Town displaced at least 4,500 people . The good news is that storms are usually forecasted well in advance, so you can plan your visit accordingly. If you’re caught in a storm while already in South Africa, your best bet is to hunker down indoors and wait for the weather to clear. Earthquakes South Africa isn’t right on top of major tectonic plate boundaries, but it does get its share of minor quakes and tremors. The hotspot for seismic activity is around Johannesburg and other mining areas in Gauteng. The Western Cape can also suffer tremors from time to time. The most recent earthquake in South Africa was on July 20, 2024—a light magnitude 3.0 quake about 15 miles (25 km) from Bethal in Mpumalanga. It was pretty shallow but was still felt by a few locals near the epicenter. If you feel the ground shaking, here’s what to do: Drop down. Take cover under something sturdy. Hang on until it stops. Tsunamis South Africa has recorded a total of three tsunamis . The most recent one was in 2006, causing minor damage and thankfully no casualties. Watch or listen to the local news following a major earthquake. If you’re near the coast after a strong tremor, keep an eye on the ocean. If it suddenly pulls away from the shore, that’s a major tsunami warning. Don’t wait—evacuate immediately and head to higher ground. Landslides Landslides can happen in hilly or mountainous areas, especially in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal. For example, between April 8 and 21, 2022, Storm Issa drenched KwaZulu-Natal with heavy rain, causing mudslides in Durban and nearby areas. Avoid hiking after heavy rain or earthquake—that’s when the mountainous areas are mostly prone to landslides. Do your homework on past landslide activity in the area and avoid it if it’s known to be unstable. Beware the Silent Threat: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in South Africa When heading to South Africa, don’t forget to pack a portable carbon monoxide detector or book a room with one installed. In 2023, this gas poisoned four South African family members . Carbon monoxide has no smell or color and often leaks from faulty stoves, ACs, or heaters. It can mimic flu symptoms—like itchy eyes, headaches, nausea, and dizziness—but at high levels, it can be deadly in minutes. Other African countries have also faced issues with this dangerous gas. For instance, a study in Kenya revealed that between 2005 and 2018, 905 guests fell ill due to CO exposure. So, if your detector starts beeping, open the windows, get out of the room, and breathe some fresh air ASAP! Serenity by the Shore: The Safety of South Africa Beaches South Africa has 47 Blue Flag beaches —these are top-rated spots recognized for outstanding environmental care, safety, and amenities. Before you hit the waves, get local advice on tides and currents—conditions change from beach to beach and day to day. Stick to beaches with lifeguards and swim in the designated safe zones marked by red-and-yellow flags. South Africa uses flags to keep you informed about the presence of sharks. A green flag means the water’s clear, a black flag means it’s too murky to spot sharks, a red flag indicates a shark was seen earlier, and a white flag with a black shark means a shark’s currently in the water. Listen for sirens, as they are also used to indicate shark presence. If you hear one while swimming, get out quickly but calmly. Watch out for blue bottles and jellyfish. If there are warnings, skip the swim. Even stepping on jellyfish stings washed up on shore can be a real pain. Never swim alone, after eating a big meal, or if you’ve been drinking. Follow lifeguard instructions, layer on SPF, and drink plenty of water. And, of course, keep an eye on your belongings. South Africa Weather Patterns: What to Expect South Africa’s terrain is mostly a high plateau and comes with a full spectrum of weather patterns. Overall, it has a subtropical climate with dry, sunny winters that can be chilly at night and hot, thunderstorm-heavy summers. The west is arid and has more of a desert climate, while the eastern part, including Johannesburg and Pretoria, sees more rain. The western coast is cool and dry, especially around the Namib Desert. Cape Town enjoys mild, rainy winters and warm, sunny summers. On the southern and eastern coasts, the climate is more Mediterranean. The Weather in Cape Town In Cape Town, temperatures usually range from 48°F (9°C) to 76°F (24°C). The warm season kicks off in early December and runs through the end of March, with daily highs above 74°F (23°C). January is the hottest month, averaging highs of 76°F (24°C) and lows of 63°F (17°C). The cool season stretches from late May to mid-September, with daily highs below 65°F (18°C). July is the coldest month, with average lows of 48°F (9°C) and highs of 63°F (17°C). The rainy season runs from March to the beginning of December. June is the wettest month, averaging 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain. The dry spell lasts from December to March, with February being the driest, seeing just 0.4 inches (10 mm) of rain. Cape Town gets windy from October to mid-March, with average speeds over 12.2 mph (19.6 km/h). January is the windiest, averaging 13.7 mph (22 km/h), while May is the calmest with winds averaging 10.8 mph (17.4 km/h). For warm water, visit between late December and March, when temperatures are above 65°F (18°C). February enjoys the warmest water at 66°F (19°C) and the clearest skies—perfect for beach days. On the other hand, August has the coldest water, with an average temperature of 59°F (15°C), and May is the cloudiest month, with overcast skies 43% of the time. Monthly Average Temperatures in Cape Town MonthFahrenheit (°F)Celsius (°C) January6920.5 February6920.5 March6719.4 April6317.2 May5915 June5613.3 July5512.7 August5613.3 September5814.4 October6116.1 November6417.7 December6820 Source: WeatherSpark , 2024 data When Is the Best Time to Visit South Africa? The best time to visit South Africa is from June to October when dry days make for perfect safari wildlife spotting. For beach lovers, the sizzling summer months of December to February are unbeatable. Or, try March when the crowds thin out while the weather is still gorgeous, ideal for a peaceful beach escape. If whale-watching along South Africa’s Whale Coast is on your list, visit between June and November, with September being the peak time for sightings. How to Stay Safe in South Africa Hiking Tips Never hike alone—four or more is the way to go (always with a professional guide). Tell someone (hotel front desk, another traveler, or a local friend) your trail plans and expected return time. Stick to the paths to avoid getting lost. Finish your hike before dark. Respect those “no entry” signs—they’re there for a reason. Carry a fully-charged cell phone with local emergency numbers saved. Be cautious of everyone, especially “hikers” without proper gear. Pack enough water and snacks to keep you energized. Dress right and pack a warm jacket—mountain weather can change in a snap. Public Wi-Fi is easy to find in bigger cities, but if you’re venturing into nature, grab a South African SIM card for the best cellular and mobile data service. Safari Tips Respect the guide’s instructions—they know best! Keep your voice down around animals. Stay in the car during game drives—no standing up, hanging out of windows, or sitting on the roof. On self-drive safaris, don’t get too close to the animals. Give them space. Never drive between elephants in a herd, especially mothers and their young. No running or jogging in wildlife areas—predators might think you’re prey. Keep food out of your tent to avoid attracting wildlife. Use insect repellent to fend off mosquitoes. Wear a hat, use sunscreen, and drink plenty of water to stay cool and hydrated. Avoid bright colors and strong perfumes. In tsetse-fly areas, skip the dark clothes—they attract the flies. Bring warm clothes for those chilly morning game drives in open vehicles. Steet Tips Local advice is gold! Ask your host about the best bars and restaurants, how to get around, and which areas to avoid. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but some places only take cash. Keep a small stash of notes and coins handy. Withdraw modest amounts from ATMs and always go to the ones inside malls or banks. Keep your car doors locked and keep windows up. Leave a car-length gap at traffic lights for a quick escape if needed. Always take a taxi at night. Watch how much you drink. If you’re tipsy or drunk, you’re more vulnerable. Other Tips Check passport and visa requirements. Get all required vaccinations. Use booking sites like TripAdvisor or Booking and read reviews carefully. Pay attention to frequent safety complaints. Follow online news before your trip to check for any issues at your destination. Make copies of important travel documents or keep them online. Store your valuables, copies of your documents, and extra money in your hotel’s safety deposit box. Be polite and respectful to police and military personnel. If asked for a bribe, a light attitude and a joke might help you out. Even with progressive laws, homosexuality can be culturally unacceptable in some areas. Check online forums and chat with local LGBTQ+ community members for info on LGBTQ-friendly spots. Useful Apps/Sites to Enhance Your Experience Navigate the streets with Waze or Google Maps Order a ride-share with Uber Catch your train on time with Gautrain Hop on the bus through the MyCiTi bus Stay ahead of the weather with AfricaWeather Track your location, request emergency help, or report suspicious activity through Buzzer Keep track of everyone’s location and chat in-app with Life360 Learn some Zulu with Duolingo Order food through Mr. D Food Explore everything South Africa offers with the South Africa GuideWithMe Emergency Numbers Nationwide Emergency Response: 10111 Ambulance: 10177 Disaster Management Center: 012 848 4602 Safe Travels! Sure, South Africa has a reputation that might make you think twice. But as a tourist, you’ll likely have a great time if you plan carefully. Choose your spots wisely, keep common sense (like avoiding certain areas after dark), and you’ll be all set. Travel smart, plan well, and enjoy your adventure! BACK TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE

RESTAURANTS IN SOUTH AFRICA The 20 most popular restaurants in South Africa Could these be the country’s most popular restaurants? Here are the spots that pulled in the most traffic on our site in 2019. Wolfgat (Paternoster) That the World Restaurant of the Year can start a tasting menu with a skillet of bokkom butter and a hessian bag of breadsticks is a testament to the assured ease of Kobus van der Merwe, who’s just doing his own thing here – and you will love him for it. The focus is on simplicity, purity and locality with dishes like creamed white mussels served in its own shell with buttermilk rusk crumbs or black mussel custard with coconut. Saint Restaurant (Sandton, Johannesburg) It wouldn’t be a most-popular list without perennial cool-kid Saint. David Higgs’s Italian restaurant is ever-popular, with its offering of creamy burrata, fluffy gnocchi and meaty mains. If you find yourself at Saint, though, you’re probably there for the perfect pizza, with simple options like the Neapolitan and margherita that will have you coming back for more. Deck at Sandton Sun Hotel (Sandton, Johannesburg) A rooftop bar in Sandton – need we say more? Go for breakfast, lunch and dinner (all with cocktails, of course) or enjoy Thursday to Saturday nights with a live DJ spinning you into the weekend. Mustang Sally’s Pub & Diner (Hatfield, Pretoria) If you want an American diner experience, this is the place to get it. Mustang Sally’s offers giant burgers, mac-and-cheese balls, Southern fried chicken, and freakshakes topped with everything from entire doughnuts to mounds of candy floss. Chefs Warehouse at Beau Constantia (Constantia, Cape Town) Ivor Jones’s punchy flavours and inspired tapas-for-two menu keep guests coming back to this wine farm gem. https://www.instagram.com/p/B6sKJ4LJXby/ Momo Kuro (Rosebank, Johannesburg) The newest Momo boasts bold flavours and delicious tapas options in a gorgeous open restaurant space. Be sure to try the Formoso calamari with mint, basil and ginger; the Siu Mai open dumplings; the crispy salmon ceviche tacos; the Szechuan prawn wontons; the pulled beef brisket; and the Peking duck. Momo Soko (Illovo, Sandton) The little sister of Momo Baohaus, Momo Soko serves up sublimely delicious Asian street cuisine with a modern twist. Be sure to try the soko – tender marinated skewers of protein and vegetables grilled to perfection and seasoned in various ways – and the fluffy bao. https://www.instagram.com/p/BYalPXuFPTT/ Thali (Gardens, Cape Town) This must-visit Gardens restaurant comes from chef Liam Tomlin of Chefs Warehouse. It’s an oldie but a goody, offering a spectacular feast of modern Indian cuisine and décor to match. The Athletic Club & Social (City Bowl, Cape Town) Athos Euripidou, who hails from Durban and was behind Station Drive’s Fortune Coffee, is the brains behind this hot new speakeasy-style bar. This perfect spot for after-work drinks or a cosy date night serves up Greek and Mediterranean cuisine like charred aubergine, home-made labneh and roasted lamb shoulder with tzatziki. One of the cosy areas in The Athletic Club & Social. Photo supplied. The Wing Republic (Braamfontein, Johannesburg) This popular spot pulls in the crowds for its saucy chicken wings, ribs and burgers. If you’re one of those who used to travel all the way out to Braamfontein to get your fix, you’ll be happy to know that another branch will be opening in Pretoria in August. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz2y8EWDs9d/ The Royale (Craighall, Johannesburg) This Cuban-inspired bar and eatery has a food offering that’s fuss-free, inexpensive and unpretentious. Pair with one of the rum-based cocktails and your Friday night is set. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu3sJMjBWFC/ Views at Twenty5 (Morningside, Durban) Shisa nyama and craft cocktails are the name of the game at this Durban restaurant that serves as the ultimate weekend spot, opening only from 5pm on a Friday. Billy G at Suncoast Casino (Marine Parade, Durban) This buffet restaurant is a winner when it comes to feeding big families. Enjoy everything from carvery and casseroles to seafood and salads galore. Time Square – Food and Wine Bar (Florida Road, Durban) This food-and-wine bar’s offering includes an extensive cocktail, beer and wine selection; easy-eating grub like pizzas, pastas, burgers and small bites; and large indoor and outdoor seating areas with televisions to catch any live sporting action. The Commissary (City Bowl, Cape Town) The small menu here packs a big punch, with all the dishes designed to be shared, drawing inspiration from global street food. Whether you start out with fresh oysters with a piquant Vietnamese nam jim dressing, tuna tataki with a velvety, citric peach and peanut sauce or the Korean fried chicken wings, you won’t be sorry. https://www.instagram.com/p/B8MPw5sJCTd/ The Restaurant at Waterkloof (Somerset West) SA’s number three restaurant is no stranger to this list. Even those who’ve already been lucky enough to dine here are planning their next sojourn. Magnificent food on inspired plating (as well as a not-to-be-missed wine pairing) makes this one for the books. Saigon Suzy Asian BBQ & Rock ‘n Roll Bar (Parkwood, Johannesburg) This rock ‘n roll bar features cocktails and street food inspired by countries like Thailand, Vietnam, China, Korea and Japan. Try the pho or one of the broken rice BBQ bowls. https://www.instagram.com/p/BzvZr-PHB-f/ The Test Kitchen (Woodstock, Cape Town) The number two restaurant in the country from Luke Dale Roberts continues to draw repeat visitors locally and globally. The Burner (Bellville, Cape Town) This curry pot in Cape Town’s northern suburbs is known for its generous portions and fantastic bunny chows. Pop in for a lamb, chicken, bean or mince kebab bunny, plus dessert of soji or sago. FYN Restaurant Go for an interplay of Japanese and South African flavours, with the deft touch of skilled, experienced chefs. A kaiseki tray might feature a Wagyu-beef spring roll with onion petals and truffly accents, or tender sea trout with crunchy counterpoints of apple, dune spinach and tempura samphire. The famous chokka ‘tsukemen ramen’ lives up to the hype, and the pre-dessert ‘cheese sandwich’ is a masterstroke. Dessert comes in a set of three; a hot-and-cold parade of berries, blossoms, cake and crumbles. https://www.tripadvisor.de/Restaurants-g293740-South_Africa.html South Africa’s streets, shores and vineyards are lined with so many incredible restaurants, it’s a hard task narrowing them down into a short bucket list. If you can’t visit them all, this guide is the next best thing, guiding you to the ones not to be missed. 9th Avenue Bistro (Morningside, Durban) A stalwart of the Durban restaurant scene, this bistro is run by a passionate husband-and-wife team, Graham and Gina Neilson. Seasonal and local ingredients are used to create sensational food. The tasting menu is always a winner; the prawn risotto deservedly inspires fandom. Coobs (Parkhurst, Johannesburg) Ethical eating is what chef James Diack is famous for at his beautiful urban bistro. Most of the produce - including the pork - comes from his family farm, so you know that what you’re getting is fresh and wholesome. Highlights on the changing, seasonal menu could include slow-braised pork shoulder or pork confit served with showstopping sides like truffled potato bake. Homemade pastas with innovative sauces also please the discerning crowds. DW-Eleven 13 (Dunkeld, Johannesburg) You might know chef Marthinus Ferreira’s face from his stint on TV as an ultimate braaimaster, but his domain here is beautiful and accessible fine dining in the form of seasonal tasting plates. If you’re a wine fanatic, the sommelier will look after you with choices from far and wide, but the non-alcoholic pairing option is a generous touch for those who don’t dabble. Gemelli (Bryanston, Johannesburg) One of the most popular neighbourhood gems of Joburg. Trendy venue, consistently superb food and bustling vibe: Gemelli has it all in spades. Inspired by Italian cuisine, the menu makes use of the best ingredients to please patrons with an array of delicious dishes like the house calamari, sharing plates, risottos, pastas and mains like tender pork belly. The Test Kitchen (Woodstock, Cape Town) Number one for the sixth consecutive year, this innovative hot-house is serving food that’s better than ever before. While dining at the country’s best restaurant might sound intimidating, it feels like the easiest thing in the world, and the location in gritty Woodstock helps to tone down the formality. From the warm welcome into the “dark” room through to the finale in the “light” room, the team, led by chefs Luke Dale-Roberts and Ryan Cole, will take you on a culinary journey around the world and right back down to earth in South Africa. Restaurant Mosaic , The Orient (Elandsfontein, Pretoria) Creative storytelling meets perfect technique at Chantel Dartnall’s enchanting restaurant at this destination hotel in Gauteng. In a special treat for the senses, her exquisite plating of seasonal South African ingredients showcases a deep love of nature and all its bounty. Award-winning sommelier Moses Magwaza is also one to watch. Republik (Durban North) Being named best burger eatery is not an accolade to be taken lightly, and Republik really delivers. Local, ethically sourced, 100% grass-fed meat forms the base of the burger heaven here. If you don’t go for the succulent beef patties, there are lamb, ostrich, chicken and veg options too, not to mention crazy condiments like bacon jam and chilli chocolate. Marble (Rosebank, Johannesburg) Visit Johannesburg and there’s one deck you have to check out. Chef David Higgs creates a journey themed around the grill with its wood-fired heat and smoky sear. Complex flavours range from Thai to Argentinian to South Asian to Japanese – all balanced by local touches. It’s a lavish spot that attracts the city’s hottest people. Don’t miss the hit list of wines and the fully-stocked bar of spirits. Greenhouse , The Cellars-Hohenort (Constantia, Cape Town) Chefs Peter Tempelhoff and Ashley Moss create art on the plate in this luxurious hotel setting. A great spot for visitors to South Africa, this luxurious space looks to the oceans, farms and orchards of our county for inspiration. Sometimes theatrical, sometimes deconstructed, always delicious, the dishes surprise and impress. Look forward to the likes of ostrich egg with Karoo truffles and celeriac. La Colombe (Constantia, Cape Town) A real fan favourite, this celebrated spot looking down onto the Constantia winelands has enjoyed global recognition for many years - and deservedly so. The comfortable and elegant space delivers touches of theatre in the multi-sensory journey by executive chef James Gaag and chef patron Scot Kirton. While the dishes might appear in nests or puffs of smoke, their delicious flavours and textures remain the real highlight. Restaurants in South Africa Your Friendly Restaurant Guide To Dunk Or Not To Dunk - A Rusk By Any Other Name ... Evita Se Perron Darling, Western Cape 14 April 2025 - Rusks, or beskuit in Afrikaans, that popular South African snack, often enjoyed with tea or coffee has a history tied to both necessity and tradition and has become de... Durban Set To Ignite As Chilli Champion Eats Over 50 Carolina Reapers 17 April 2025 - Almost 50 dangerously hot Carolina Reaper chillis were consumed by a champion competitor in Cape Town two weeks ago, setting a sizzling standard for Titanium Media Sou... The Africa Food Show: Shaping The Future Of Food & Beverage With Africa’s Local And Global Brands At The Forefront 17 April 2025 - Welcoming more than 350 exhibitors and 6000 visitors from over 25 countries, the inaugural Africa Food Show is poised to become Africa’s premier event for the Fo... Fairlawns Welcomes New Pastry Chef, Jerry Magae Amuse-Bouche Food & Wine Sandton Central, Gauteng 15 April 2025 - We are excited to introduce Jerry Magae as Fairlawns' new Pastry Chef! With over a decade of experience, Jerry’s culinary journey began in family kitchens, s... Celebrate Mother's Day In Style At The President Hotel The President Hotel Bantry Bay, Western Cape 15 April 2025 - The President Hotel in Bantry Bay will be hosting a full weekend of Mother's Day celebrations with three distinctive experiences perfect for treating the important... Col'Cacchio GO: Redefining Italian-Inspired Dining For A New Era Of Convenience 15 April 2025 - As South Africa’s fast-food industry faces mounting pressures from inflation, shifting consumer habits, and an increasingly competitive landscape, Col’Cacc... Bp Southern Africa And Pedros Partner For Drive-through Forecourt Convenience 15 April 2025 - bp customers can now buy Pedros grilled chicken at bp Jean Avenue in Centurion without leaving their vehicles. This drive-through launch is the first in a strategic pa... To Dunk Or Not To Dunk - A Rusk By Any Other Name ... Evita Se Perron Darling, Western Cape 14 April 2025 - Rusks, or beskuit in Afrikaans, that popular South African snack, often enjoyed with tea or coffee has a history tied to both necessity and tradition and has become de... 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The President Hotel Bantry Bay, Western Cape Breakfast, Buffet, Burgers, Cocktails, Coffee Shop, Deli, Grills, Health, International, Light Meals, Pizza, Vegan, Vegetarian The President Hotel has a host of dining options available. Whether you’re in the mood for a romantic dinner, casual coffee, quick lunch or hearty breakfast, our restaurants and café c... Babel Restaurant Paarl, Western Cape African, Contemporary, Country, South African, Vegetarian Babel Restaurant Housed in the old cowshed, Babel Restaurant is a wonderful mix of Cape Dutch architecture and contemporary glass walls that makes for a simple yet edgy environment in ... Quay Four: Tavern & Upstairs Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Western Cape African, Breakfast, French, Light Meals, Pub Meals, Seafood, South African, Steakhouse, Sushi, Traditional, Vegetarian Quay Four, need we say more? This popular restaurant was one of the first to set up on the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. Now one of Cape Town’s favourite restaurants, it is situated on a p... Cellar Collective Wine Bar Cape Town Central, Western Cape Asian, Fusion, Pizza, Tapas, Vegetarian We don’t believe in mundane wine … At Cellar Collective we pour more than just wine – we pour moments worth remembering. Driven by a profound passion for exceptional wine... StarDust - Theatrical Dining Cape Town Central, Western Cape African, Argentinian, Braai, Cocktails, Coffee Shop, Fusion, Greek, Grills, Mediterranean, Moroccan, Pub Meals, Seafood, South African, Tapas, Vegan, Vegetarian, Wine bar This is no ordinary restaurant. This is the home of the singing waiter! Tonight, not only will you enjoy the wholesome, sumptuous taste of our designer tagine menu and the buzz of our wine bar&... Mint Restaurant and Wood-Fired Grill Cape Town Central, Western Cape Breakfast, Cape Malay, Contemporary, Grills, Indian, Light Meals, Pizza, Vegetarian Mint Restaurant & Terrace is an upscale all-day dining venue tucked into the heart of the city centre, with views out onto the street and an outdoor bistro with couch seating. Nestled... @ThePlace2B Lanseria, Gauteng African, Breakfast, Burgers, Cocktails, Country, Grills, Health, Italian, Light Meals, Picnics, Pub Meals, Seafood, South African, Traditional, Vegetarian Our South African inspired family restaurant in Lanseria, @ThePlace2B is something completely different, yet at the same time comforting and familiar, offering real country dining. Our award-winnin... The LivingRoom at Summerhill Pinetown, Kwazulu Natal Fine Dining, South African, Vegetarian At The LivingRoom, our ambition is to showcase Durban’s culinary diversity at an Internationally recognized level. We believe, Durban needs a true representative of its beautiful culinary her... Restaurants in Johannesburg offer a diverse and exciting culinary experience, from traditional African dishes to international cuisine. Johannesburg has everything if you’re looking for a fine dining experience, a casual eatery, or a lively bar and restaurant. In this article, we’ll explore twenty of the top restaurants in Johannesburg, each offering unique and unforgettable dining experiences. From the stunning rooftop views at Marble Restaurant to the traditional braai at Emzini Restaurant, these restaurants showcase the best of South African hospitality, culture, and cuisine. So, let’s dive in and discover the 20 best restaurants in Johannesburg . Explore Restaurants in Johannesburg: Marble Restaurant Facebook / Marble Restaurant Marble Restaurant is one of the best Rosebank restaurants . It is one of the top-rated restaurants in Johannesburg, offering a stunning rooftop view of the city. The restaurant boasts an open kitchen where patrons can watch the chefs at work while enjoying dishes like wood-fired steaks and seafood. Service options: Dine-in, Takeaway, No delivery Address: Trumpet on Keyes Corner 19 Keyes and, Jellicoe Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196 Hours: Monday – Sunday, 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm Phone: 010 594 5550 You should also check out the top Vilakazai Street restaurants . The Grillhouse Rosebank Facebook / The Grillhouse Rosebank The Grillhouse Rosebank is a renowned Johannesburg steakhouse offering premium meat cuts and an extensive wine list. The restaurant has a warm and inviting atmosphere and is a popular spot for business dinners or special occasions. Service options: Dine-in, Takeaway, Delivery Address: 1, The Firs, Hyatt Centre, Oxford Road & Biermann Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196 Hours: Monday – Saturday, 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm; Sunday, 12:00 pm – 05:00 pm Phone: 011 880 3945 The Shortmarket Club Johannesburg Facebook / The Shortmarket Club Johannesburg The Shortmarket Club Johannesburg is a trendy restaurant in the city’s heart. The restaurant is known for its chic decor, inventive cocktails, and contemporary dishes inspired by European cuisine. Service options: Dine-in, No delivery Address: 1 Oxford Parks, 199 Oxford Rd, Rosebank, 2196 Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 12:30 pm – 09:30 pm; Sunday, 12:30 pm – 02:30 pm Phone: 010 006 2323 Level Four Restaurant Facebook / Level Four Restaurant Level Four Restaurant is an upscale dining experience located in the prestigious 54 on Bath hotel. The restaurant offers a sophisticated ambience and a modern South African menu featuring local ingredients and global flavours. Service options: Dine-in, Kerbside pickup, No delivery Address: on Bath Hotel, 54 Bath Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196 Hours: Monday – Sunday, 06:30 am – 10:30 am; 12:00 pm – 03:00 pm; 06:00 pm – 10:00 pm Phone: 011 344 8442 The Marabi Club Facebook / The Marabi Club The Marabi Club is a unique jazz club and restaurant located in the Maboneng Precinct. The venue is known for its live music performances, delicious cocktails, and innovative menu that blends traditional South African flavours with contemporary techniques. Service options: Dine-in, No takeaway, No delivery Address: Maboneng Precinct, 54 Siemert Rd, New Doornfontein, Johannesburg, 2094 Hours: Thursday – Saturday, 06:00 pm – 11:30 pm Phone: 010 591 2879 Kobo Cuisine Restaurant Facebook / Kobo Cuisine Restaurant Kobo Cuisine Restaurant is a hidden gem in Johannesburg, specializing in West African cuisine. The restaurant offers a cosy atmosphere and a variety of dishes, including jollof rice, grilled fish, and plantain. Service options: Dine-in, Takeaway Address: 85 Commissioner St, Marshalltown, Johannesburg, 2000 Hours: Monday – Sunday, 09:00 am – 06:00 pm Phone: 074 812 1913 La Boqueria Parktown North Facebook / La Boqueria Parktown North La Boqueria Parktown North is a Spanish-inspired restaurant that offers tapas, charcuterie, and other Mediterranean dishes. The restaurant has stylish decor and a lively atmosphere, making it a popular spot for casual dining and socializing. Service options: Dine-in, Kerbside pickup, No-contact delivery Address: 17 3rd Ave, Parktown North, Johannesburg, 2193 Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm; Saturday, 11:00 am – 10:00 pm; Sunday, 11:00 am – 07:00 pm Phone: 076 997 3263 Mezepoli Restaurant Melrose Arch Facebook / Mezepoli Restaurant Melrose Arch Mezepoli Restaurant Melrose Arch is a Greek-inspired restaurant that offers a wide range of mezze plates, grilled meats, and seafood. The restaurant’s contemporary design and the lively ambience transports diners to the Mediterranean. Service options: Dine-in, Kerbside pickup, Delivery Address: The Piazza, SL26, Whiteley Rd, Melrose, Johannesburg, 2196 Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 11:00 am – 10:00 pm; Sunday – Monday, 11:00 am – 09:00 pm Phone: 011 684 1162 ALSO SEE: 10 Best Restaurants in Krugersdorp La Vie en Rose Facebook / La Vie en Rose La Vie en Rose is a charming French bistro in Sandton’s heart. The restaurant offers classic French dishes like escargots, coq au vin, and bouillabaisse, as well as an extensive wine list and decadent desserts. Service options: Dine-in, Takeaway, No delivery Address: 60 5th St, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg, 2196 Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 07:00 am – 06:00 pm Phone: 011 268 6144 Flames Facebook / Flames Flames is one of the most renowned restaurants in Johannesburg, offering a memorable dining experience with its breathtaking views and exceptional cuisine. As one of the top-rated restaurants in Johannesburg, Flames combines a contemporary menu with a stylish and sophisticated ambience, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts. Service options: Dine-in · No delivery Address: 67 Jan Smuts Ave, Westcliff, Johannesburg, 2132 Hours: Monday – Sunday, 07:00 am – 11:00 pm Phone: 011 481 6000 Photograph: Claire Gunn The 44 best restaurants in Cape Town There are so many great restaurants opening in Cape Town we've had to update this list again! Time Out's local expert flags the restaurants you just can't miss... Monday 31 March 2025 Share Written by Rebecca Weber & Alicia Erickson Written by: Richard Holmes Cape Town is the culinary capital of Africa, and has long been hailed as one of the world's most exciting destinations for foodies. Whether you're searching for a restaurant with a view of the winelands – hello Chef's Warehouse – or a contemporary fine-dining destination in the heart of the popular V&A Waterfront, we've got you covered in this authoritative list of the best restaurants in Cape Town. And because the landscape keeps changing, so does this list, with new additions including Chefs Warehouse & Canteen, The Red Room, Ouzeri and The Happy Uncles! Cape Town is a cosmopolitan culinary landscape and one that is increasingly aware of the need for diversity both on the plate and in the kitchens. In selecting our favourite spots (and we know there will be those who disagree) we’ve highlighted a cross-section of the city’s kitchens. They are each memorable in their own way, and while they differ in approach and price they are all worth a visit. So, our advice? Come hungry, and get stuck into our (ever-changing) selection of Cape Town’s best restaurants. RECOMMENDED: 🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town 🛍 The best markets in Cape Town 🍕 The best pizza in Cape Town This guide was recently updated by Richard Holmes , a travel writer based in Cape Town. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines . Time Out Market Cape Town Things to do Photograph: Supplied The Time Out Market Cape Town sees 13 of the city's best chefs bring an authentic taste of the Mother City to one colourful, cosmopolitan destination in the popular V&A Waterfront. Best restaurants in Cape Town 1. Salon Photograph: Salon Gourmands wept when Luke Dale Roberts announced in 2021 that he was closing The Test Kitchen, his groundbreaking fine-dining destination that put Cape Town on the global map for well-heeled foodies. But at Salon there’s an echo of The Test Kitchen’s glory days, with a menu of layered, adventurous and creative cooking that takes its cue from Dale Roberts’ career in kitchens across the world. That globetrotting inspiration is blended with the talent of Executive Development Chef Carla Schulze, and together the pair have created a remarkable dining experience in an intimate, yet glamorous, space in Woodstock’s Old Biscuit Mill precinct. The set menu of 11 dishes roams widely and changes regularly. The playful plate of ‘Padkos’ snacks celebrates traditional South African flavours, while the Duck Suzette (France) and ‘Black Forest Cake’ (Germany) reinvent these classic plates. And you won’t soon forget the remarkable ‘Beef Kalbi’ (Korea), served with shiitake and chestnut rice. Across the menu it’s playful, creative cuisine that’s perhaps less experimental than The Test Kitchen once was, but all the more enjoyable for it. The Journey menu can be ordered with a bespoke wine pairing, or select from the carefully curated wine list. Certainly don’t miss the signature cocktails: the Elderflower martini is superb. Advance booking recommended. The Silo, The Old Biscuit Mill, 373-375 Albert Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town, 7915 Been there, done that? Think again, my friend. Sign up to our newsletter to enjoy Cape Town without spending a thing (as well as options when you're feeling flush). Email address By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. 2. La Colombe Photograph: Lisa Daubermann Photography Hidden in the forests above the Constantia winelands, La Colombe – 'the dove' – is widely hailed as one of the world’s best restaurants. This is a destination, not merely dinner, so set aside some time for the extensive Chef’s Menu (there’s also a vegetarian option and a reduced menu at lunch) that combines flavours and textures from Asia, Latin America, Europe and Africa into an experience gloriously playful, interactive, and creative at every turn. The hours slip by as talented chefs send a wonderland of dishes across the table, while inspired pairings – from cocktails and craft beer to boutique wineries – make this optional extra worth the spend. Silvermist Estate, Constantia Nek, Cape Town Advertising 3. ROOI Photograph: One&Only Cape Town In a beautifully revamped space (the work of London-based Muza Labs), the flagship restaurant at One&Only Cape Town has been reimagined as a modern South African grillroom, billed as ‘a celebration of land and sea, touched by fire’. It’s an approach that has worked for high-end dining destinations elsewhere in South Africa and comes seamlessly to the fore at ROOI . The menu ranges widely, from salads to suit lighter appetites or to combine with the inventive starter plates that tap into a larder of local produce. The ‘Simonstown Chokka & Chips’ is a wonderful take on a popular classic. The selection of grills is likely to tempt, but the kitchen’s creativity is best discovered in the Mains, where the Cape and that fiery influence come together neatly. Think Cape Malay chicken breast, Josper-fired aubergine and a contemporary version of classic lamb shank potjie with krummelpap. Desserts lean heavily into traditional plates, from reinvented Hertzoggies and malva pudding to the clever ROOI smores; a braai-time favourite. For pairings, turn to One&Only’s long-time sommelier, Luvo Ntezo. One&Only Cape Town, Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront 4. Marble Cape Town Photograph: Claire Gunn It’s been a long time coming, but chef David Higgs has finally brought his much-loved Johannesburg restaurant to Cape Town. Located in the historic Union Castle building in the heart of the V&A Waterfront, floor-to-ceiling glass facades offer stunning views of the harbour precinct and city beyond. On the menu, Higgs combines his signature fire-focused philosophy with the city’s seafood traditions, on a Mediterranean-inspired collection of plates that includes snoek pâté with magwenya, alongside new creations like mussel paella and line fish with burnt leeks and roasted fish bone sauce. Mains feature Marble’s famous wood-fired Chalmar ribeye, which pairs well with a bottle of Cape red from the extensive cellar. It’s not all meaty though. Vegetarians are well taken care of, with the likes of roasted pumpkin with candied walnuts and burnt honey dressing. Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront Advertising 5. PIER Photograph: Supplied PIER brings a long-overdue dose of fine dining to the popular V&A Waterfront. Set in a historic building overlooking the working harbour, Head Chef John Norris-Rogers dishes up a memorable multi-course journey of flavours. Expect a culinary experience that weaves together classical French technique, superb local produce and a subtle touch of culinary theatrics. Book ahead for a window seat, where a tableau of sea views suits the wave of seafood-focused plates that roll out from the kitchen. Pierhead Building, V&A Waterfront 6. FYN Photograph: Bruce Tuck With a clutch of awards for both its innovative cuisine and commitment to sustainability, FYN offers a thoroughly contemporary fine dining experience in a beautifully eye-catching loft-style space boasting city and mountain views. But your eyes will be fixed firmly on your plate here, as you taste your way through a menu inspired by a unique fusion of South African ingredients and Japanese flavours and techniques. Cape Malay-style trout, prawns cooked in kelp and guinea fowl wontons are among the creations you can expect to find on the kaiseki set menus. Non-carnivores need not worry – pescatarian and plant-based menus are also available. 37 Parliament St, CBD, Cape Town, 8001 Advertising 7. Una Más Photograph: Una Mas Set in the vibe of Sea Point’s Main Road, Una Más introduced Cape Town to the delights of premium Mezcal. But the food is just as good as the cocktail and mezcal selection, with Head Chef Dian Botes crafting an impressive collection of plates that celebrate the flavours of Mexico. Start with the guacamole and totopos, of course, but the Bites and Sides selection hides plenty of treasures, including tasty empanadas and tangy ‘Street Corn’ ribs. There’s a worthy focus on getting the basic right here, with imported Mexican chillies and tortilla chips made in-house each day. The tacos are superb, not least because they are made properly, with traditional Masa Harina corn. Don’t miss the Jalisco-style beef birria for an umami bomb. To drink? You’ll find more than 200 agave spirits on the menu, from premium imports to a handful of top-notch local varieties. 77 Regent Rd, Sea Point 8. The Red Room at Mount Nelson Photograph: Claire Gunn Another outing by chefs Liam Tomlin and David Schneider sees their highly successful small-plate approach given an Asian spin. Set in a dark and moody space beneath the iconic Mount Nelson Hotel, perhaps only Tomlin and Schneider could have taken a windowless room (once a much-loved ‘70s grillroom) and turned it into a destination restaurant that’s sexy-as-hell. Start with drinks and snacks in the bar, where classic cocktails are given a contemporary update, before moving to the main event. Sleek banquettes are ideal for couples, or book the private tables curtained off in the middle of the room. The Red Room menu is a celebration of Pan-Asian cuisines, deeply rooted in the dim sum of Hong Kong, and diners can choose between à la carte plates or a range of set menus for sharing. Whole Peking duck – sliced and served with all the trimmings – is a signature, as is the whole roasted fish. There’s an impressive wine list on offer, and skilled sommeliers on hand to guide you through it. Mount Nelson Hotel, 76 Orange Street, Gardens Advertising 9. Seebamboes Photograph: Claire Gunn A fascinating colab between four chefs and artists has transformed the mezzanine level above GALJOEN (also on this list) into an intimate 16-seater restaurant that ups the ante on ‘surf and turf’. The menu and concept at Seebamboes have been imagined as a ‘conversation between land and sea’, so look forward to small plates like West Coast snoek pâté, rolled in biltong dust and served with grilled grapes redolent with the smoky tang of the braai fire. Up next? Perhaps lamb and dune spinach. Rump steak and seaweed dashi. Blesbok and mussels. A flatbread with fermented tomato, nduja and Cape Point octopus. That ‘chimichurri’ on the side? It’s also made from seaweed. It’s playful, creative and delicious at every turn. The wine list is equally adventurous, with a wonderful cocktail list to tempt you too. GALJOEN, Harrington Street 10. Seven Colours Eatery Photograph: Seven Colours Eatery Set in the riverside Battery Park section of the extended V&A Waterfront precinct, Seven Colours Eatery is a charming café-style eatery that takes its name from the traditional Sunday lunch served in many African homes, offering a contemporary take on traditional African cuisine. While the menu extends to hearty breakfasts and sandwiches made with local igwinya or roosterkoek, the heart of the menu is the iPlate. Here you’ll be guided by a choice of the day’s dishes, whether it’s umngquso onembotyi (samp and beans) or amazimba red sorghum for staple starches, to slow-cooked beef potjie or lamb tripe for proteins. Served alongside are four traditional side dishes, including savoury spinach and bean chakalaka. Owner-chef Nolu Dube-Cele also supports other young black-owned suppliers and producers across the city, so pair your iPlate with wines and beers by Ntsiki Biyela and Tolokazi, gins by Best Spirits of Africa, or beans roasted by Khayelitsha-based Siki’s Coffee. It’s a young, joyful, colourful South African dining experience that’s a must-eat in Cape Town. Battery Park, V&A Waterfront Advertising 11. Salsify at The Roundhouse Photograph: Salsify at The Roundhouse Stretched out across the upper floor of an 18th-century hunting lodge amid the forests above Camps Bay, the tables at Salsify boast Atlantic Ocean views that make the plates from chef Ryan Cole all the more enticing. The seasonal menu draws inspiration from the abundant nature around the city: langoustine gnocchi with spring truffles, linefish in lemongrass cream and smoked springbok are some of the inventive items to grace the menu. Come hungry – and in time to catch the golden sunset light pouring through this stunning art-filled space. Roundhouse, Round House Rd, Camps Bay 12. YATAI Ramen Bar Photograph: Yatai Cape Town has fallen hard for ramen, and this latest addition to the city’s menu of noodle bars is well worth a visit. But unlike the dive bars and counter eateries you’ll find elsewhere, YATAI takes the luxe up a notch. This is a place for date nights and celebrations, collared shirts and a frock. The décor is elegant, dark and sexy, and you’ll want to dress the part. And don’t hurry along to the ramen. First, take your time meandering through the collection of pan-Asian small plates: the bao are superb, matched only by the Cape Bream tartare. For vegetarians, the miso-glazed aubergine is a standout. But the ramen certainly steals the show. Yatai’s focus is a modern take on the ‘kotteri’ style, so expect creamy richness rather than clear ‘assari’ broths. The signature ramen dish is the 72-hour Tonkatsu broth, but you’ll also be able to dip a spoon into Shio broth enriched with fresh clams. Look out for their value-for-money specials on certain days of the week. 87 Bree Street Advertising 13. Terrarium Photograph: Newmark Hotels Chef Chris Erasmus has long been known for his remarkable ability to combine hyper-seasonal produce – often foraged by his own hand – into memorable fine-dining cuisine. That skill is on full display at Terrarium , the new flagship restaurant at the Queen Victoria Hotel in the V&A Waterfront. In keeping with Erasmus’ approach, Terrarium’s menus incorporate seasonal ingredients and unusual cuts of meat, lowering the demand on prime cuts, without compromising on flavour. Expect much of the produce to come from local farms and small, family-owned fisheries, butcheries, smokers and beekeepers. There’s a ‘small plates’ menu for lunch – or at the bar come evening – but the standout offering is the eight-course Fauna or Flora menu. Queen Victoria Hotel, Portswood Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront 14. Galjoen Photograph: Claire Gunn/Supplied Named for South Africa’s national fish, Galjoen celebrates seasonal seafood plucked exclusively from local waters. There’s a set menu served daily, with the chefs asking you to put your trust (and appetite) in their hands with a selection of plates that will likely run from freshly shucked oysters to fantastically fresh line fish. Of course, it all depends on what the boats bring in that day, so surrender to the surprise and enjoy a proudly local taste of South African seas. An excellent wine selection, open kitchen and contemporary décor by leading artists makes this a must for anyone with a taste for seafood. 99 Harrington Street, Cape Town Advertising 15. Heirloom Photograph: Cape Grace The iconic Cape Grace Hotel has enjoyed a long-overdue rejuvenation of late, with a top-to-toe refurb that has breathed new life into this famous city address. That new energy extends to the kitchens, with acclaimed chef Gregory Czarnecki – who wowed diners at The Restaurant at Waterkloof – at the helm. At Heirloom he brings his full talent to bear on a multi-course degustation menu that taps into local inspiration and flavours coupled with his deep love for classical haute cuisine. It’s all served up in an elegant space of white napery and a striking central bar. Afterwards, be sure to enjoy a digestif in the hotel’s elegant Library Bar overlooking the marina. West Quay, V&A Waterfront 16. Chefs Warehouse & Canteen Photograph: Claire Gunn A decade after Liam and Jan Tomlin first opened Chefs Warehouse & Canteen in Heritage Square on Bree Street, the original has received a long-awaited reboot just across the road. This new outing is a partnership with chef David Schneider, and delivers the same dedication for down-to-earth dining, this time with a little more space than the original. But the concept remains reassuringly (almost) the same, with a ‘Tapas for 2’ menu the bedrock of the experience, offering a set menu of four courses for sharing. Those plates change regularly but look forward to the likes of venison tataki and pork gyoza, pork belly with lentil ragout or duck breast with fesujin sauce. No surprise that Tomlin’s iconic lemon posset, of course, makes a triumphant return. Don’t like set menus? There’s now also an à la carte option, plus a well-stocked wine cellar (two, in fact) filled with many bottles from Tomlin’s own cellar. 91 Bree Street, Cape Town Advertising 17. The Foodbarn An early pioneer of Cape Town’s ascent into the heady heights of global fine dining, Franck Dangereux has long since thrown off the foams and frippery in favour of elevated bistro-style cuisine in a relaxed setting in the Deep South. For the past decade and more, The Foodbarn in Noordhoek Farm Village has been the go-to for locals in the know, lured in by an inspired menu of dishes that are “civilised, without being pretentious”. With both a café-style and ‘Bistronomy’ menu by day, the offering segues into a Tapas bar come evening. Expect the likes of cauliflower beignets, bouillabaisse and mussel fritters with flash-fired rice noodles. Capetonians can’t get enough of his delicately crafted cuisine, and you’ll likely need to book ahead for a weekend table. Noordhoek Farm Village, Chapmans Peak Road, Noordhoek 18. The Pot Luck Club Photograph: Supplied Spanning the top floor of the original silos in The Old Biscuit Mill, The Pot Luck Club has floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the edgy Woodstock neighbourhood. The space is all modern, industrial elegance, with a rotating menu of small plates built on Asian flavours and superb local produce. Look for inventive spins on well-loved classics like fish tacos, and don’t miss the signature smoked fillet with café au lait sauce. The cocktail collection is superb, and the set menu Sunday Brunch is wildly popular with locals. The Silo, The Old Biscuit Mill, 373-375 Albert Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town, 7915 Advertising 19. The Happy Uncles Photograph: The Happy Uncles In the gentrifying suburb of Salt River chef Anwar Abdullatief leads the kitchen at The Happy Uncles , pioneering the concept of Halaal fine dining in celebration of the city’s ‘Cape Malay’ Muslim community. While he brings many of the same flavours to Barakat at Time Out Market Cape Town , at The Happy Uncles (a name in contrast to his previous bakery, ‘My Cross Aunt’) Abdullatief’s years of fine-dining experience are given a chance to shine here, with inspired culinary creations that draw heavily on childhood food memories. Across 4-, 6- and 8-course tasting menus the dishes are complex and conceptual, with creative plating adding a sense of the theatrical to a flavour journey through the history of the Cape. 100 Voortrekker Rd, Salt River 20. Scala Photograph: Scala ‘Not Your Mamma’s Pasta’, claims the cheeky napkin at Scala . And it’s not wrong. This sexy subterranean Italian eatery is as far from a familial trattoria as you could ask for. Instead Executive Chef Justin Barker, working with Italian master chef Luciano Monosilio, has created an elegantly upmarket take on Italian cuisine. Start with Scala’s signature negroni as you browse the selection of modern antipasti plates, tapas-style pasta dishes and tempting dolce. The starter of char-grilled melanzane is a standout, lifted by bright tomato salsa and hits of basil, while the imported Italian burrata served with panzanella would make your nonna weep. Pasta dishes – the main event – are plated as small portions, allowing you to dabble in a few of the 10 different variations on offer. The Scala carbonara is the highlight, but the tortelli of roasted tomato and burratina are equally memorable. The curated wine list is a perfect foil for the fine food, making this one of the city’s must-visit Italian eateries. Advertising 21. Chef's Warehouse at Beau Constantia Photograph: Claire Gunn/Supplied Chef Ivor Jones dishes up some of the best value fine dining in Cape Town in this elegant space pitched high above the vineyards of the Constantia Valley. Jones is a stalwart of the Cape’s culinary scene, and here his inventive selection of four-course set menus selivers a wonderful cross-section of culinary inspiration. Beyond the plates the views are sensational, and on a fine day al fresco tables at Chef's Warehouse at Beau Constantia offer stellar views across the Constantia winelands. 22. Nobu Photograph: Rupert Peace From the first shout of irashaimasu (welcome!) as you enter Nobu you’ll realise this is no ordinary sushi restaurant. Chef Nobuyuki ‘Nobu’ Matsuhisa’s global empire now runs to dozens of restaurants worldwide, but the first Nobu restaurant in Africa opened in the One&Only Cape Town hotel back in 2009, and continues to impress. Beyond the signature Peruvian-Japanese plates, the sushi is arguably the best in the city. Book a seat at the counter to watch the sushi masters at work, where traditional sashimi and nigiri are elegantly plated, or opt for the inventive new-style sashimi. Our recommendation? Avoid the salmon or tuna and opt instead for the local springbok. Nobu certainly isn’t a cheap night out but is worth every cent for that special occasion. One&Only Cape Town, Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001 Advertising 23. Ouzeri Photograph: Ouzeri In an understated inner-city space, Ouzeri chef-patron Nic Charalambous celebrates the kitchens of Greece and Cyprus with a concise menu dishing up a contemporary take on deeply traditional cuisine. Across the menu, each dish spotlights produce and provenance, whether it’s a Greek recipe for octopus with potato and caramelised garlic, or the anari dumplings with fresh tomato dumplings from Cyprus. A summertime standout is the cured, smoked pork loin that is cooked over wild rosemary to offer a modern taste of Crete in the Mother City. From the very beginning, Charalambous has turned to the pages of his family’s recipe books for inspiration, coupling that with his own travels through the region and a healthy dollop of creativity in the kitchen. The result? A Mediterranean menu you won’t soon forget. 58 Wale St, Cape Town 24. Clarke’s Photograph: Clarke's Set halfway along the gourmet boulevard of Bree Street, Clarke’s is as famous for its homemade burgers served up on house-baked brioche buns, as the excellent smoked tomato soup served with a cheese toastie. It’s a favoured hangout for digital nomads and hipsters alike, and buzzes with a Brooklyn energy every day of the week. 133 Bree Street, Cape Town Advertising 25. Grub & Vine (& Culture Wine Bar) Photograph: Nickey Bothma Matt Manning has built a loyal local following at Grub & Vine , with his upmarket yet unpretentious New York-inspired bistro in the heart of the Bree Street strip, where a menu d’jour offers two- and three-courses from a dozen or so elevated bistro plates. ‘Good honest cooking, with proper sauces. That’s the style we do, and we do it well,’ says Manning. ‘And we serve it with a great wine list that we’re known for.’ The Grub & Vine wine list is certainly impressive, which led to Manning opening Culture Wine Bar alongside. Here you’ll find a few lighter plates, each with Manning’s signature touch, alongside a wine list of more than 600 labels. It’s the perfect place to take a deep dive into the world of Cape wine, in the heart of the city. 103 Bree St. 26. Nikkei Photograph: Nikkei Nikkei is, simply, named for the style of cuisine on offer: a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian culinary traditions. On the menu that means a heady mix of flavours and textures, cooking styles and serving plates. At heart, Nikkei is all about sharing, and it’s the best way to sample the diversity of dishes on offer. There’s sushi, of course, and here it’s expertly crafted with a variety of seafood. The Crudo plates of raw and cured fish are more expressive though, with the likes of tuna ceviche, smoked jalapeno and shoyu neatly embracing the Nikkei concept. Next tackle the Small Plates – the coal-seared scallops are worth the spend – and skewers of Robatayaki from the coal-fired grill, or opt for heartier mains. Across the menu the cross-cultural interplay of flavour and texture means that few dishes disappoint. That fusion extends to the drinks menu, where both sake and pisco define the impressive signature cocktails. Spread across two levels Nikkei is a thoroughly glamorous set-up, with both banquette seating and booths set beneath a riot of natural greenery. 87 Bree Street, Cape Town Advertising 27. Vadivelu Photograph: Vadivelu This contemporary take on Indian cuisine has fast become a local favourite, and an early entry on our list of the best Indian restaurants in Cape Town . Vadivelu is a family affair, with three cousins and in-laws coming together to create a space that celebrates South Africa’s Indian community on a menu that promises ‘Indian. With Attitude’. That shines through in the energetic service as much as the diverse menu, where you’ll find fiery pani puri alongside wafer-thin dosas and fragrant prawn curries redolent of southern India. The vegetarian curries are superb – don’t miss the aloo gobi – but the standout is the Durban lamb curry, a deeply flavourful local speciality that’s best mopped up with the flaky garlic parathas. 151 Kloof St, Gardens 28. Upper Union Photograph: Jan Ras There are many great reasons to visit Kloof Street, which Time Out voted one of the world’s coolest streets in 2023. But there’s an equally good reason to step away from it and into the gate of Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel. Because here you’ll find Upper Union and the sublime menu of seasonal dishes dreamed up by chef Amori Burger. Her focus is firmly on letting the ingredients shine, with just enough kitchen creativity to elevate the produce from the merely delicious to the sublime. While a choice (Pasture, or Garden) of shared menus are available, the heart of Upper Union is the menu of small plates, built for sharing and taking inspiration from culinary cultures across the globe. In summer local botanicals shine through in the picanha steak with waterblommetjie and nasturtium chimichurri. Burger’s candied summer pumpkin will shift your perception of squash, while the grilled Karoo lamb and baharat sauce is a delight. The wine list is small but features a wonderful well-priced collection of Cape estates. 3 Upper Union St, Gardens Advertising 29. Foxcroft Photograph: Foxcroft A more relaxed alternative to its sister-restaurant La Colombe up the road, the selection of small plate menus at Foxcroft focuses on hyper-seasonality and sustainability. Despite the calibre of cooking, this is not fiddly fine dining, with warm and attentive service, refined plating and perfectly pitched portions. Shop 8, High Constantia Centre, Groot Constantia Road, Constantia 30. Gigi Rooftop Photograph: Gigi Rooftop Gigi Rooftop at the Gorgeous George Hotel in the city centre is most famous for its rooftop bar; something of a hidden secret amongst locals and savvy travellers. But after you’ve sipped a few signature cocktails – the Maple Old Fashioned is a favourite – you’ll want a bite to eat. Happily, the restaurant serves a superb seasonal menu that taps into some of the city’s best producers. It's an eclectic offering with something for most palates, whether you look to the Cape Malay fish tartare, or go classic with a twice-baked cheese soufflé. That’s for starters, while mains are largely meaty in focus: think lamb rump, springbok loin or a creative fish en papillote (that’s fancy-French for cooked in an airtight parcel) with miso tomato ‘shakshuka’. The décor is just as imaginative, with deep-buttoned banquettes, low-slung tables and no shortage of terrace tables for those balmy summer nights. 118 St. Georges Mall, Cape Town Advertising 31. Belly of the Beast Photograph: Belly of the Beast Reservations are essential at Belly of the Beast , an intimate spot in the heart of Cape Town, with only one lunch and one dinner seating per day. There’s no menu, but instead a daily table d’hôte set menu of courses that takes its cue from local, sustainably sourced ingredients. Wine pairings draw on some of the Cape’s leading cellars. Expect a creative, immersive dining experience that’s hard to find elsewhere in the city. 110 Harrington St, Cape Town City Centre 32. Ramenhead Photograph: Supplied The team behind fine-dining juggernaut FYN take ramen to an entirely new level at this chic spot in the heart of the city. While you’ll also find a Ramenhead outpost at the bustling Time Out Market Cape Town in the V&A Waterfront precinct, it’s well worth a visit to the original to take in the impressive Yamato noodle machine, the first (and only) in Africa. Beyond the three soupy varieties of ramen on offer you’ll find a collection pre- and post-bites inspired by Japanese street-food favourites. Don’t miss the upmarket take on gyoza dumplings. 37 Parliament St, Cape Town City Centre Advertising 33. Beyond Photograph: Beyond At beyond chef Peter Tempelhoff delivers a superb à la carte menu of elevated cuisine that places provenance and produce in the spotlight. That means starter plates of local handcrafted Burrata, plated with seasonal vegetables, or a tataki of local game fish enlivened by wild herbs and seaweed foraged from the shoreline of the peninsula. Main courses are built around your choice of protein, and the free-range steak – well aged and perfectly seared – is a standout, served with a clever take on a classic salad. It’s a concise menu, with a handful of options per course, but with enormous care taken over every element it strikes the right notes of relaxed fine dining at friendly prices. Set on Buitenverwachting Estate in the Constantia winelands, expect expansive views of mountain and vineyard; a perfect counterfoil to the elegant organic décor indoors. Buitenverwachting estate, 37 Klein Constantia Rd, Nova Constantia 34. ëlgr Photograph: ëlgr In the heart of buzzy Kloof Street chef Jesper Nilsson has created a minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired dining experience that blends local colour and global flavour. While ëlgr is ‘moose’ in Old Norse – a nod to Jesper’s Swedish heritage – the menu is decidedly contemporary, with a focus on sustainable and locally sourced ingredients. What’s great about ëlgr is that it’s a space for all seasons: pop in for a drink after work, paired with a charcuterie board or a few small plates, or settle in for a full fine-dining experience in the moody main restaurant. Go à la carte or opt for the Chef’s Choice sharing menu. Come summer, the cocktail bar and wood-fired pizzas in the rear courtyard always draw a crowd. 75 Kloof St, Gardens Advertising 35. Dawn Photograph: Dawn Restaurant Husband-and-wife duo Ronnie Mao and Giselle Li are trying to change perceptions of ‘Chinese’ food in the city, with a focus on authenticity and regionality on a menu that delves deep into Chinese culinary traditions. If you’re coming in search of sweet-and-sour pork with a fortune cookie to finish? Well, you’ll be disappointed. Instead, look forward to a menu of remarkable plates – mostly small, to allow for sharing – that offer an entirely new perspective on the flavours of China. Start with dim sum, don’t miss the pork ribs in fermented tofu, and marvel at the eye-opening new flavours and textures in the jellyfish and chicken leg. The list goes on, from small plates, noodles and dim sum, to the signature Peking Duck. It’s a menu of remarkable plates that will make you rethink just what ‘Chinese’ food can be. If you love the flavours of Asia, Dawn is a must in the Mother City. Cape Quarter, 10 Jarvis St, De Waterkant 36. Ember & Oak Photograph: Claire Gunn Constantia’s Uitsig Estate keeps evolving in all the right foodie directions, with the whitewashed heritage huisies home to a delicious diversity of eateries. One of the finest is Ember & Oak , where chef Tim Pick makes magic on a compact menu of small plates. It’s a menu built for sharing, and roams widely from Asia to South America and everywhere in between, so look forward to the likes of yellowtail ceviche, pork tostado and gochujang-glazed chicken wings. Another standout is the ‘Cape Malay Cauli’, which translates the savoury and sweet flavours of a traditional South African fish barbecue into a vegetarian plate. The wine list is limited to Uitsig wines or opt for a glass of the unique Chardonnay slushie. The best tables are out on the shaded terrace, with wide lawns and a lush garden for kids to stretch their legs. Constantia Uitsig, Spaanschemat River Road, Constantia Advertising 37. The Test Kitchen Fledgelings Photograph: Supplied At The Test Kitchen Fledgelings acclaimed chef Luke Dale Roberts turns his energy towards offering opportunities for a new generation of talent. Aspiring chefs, often with zero formal training, are brought under the wing of former-Fledgelings and professional chefs, and taught the basics from the scullery to the pass. It’s a remarkable project offering employment, training and hope to a new generation. While the goals are laudable, they don’t come at the expense of great food. The focus is on elevated cuisine, not fine dining, with an à la carte menu that runs from starters of umami-packed Korean Fried Chicken and fiery Fish Tacos, through to elegant mains of Springbok with a heady coffee jus, and creative vegetarian assiette of beetroot. At the table, the atmosphere is infectious and the service exemplary. 38. Thali Photograph: Claire Gunn / Thali The atmospheric courtyard and dimly lit interior decorated with relics from the Indian sub-continent will immediately transport you to a vibey Bombay-style eatery. Thali offers a rotating tasting menu of contemporary Indian food shaped around the concept of thalis—a popular meal in India consisting of numerous small dishes. Here, the ever-changing menus are served in three courses, working their way from milder tastes to spicey dishes with an emphasis on the heat. Thali offers options to suit everyone in your group, from carnivores to vegans and vegetarians. If you thought the food was a showstopper, the inventive cocktails are equally as memorable, drawing inspiration from South Asian flavors. 3 Park Rd, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001 BACK TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE

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THE BOEREVOLK Boers (/bʊərz/ BOORZ ; Afrikaans : Boere; [ˈbuːrə] ) are the descendants of the proto Afrikaans -speaking Free Burghers of the eastern Cape frontier in Southern Africa during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. From 1652 to 1795, the Dutch East India Company controlled the Dutch Cape Colony , which the United Kingdom incorporated into the British Empire in 1806. The name of the group is derived from Trekboer then later "boer", which means "farmer" in Dutch and Afrikaans. In addition, the term Boeren also applied to those who left the Cape Colony during the 19th century to colonise the Orange Free State , and the Transvaal (together known as the Boer Republics ), and to a lesser extent Natal . They emigrated from the Cape to live beyond the reach of the British colonial administration, with their reasons for doing so primarily being the new Anglophone common law system being introduced into the Cape and the British abolition of slavery in 1833. The term Afrikaners or Afrikaans people is generally used in modern-day South Africa for the white Afrikaans-speaking population of South Africa (the largest group of White South Africans ) encompassing the descendants of both the Boers, and the Cape Dutch who did not embark on the Great Trek . European colonists Flag of the Dutch East India Company The Dutch East India Company (Dutch : Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie; VOC) was formed in the Dutch Republic in 1602, and at this time the Dutch had entered the competition for the colonial and imperial trade of commerce in Southeast Asia. The end of the Thirty Years' War in 1648 saw European soldiers and refugees widely dispersed across Europe. Immigrants from Germany, Scandinavia, and Switzerland traveled to the Netherlands in the hope of finding employment with the VOC. During the same year, one of their ships was stranded in Table Bay near what would eventually become Cape Town , and the shipwrecked crew had to forage for themselves on shore for several months. They were so impressed with the natural resources of the country that on their return to the Dutch Republic, they represented to the VOC directors the advantages to be had for the Dutch Eastern trade from a properly provided and fortified station at the Cape. As a result, the VOC sent a Dutch expedition in 1652 led by Jan van Riebeek , who constructed a fort and laid out vegetable gardens at Table Bay and took control over Cape Town, which he governed for a decade. Free Burghers Main article: Free Burghers VOC favoured the idea of freemen at the Cape and many workers of VOC requested to be discharged in order to become free burghers (citizens). As a result, Jan van Riebeek approved the notion on favourable conditions and earmarked two areas near the Liesbeek River for farming purposes in 1657. The two areas which were allocated to the freemen, for agricultural purposes, were named Groeneveld and Dutch Garden. These areas were separated by the Amstel River (Liesbeek River). Nine of the best applicants were selected to use the land for agricultural purposes. The freemen or free burghers as they were afterwards termed, thus became subjects of VOC and were no longer its servants. In 1671, the Dutch first purchased land from the indigenous Khoikhoi beyond the limits of the fort built by Van Riebeek; this marked the development of the Colony proper . As the result of the investigations of a 1685 commissioner, the government worked to recruit a greater variety of immigrants to develop a stable community. They formed part of the class of vrijlieden, also known as vrijburgers ('free citizens'), former VOC employees who remained at the Cape after serving their contracts. A large number of vrijburgers became independent farmers and applied for grants of land, as well as loans of seed and tools, from VOC administration. Dutch free immigrants VOC authorities had been endeavouring to induce gardeners and small farmers to emigrate from Europe to South Africa, but with little success. They were only able to attract a few families through tales of wealth, but the Cape had little charm in comparison. In October 1670, however, the Chamber of Amsterdam announced that a few families were willing to leave for the Cape and Mauritius during the following December. Among the new names of burghers at this time are Jacob and Dirk van Niekerk, Johannes van As, Francois Villion, Jacob Brouwer, Jan van Eden, Hermanus Potgieter, Albertus Gildenhuis, and Jacobus van den Berg. French Huguenots During 1688–1689, the colony was greatly strengthened by the arrival of nearly two hundred French Huguenots , who were political refugees from the religious wars in France following the revocation of the Edict of Nantes . They joined colonies at Stellenbosch , Drakenstein , Franschhoek and Paarl .[12] The influence of the Huguenots on the character of the colonists was marked, leading to the VOC directing in 1701 that only Dutch should be taught in schools. This resulted in the Huguenots assimilating by the middle of the 18th century, with a loss in the use and knowledge of French . The colony gradually spread eastwards, and in 1754 land as far as Algoa Bay was included in the colony. At this time the European colonists numbered eight to ten thousand. They possessed numerous slaves, grew wheat in sufficient quantity to make it a commodity crop for export, and were famed for the good quality of their wines . But their chief wealth was in cattle. They enjoyed considerable prosperity. Through the latter half of the 17th and the whole of the 18th century, troubles arose between the colonists and the government as the VOC administration was despotic . Its policies were not directed at development of the colony, but to profit the VOC. The VOC closed the colony against free immigration, kept the whole of the trade in its own hands, combined the administrative, legislative and judicial powers in one body, prescribed to the farmers the nature of the crops they were to grow, demanded a large part of their produce as a kind of tax, and made other exactions. Trekboers Main article: Trekboers This section needs additional citations for verification . Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources in this section. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (February 2021) (Learn how and when to remove this message ) From time to time, indentured VOC servants were endowed with the right of freeburghers but the VOC retained the power to compel them to return into its service whenever they deemed it necessary. This right to force into servitude those who might incur the displeasure of the governor or other high officers was not only exercised with reference to the individuals themselves; it was claimed by the government to be applicable to their children as well. The tyranny caused many to feel desperate and to flee from oppression, even before the 1700 trekking began. In 1780, Joachim van Plettenberg , the governor, proclaimed the Sneeuberge to be the northern boundary of the colony, expressing "the anxious hope that no more extension should take place, and with heavy penalties forbidding the rambling peasants to wander beyond". In 1789, so strong had feelings amongst the burghers become that delegates were sent from the Cape to interview the authorities at Amsterdam . After this deputation, some nominal reforms were granted. Descending from the Sneeuberge, a scene near Graaff-Reinet , by Burchell Passing Cradock Pass, Outeniqua Mountains , by Charles Collier Michell An aquatint by Samuel Daniell of Trekboers making camp Trekboers crossing the Karoo by Charles Davidson Bell It was largely to escape oppression that the farmers trekked farther and farther from the seat of government. VOC, to control the emigrants, established a magistracy at Swellendam in 1745 and another at Graaff Reinet in 1786. The Gamtoos River had been declared, c. 1740, the eastern frontier of the colony but it was soon passed. In 1780, however, the Dutch, to avoid collision with the Bantu peoples , agreed with them to make the Great Fish River the common boundary. In 1795 the heavily taxed burghers of the frontier districts, who were afforded no protection against the Bantus, expelled the VOC officials, and set up independent governments at Swellendam and Graaff Reinet. The trekboers of the 19th century[who? ] were the lineal descendants of the trekboers of the 18th century. The end of the 19th century saw a revival of the same tyrannical monopolist policy as that in the VOC government in the Transvaal . If the formula, "In all things political, purely despotic; in all things commercial, purely monopolist", was true of the VOC government in the 18th century, it was equally true of Kruger 's government in the latter part of the 19th.[citation needed ][clarification needed ] The underlying fact which made the trek possible is that the Dutch-descended colonists in the eastern and northeastern parts of the colony were not cultivators of the soil, but of purely pastoral and nomadic habits, ever ready to seek new pastures for their flocks and herds, possessing no special affection for any particular locality. These people, thinly scattered over a wide territory, had lived for so long with little restraint from the law that when, in 1815, by the institution of "Commissions of Circuit", justice was brought nearer to their homes, various offences were brought to light, the remedying of which caused much resentment. The Dutch-descended colonists in the eastern and northeastern parts of the colony, as a result of the Great Trek , had removed themselves from governmental rule and become widely spread out. However, the institution of "Commissions of Circuit" in 1815 allowed the prosecution of crimes, with offences committed by the trekboers—notably including many against people they had enslaved—seeing justice. These prosecutions were very unpopular amongst the trekkers and were seen as interfering with their rights over the enslaved people they viewed as their property. Invasion of the Cape Colony Main article: Invasion of the Cape Colony The Invasion of the Cape Colony was a British military expedition launched in 1795 against the Dutch Cape Colony at the Cape of Good Hope . The Netherlands had fallen under the revolutionary government of France and a British force under General Sir James Henry Craig was sent to Cape Town to secure the colony from the French for the Prince of Orange , a refugee in England. The governor of Cape Town at first refused to obey the instructions from the Prince, but when the British proceeded to land troops to take possession anyway, he capitulated. His action was hastened by the fact that the Khoikhoi , escaping from their former enslavers, flocked to the British standard. The burghers of Graaff Reinet did not surrender until a force had been sent against them; in 1799 and again in 1801 they rose in revolt. In February 1803, as a result of the peace of Amiens (February 1803), the colony was handed over to the Batavian Republic which introduced many reforms, as had the British during their eight years' rule. One of the first acts of General Craig had been to abolish torture in the administration of justice. The country still remained essentially Dutch, and few British citizens were attracted to it. Its cost to the British exchequer during this period was £ 16,000,000.[citation needed ] The Batavian Republic entertained very liberal views as to the administration of the country, but had little opportunity to enact them. When the War of the Third Coalition broke out in 1803, a British force was once again sent to the Cape. After an engagement (January 1806) on the shores of Table Bay, the Dutch garrison of Castle of Good Hope surrendered to the British under Sir David Baird , and in the 1814 Anglo-Dutch treaty the colony was ceded outright by The Netherlands to the British crown . At that time the colony extended to the line of mountains guarding the vast central plateau, then called Bushmansland (after a name for the San people ), and had an area of about 120000 sq km and a population of some 60000, of whom 27000 were whites, 17000 free Khoikhoi and the rest enslaved people, mostly non-indigenous blacks and Malays. Dislike of British rule Although the colony was fairly prosperous, many of the Dutch farmers were as dissatisfied with British rule as they had been with that of the VOC, though their grounds for complaint were not the same. In 1792, Moravian missions had been established which targeted the Khoikhoi, and in 1799 the London Missionary Society began work among both Khoikhoi and the Bantu peoples. The missionaries' championing of Khoikhoi grievances caused much dissatisfaction among the majority of the Dutch colonists, whose views temporarily prevailed, for in 1812 an ordinance was issued which empowered magistrates to bind Khoikhoi children as apprentices under conditions which differed little from slavery . Simultaneously, the movement for the abolition of slavery was gaining strength in England, and the missionaries appealed from the colonists to the mother country. Slachter's Nek A farmer named Frederick Bezuidenhout refused to obey a summons issued on the complaint of a Khoikhoi, and, firing on the party sent to arrest him, was killed by the return fire. This caused a small rebellion in 1815, known as Slachters Nek , described as "the most insane attempt ever made by a set of men to wage war against their sovereign" by Henry Cloete. Upon its suppression, five ringleaders were publicly hanged at the spot where they had sworn to expel "the English tyrants". The feeling[clarification needed ] caused by the hanging of these men was deepened by the circumstances of the execution, as the scaffold on which the rebels were simultaneously hanged broke down from their united weight and the men were afterwards hanged one by one. An ordinance was passed in 1827, abolishing the old Dutch courts of landdrost and heemraden (resident magistrates being substituted) and establishing that henceforth all legal proceedings should be conducted in English. The granting in 1828, as a result of the representations of the missionaries, of equal rights with whites to the Khoikhoi and other free coloured people, the imposition (1830) of heavy penalties for harsh treatment of enslaved people, and finally the emancipation of the enslaved people in 1834, were measures which combined to aggravate the farmers' dislike of government. Moreover, what the Boers viewed as the inadequate compensation for the freeing of the slaves, and the suspicions engendered by the method of payment, caused much resentment; and in 1835 the farmers again removed themselves to unknown country to escape the government. While emigration beyond the colonial border had been continuous for 150 years, it now took on larger proportions.[citation needed ] Cape Frontier Wars (1779–1879) Main article: Xhosa Wars Map of the Cape Colony in 1809, early British rule The migration of the trekboers from the Cape Colony into the Eastern Cape parts of South Africa, where the native Xhosa people had established settlements, gave rise to a series of conflicts between the Boers and the Xhosas. In 1775 the Cape government established a boundary between the trekboers and the Xhosas at the Bushmans and Upper Fish Rivers. The Boers and Xhosas ignored the boundary, with both groups establishing homes on either side of the frontier. Governor van Plettenberg attempted to persuade both groups to respect the boundary line without success. The Xhosas were accused of stealing cattle and in 1779 a series of skirmishes erupted along the border which initiated the 1st Frontier War. The frontier remained unstable, resulting in the outbreak of the 2nd Frontier War in 1789. Raids carried out by Boers and Xhosas on both sides of the boundary caused much friction in the area which resulted in several groups being drawn into the conflict. In 1795, the British invasion of the Cape Colony resulted in a change of government. After the government takeover the British began to draw up policies with regards to the frontier resulting in a Boer rebellion in Graaff-Reinet . The policies caused the Khoisan tribes to join some Xhosa chiefs in attacks against British forces during the 3rd Frontier War (1799–1803). Peace was restored to the area when the British, under the Treaty of Amiens , returned the Cape Colony to the Dutch Batavian Republic in 1803. In January 1806 during a second invasion, the British reoccupied the colony after the Battle of Blaauwberg . Tensions in the Zuurveld led the colonial administration and Boer colonists to expel many of the Xhosa tribes from the area, initiating the 4th Frontier War in 1811. Conflicts between the Xhosas on the frontier led to the 5th Frontier War in 1819. The Xhosas, due to dissatisfaction with vacillating government policies regarding where they were permitted to live, undertook large-scale cattle thefts on the frontier. The Cape government responded with several military expeditions. In 1834 a large Xhosa force moved into the Cape territory, which began the 6th Frontier War. Additional fortifications were built by the government and mounted patrols were not well received by the Xhosas, who continued with raids on farms during the 7th Frontier War (1846–1847). The 8th (1850–1853) and 9th Frontier Wars (1877–1878) continued at the same pace as their predecessors. Eventually the Xhosas were defeated and the territories were brought under British control. Great Trek Main article: Great Trek A map charting the routes of the largest trekking parties during the first wave of the Great Trek (1835–1840) along with key battles and events. The Great Trek occurred between 1835 and the early 1840s. During that period some 12,000 to 14,000 Boers (including women and children), impatient with British rule, emigrated from Cape Colony into the great plains beyond the Orange River , and across them again into Natal and the vastness of the Zoutspansberg , in the northern part of the Transvaal. Those Trekboers who occupied the eastern Cape were semi-nomadic. A significant number in the eastern Cape frontier later became Grensboere ('border farmers') who were the direct ancestors of the Voortrekkers . The Boers addressed several correspondence to the British Colonial Government before leaving the Cape Colony as reasons for their departure. Piet Retief , one of the leaders of the Boers during the time, addressed a letter to the government on 22 January 1837 in Grahamstown stating that the Boers did not see any prospect for peace or happiness for their children in a country with such internal commotions. Retief further complained about the severe financial losses which they felt had resulted from the laws of the British administration. While there was financial compensation for the freeing of the people they had enslaved, the Boers found it to be inadequate. They also felt that the English church system was incompatible with the Dutch Reformed Church . By this time the Boers had already formed a separate code of laws in preparation for the great trek and were aware of the dangerous territory they were about to enter. Retief concluded his letter with "We quit this colony under the full assurance that the English Government has nothing more to require of us, and will allow us to govern ourselves without its interference in future" Anglo-Boer wars Main articles: First Boer War and Second Boer War Boer family traveling by covered wagon circa 1900 Following the British annexation of the Transvaal in 1877, Paul Kruger was a key figure in organizing a Boer resistance which led to expulsion of the British from the Transvaal. The Boers then fought the Second Boer War in the late 19th and early 20th century against the British in order to ensure the republics of the Transvaal (the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek ) and the Orange Free State , remaining independent, ultimately capitulating in 1902. Boer War diaspora See also: Boer War diaspora After the Second Boer War, a Boer diaspora occurred. Starting in 1903, the largest group emigrated to the Patagonia region of Argentina and to Brazil . Another group emigrated to the British colony of Kenya , from where most returned to South Africa during the 1930s, while a third group under the leadership of General Ben Viljoen emigrated to Mexico and to New Mexico and Texas in the southwestern United States. 1914 Boer Revolt Main article: Maritz Rebellion The Maritz Rebellion (also known as the Boer Revolt, the Five Shilling Rebellion or the Third Boer War) occurred in 1914 at the start of World War I , in which men who supported the re-creation of the Boer republics rose up against the government of the Union of South Africa because they did not want to side with the British against the German Empire so soon after the war with the British.[citation needed ] Many Boers had German ancestry and many members of the government were themselves former Boer military leaders who had fought with the Maritz rebels against the British in the Second Boer War. The rebellion was put down by Louis Botha and Jan Smuts , and the ringleaders received heavy fines and terms of imprisonment. One, Jopie Fourie , an officer in the Union Defence Force , was convicted for treason when he refused to take up arms alongside the British, and was executed by the South African government in 1914. Characteristics Language Main article: Afrikaans Afrikaans is a West Germanic language spoken widely in South Africa and Namibia , and to a lesser extent in Botswana and Zimbabwe . It evolved from the Dutch vernacular of South Holland (Hollandic dialect ) spoken by the mainly Dutch colonists of what is now South Africa, where it gradually began to develop distinguishing characteristics in the course of the 18th century. Hence, it is a daughter language of Dutch, and was previously referred to as Cape Dutch (also used to refer collectively to the early Cape colonists ) or kitchen Dutch (a derogatory term used in its earlier days). However, it is also variously (although incorrectly) described as a creole or as a partially creolised language.[n 1] The term is ultimately derived from Dutch Afrikaans-Hollands meaning African Dutch. Culture Painting depicting the Bullock wagons moving over the billowy plains, 2 January 1860 The desire to wander, known as trekgees, was a notable characteristic of the Boers. It figured prominently in the late 17th century when the Trekboers began to inhabit the northern and eastern Cape frontiers, again during the Great Trek when the Voortrekkers left the eastern Cape en masse, and after the major republics were established during the Thirstland ('Dorsland') Trek. One such trekker described the impetus for emigrating as, "a drifting spirit was in our hearts, and we ourselves could not understand it. We just sold our farms and set out northwestwards to find a new home". A rustic characteristic and tradition was developed quite early on as Boer society was born on the frontiers of white colonisation and on the outskirts of Western civilisation. The Boer quest for independence manifested in a tradition of declaring republics, which predates the arrival of the British; when the British arrived, Boer republics had already been declared and were in rebellion from the VOC. Beliefs The Boers of the frontier were known for their independent spirit, resourcefulness, hardiness, and self-sufficiency, whose political notions verged on anarchy but had begun to be influenced by republicanism. The Boers had cut their ties to Europe as they emerged from the Trekboer group. The Boers possessed a distinct Protestant culture , and the majority of Boers and their descendants were members of a Reformed Church . The Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk ('Dutch Reformed Church') was the national Church of the South African Republic (1852–1902). The Orange Free State (1854–1902) was named after the Protestant House of Orange in the Netherlands . The Calvinist influence, in such fundamental Calvinist doctrines such as unconditional predestination and divine providence , remains present in a minority of Boer culture, who see their role in society as abiding by the national laws and accepting calamity and hardship as part of their Christian duty. Many Boers have since converted denominations and are now members of Baptist , Charismatic , Pentecostal or Lutheran Churches . Modern usage During recent times, mainly during the apartheid reform and post-1994 eras, some white Afrikaans -speaking people, mainly with conservative political views, and of Trekboer and Voortrekker descent, have chosen to be called Boere, rather than Afrikaners, to distinguish their identity. They believe that many people of Voortrekker descent were not assimilated into what they see as the Cape -based Afrikaner identity. They suggest that this developed after the Second Anglo-Boer War and the subsequent establishment of the Union of South Africa in 1910. Some Boer nationalists have asserted that they do not identify as a right-wing element of the political spectrum. They contend that the Boers of the South African Republic and Orange Free State republics were recognised as a separate people or cultural group under international law by the Sand River Convention (which created the South African Republic in 1852), the Bloemfontein Convention (which created the Orange Free State Republic in 1854), the Pretoria Convention (which re-established the independence of the South African Republic 1881), the London Convention (which granted the full independence to the South African Republic in 1884), and the Vereeniging Peace Treaty , which formally ended the Second Anglo-Boer War on 31 May 1902. Others contend, however, that these treaties dealt only with agreements between governmental entities and do not imply the recognition of a Boer cultural identity per se. The supporters of these views feel that the Afrikaner label was used from the 1930s onwards as a means of politically unifying the white Afrikaans speakers of the Western Cape with those of Trekboer and Voortrekker descent in the north of South Africa, where the Boer Republics were established. Since the Anglo-Boer war, the term Boerevolk ('farmer people') was rarely used in the 20th century by the various regimes because of the effort to assimilate the Boerevolk with the Afrikaners. A portion of those who are the descendants of the Boerevolk have reasserted use of this designation. The supporters of the Boer designation view the term Afrikaner as an artificial political label which usurped their history and culture, turning Boer achievements into Afrikaner achievements. They feel that the Western-Cape based Afrikaners – whose ancestors did not trek eastwards or northwards – took advantage of the republican Boers' destitution following the Anglo-Boer War. At that time, the Afrikaners attempted to assimilate the Boers into the new politically based cultural label. In contemporary South Africa, Boer and Afrikaner have often been used interchangeably.[dubious – discuss ] Afrikaner directly translated means African, and thus refers to all Afrikaans-speaking people in Africa who have their origins in the Cape Colony founded by Jan Van Riebeeck. Boer is a specific group within the larger Afrikaans-speaking population. During apartheid, Boer was used by opponents of apartheid in various contexts, referring to institutional structures such as the National Party , or to specific groups of people, such as members of the Police Force (colloquially known as Boere) and Army , Afrikaners, or white South Africans generally. This usage is often viewed as pejorative in contemporary South Africa. Politics Boere-Vryheidsbeweging Boerestaat Party Freedom Front Plus Front National Herstigte Nasionale Party National Conservative Party of South Africa Education The Movement for Christian-National Education is a federation of 47 Calvinist private schools, primarily in the Free State and the Transvaal, committed to educating Boer children from grade 0 through to 12. Media Some local radio stations promote the ideals of those who identify with the Boer people, like Radio Rosestad 100.6 FM (in Bloemfontein), Overvaal Stereo and Radio Pretoria . An internet-based radio station, Boerevolk Radio , promotes Boer separatism. Territories See also: Volkstaat Territorial areas in the form of a Boerestaat ('Boer State') are being developed as colonies exclusively for Boers/Afrikaners, notably Orania in the Northern Cape and Kleinfontein near Pretoria . Notable Boers Voortrekker leaders Sarel Cilliers Andries Hendrik Potgieter Andries Pretorius Piet Retief Great trek Racheltjie de Beer Dirkie Uys Marthinus Jacobus Oosthuizen Participants in the Second Anglo-Boer War Koos de la Rey , general; regarded as being one of the great military leaders of the Second Anglo-Boer War Danie Theron , soldier Christiaan Rudolf de Wet , general Siener van Rensburg , considered a prophet by some Politicians Louis Botha , first prime minister of South Africa (1910–1919) and former Boer general Petrus Jacobus Joubert , general and cabinet member of the Transvaal Republic Paul Kruger , president of the Transvaal Republic Martinus Theunis Steyn , 6th State President of the Orange Free State Spies Robey Leibbrandt Fritz Joubert Duquesne , Boer captain known as the Black Panther who served in the Second Boer War Persecution Since the early 2000s, South African farmers, including many Boers, have faced a wave of violent attacks in rural areas, often involving extreme brutality such as torture and murder. These incidents, which have drawn international attention, have led many within the Boer community to fear for their safety. Some have emigrated to countries like Australia, while others have invested in private security measures to protect their families and property. The ongoing attacks remain a significant concern for South Africa's rural communities. In modern fiction The history of the Cape Colony and the Boers in South Africa is covered at length in the 1980 novel The Covenant by American author James A. Michener. The Boers appear as a civilization in the 'Scramble to Africa' scenario in Civilization V: Brave New World . Paul Kruger leads the civilization during the scenario. The Boers' unique unit is the foreign volunteer. See also Boerboel Boerehaat Boer goat Boer music Settler colonialism South African farm attacks Transvaal civil war Transvaal Colony BACK TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE

Welcome to Our Site Welcome to Southern Star Africa! We are thrilled to have you here. Explore our vibrant offerings and discover the beauty and culture that Africa has to offer. Join us on this exciting journey! Read More SOUTH AFRICAN TOURS South African Tours offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers looking to explore the beauty and diversity of South Africa. Our expert guides will take you on journey through stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you're interested in wildlife safaris, wine tasting, or historical landmarks, we have the perfect tour for you. Book your adventure with South African Tours today and discover the magic of this incredible country. View More WILDLIFE SOUTH AFRICA Welcome to Wildlife South Africa, where you can the beauty and diversity of African wildlife. Our tours offer a unique opportunity to see animals in their natural habitat, from lions and elephants to giraffes and zebras. Join for an unforgettable adventure and discover the wonders of South Africa's wildlife. View More SOUTH AFRICAN CULTURE South Africa is a country with a rich and diverse culture. It is home many different ethnic groups, each with own unique traditions and customs. The country's history has also played a significant role in shaping its culture, with influences from colonialism, apartheid, and the struggle for freedom and equality. From music and dance to food and art, South Africa's culture is a vibrant and colorful tapestry that continues to evolve and inspire. View More PLACES TO VISIT IN SOUTH AFRICA South Africa is a country with a rich cultural heritage and diverse beauty. Some of the must-visit places in South Africa include the Kruger National Park, Table Mountain, Robben Island, the Cape of Good, and the Garden Route. These destinations offer a unique experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories. View More SOUTH AFRICAN HISTORY South Africa has a rich and complex history that spans thousands of years. From the indigenous San and Khoi peoples to the arrival of European colonizers in the 17th century, the country has experienced significant social, political, and economic changes. The 20th century saw the rise of apartheid a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination, was eventually dismantled in the 1990s with the release of Nelson Mandela and the establishment of a democratic government. Today, South Africa continues to grapple with issues of inequality, poverty, and social justice, while also celebrating its diverse cultural heritage and natural beauty. View More NINE PROVINCES OF SOUTH AFRICA South Africa is a country divided into nine provinces, each its own unique culture, history, and attractions. From the bustling city of Johannesburg in Gauteng to the stunning beaches of KwaZulu-Natal, there is something for everyone to explore and enjoy. Discover the beauty and diversity of South Africa's nine provinces today. View More SAFARI TOURS IN SOUTH AFRICA South Africa is home to some of the most breathtaking wildlife and landscapes in the world. Embark on a safari tour and witness the Big Five in their natural habitat. Our experienced guides will take you on an unforgettable journey through the African bush, where you'll have the opportunity to see lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards and buffalos up close. Book your safari tour today and experience the adventure of a lifetime. View More View More 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. Malaria As of late September 2017 we have noticed an increase in the amount of Malaria diagnoses in Kruger National Park. We therefore advise all travellers to cover themselves by taking chemoprophylaxis whilst visiting the Park. Your family physician will be able to advise you on the most suitable medication. The risk of contracting malaria is often a concern when visiting the Kruger National Park. The Kruger is one of the two South African National Parks that are situated in malaria risk areas. The other park is Mapungubwe National Park. It is important to note that the risk of malaria in both of these parks is usually low, even in the summer months. Malaria is mosquito borne disease transmitted exclusively through the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito. The highest risk period is between November and April – the end of the summer rainy season. Following the bite of an infected mosquito, an individual may remain asymptomatic for 12 – 35 days, depending on the species of malaria. This is known as the incubation period. Malaria should be suspected in patients with any unexplained fever after visiting an area where malaria is endemic. The symptoms of malaria include: Fever Chills Sweating Headaches Body aches Tiredness Stomach problems – These can include: Loss of appetite Nausea and vomiting Belly pain Diarrhoea Skin that looks yellow – This is called “jaundice” Cough Fast heart rate or breathing When malaria becomes severe, it can cause symptoms such as: Confusion Hallucinations Seizures Dark or bloody urine Most types of mosquito that are encountered will not carry the malaria parasite and if an individual is bitten it does not mean that they will contract malaria. The risk of malaria can be reduced by preventing mosquito bites. Mosquitoes most often bite between dusk and dawn. People are advised to stay indoors during this period, or cover exposed skin with light clothing or insect repellents. Remember to spray one’s ankles. Burning anti-mosquito coils and ensuring netted screens are kept closed will significantly reduce your risk for contracting insect bites. All of the accommodation available in Kruger is fitted with netted screens. Malaria prophylactic drugs can be taken that will further decrease the chances of contracting malaria. It is a difficult decision whether or not to take malaria prophylactics when visiting the Kruger National Park. The risk of contracting malaria needs to be weighed up against the side effects of the malaria prophylactic medication, and all the drugs available have various side effects. The choice of the appropriate drug that an individual should use is a decision that should be made in consultation with a medical doctor. There are three types of malaria prophylactic medications available for the strains of malaria occurring in South Africa, namely Doxycycline, Atovaquone/Proguanil and Mefloquine. It is also important to know that taking malaria prophylaxis does not guarantee that an individual will not contract malaria, it decreases the risk of contracting the disease. Malaria should be excluded in anyone who presents with unexplained fever within 12 to 35 days after entering a malaria area. A blood test is the most accurate, although rapid tests are available that are also very accurate. View More View More MY PROJECT & PICTURE TO SHARE 1 Attractions South Africa is a treasure trove of attractions waiting to be explored. From the stunning landscapes of Table Mountain in Cape Town to the wildlife-rich Kruger National Park, there's something for everyone. Don't miss the vibrant culture of Johannesburg and the breathtaking scenery along the Garden Route. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, South Africa has it all! View More 2 Wildlife & The big 5 Discover the breathtaking wildlife of South Africa, home to the iconic Five: lions, leopards, elephants rhinos, and. Each of these animals offers a unique glimpse into the rich biodiversity the region. Whether on a thrilling safari or exploring the stunning landscapes, South Africa's wildlife experience is truly unforgettable. Join us in celebrating the beauty and majesty of these incredible creatures! View More 3 Culture & Food South Africa is a vibrant tapestry of cultures, each contributing to its rich culinary landscape. From the spicy flavors of Cape Malay cuisine to the hearty dishes of traditional African fare, the country's food reflects its diverse heritage. Popular dishes include bobotie, a savory baked dish, and braai, a social barbecue tradition. With a variety of local ingredients and cooking styles, South African cuisine offers a unique and delicious experience for all. 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Traditional South African foods you need to try: Stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, dramatic mountain ranges and attractive beaches make South Africa a very inviting holiday destination. The country is also a melting pot of a great diversity of cultures which is why it’s fondly nicknamed ‘The Rainbow Nation’, and it’s this cultural diversity which has had a very strong influence on South African food over the centuries. This in turn has given traditional South African dishes very unique and interesting flavours.South Africa has grown to be one of the top travel destinations in the world, and with good reason—the country offers visitors unparalleled wildlife viewing, stunning scenery, and fascinating history. However, there’s something else South Africa also offers visitors and locals alike—some of the best food you can get on the continent! If you’re planning to visit or move to South Africa, it’s well worth exploring the wide range of local cuisine this country has to offer. Here are some delicious South African foods you shouldn’t miss out on trying! FOOD CULTURE IN SOUTH AFRICA The food culture in South Africa is really big and plays a very important part in South African tourism and local daily life. This is why you should take the time to indulge yourself in South African food culture in order to learn more about the rich diversity of the land itself that provides the food and how together with the local people it all influences the various flavours. When visiting South Africa there are many traditional food dishes one should try, however, there are a few that will stand out and which you will really need to try before you go home. So in order to help you discover the food in South Africa, I have compiled this food guide with an insight into South African cuisine as well as local produce that can sometimes only be found in this part of the world. And if you are really adventurous and brave enough, you might want to try Mopane Worms , which is a very traditional South African food that is more popular in the rural areas. Perfect Biltong Recipe—South African Beef Jerky I must apologise for calling biltong “South African beef jerky”, because this is a far superior product. If you’ve ever tried biltong, you’ll know exactly what I mean—none of that sugary, rubbery stuff-it-in-a-dehydrator rubbish here, please! Like a lot of biltong lovers, I was introduced to this culinary treasure as a child, and the addiction has stuck. I’ve been making my own for a few years, gradually tweaking the recipe and feeding it to people with a “how is it, honestly?”, and plenty of willing feedback. I’m confident that this fool-hardy recipe sticks with the traditional roots of the dried meat, whilst adding a little refined finesse—it does not disappoint. Biltong was originally created by Dutch pioneers in South Africa, “Voortrekkers”, who needed reliable food sources on their long treks across the continent. The method and spice mix hasn’t changed much in hundreds of years, but a few variations have appeared recently, like ‘piri piri’ biltong and the use of additional ingredients like worcestershire sauce and dried chillies. Curing process Opinions vary on curing methods, spice mixes and drying conditions, and there is a lot of misinformation around, so trial and error has been my friend. Some recipes call for several stages of curing and washing off spices, reapplying them, etc—this is not necessary. I don’t like to throw away good spices, so I coat once, leave to cure in the fridge, pat dry, then hang with no additional stages. Why wash off and waste all that good flavour? It’s easy to over-salt biltong, making it almost unbearable to eat in bigger quantities (let’s face it, who’s going to only eat a little biltong?), and too much salt can leave a burning sensation, so many recipes call for the salt to be washed off with a water/vinegar solution. My answer? Use less salt! Vinegar does a perfectly good job of sterilising the meat without mountains of salt. The salt is an excellent flavour enhancer and should definitely be included—just a little less to avoid the need for washing. Temperature and airflow What we’re trying to achieve when drying biltong is to concentrate the flavour of the beef by removing a lot of the moisture, similar to ‘dry aging’. A combination of good airflow and relatively cool temperatures are the key to successful biltong making. Contrary to popular belief, heat is not required to make biltong—neither does it make for a better product. As a perfect example of this, the Italians make a beautiful beef product called ‘Bresaola’, which is very slowly air dried at cold temperatures, so as to achieve an even dryness and texture. Although heat doesn’t add to the quality of the product, it can be used to increase air circulation around the meat, by means of a temperature gradient (heat rises!). Having said that, don’t be tempted to try and make it in the oven—biltong takes several days to dry, and most ovens won’t go low enough to dry the meat slowly enough to avoid cooking it. What you’re looking for is a slow drying process with gentle airflow. Many DIY biltong makers will use a ‘biltong box’ with a fan and a lightbulb in to create good air circulation. The key is to draw air around the meat without the airflow being too strong, to avoid ‘case hardening’, whereby the outside becomes overly tough, and the texture gradient falls off too quickly. How to dry biltong I made my first biltong by hanging it from a piece of wood jammed into a window frame beside a cool window, with a fan on low to circulate air. That’s really all you need to make it. If you want a little more control, you can upgrade to a biltong box or other drying box. I’ve since upgraded to an old fridge with the mechanics removed, holes in the bottom, and a fan drawing air past the meat. The airflow is just enough to draw away moisture, but not too fast so as to avoid over drying the outside of the meat. What you’re looking for is cool conditions with good airflow. Room temperature in most houses is fine, but air flow can be a problem. What you want is a good steady stream of air running past the meat, but not too strong. Try to create these conditions in whatever way you see fit. Just make sure you have a little air flow, or the meat can gather mould—I’m sorry to say this has happened to me in the past! If you want to have complete control over drying conditions, either making or buying a ‘biltong box’ might be the best option for you. You can pick them up pretty cheap online. Doneness—How long does it take to dry? I like my biltong a little tough, but still wet in the middle. Some like theirs tough like old leather. Getting it right is down to trial and error. The easiest way to measure dryness is with your fingers. Thoroughly wash and dry your hands, and squeeze the flattest sides of the meat in with your fingers. If there is any give in the meat, there’s still moisture in the middle. Most likely, what you’re looking for is a really tough consistency with just a little bit of give. Leave it too long and you’ll have some tooth-bustingly tough biltong on your hands. That said, it’s fairly forgiving and a day or two over won’t do too much harm. Wet biltong – a slight crust and still wet in the middle If you’re impatient and can’t wait for your biltong to dry, plan ahead and cut some thinner pieces to hang with the rest—these will keep you going while you wait for the thicker stuff to be ready. If you’re really savvy, you might vary the thickness of slices from thin to thick allow for consistent grazing over the drying process (highly recommended). If you find that you’ve cut your biltong early and it’s wetter than you’d like, use clean fingers to rub a little salt and vinegar on the exposed end and hang it back up. Fat on or fat off? This comes down to personal preference. It’s important to note that, while your biltong will shrink by around half the size when dried, the fat doesn’t shrink at the same rate as the muscle. I like a little fat because it helps carry flavour, but I tend to remove most of it before hanging. Large chunks of fat can be a little unpleasant to deal with when eating biltong. Biltong ingredients Every biltong maker has their own preference on spice mix. If you don’t know what you like, I suggest making a few thinner, quick drying pieces to experiment with. Many home biltong makers add a lot of ingredients to their biltong, thinking that adding more will lead to a better result, but in reality they’re muddying the clarity of the flavour and masking the star of the show—good quality meat! Vinegar Traditionally, brown vinegar has been used to make biltong. It really has a recognisable flavour. Some recipes call for balsamic or cider vinegar. I recommend brown vinegar for the best flavour, with cider vinegar coming in a close second. I’ve used cider vinegar a lot, purely because I have a large batch I made at home. Salt Salt is a brilliant flavour enhancer and preservative. It kills bacteria on the outside of the meat, and helps to draw moisture out. It’s tricky to get the salt quantity right. My recipe uses the smallest amount of salt required to make a safe cure, based on the weight of the meat. My local butcher goes way overboard with salt on their biltong. I sometimes use them in case of emergency biltong shortage, so I’m not sure how to break it to them… Coriander Coriander seed is the signature spice that makes biltong instantly recognisable. It’s best to toast the seeds to release the oils for flavour, but also because the oil suppresses bacterial growth. Black pepper Black pepper and beef are a pair made in heaven. Just don’t overdo it—biting into a lump of peppercorn is not a pleasant experience! You want roughly 1/4 pepper to 3/4 coriander seed for a good balance. In most cases, flies aren’t a problem, but pepper has the added benefit of detering them. Brown sugar Brown sugar has a caramel and molasses flavour that adds complexity to the meat, without masking it. The sugar helps with drying through osmosis, latching onto the water molecules and ‘wicking’ them away. It’s not a traditional ingredient if we’re going full purist, but it balances the saltiness well. Too much sugar is really unpleasant though—you’re walking dangerously close to beef jerky territory and I’d really recommend against it. Biltong is a savoury snack, not a desert! Bicarbonate of soda Some recipes call for the addition of bicarbonate of soda. This might seem a little odd, but it has scientific reasoning. The bicarb neutralises the acid in the vinegar, but also acts as a meat tenderiser. It slows the contraction of the proteins, leaving the final product still dry, but less tough. Bicarb has a pretty unpleasant taste, so it’s important to keep the quantity low. If you’re using a good cut like silverside or toprump, you won’t need it at all. Cutting methods Biltong slices cut with a sharp knife If you’ve ever tried cutting over-dried biltong, you’ll know how tough it can be—tough as old boots! In desperation, I’ve taken to resting a knife on top of some over-dried biltong and hitting it with a camping mallet (not recommended, and not only because I upset the neighbours and smashed the chopping board!). There are a lot of creative, almost ceremonial devices on cutting biltong, but I think nothing beats a good, sharp knife. If you want something a little more fancy, there are biltong cutters (a board with a hinged knife attached), biltong knives (traditional knives made for purpose), hand crank mechanical cutters, and at the high end, expensive elecric cutters, mostly used by butchers and biltong suppliers. Dealing with mould Check your biltong every day for mould. If conditions are particulary humid or hot, there’s a chance you might experience this problem. If you see the first signs of mould appearing—white dots or furry mould—use a clean cloth with some vinegar and dab/wipe it off. Be sure to get it all or it’s likely to spread again. If you’ve not checked for a while and found your biltong totally covered, sadly the best place for it is the bin. Good airflow will help to avoid such catastrophes in future. Storing your Biltong After your biltong has dried to your preferred consistency, you can continue to store it hanging in a well aerated space indefinitely. Shops that sell biltong will often hang it and leave it out, and these are ample storage conditions—just try to make sure none of the pieces are touching. It will continue to dry slowly, but it will also keep for a long time this way. If you’ve cut your biltong and want to store it, wrap it in a few paper bags and store it in the fridge. The paper will allow excess moisture to continue leaving the meat, discouraging mould growth. I can’t give accurate advice on how long to store it this way, but I think it’s safe to say that no sane person is going to leave biltong uneaten for more than a few days. It’s just too delicious! Case hardening If there is too much air flow around your biltong, the outside can firm up really quickly, leaving the middle soft. If the case hardening is severe, the tough outer layer can prevent moisture from leaving the middle. If you find that you’ve been testing your biltong for readiness for 2-3 weeks and it just doesn’t seem to be drying in the middle, this may be your problem. If you suspect that case hardening is your problem, I recommend cutting through the end of the meat and checking it. If you’ve got a really raw centre and thick, tough outer surface, give it a try and see if you like the texture. If you don’t, the first option is to vacuum pack the biltong and store it in the fridge for one week to one month, depending on severity. This will balance out the gradient. If you don’t have access to a vacuum sealer, stick your biltong in a paper bag and place it in the fridge for a few days. Rub a little salt on the cut ends to protect them. This should go some way towards fixing the problem. It’s worth noting that the thicker you cut your initial beef cuts, the slower the drying process must be to avoid case hardening, so try cutting thinner next time. However, the best solution to prevent case hardening from occurring is to change your drying setup to reduce air flow. You still need a little air movement, but the slower it dries, the more even the moisture gradient will be from inside to out. So without further ado, here’s my tried and tested biltong recipe. Once you’ve given it a try, please let me know how you like it, and if there are any variations to the traditional ingredients you swear by, no matter how strange! Oh, I also added an extra function to the recipe that allows you to change quantities based on meat weight – don’t say I don’t spoil you! 😉 Print Perfect Biltong Recipe A Biltong recipe that produces consistent results with an authentic, traditional spice mix Course Snack Cuisine South African, Zimbabwean Keyword Biltong, Curing, Dried meats Prep Time 30 minutes minutes Cook Time 5 days days How much does your meat weigh (grams)? Ingredients Meat 2000 g Beef—silverside or toprump Curing spice mix 5 Tbsp Brown (malt) or cider vinegar 2.5 Tbsp Coarse salt (2% of the meat weight) 2 tsp Ground black pepper 2 Tbsp Coriander seed 1.5 Tbsp Brown sugar (optional) Instructions Toast the coriander seeds in a dry pan, then grind down in a pestle and mortar or spice grinder. It should be mostly powder, with a few pieces of seed shells left in. Using a sharp knife, following the grain of the meat, cut into 1 inch (2.5cm) thick lengths and place in a non-metallic container. Combine all the spices and sprinkle into the meat. Sprinkle the vinegar on and rub everything in thoroughly whilst turning the meat with your hands. Cover the container and let your biltong cure for 24 hours in the fridge, turning and rubbing through the meat occasionally. Remove the meat from the container and pat dry with kitchen towels, taking care not to remove too much of the spice. Add a hook to the thickest end of each length. Plastic-covered paper clips make for a cheap solution. Hang in your biltong box, or in a well aired, ventilated space with a fan blowing gently to increase air flow. Do not point a fan directly at the meat (to avoid case hardening). Make sure none of the pieces are touching. Place some newspaper below the meat to catch any liquid. Drying times will vary with humidity, airflow and temperature. Test the readiness of your biltong every couple of days by squeezing the sides together with clean fingers. If you feel any give in the meat, it’s still ‘wet’ inside. Once ready, cut into thin slices with a sharp knife and enjoy some of the best meat you’ll ever eat. Notes Note:- if using cheaper cuts of game or beef, add 1 tsp of bicarbonate of soda per kg to tenderise the meat. Note:- if you don’t have any coarse salt and need to substitute with table salt, double-check that it’s not iodised salt – iodine leaves a bitter taste in the mouth. South African Bobotie Traditionally, Bobotie is an Indonesian dish that was probably brought to South Africa by the Dutch. It consists of a sweet and spicy mince curry topped with an egg mixture. Nowadays, there are various recipes and ways to prepare South African bobotie. In general, the main ingredients are bay leaves, some dried fruit (I always use raisins), fruit chutney and curry powder. The sweetness of the chutney and dried fruit contrasts very nicely with the tangy flavour of the curry powder. Typically it is served with yellow basmati rice and some sambals. Discover how to make traditional South African bobotie here . Bobotie is real traditional food in South Africa and very popular. I have cooked it many times for tourists and it is always one of the highlights of the trip. It is also called a ‘Cape Malay curry’ or ‘Cape Malay bobotie’ because when it was taken to South Africa it was adopted by the Cape Malay community who mainly live in Cape Town . Bobotie has become a signature dish in South Africa, mixing local and exotic flavours. South African bobotie South African bobotie is a fruity and spiced minced meat dish covered with a creamy egg custard. Often considered as South Africa's national dish, this Cape Malay curry has a perfect balance of spice and sweetness. Prep Time10 minutes mins Cook Time50 minutes mins Total Time1 hour hr Course: Main Course Cuisine: South African Servings: 4 Author: Sabine Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark Ingredients 1½ pound (or 700 grams) beef mince 1 large onion finely diced 2 cloves garlic minced ⅔ cup (or 100 grams) raisins 3 tablespoons apricot jam 2 slices white bread remove crusts ½ cup (or 125 ml) full cream milk 2 tablespoons flaked almonds 2 tablespoons cooking oil Spices 1 tablespoon turmeric 1 teaspoon ground cumin ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper 2 teaspoons curry powder mild 1 teaspoon dried herbs oregano and basil mix pepper to taste salt to taste Egg custard 3 eggs ½ teaspoon turmeric ½ teaspoon ground cumin salt to taste Instructions Preheat the oven to 365°F or 185°C. Take 2 bowls. Soak the crustless slices of bread in the milk. Soak the raisins in water. Set both bowls aside. In a large pan or skillet, heat cooking oil and sauté the onions over medium heat for 5 minutes until translucent. Add all the spices, minced garlic and ground beef while stirring regularly to break down into small grains. Cook for about 10 minutes until brown. Add the apricot jam and mix well. Meanwhile, squeeze the milk out of the bread with your hands, but preserve the milk in a separate bowl to use for the egg topping. Drain the water from the raisins. Add the raisins, bread and almond flakes to the mixture and stir well together. Cook for another 5 minutes on medium heat. Transfer the mixture into an oven dish. Use the back of a spoon to press the beef mixture down and flatten well to make the top smooth. The egg topping needs to stay on top and not disappear into the meat. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, turmeric, cumin, salt and the milk that was used to soak the bread. Pour the egg mixture over the meat, arrange the bay leaves on top. Put in the oven and bake for 20 minutes until the egg custard is set. Serve immediately with yellow rice and tomato salad. Bunny Chow Bunny Chow Bunny Chow originates from Durban, which is on the east coast of South Africa. It was created by the large Indian immigrant population in the Durban area and served for lunch. A Bunny Chow has nothing to do with a rabbit but consists of a hollowed out quarter or half loaf of bread filled up with a tasty Indian curry made from beans or meat (mutton, beef or chicken). The bread is used as a dish to hold the curry, which is then broken off into small pieces and used to dip in the curry. Nowadays, Bunny Chow has become very popular around South Africa as a staple food of the country and is even booming in the United Kingdom. ▢ 1/2 cup canola or cooking oil ▢ 1 medium onion ▢ 2 teaspoons minced garlic ▢ 1 teaspoons minced ginger ▢ 1 cinnamon stick ▢ 1 Tablespoon curry powder or more ▢ 2-3 curry leaves diced ▢ 3 green cardamom pods ▢ 1 1/2 teaspoon paprika ▢ ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional ▢ 2 medium tomatoes diced ▢ 1 pound chicken thighs or breast cut in bite-sized pieces lightly crushed ▢ 8 ounce or less potatoes cleaned and cut into cubes ▢ 1 15 ounce can chickpeas rinsed and drained ▢ 11/2 cup or more chicken broth or water ▢ Salt and pepper to taste Koeksister Koeksisters (Afrikaner) This sweet treat consists of deep-fried dough soaked in syrup. Another dish originating from the Dutch settlers, it now comes in two varieties. The Afrikaans braided version is crispy on the outside and very syrupy on the inside, and the Cape Malay version is soft and spicy, covered in coconut and usually unbraided. We celebrate National Koeksister Day on 23 June. Malay koeksister Where did the name come from? There are two theories as to the origin of the name. The word “koek” means cake in both. “Sister” either refers to sisters making them or it is derived from a Dutch word meaning “sizzle” which refers to the sizzling sound made when the dough is being fried. Potjiekos Potjiekos is another traditional and popular South African food. Potjiekos means ‘food out of a pot’, or just ‘pot food’. It is a stew cooked in layers but not stirred in a three legged cast iron pot over an open fire. The whole idea of this way of preparation is slow cooking. Potjiekos may take up to three hours to cook and sometimes even more, depending on the meat one is using, and the size of the pot. One single pot can be big enough to feed up to 100 people and take 24 hours to cook. Any type of meat, fish or vegetables can be used for this dish. It’s a fun way of cooking, where everyone sits around the fire and pot, and has a drink, or 2 or 3, until the food is ready. I love cooking in a potjie pot since there is so much opportunity for variation and so many flavours one can try out. It’s a very relaxing way of cooking where everyone enjoys the aromas coming out the pot while socialising and having a drink together. The South African Braai A braai is the South African answer to a barbecue. However, it’s more than just grilling on coals, a South African braai is a way of life. Almost every South African loves to braai, it’s a very social activity, but you need to beware that the whole ritual comes with some rules. Generally, the men are in charge of the braai and all gather around the fire, while the women are preparing the rest of the food in the kitchen. Any type of meat can be used; boerewors, beef steak, pork chops, game meat/venison and lamb. Very nice on any braai is Karoo Lamb, which has a very authentic South African flavour. It’s so popular that they even proclaimed a National Braai Day on the 24th of September, claiming every South African should braai on that day. (Heritage Day) Braaibroodjies Braaibroodjies are grilled cheese sandwiches prepared on the braai, South African style. They are a traditional side dish to any South African barbecue. For many people around the world, a toasted cheese sandwich is something to eat for a quick meal or light lunch. In South Africa it forms an integral part of the South African braai experience. Traditional braaibroodjies are made with cheese, tomato, onion, apricot chutney or apricot jam and butter and then grilled to perfection in a closed braai grid over a medium hot fire. Chakalaka Take your taste buds on an adventure with this homemade chakalaka recipe – a spicy, savory relish that’s perfect as a condiment or side dish, and it’s also delicious on its own! South African Relish Chakalaka is a flavorful vegetable relish. It is a staple in South African cuisine that’s popular for its spicy, savory taste. It is made from colorful ingredients like tomato, bell peppers, onion, carrots, and chili. It is also very versatile as it can be served with nearly any meal. How to make Chakalaka Heat the oil in a large pan, add the onions and sauté them until they become translucent. After, stir in the minced garlic, ginger, and curry powder Add the grated carrots, green and red pepper, and mix well, and cook for about a minute. Add the diced tomatoes. Stir to combine, cover, and cook over low heat for about 5 to 10 mins or till the mixture is thick but still moist. Stir in the baked beans and leave to simmer for another 5 minutes. Cooking Tips Adjust the heat to mild or high to suit your taste and preferences. You can make chakalaka without chili flakes if you want. How to serve Chakalaka This recipe is versatile. It can go with almost anything. Pair it with the following: Crusty bread White rice South African Mielie pap Barbecues French toast Custard Peri-peri Chicken Pot Roast Mashed potatoes Braai Biltong Braai - Potjiekos - Pap Braai Braai A braai is a Southern African tradition. The word means “barbecue” or “roast” in Afrikaans. Braais originated with the Afrikaner people, but these days most South Africans have one regularly. More than a meal, it is a social experience as family and friends gather around and chat, while the food is cooked on a wood or charcoal fire. South Africans traditionally love meat and meats that are commonly braaied include sausages, boerewors, lamb chops, steak and chicken. However, braais are not restricted to meat. Other foods that are regularly braaied include potatoes, corn on the cob, marshmallows and braaibroodjies – grilled cheese, tomato and onion sandwiches made on the braai. The braaied food is normally served with sides like salads, garlic bread, pap and tomato chutney. Braais are known as Shisa Nyama in the townships . The Zulu phrase literally means to "burn meat". Potjiekos Potjie kos (cc: Chrstphr.jones - Wikimedia Commons) Potjiekos (small-pot food) is food that is slow-cooked over a fire in a 3-legged cast iron pot called a potjie. It originated with the Voortrekkers in the 1800s and has been part of South African culture since. Almost anything can be cooked in a potjie, and the resulting dish is delicious and flavourful. My personal favourite is chicken curry. Like braais, potjiekos gatherings are also social events. Pap (Maize Meal) Pap and boerewors Pap (pronounced pup) is a staple food for many South Africans, the way rice is in many parts of Asia. It is a starchy porridge-style dish made from a type of maize known as mielies, which was originally brought by the Portuguese to Africa. It can be eaten for breakfast with milk and sugar or as part of a main meal with a vegetable or meat dish. It is often eaten with chakalaka, a spicy vegetable relish, or boerewors. Gatsby - kota - Vetkoek Gatsby Fully loaded Gatsby A Gatsby is a family-sized stuffed roll that originated in the Cape Flats region of Cape Town in 1976. A local fish and chips shop owner had to feed a group of laborers. Since he had run out of fish, he improvised with whatever he had left and filled a Portuguese loaf with chips (French fries), polony and achar (hot Indian pickle). The huge roll was then divided among the labourers. These days it is served in a foot-long loaf, and filled with fried fish, chicken, masala steak, eggs, and/or sausages. Where did the name come from? The Great Gatsby movie (the original) was being screened in cinemas at the time and the word Gatsby was used by one of the labourers to describe the sandwich as a winning dish. According to UrbanDictionary.com , Gatsby means “excessively extravagant, cool, stylish”. Kota A kota is similar to a bunny chow in that it also consists of a quarter loaf (kota) of bread which is hollowed out and then refilled However, whereas a bunny chow has a curry filling, the kota loaf is stuffed with a combination of processed meats like polony, viennas, and Russian sausages, as well as achar, deep-fried chips, egg, and cheese. To the health-conscious, it may sound like a heart attack on a plate (or in this case, a quarter loaf), but it does rate high up in the popularity stakes. Did you know that Nando’s, which specialises in Portuguese-African food and is one of the most popular food franchises in the world, was started in South Africa in 1987. There are over 300 stores in South Africa, so you don’t have to look far to find one here. Amagwinya/Vetkoek Amagwinga / Vetkoek Vetkoek (fat cake) is a popular fried yeast dough eaten as a snack. It is usually filled with a savoury filling like mince curry or a sweet filling like jam. It also has its origins with the Dutch settlers who preferred deep frying their dough balls - as it was easier to make and lasted longer than traditional bread. SOUTH AFRICAN MILK TART (MELKTERT) An indulgent South African dessert also known as South African Milk Tart. It’s a traditional sweet pie with a flaky crust and cinnamon dusting. It can be served with a cup of tea or served as dinner! You will love every bite. South African Milk Tart Yield: servings Prep Time: 45 minutes minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes Total Time: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes This traditional South African dessert is creamy and delicate. Make it for Easter, Mother’s Day or teatime any day! ingredients Sweet Shortcrust Pastry 6 ounces butter softened ½ cup 100g sugar 1 egg 2 cups 300g all-purpose flour pinch salt ¼ teaspoon 1.25ml pure almond extract Filling 4 cups 950ml milk 1 tablespoon 0.5 ounces butter ½ cup 100g sugar 2 eggs 3 tablespoons 24g cornstarch 3 tablespoons 24g all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon 5ml pure vanilla extract pinch salt 1 tablespoon 14.3g cinnamon instructions For the crust Cream the butter and add the sugar. Beat in the egg and almond extract. Stir in the flour and salt. Knead until a soft dough has formed. Chill for 10 minutes. Roll the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and layer it into a greased pie dish. Cover with a sheet of parchment paper and fill the void with pie weights. Bake blind at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Remove parchment and pie weights. Allow crust to cool completely on a wire rack. For the filling In a heat proof bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, cornstarch, flour and vanilla. Set aside. In a medium size saucepan, heat the milk and butter at medium setting. Do not bring to a rolling boil. Add about a fourth of the milk to the egg mixture, whisking to incorporate it evenly. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan with the remainder of the milk. Return to heat and stir constantly until it thickens. Do not boil! Pour the filling into the pie crust and let cool completely. Refrigerate until serving. Sprinkle with cinnamon before serving. Bobotie Bobotie is a delicious South African dish made with minced meat cooked with spices such as curry powder, herbs, and dried fruit before being covered with an egg and milk combination and baked until set. This recipe is sure to delight and please your taste buds!!! This classic dish from South Africa, Bobotie (pronounced ba-bo-tea), is made with ground beef seasoned to perfection, and a creamy, decadent topping. It is rich, savory, spicy, aromatic, and zingy. A comforting meal, full of the flavors of Africa! Ingredients Units Scale 3 slices of bread 1 cup + 1/2 cup milk, divided 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 large onions, roughly chopped 4 teaspoons medium curry powder 1 teaspoon dried herbs (whatever you’ve got around – oregano, basil, marjoram, etc.) 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 1/2 pound ground beef 1/2 cup fruit chutney 1 tablespoon apricot jam Zest and juice of one medium lemon, divided 4 teaspoons tomato paste Salt and pepper 2 large eggs 4 bay leaves Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark Instructions Preheat your oven to 350°F. Soak the bread in 1 cup of milk. Heat the olive oil in a wide skillet set over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the onions, and cook until soft. Add the curry powder , mixed herbs, ground cumin , turmeric, and garlic, and stirring constantly, allow to cook for a minute or two until the garlic is soft. Add the ground beef, and cook, stirring frequently to break up any big chunks, until browned. Once the beef is browned, remove the skillet from the heat, and stir in the chutney, apricot jam , all the lemon zest, half the lemon juice, tomato paste, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well, give it a taste, and add more lemon juice, salt, and pepper as desired. It should be delightfully zingy! Squeeze the milk from the bread, reserving the milk for later, and smooshing and tearing the bread into small pieces. Mix the bread into the beef mixture, and spread evenly into an oven-proof dish. Strain the milk that has come from the bread, and add the remaining 1/2 cup of milk. Beat in the eggs, and season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper to taste. Pour this over the meat, and decoratively scatter the bay leaves on top. Bake, uncovered, at 350°F for 45 minutes, or until golden brown. Authentic Boerewors Recipe – South African Sausages No matter where they settle in the world, South Africans will find a fellow countryman who can make boerewors, or they will learn to make it themselves – that’s how much they miss their traditional sausage. Boerewors, translated from Afrikaans, a language derived from the Dutch settlers, means farmer’s sausage; the word boer means farmer. It has a rather crumbly texture and was made in the past by individual farmers and hunters. Boerewors on braai with pap inside the Dutch oven. Photo by Harry Cunningham on Unsplash South Africans don’t like the meat for their boerewors ground to a fine texture and, at barbeques around the world where South Africans are present, there will be passionate discussions on the taste, spicing and texture of the boerewors. If you call it a sausage, a South African might look at you and say, “It’s not a sausage, it’s boerewors,” with the implication that it’s way above other beef and pork sausages. Boerewors is most often cooked outdoors at a ‘braai’, and that means it’s not a quick switch-on-the-gas type of barbeque where you cook, eat and leave. It’s a whole afternoon or evening event of constructing the perfect wood or charcoal fire which must be at just the right heat. It may take some time to get to the correct temperature, and will involve drinking copious amounts of beer and brandy, with the conversation getting louder and louder, and the stories taller. Finally, the braai master and his assistants will announce that the fire is ready, meaning whoever is doing the side dishes better have their act together because the meat won’t take more than around half an hour. Most boerewors these days in the cities and towns are made from beef, but for hunters with access to venison and wild boar, the possibilities are endless in creating boerewors that are a crowd pleaser. One of the tastiest ones I have ever had was made by a farmer friend from a mixture of venison – duiker and warthog – rather an unusual combination, but it was perfect. Go to any South African supermarket, and there will be a large range of boerewors – some have bacon added, cheese, and garlic, and some are really spicy with the addition of peri-peri – a type of chili common in Mozambique, a neighboring country on the East Coast of Africa. Spicing Boerewors The spices used in a traditional boerewors recipe will include coriander, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg among others. Now it depends on how much of a purist you are – some people believe that spices should be freshly ground for the best flavor so they will buy whole cloves to grind, whole nutmeg to grate, and dry roast their coriander seeds before crushing them. Other people use commercially ground spices as you see in this picture. The easiest option is to buy a ready mixed boerewors spice pack, and just add it to the meat. The pack comes with a handy guide to tell you how much spice to add per pound of meat. Perhaps once you get into making boerewors, try the different methods and see if you can detect a difference in the taste, and let us know in the comment section. Cooking Boerewors When you cook boerewors on the braai (barbeque), you do not cut it into individual sausages like you do with pork sausages – it is cooked whole in a coil and only after cooking is it then cut into suitable lengths. The casing should not be damaged during cooking otherwise the juices will leak out and it will be dry. Often the boerewors are placed inside a grilling basket to make turning the whole coil easier on the braai. Cooking Time Boerewors takes around 20 minutes whether it is cooked over hot coals on a braai (BBQ), fried in a pan on the stove, or grilled or baked in the oven. The braai masters will test by cutting off a small piece from the tail of the coil and inspecting it. If it still shows signs of pinkness it needs to be cooked a bit longer but definitely not too long or it won’t be as tender. This sampling is part of the process of braaiing the perfect boerewors, and not ‘stealing’ bits of meat off the grill! Earning the Boerewors Label How do sausages get classified at boerewors? In South Africa it can’t be sold as authentic stuff unless it has: ✅ 90% meat content – beef, pork, lamb, or goat ( no other type of meat) ✅ 30% or less fat The following are not allowed as ingredients: ❌ offal (excludes the casing) ❌ mechanically removed meat ❌ soy or vegetable protein ❌ color additives Various spices, permitted additives, and some starch, such as maize meal may be added. These measures were taken to ensure boerewors remains as true to the original as possible. If a product is labeled ‘wors’ then it’s not genuine boerewors – the special label of ‘boerewors’ being attached only to sausages that have passed the requirements regarding content. Farmers and hunters make their own boerewors, sometimes using venison from kudu, eland or springbok. Their wors is mixed with pork – from domestic, wild pig or warthog. According to the current South African legislation that defines boerewors, it’s not boerewors, but is probably the most authentic way it was made back in the days of the pioneers. Instead, if it is sold it must be labeled with the name of the predominant meat used – for example kudu wors. If you are a hunter then go ahead and use your venison for making ‘boerewors’ – the texture and the spicing are just as important as the meat, and it must include some pork for the required taste and fat content. Refining Your Skills Once you start making boerewors at home, you may want to tweak the recipe until everyone agrees on the taste, spiciness, and texture. Then you can start experimenting by adding cheese or garlic, or whatever customized flavor you wish to create. Super-Secret Tips from a South-African The meat for boerewors should not be frozen – fresh is best. The pork fat is necessary – a certain amount of fat is good as it makes the product tastier and juicier. Some recipes call for the addition of spek – the Afrikaans word for bacon. The smokiness of the bacon gives an additional flavor to the boerewors, which is then marketed as spekwors. The bacon can be obtained in chunks from your local butcher, and is sometimes sold as ‘speck’ (note the difference in spelling to the Afrikaans word), although genuine speck, a lightly smoked Italian ham, is made from the deboned leg of pork rather than belly fat. Chunks of cheese may sometimes be added – to make kaaswors. This is absolutely delicious served warm with the cheese melting into the meat. Boerewors Casing Cleaned intestines are usually used for the casings , and come packed with salt which needs to be rinsed off before carefully threading the casing onto your sausage stuffer. Boerewors is a fairly thick sausage so a 36 mm (1.4 inches) casing or one close to these dimensions is good to use. Equipment If you are an old hand at making various sausages then you won’t want to know about equipment as you’ll have your own. If you have never done this before then you will need a meat grinder/sausage stuffer. I prefer this all-in one-version that is fairly sturdy to get the job done. If you are not sure about which meat grinder brand to buy, then this video gives you the reviewer’s five best options, which may help you make a choice: If your meat grinder doesn’t come with a sausage stuffer attachment, you may need to buy a separate vertical sausage stuffer which is probably better than the ones that are horizontal. This is mainly because, unless you have super long arms, it’s hard to turn the handle and control the sausage at the same time, making it more of a two-person job. Boerewors Recipe Print Recipe Pin Recipe Ingredients 4.5 lbs. beef = 2.5 kgs, top round roast or brisket, silverside 2.5 lbs. fatty pork cut = 1.1 kgs, shoulder, neck or belly 50 ml coriander seeds 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg fresh grated, scant 1/2 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1.5ml 1 teaspoon ground allspice 5 ml 5 teaspoons salt = 25 ml 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper 125 ml Malt (dark) vinegar 50 ml Worcestershire sauce 1 pack wide sausage casing Instructions Trim the beef and pork, discarding any sinew, and trim into longish pieces about 3 inches wide. This just makes it easier for the meat grinder (South Africans call it a mincer) to process. Place all your trimmed meats in a large container. Put the meat mix through the grinder on a large blade. Dry roast the coriander seeds in a pan on medium heat, stirring to make sure they don’t burn, then remove from the heat when they are a golden brown color. Crush the seeds coarsely in a food processor or use a mortar and pestle. Add the dry spices, the vinegar and the Worcestershire sauce to the meat, or if using a readymade boerewors spice mix then follow the instructions on the pack, then add to the meat. Mix and leave in the fridge for two hours for the flavors to absorb. Put through the grinder on a medium size blade which enables the spices to be incorporated through the meat. Use your sausage stuffer to fill the casings with the boerewors mix. Roll your coils of boerewors neatly, ready to braai, and the extra can be bagged and frozen until you need them. Popular South African food South African Boerewors Boerewors is a typical South African sausage often packed as a continuous spiral. The word is derived from Dutch and means ‘farmers sausage’. It is made from lean minced meat, usually beef, but can also be made from game meat or pork or a combination of various meats. What makes Boerewors so special is the use of a blend of authentic flavours and spices, like nutmeg, coriander, black pepper and cloves mixed in with the meat. It comes with so many different variations and flavours. Basically, one can say that no two South African boerewors’s taste the same. It is very popular at any South African braai, and is a common street food at festivals and sports events. Cape Malay Chicken Curry If you are looking for Malay chicken curry, you should try this Cape Malay chicken curry recipe. Using tomatoes, instead of coconut milk, brings a subtle tang to the dish that is quite delicious. This Malaysian chicken curry is mild enough for everyone to enjoy. I made this cape Malay chicken curry recipe not long ago and thought I can start training myself making curries more often with this recipe. As far as I know, this is not an authentic Malaysian chicken curry. The name Cape comes from the Western Cape province in South Africa where a good number of Malaysians dwell, and whom originated this recipe. Ingredients 4 tbsp oil 1 medium onion, finely chopped 2 tbsp ginger, finely chopped 1 tsp chili flakes, or fresh hot peppers to taste 1 1/2 tsp coriander seeds 2 tsp fennel, ground, or 4 tsp whole fennel seeds 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp turmeric 1/2-1 tsp black pepper, coarsely ground 15 cardamom pods , whole pods 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1 tbsp garam masala 14 oz can crushed tomatoes , or diced tomatoes 1 1/2 lb chicken pieces 2 tsp garlic, finely chopped 2 tsp brown sugar 1 tbsp lemon juice 2 -3 tsp salt Instructions Put the 7 spices — from the coriander seeds down to the garam masala — in a mortar and pestle. Pound them together so the cardamom pods burst and the whole thing becomes a mess of spices. Discard the skin of cardamom pods. Continue to pound the spices until they become like a powder. Heat the oil in a pot, add the onion and ginger over fairly high heat, and stir occasionally for a few minutes. Add the chili flakes and spices and stir for 2 minutes. You might need to add more oil (Spices slurp up oil as they fry) Add the can of crushed tomatoes and stir. Cook until everything bubbles up together. Add the chicken pieces, and stir to coat well, keeping heat high until everything is bubbling away. Turn the heat down, put on a lid, and simmer for about 20 minutes. Add the garlic, sugar, lemon juice and salt to the curry. Cover with lid but leave a small opening for a steam to escape; simmer for 15 minutes or longer. Taste the sauce, and adjust seasoning according to your taste. Near the end of cooking, skim off extra oil/fat with a spoon, as it collects in corners of the pot, if needed. Serve the curry warm with rice. Peppermint Crisp Peppermint Crisp fridge tart Print Prep time 4 hours 30 mins Total time 4 hours 30 mins Looking for that long-lost delicious Peppermint Crisp pudding recipe that you remember from your South African childhood? Well, you’ve found it! Author: Jeanne Horak-Druiff Recipe type: Dessert Cuisine: South African Serves: 6-8 Ingredients 250ml Orley Whip or whipping cream, whipped to soft peaks 2 packets of Tennis biscuits (although you will probably use less) 375g tin of caramelised condensed milk or dulce du leche 20ml caster sugar 3 Peppermint Crisp chocolate bars, crushed 3-4 drops of peppermint essence (more, if you like it minty) Instructions Whip the Orley Whip and then add the caramelised condensed milk, castor sugar and peppermint essence. Beat until well mixed and then stir in ⅔ of the crushed Peppermint Crisp. Place a layer of whole tennis biscuits in a buttered 29x19x5cm dish. Spoon ⅓ of the caramel mix over the biscuits and spread evenly. Continue in layers, finishing with a layer of filling on top. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Decorate by sprinkling the remainder of crushed peppermint crisp on top. Cut into squares and serve. Notes SUBSTITUTIONS: You can substitute double or whipping cream for Orley Whip, but the outcome may be even richer than this pudding already is. I used Elmlea, a half-dairy cream available in the UK. For caramelised condensed milk, you can use tinned Carnation Caramel; dulce du leche; or you can make your own by boiling a tin of normal sweetened condensed milk for 3 hours (warning: may be hazardous!!). The Tennis biscuits may prove problematic. Best suggestions I have seen are Nice biscuits, McVitie's coconut rings, Shirley Coconut Biscuits - or digestive biscuits or enev ginger nuts at a push. Peppermint Crisp is also manufactured and available in Australia and New Zealand (and via Amazon at a price) but really has no exact substitute. You could try Peppermint Aero or Cadbury's Mint Crisp. Vetkoek and Curried Mince If there is anything quintessentially South African it must be vetkoek and curried mince! I challenge you to find a single South African that doesn’t like vetkoek, it is such a versatile vehicle for all kinds of toppings. Curried mince, chicken mayonnaise, golden syrup, strawberry jam…you can just about add anything to vetkoek and it will be delicious. Granted it isn’t the most healthy of food considering it is deep fried but this is the type of food you make once in a while, perhaps for a large crowd or maybe just for a lazy sunday evening supper but one thing is for certain. There will NEVER be any leftovers when you do make them. I have developed this vetkoek and curried mince recipe to be as easy as possible. The dough is made the night before and left in the fridge to proof so there is no kneading. If you do want to use the dough straight away then by all means just do a quick 5 minute knead and then let sit in a warm place for 40 minutes. The mince is made cape malay style with a hint of sweetness and a mild curry flavour. I add a bit of Mrs Balls Chutney to mine to amp up the flavour but you can use any type of chutney you have on hand or even just some smooth apricot jam. I’m going to break this post into two recipes. One for the vetkoek and the other for the curried mince if you would like to make it as a filling. A traditional vetkoek (fried dough) recipe paired with an amazing curried mince that is sure to please everyone. Vetkoek can be paired with all kinds of fillings both savoury and sweet. Author: Daryl Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 60 minutes + proofing time Yield: 8 Category: Mains Method: Frying Cuisine: South African Ingredients For the vetkoek 5 cups all purpose flour (plus additional for dusting) 10ml salt 30ml sugar 7g packet of instant yeast 2 cups lukewarm water Oil for deep frying For the curried mince 500g minced beef 15ml olive oil 1 large onion diced 3 cloves of garlic finely minced 5ml ground ginger 2.5ml smoked paprika 5ml black pepper 5ml ground coriander 2.5ml ground cumin 15ml mild curry powder 30ml tomato paste 30ml chutney or smooth apricot jam 1/2 cup water 1 medium potato diced 1 cup frozen diced mixed peas and carrots Salt to taste Instructions For the vetkoek Add the flour, sugar, yeast and salt into a bowl Slowly add the water whilst mixing until you have a shaggy dough transfer to a floured surface and bring the dough together No need to knead unless you want to use the dough immediately. If using the dough on the same day knead briefly for 5 minutes and then cover and let proof for 40 minutes If leaving overnight, transfer the dough to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let proof in the fridge overnight When ready to make the vetkoek pre-heat your oil in a large heavy based pot to 180 degrees c (350 defrees f) divide dough into equal size pieces. I aim for a ball just under a tennis ball size flatten the ball so that when cooking it doesn’t take too long to cook the interior Place each flattened ball into the oil and cook until golden, flip as needed until each side is golden brown. Place on a cooling rack and allow any excess oil to drain. Repeat the cooking process until all the dough is cooked For the curried mince In a medium pot heat oil on high heat Add the mince and fry until browned (this may take a while) Add the chopped onions and fry until soft Add the garlic, ginger, paprika, black pepper, ground coriander, ground cumin and curry powder and cook for 5 minutes stirring constantly Add the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes Add the chutney or jam and water and lower the heat to low Add salt to taste Cover and simmer for 30 minutes Add the potatoes, and mixed veg and mix through. Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes Curry should be thick with very little water left, if not uncover and simmer until you reach the desired consistency To serve Cut the vetkoek in half and fill with the slightly cooled curried mince mixture or any savoury mixture of your choice (chicken mayo, ham and cheese) For dessert spread golden syrup or jam onto the vetkoek and enjoy! Sosaties (South African lamb and apricot kebabs) Sosaties are traditional South African meat skewers usually served as appetizers or snacks on the side of other dishes. Sosaties are a classic part of a South African braai (BBQ) and for good reason - these marinated kebabs are delicious! Prep Time10 minutes mins Cook Time10 minutes mins Total Time20 minutes mins Course: Main Course Cuisine: South African Servings: 4 (skewers, approx - may serve less) Calories: 214kcal Author: Caroline's Cooking Save Ingredients For marinade ¼ onion 1 clove garlic grated or finely chopped 1 teaspoon ginger (fresh) grated or finely chopped 3 tablespoon apricot jam 3 tablespoon wine vinegar (white or red - I used white) 1 tablespoon curry powder (eg Madras) ½ tablespoon ground cumin ¼ teaspoon salt For rest of skewers 1 lb lamb leg diced - can also use shoulder 16 dried apricots approx ½ onion US Customary - Metric Instructions Finely chop the onion then soften it in a little oil in a small pan until it is becoming translucent but not browning. Add the garlic and ginger and cook a minute then add the vinegar, jam, curry powder, cumin and salt. Mix well then remove from heat and leave to cool. Dice the lamb into relatively large dice (around 1 ½-2 inch/ 4-5cm dice), trimming excess fat or sinew. Mix the cooled marinade through the lamb then cover and leave a few hours or overnight, refrigerated. Soak the apricots in hot water to soften for around 15-20 minutes. Thread the meat onto skewers along with the soaked dried apricots and chunks of onion, putting one or other between each chunk of meat. Cook on a grill/bbq until the meat is cooked through then serve. Video Sosaties Nutrition Calories: 214kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 201mg | Potassium: 648mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 2745IU | Vitamin C: 17.1mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 2.9mg Yellow Rice recipe Yellow rice is eaten with the Cape Malay dish called Bobotie. Ingredients 2 cups of rice ¾ cup raisins, soaked in water for 20 minutes, then drained 1 teaspoon of turmeric a dash of salt 2 sticks of cinnamon Instructions on how to make it Place all the ingredients, including the raisins in about 750ml of water, bring to the boil and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. If there is still excess water in the pot when the rice is tender, pour it out carefully. Dot the rice with a few blobs of butter and give it a sprinkling of cinnamon sugar (come on Penny, a little sugar and a little cinnamon powder, mixed together). Buttermilk Rusks recipe This is a traditional yeast-baked rusk - great for dunking in your tea or coffee early in the morning when you watch the sun rise as the boer trekkers did every morning when they traveled from the Cape to the Transavaal. If the rusks are to be kept for a long time, do not substitute margarine for the butter. Ingredients 375g butter 500g sugar 2 extra large eggs 1,5kg self-raising flour 30ml (2 tablespoons) baking powder 500ml (2 cups) buttermilk or plain drinking yogurt Instructions on how to make it Preheat oven to 180°C. Cream the butter and sugar together very well. Add the eggs, one at a time. Sift the flour and baking powder together, and add this to the creamed mixture, using a fork to mix. Add the buttermilk or yogurt, using a little milk to rinse out the carton. Mix well with a fork and then knead lightly. Pack lightly rolled, golf ball sized buns of the dough into the greased bread pans close together, and bake for 45-55 minutes. Place the pans in the middle of the oven, with a sheet of brown paper on the top shelf to protect the buns from becoming browned too quickly. Remove the paper after the buns are well risen and cooked through, to brown the tops. Reduce the heat to the lowest possible setting. Turn out the buns on to cake racks, cool them and separate them, using 2 forks. Pack them on wire racks or on cooled oven racks – air must circulate. Place them in the cool oven, leaving the door ajar, for 4-5 hours, or overnight, to dry out South African Pepper Steak Pie Recipe The South African Pepper Steak Pie Recipe is a traditional dish from the vibrant and diverse culinary landscape of South Africa. This flavorful recipe is known for its rich history and is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. South Africa, with its blend of cultures and traditions, has given rise to a unique fusion of flavors in its cuisine. One of the standout dishes in this culinary tapestry is the South African Pepper Steak Pie Recipe. This dish holds a special place in the hearts and kitchens of many South Africans, reflecting the country’s diverse heritage. Additionally, the South African Pepper Steak Pie Recipe often features a variety of vegetables and protein sources such as beef, lamb, or chicken. These ingredients contribute to a well-balanced meal that provides essential nutrients like protein, vitamins, and minerals. The use of aromatic spices like cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom not only enhances the flavor but may also offer health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory properties. South African Cheese Scones Recipe South African Cheese Scones recipes are a baked pastry often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer. They are characterized by their fluffy texture and cheesy, slightly tangy taste. Historically, South Africa’s traditions have been influenced by various cultures, including Dutch, British, Indian, and indigenous African cuisines. The cheese scone recipe is a testament to this fusion. The use of cheese, a staple in many Western diets, combines with indigenous ingredients and techniques, creating a unique South African twist on a classic British pastry. Equipment Mixing bowl Baking sheet Pastry cutter or fork Grater (for cheese) Measuring cups and spoons Whisk or wooden spoon Pastry brush (optional) Ingredients 1 cup flour 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp salt 1/2 cup milk 2 tbsp mayonaise 1 cup cheese 1/2 cup chives Instructions Preheat oven to 400F. Spray a 12 cup muffin pan with cooking spray. Mix ingredients until blended. The batter should have a drop scone consistency. Spoon batter into muffin cups until 3/4 full. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from oven. Allow to cool for 5 minutes and turn out onto a cooling rack, or into a lined basket. Serve warm, with finely shaved smoked ham or apricto preserves (South Africans like the combination of savory and sweet). South African Pumpkin Fritters Recipe South African Pumpkin Fritters recipes are a delightful dish that holds a special place in South African culture. These fritters, commonly known as “Pampoenkoekies” in Afrikaans, are a part of the country’s heritage. Their history dates back to the early Dutch settlers who brought their cooking traditions to the region in the 17th century. The South African Pumpkin Fritters recipe is made from a simple yet wholesome combination of grated pumpkin, flour, sugar, and a hint of spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. These ingredients are mixed together to form a thick batter, which is then spooned into hot oil and fried until golden brown. The result is a crispy, golden exterior that encases a soft and tender interior. The South African Pumpkin Fritters recipes are more than just a tasty treat; they are also a reflection of the country’s cultural influences. South Africa’s culinary traditions have been shaped by the indigenous people, Dutch, Malay, Indian, and other communities who have made this land their home. The South African Pumpkin Fritters recipe, with their blend of sweet and spicy flavors, showcases this fusion. Historically, South African Pumpkin Fritter recipes were prepared during special occasions and celebrations, such as weddings and festivals. They symbolize unity and togetherness, as they are often shared among family and friends. Equipment Pots, Pans and Cooking Equipment Needed for The South African Pumpkin Fritters Recipe Top Ways to Make A Better South African Pumpkin Fritters Recipe Best Way to Store Leftovers From The South African Pumpkin Fritters Recipe Tips and Tricks For Easier Creation Ingredients 2 cups pumpkin cooked 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 teaspoons baking powder not soda 2 tablespoons sugar granulated 2 large eggs oil for frying sugar cinnamon flavor Instructions 1.The dry ingredients should be combined in a food processor. If you don't have a food processor, just use a bowl to combine everything. 3.Whether using a food processor or a mixing bowl, add the eggs and process until a thick batter develops. When tested with a spoon, the batter should nearly retain its form. If the batter is overly thick, a drop or two of milk should do the trick. If the mixture is too thin, which shouldn't happen, add a little more flour. Put oil in a pan and turn the heat up to medium-high. Drop heaping spoonful of batter into the pan. Make sure they're not touching. Since some of the batter will inevitably be left on the spoon, don't expect very large fritters. Fry one side until it is firm and brown, then flip it over and do the same. Although a non-stick pan eliminates the need for oil or butter, even a small amount of oil yields better results. The fritters will rise and retain their form while cooking, but they will deflate a little as soon as you remove them from the pan. Lightly pressing on the fritters should reveal whether or not they are done. When finished, they have a tendency to bounce back. No batter should be escaping from the sides, so if you're worried, press down even more. Sprinkle with heaps of crunchy cinnamon-flavored sugar and serve warm as a side dish or dessert. Notes Maintain consistent oil temperature while frying for even cooking.Use a spoon or ice cream scoop for uniform fritter sizes.Flip fritters gently to avoid splattering hot oil.Ensure the batter is well-mixed to incorporate all ingredients.Adjust sugar and spice levels to suit personal preferences.Test oil readiness by dropping a small piece of batter; it should sizzle and float.Serve fritters immediately for the best taste and texture. South African Oxtail Potjiekos Recipe The South African Oxtail Potjiekos recipe is a renowned and flavorful dish rooted in the country’s culinary heritage. This hearty and aromatic dish has a history dating back to the early days of Dutch settlers in South Africa, and it continues to be a beloved choice for gatherings and special occasions across the nation. Oxtail Potjiekos, often simply referred to as “Potjiekos,” embodies the essence of South African cuisine, showcasing a richblend of flavors and a cooking method that brings people together around a communal pot.The South African Oxtail Potjiekos recipe is a South African dish with Dutch origins. Oxtail, a flavorful and gelatinous meat, is slow-cooked in a traditional cast-iron potjie over an open flame. This dish’s charm lies in its rich flavors, blending spices like cloves and bay leaves with tomatoes and red wine, creating a mouthwatering sauce that clings to the tender oxtail. Equipment Cast-iron potjie pot (traditional) Large cooking pot (alternative) Cooking utensils (e.g., wooden spoon) Cutting board knife Plate or tray for meat preparation Stove or open flame for cooking Ingredients 2 whoe onions Cut into rings 4 tbsp cooking oil 1/8 Cup wheat Flour 1 tsp salt 1 tsp pepper 4 1/2 lbs beef Oxtail Cut into about 5 cm long pieces 1/2 cup vinegar White Wine 3/4 cup Sugar brown 5 carrots Cleaned and cut into large chunks 4 potatoes Cleaned and cut into quarters 1 pkt Oxtail soup powder Instructions Put some flour in a bag and season it with salt and pepper powder. To ensure that the oxtail is evenly coated with the seasoned flour, place the pieces in the bag and shake vigorously. 3.Cook the floured oxtail in oil that has been warmed in a skillet. To ensure even browning, turn the oxtail pieces while they cook. Throw all of this into a big saucepan and set it aside. Fry the sliced onions in the same pan until they are golden. Bring water to a boil in a saucepan, then add the oxtail. When the oxtail has softened, about 2 hours, add the fried onions and continue simmering. Put the sugar and vinegar into the pot. Add the soup powder and the sliced carrots and potatoes to the pan. Keep the vegetables in the oven for another 15 minutes. Notes Brown the oxtail meat for added flavor.Use a lid on your potjie pot for even cooking.Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.Add vegetables and herbs for depth of flavor.Adjust seasoning gradually to taste.Simmer over low heat for tender meat.Skim off excess fat during cooking. South African Melktert Recipe The South African Melktert recipe is a South African dessert that holds a special place in the country’s heritage. It’s a creamy and delightful treat that has been enjoyed for generations. In South African households, Melktert is often prepared for special occasions and family gatherings. It’s a sweet and comforting dessert that brings people together.This dessert has an interesting historical background. It is believed to have been influenced by Dutch and Indonesian culinary traditions, as these cultures have had a significant impact on South African cuisine. The name “Melktert” translates to “milk tart,” and this dish lives up to its name with its rich and creamy filling. Equipment Mixing bowls Whisk or mixing spoon 9-inch pie or tart pan Measuring cups and spoons Rolling pin (for pastry) Cooling rack Ingredients Sucre Patee (Pastry Crust) 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/3 cup sugar confectioner’s powdered ¼ teaspoon salt 9 Tablespoons butter unsalted 1 large egg yolk Milk filling 2 1/4 cups milk 2 tablespoon butter 2 tablespoons flour 3-4 tablespoons cornstarch 1/2 cup sugar 2 Large eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract ½ teaspoon almond extract optional ½ teaspoon cinnamon ½ teaspoon nutmeg or replace with cinnamon Instructions Crust Pastry Prepare a 9-inch pie pan with a detachable bottom by buttering or spraying it thoroughly. Put away for now. Put the flour, salt, and sugar into a food processor and pulse a few times to combine. Add the butter and pulse until a dough-like consistency is reached. The dough will barely come together after adding the egg yolk and pulsing. Take the dough out and lay it on the counter; knead it briefly to bring together all the pieces. Minimal dough handling is optimal. If the dough is overworked, it will become tough. The dough is done when it can be shaped into a ball with very little further moisture. Be extremely gently as you press the dough into the prepared pie pan, beginning in the middle and working your way outward and up the edges until the pan is completely lined with pastry. Put the pie pan in the freezer for at least 30 minutes; if time is short, use a brick and bake it with beans to keep the dough from rising. Put a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (205 degrees C). If you want a dry and golden crust, bake it for 20–25 minutes. Put apart Filling Milk Stir together the butter, nutmeg, and milk in a saucepan set over medium heat; bring to a boil, then turn off the heat. Whisk together the eggs, flour, cornstarch, sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract in a separate basin. In a pot, stir gently to avoid lumps. Bring the pan back to the heat source, and whisk continually until bubbles form in the mixture. Preparation time is roughly 5-6 minutes. Take off the stove and ladle the filling into the prebaked pastry casing. Cinnamon powder, please. Put in the fridge and wait to serve. Notes When making the custard, constantly stir to prevent lumps.Allow the custard to cool slightly before pouring it into the pastry crust.Sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg on top for added flavor.Serve the Melktert at room temperature for the best taste and texture.For a decorative touch, use a fine sieve to dust powdered sugar on the top. South African Cheese Scones Recipe “We are a couple who has visited and sampled food in every country in the world. We strive to get a local recipe for every dish we place on our blog. Some we have cooked in our kitchen but most we enjoyed in the restaurants and streets of the world. Our thoughts and opinions are based on the food we loved the most, and you may find them and others you will fall in love with as well. Please enjoy the recipe and comment below.” These South African Cheese Scones are characterized by their fluffy texture and rich, cheesy flavor. They embody a fusion of influences, including Dutch, British, and indigenous African culinary traditions. Key ingredients include cheddar cheese, buttermilk, and butter. These are combined to create a dough that is gently mixed to maintain its lightness. Once baked, the scones have a golden-brown exterior and a soft, cheesy interior. The South African Cheese Scones recipes are a great snack, often served warm with butter or chutney. They hold a special place in South African culture, enjoyed at tea time or as a side dish with stews and soups. Whether made at home or savored in local eateries, these scones are a testament to the nation’s diverse heritage. Equipment Mixing bowl Baking sheet Pastry cutter or fork Grater (for cheese) Measuring cups and spoons Whisk or wooden spoon Pastry brush (optional) Ingredients 1 cup flour 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp salt 1/2 cup milk 2 tbsp mayonaise 1 cup cheese 1/2 cup chives Instructions Preheat oven to 400F. Spray a 12 cup muffin pan with cooking spray. Mix ingredients until blended. The batter should have a drop scone consistency. Spoon batter into muffin cups until 3/4 full. South African Cheeza Recipe The South African Cheeza Recipe, also known as South African Cheese and Corn Bread, is a delightful culinary creation with a rich history and some health benefits worth noting. This dish is a fusion of flavors and cultures, combining elements from both African and European culinary traditions.The combination of corn and cheese in this dish creates a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s not only delicious but also provides essential nutrients. However, it’s important to enjoy it in moderation, especially if you’re watching your calorie intake. Equipment a. Oven b. Baking dish c. Mixing bowls d. Whisk e. Measuring cups and spoons f. Grater or shredder g. Knife and cutting board h. Serving platter or dish Ingredients 12 slices Bacon 6 Spring Onions 6 slices Wheat Bread ⅜ cups Mayonnaise tngy 3 cups Cheddar Cheese Grated and roughly grated Instructions Crumble the bacon once it has been fried. Separate the green and white sections of the spring onion and chop them into small pieces. Warm up the bread in a toaster. Combine the mayonnaise, cheese, spring onions, and bacon in a bowl and stir to combine. Put the buttered toast on a baking sheet and top it with Cheeza. To get a bubbling, golden sauce, grill it for a while. Notes Use high-quality cheese for enhanced flavor.Grate the cheese fresh for better melting.Mix corn and cheese thoroughly for even distribution.Preheat the oven for consistent baking.Adjust seasoning to taste.Experiment with different cheese varieties.Customize with herbs or spices for a unique twist. BACK TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE

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. OLD SOUTH AFRICAN BANK NOTES The South African rand The South African rand, or simply the rand, (sign : R; code : ZAR is the official currency of the Southern African Common Monetary Area : South Africa , Namibia (alongside the Namibian dollar ), Lesotho (alongside the Lesotho loti ) and Eswatini (alongside the Swazi lilangeni ). It is subdivided into 100 cents (sign: "c"), and a comma separates the rand and cents. The South African rand is legal tender in the Common Monetary Area member states of Namibia , Lesotho , and Eswatini , with these three countries also having national currencies: (the dollar , the loti and the lilangeni respectively) pegged with the rand at parity and still widely accepted as substitutes. The rand was also legal tender in Botswana until 1976 when the pula replaced the rand at par. Etymology The rand takes its name from the Witwatersrand ("white waters' ridge" in English, rand being the Afrikaans (and Dutch ) word for 'ridge '), the ridge upon which Johannesburg is built and where most of South Africa's gold deposits were found. In English and Afrikaans (and Dutch), the singular and plural forms of the unit ("rand") are the same: one rand, ten rand, and two million rand. History See also: South African pound The rand was introduced in the Union of South Africa in 1961, three months before the country declared itself a republic .[2] A Decimal Coinage Commission had been set up in 1956 to consider a move away from the denominations of pounds, shillings, and pence; it submitted its recommendations on 8 August 1958 It replaced the South African pound as legal tender, at the rate of 2 rand to 1 pound, or 10 shillings to the rand. The government introduced a mascot, Decimal Dan, "the rand-cent man" (known in Afrikaans as Daan Desimaal). This was accompanied by a radio jingle to inform the public about the new currency. Although pronounced in the Afrikaans style as /rʌnt/ in the jingles when introduce the contemporary pronunciation in South African English is /rænd/ . Brief exchange rate history 1961–2000 Value of the South African rand to the United States dollar from 1975 to 2015 by the blue columns: The percentage rate of change year-on-year is shown by the black line. One rand was worth US$ 1.40 (R0.72 per dollar) from the time of its inception in 1961 until late 1971, and the U.S. dollar became stronger than South African currency for the first time on 15 March 1982. Its value thereafter fluctuated as various exchange rate dispensations[clarification needed ] were implemented by the South African authorities. By the early 1980s, high inflation and mounting political pressure combined with sanctions placed against the country due to international opposition to the apartheid system had started to erode its value. The currency broke above parity with the dollar for the first time in March 1982. It continued to trade between R1 and R1.30 to the dollar until June 1984, when the currency's depreciation gained momentum. By February 1985, it was trading at over R2 per dollar, and in July of that year, all foreign exchange trading was suspended for three days to try to stop the depreciation. By the time that State President P. W. Botha made his Rubicon speech on 15 August 1985, it had weakened to R2.40 per dollar. The currency recovered somewhat between 1986 and 1988, trading near the R2 level most of the time and breaking beneath it sporadically. The recovery was short-lived; by the end of 1989, the rand was trading at more than R2.50 per dollar. As it became clear in the early 1990s that the country was destined for Black majority rule and one reform after the other was announced, uncertainty about the country's future hastened the depreciation until the level of R3 to the dollar was breached in November 1992. A host of local and international events influenced the currency after that, most notably the 1994 general election , which had it weaken to over R3.60 to the dollar, the election of Tito Mboweni as the governor of the South African Reserve Bank , and the inauguration of President Thabo Mbeki in 1999, which had it quickly slide to over R6 to the dollar. The controversial land reform programme that was initiated in Zimbabwe , followed by the September 11, 2001 attacks , propelled it to its weakest historical level of R13.84 to the dollar in December 2001. 2001–2011 Two generations of older notes and coins, later replaced with the "Big Five " notes, which were in turn replaced to show the face of Nelson Mandela in 2012 This sudden depreciation in 2001 led to a formal investigation and a dramatic recovery. By the end of 2002, the currency was trading under R9 to the dollar again, and by the end of 2004, it was trading under R5.70. The currency softened somewhat in 2005, trading around R6.35 to the dollar at the end of the year. At the start of 2006, however, the currency resumed its rally and, as of 19 January 2006, was trading under R6 to the dollar again. However, the rand weakened significantly during the second and third quarters of 2006 (i.e., April through September). In sterling terms, it fell from around 9.5% to just over 7%, losing some 25% of its international trade-weighted value in six months. In late 2007, the rand rallied modestly to just over 8%, only to experience a precipitous slide during the first quarter of 2008. This downward slide could be attributed to a range of factors: South Africa's worsening current account deficit, which widened to a 36‑year high of 7.3% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2007; inflation at a five-year high of just under 9%; escalating global risk aversion as investors' concerns over the spreading impact of the sub-prime crisis grew; and a general flight to "safe havens", away from the perceived risks of emerging markets. The rand depreciation was exacerbated by the Eskom electricity crisis, which arose from the utility's inability to meet the country's rapidly growing energy demands. 2012–present A stalled mining industry in late 2012 led to new lows in early 2013. In late January 2014, the rand slid to R11.25 to the dollar, with analysts attributing the shift to "word from the US Federal Reserve that it would trim back stimulus spending, which led to a massive sell-off in emerging economies."In 2014, South Africa experienced its worst year against the US dollar since 2009, and in March 2015, the rand traded at its worst since 2002. At the time, Trading Economics released data that the rand "averaged R4.97 to the dollar between 1972–2015, reaching an all time high of R12.45 in December 2001 and a record low of R0.67 in June of 1973." By the end of 2014, the rand had weakened to R15.05 per dollar, partly due to South Africa's consistent trade account deficit with the rest of the world. From 9–13 December 2015, over four days, the rand dropped over 10% due to what some suspected was President Jacob Zuma's surprise announcement that he would be replacing the Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene with the little-known David van Rooyen . The rapid drop in value stemmed when Zuma backtracked and announced that the better-known previous Minister of Finance, Pravin Gordhan , would instead be appointed to the post. Zuma's surprise sacking of Nene damaged international confidence in the rand, and the exchange rate was volatile throughout much of January 2016 and reached an all-time low of R17.9169 to the US dollar on 9 January 2016 before rebounding to R16.57 later the same day. The January drop in value was also partly caused by Japanese retail investors cutting their losses in the currency to look for higher-yield investments elsewhere and due to concerns over the impact of the economic slowdown in China , South Africa's largest export market. By mid-January, economists were speculating that the rand could expect to see further volatility for the rest of 2016. By 29 April, it reached its highest performance over the previous five months, exchanging at a rate of R14.16 to the United States dollar. Following the United Kingdom voting to leave the European Union, the rand dropped in value over 8% against the US$ on 24 June 2016, the currency's largest single-day decline since the 2008 economic crash. This was partly due to a general global financial retreat from currencies seen as risky to the US dollar and partly due to concerns over how British withdrawal from the EU would impact the South African economy and trade relations. In April 2017, a Reuters poll estimated that the rand would remain relatively stable for the rest of the year, as two polls found that analysts had already factored in a possible downgrade to "junk" status. At the time, Moody's rated South Africa two notches above junk status.[22] When President Jacob Zuma narrowly won a motion of no confidence in South Africa in August 2017, the rand continued to slide, dropping 1.7% that day. In September 2017, Goldman Sachs said that the debt and corruption of Eskom Holdings was the biggest risk to South Africa's economy and the exchange rate of the rand. At the time, it had no permanent CEO, and Colin Coleman of Goldman Sachs in Africa said the company was "having discussions on solutions" on finding credible management. In October 2017, the rand firmed against the US dollar as it recovered from a six-month low. Reuters noted, "South Africa is highly susceptible to global investor sentiment as the country relies on foreign money to cover its large budget and current account deficits." On 13 November 2017, the rand fell by over 1% when the budget chief, Michael Sachs, stood down from his position in Zuma's administration. In October 2022, the rand sank to its lowest point in two years, reaching R18.46 to the US dollar on 25 October 2022. Coins Main article: Coins of the South African rand A 5 rand bimetallic coin issued in 2004. Coins were introduced in 1961 in denominations of 1⁄2, 1, 2+1⁄2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents. In 1965, 2-cent coins replaced the 2+1⁄2 cent coins. The 1⁄2 cent coin was last struck for circulation in 1973. The 1 rand coin for circulation was introduced in 1967, followed by 2 rand coins in 1989 and 5 rand coins in 1994. Production of the 1 and 2-cent coins was discontinued in 2002, followed by 5-cent coins in 2012, primarily due to inflation having devalued them, but they remain legal tender. Shops normally round the total purchase price of goods to the nearest 10 cents. To curb counterfeiting, a new 5-rand coin was released in August 2004. Security features introduced on the coin include a bimetal design (similar to the €1 and €2 coins , the Thai ฿10 coin , the pre-2018 Philippine ₱10 coin , the British £2 coin , and the Canadian $2 coin ), a specially serrated security groove along the rim and microlettering. On 3 May 2023, the South African Reserve Bank announced that a new series of coins would be released. These will have the same denominations as the previous series. The 10c will feature an image of the Cape Honey Bee, the 20c the Bitter Aloe, the 50c the Knysna Turaco , the R1 the Springbok , the R2 the King Protea , and the R5 the Southern Right Whale . Banknotes The first series of rand banknotes was introduced in 1961 in denominations of 1, 2, 10, and 20 rand, with similar designs and colours to the preceding pound notes to ease the transition. They bore the image of what was believed at the time to be Jan van Riebeeck , the first VOC administrator of Cape Town . It was later discovered that the original portrait was not, in fact, Van Riebeeck at all, but a portrait of Bartholomeus Vermuyden had been mistaken for Van Riebeeck. In 1966, a second series with designs that moved away from the previous pound notes was released. Notes with 1, 5, and 10 rand denominations were produced with predominantly one colour per note. A smaller 1 rand note with the same design was introduced in 1973, and a 2 rand note was introduced in 1974. The 20 rand denomination from the first series was dropped. The practice of having an English and an Afrikaans version of each note was continued in this series. The 1978 series began with denominations of 2, 5, 10, and 20 rand, with a 50 rand introduced in 1984. This series had only one language variant for each denomination of note. Afrikaans was the first language on the 2, 10, and 50 rand, while English was the first on the 5 and 20 rand. A coin replaced the 1 rand note. Rand banknotes and coins. South African ATM showing R50 and R100 banknotes. In the 1990s, the notes were redesigned with images of the Big Five wildlife species. 10, 20, and 50 rand notes were introduced in 1992 & 1993, retaining the colour scheme of the previous issue. Coins were introduced for the 2 and 5 rand, replacing the notes of the previous series, mainly because of the severe wear and tear experienced with low-denomination notes in circulation. In 1994, 100 and 200 rand notes were introduced. The 2005 series has the same principal design but with additional security features, such as colour-shifting ink on the 50 rand and higher and the EURion constellation . The obverses of all denominations were printed in English, while two other official languages were printed on the reverse, thus using all 11 official languages of South Africa . In 2010, the South African Reserve Bank and commercial banks withdrew all 1994 series 200-rand banknotes due to relatively high-quality counterfeit notes in circulation. In 2011, the South African Reserve Bank issued defective 100 rand banknotes which lacked fluorescent printing visible under UV light . In June, the printing of this denomination was moved from the South African Bank Note Company to Crane Currency's Swedish division (Tumba Bruk ), which reportedly produced 80 million 100 rand notes. The South African Reserve Bank shredded 3.6 million 100-rand banknotes printed by Crane Currency because they had the same serial numbers as a batch printed by the South African Bank Note Company. In addition, the notes printed in Sweden were not the correct colour and were 1mm short. On 11 February 2012, President Jacob Zuma announced that the country would be issuing a new set of banknotes bearing Nelson Mandela 's image. They were entered into circulation on 6 November 2012. These contained the same denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 rand. In 2013, the 2012 series was updated with the addition of the EURion constellation to all five denominations. On 18 July 2018, a special commemorative series of banknotes was released in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Nelson Mandela's birth. This series includes notes of all denominations, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 rand. These notes will circulate alongside the existing notes. The notes depict the standard face of Nelson Mandela on the obverse. Still, instead of the Big Five animals on the reverse, they show a younger Mandela with different iconic scenes relating to his legacy. These scenes comprise the rolling hills of the Eastern Cape , featuring Mandela's humble birthplace of Mvezo (10 rand); the home of Mandela in Soweto , where he defined his political life alongside other struggle icons (20 rand); the site where Mandela was captured near Howick , following 17 months in hiding, where a monument to him has been erected (50 rand); the place of Mandela's 27-year imprisonment at Robben Island , showing a pile of quarried limestone (100 rand); the statue of Mandela at the Union Buildings in remembrance of when he was inaugurated there in 1994 (200 rand). On 3 May 2023, the South African Reserve Bank announced that a new series of banknotes would retain the image of Nelson Mandela on the obverse while showing the Big 5 in a family depiction on the reverse. This series contains the same denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 rand. South Africa Currency 10 Rand banknote 1961 Jan van Riebeeck South Africa Currency 10 Rand banknote 1961 Jan van Riebeeck South Africa Currency 10 Rand banknote 1961 Jan van Riebeeck South African Reserve Bank - Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank Obverse: Portrait of Jan van Riebeeck (1619 – 1677), was a Dutch navigator and colonial administrator and the founder of Cape Town. At the top are the name of the bank in Afrikaans and English: "Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" and "South African Reserve Bank". An inscriptions: "Ek beloof op aanvraag te betaal aan toonder te Pretoria TIEN RAND Vir die Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" & "I promise to pay the bearer on demand at Pretoria TEN RAND For the South African Reserve Bank". An Allegory of Hope at lower left corner - seated allegorical female with an anchor symbolizes hope of Voortrekkers for best and richer future. Vignette of pioneers and covered wagons train drawn by bulls rolls across plain (Voortrekkers or Voor-trekkers) at bottom center. (The basic motive was taken after the colored illustration from Ian D. Colvin's book "South Africa", published by London publisher "Caxton Pub. Co." in 1909. The illustration made by G. S. Smithard and J. S. Skelton). At the lower right corner of the banknote depiction of a lemon tree (Citrus limon). On the left from Lemon tree are two Golden Wildebeest (male - forehead and female - on background). Signature: President Governor - Dr. Michiel Hendrik de Kock (29 January 1898 — 18 September 1976) was the third Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. His term of office was from 1 July 1945 to 30 June 1962. Reverse: The South Africa's iconic ship "Dromedaris" at center. The face value of the banknote in words, in English and Afrikaans, are at the top and in arabic numerals "10" in ornate guilloche are at lower corners. The name of the bank in Afrikaans and English: "Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" and "South African Reserve Bank" at left and right. The "Dromedaris" was one of the three ships (Dromedaris, Rejiger and De Goede Hoop) landed by Jan van Riebeeck at the future Cape Town site on 6 April 1652 and the Reijger on 7 April 1652 and then commenced to fortify it as a way station for the Dutch East India Company (VOC "Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie") trade route between the Netherlands and the East Indies. The primary purpose of this way station was to provide fresh provisions for the Dutch East India Company fleets sailing between the Dutch Republic and Batavia, as deaths en route were very high. The arrival of Van Riebeeck marked the beginning of permanent European settlement in the region. Watermark: Portrait of Jan van Riebeeck and the wavy lines along the borders of banknote. Size: 170 x 97 mm. Colour: Green and brown on multicolored underprint. 1961-1965 South African Currency 20 Rand banknote 1962 Jan van Riebeeck South African Currency 20 Rand banknote 1962 Jan van Riebeeck South African Reserve Bank - Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank Obverse: Portrait of Jan van Riebeeck (1619 – 1677), was a Dutch navigator and colonial administrator and the founder of Cape Town. At the top are the name of the bank in Afrikaans "Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" and in English "South African Reserve Bank" at the bottom part of the banknote. An inscriptions: "Ek beloof op aanvraag te betaal aan toonder te Pretoria TWINTIG RAND Vir die Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" & "I promise to pay the bearer on demand at Pretoria TWENTY RAND For the South African Reserve Bank". At the left part of the banknote depicted the vignette represents the South African animals: Antelope Springbok, Chacma Baboon, Burchell's zebra and Golden Wildebeest Bulls. At the bottom right corner of the banknote are Zulu woman with child, carrying a vessel on top of her head. Signature: President Governor - Gerard Rissik (21 February 1903 – 4 October 1979) was the fourth Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. His term of office was from 1 July 1962 to 30 June 1967. Reverse: The Line Conveyors at South Africa gold mine, Witwatersrand Basin. At the top are the name of the bank in Afrikaans "Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" and in English "South African Reserve Bank" at the bottom part of the banknote. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "20" in ornate guilloche at each corners. Watermark: Portrait of Jan van Riebeeck and the wavy lines along the borders of banknote. Size: 170 x 97 mm. Colour: Brown-violet. 1961-1965 South Africa Currency 1 Rand banknote 1967 Jan van Riebeeck South Africa Currency 1 Rand banknote 1967 Jan van Riebeeck South African Reserve Bank - Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank Obverse: Portrait of Jan van Riebeeck (1619 – 1677), was a Dutch navigator and colonial administrator and the founder of Cape Town. Many Afrikaners view van Riebeeck as the father of the Afrikaner nation. The King Protea flower on the background at center, at bottom right corner and across all the field of the banknote (Proclaimed as South Africa's national flower in 1976, the king protea (Protea cynaroides) is a flowering bush as beautiful and unique as the country itself.). At the top are the name of the bank in Afrikaans "Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" and in English "South African Reserve Bank" at the bottom part of the banknote. An inscriptions: "Ek beloof op aanvraag te betaal aan toonder te Pretoria EEN RAND Vir die Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" & "I promise to pay the bearer on demand at Pretoria ONE RAND For the South African Reserve Bank". Signature: Theunis Willem de Jongh was the fifth Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. His term of office was from 1 July 1967 to 31 December 1980. Reverse: Two South African merino sheep are staying near the plow. Behind them is a corn field. Landscape of corn field and farmhouse and mountain range in the background. A lemon tree (Citrus limon) and tobacco plant at left. The national flower of South Africa - Giant or King Protea, pineapple, watermelon, pear, grapes and other fruits and vegetables at right. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "1" in ornate guilloche at upper right and bottom left corners. Watermark: Springbok - national animal of South Africa and mascot for many national sport teams. Size: 126 x 64 mm. Colour: Dark reddish brown on multicolored underprint. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. 1966-1975 South African Currency 5 Rand banknote 1967 Jan van Riebeeck South African Currency 5 Rand banknote 1967 Jan van Riebeeck South African Reserve Bank - Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank Obverse: Portrait of Jan van Riebeeck (1619 – 1677), was a Dutch navigator and colonial administrator and the founder of Cape Town. Many Afrikaners view van Riebeeck as the father of the Afrikaner nation. The Voortrekker Monument at center. Vignette of pioneers and covered wagons train drawn by bulls rolls across plain (Voortrekkers or Voor-trekkers) at bottom right corner. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank" and in Afrikaans "Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank". An inscriptions: "I promise to pay the bearer on demand at Pretoria FIVE RAND For the South African Reserve Bank" & "Ek beloof op aanvraag te betaal aan toonder te Pretoria VYF RAND Vir die Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank". The face value of the banknote in words at center: in English "FIVE RAND" and in Afrikaans "VYF RAND". The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "5" in ornate guilloche at bottom left, upper right and left corners. Signature: Theunis Willem de Jongh was the fifth Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. His term of office was from 1 July 1967 to 31 December 1980. Reverse: Factory with industrial freight train. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "5" in ornate guilloche at upper right and left corners. Watermark: Portrait of Jan van Riebeeck. Size: 134 × 70 mm. Colour: Purple on multicolored underprint. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. 1966-1975 South Africa Currency 10 Rand banknote 1967 Jan van Riebeeck South Africa Currency 10 Rand banknote 1967 Jan van Riebeeck South African Reserve Bank - Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank Obverse: Portrait of Jan van Riebeeck (1619 – 1677), was a Dutch navigator and colonial administrator and the founder of Cape Town. Many Afrikaners view van Riebeeck as the father of the Afrikaner nation. The Union Buildings in Pretoria at center. (The Union Buildings form the official seat of the South African Government and also house the offices of the President of South Africa). The Springbok at bottom right, national animal of South Africa and mascot for many national sport teams. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank" and in Afrikaans "Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" at the bottom part of the banknote. An inscriptions: "I promise to pay the bearer on demand at Pretoria TEN RAND For the South African Reserve Bank" & "Ek beloof op aanvraag te betaal aan toonder te Pretoria TIEN RAND Vir die Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank". The face value of the banknote in words at center: in English "TEN RAND" and in Afrikaans "TIEN RAND". The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "10" in ornate guilloche at upper right and bottom left corners. Signature: Theunis Willem de Jongh was the fifth Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. His term of office was from 1 July 1967 to 31 December 1980. Reverse: The Table Bay and Table Mountain with Van Riebeeck’s three ships at his arrival on April 6, 1652: the "Dromedaris", "Reijger" and "Goede Hoop" first time reaching the cape of Good Hope. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "10" in ornate guilloche at upper right and left corners. Watermark: Springbok - national animal of South Africa and mascot for many national sport teams. Size: 140 x 76 mm. Colour: Dark green and brown on multicolored underprint. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. 1966-1975 South African Currency 2 Rand banknote 1978 Jan van Riebeeck South African Currency 2 Rand banknote 1978 Jan van Riebeeck South African Reserve Bank - Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank Obverse: Portrait of Jan van Riebeeck (1619 – 1677), was a Dutch navigator and colonial administrator and the founder of Cape Town. A vignette representing the infrastructure of the country: electric power transmission towers. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "2" in ornate guilloche at left and right. At the top are the name of the bank in Afrikaans "Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" and in English "South African Reserve Bank" at the bottom part of the banknote. An inscriptions: "Ek beloof op aanvraag te betaal aan toonder te Pretoria TWEE RAND Vir die Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" & "I promise to pay the bearer on demand at Pretoria TWO RAND For the South African Reserve Bank". The face value of the banknote in words at center: in Afrikaans "TWEE RAND" and in English "TWO RAND". Signature: Theunis Willem de Jongh was the fifth Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. His term of office was from 1 July 1967 to 31 December 1980. Reverse: A vignette representing the manufacturing of the country: Oil refinery plant of "Sasol Limited". The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "2" are on left side and in lower right corner. Watermark: Portrait of Jan van Riebeeck. Size: 120 x 57 mm. Colour: Blue on multicolored underprint. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. South Africa Currency 5 Rand banknote 1978 Jan van Riebeeck South Africa Currency 5 Rand banknote 1978 Jan van Riebeeck South African Reserve Bank - Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank Obverse: Portrait of Jan van Riebeeck (1619 – 1677), was a Dutch navigator and colonial administrator and the founder of Cape Town. Large Diamond at center. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "5" in ornate guilloche at left and right. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank" and in Afrikaans "Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" at the bottom part of the banknote. An inscriptions: "I promise to pay the bearer on demand at Pretoria FIVE RAND For the South African Reserve Bank" & "Ek beloof op aanvraag te betaal aan toonder te Pretoria VYF RAND Vir die Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank". The face value of the banknote in words at center: in Afrikaans "VYF RAND" and in English "FIVE RAND". Signature: Theunis Willem de Jongh was the fifth Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. His term of office was from 1 July 1967 to 31 December 1980. Reverse: A vignette representing the diamond mining of the country: Diamond mine at center. On right side is the city skyscraper skyline, as parallel between diamonds mining and wealth and civilization. On left side is the small stylized model of hydrocarbon atoms. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "5" are on left side and in lower right corner. Watermark: Portrait of Jan van Riebeeck. Size: 127 x 63 mm. Colour: Purple on multicolored underprint. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. South African Currency 10 Rand banknote 1978 Jan van Riebeeck South African Currency 10 Rand banknote 1978 Jan van Riebeeck South African Reserve Bank - Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank Obverse: Portrait of Jan van Riebeeck (1619 – 1677), was a Dutch navigator and colonial administrator and the founder of Cape Town. The King Protea flower at center (Proclaimed as South Africa's national flower in 1976, the king protea (Protea cynaroides) is a flowering bush as beautiful and unique as the country itself.). The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "10" in ornate guilloche at left and right. At the top are the name of the bank in Afrikaans "Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" and in English "South African Reserve Bank" at the bottom part of the banknote. An inscriptions: "Ek beloof op aanvraag te betaal aan toonder te Pretoria TIEN RAND Vir die Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" & "I promise to pay the bearer on demand at Pretoria TEN RAND For the South African Reserve Bank". The face value of the banknote in words at center: in Afrikaans "TIEN RAND" and in English "TEN RAND". Signature: Theunis Willem de Jongh was the fifth Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. His term of office was from 1 July 1967 to 31 December 1980. Reverse: A vignette representing the agriculture of the country - Livestock: the South African merino sheep and Afrikaner bull. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "10" in ornate guilloche at left. Watermark: Portrait of Jan van Riebeeck. Size: 134 x 70 mm. Colour: Green on multicolored underprint. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. South Africa Currency 20 Rand banknote 1990 Jan van Riebeeck South Africa Currency 20 Rand banknote 1990 Jan van Riebeeck South African Reserve Bank - Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank Obverse: Portrait of Jan van Riebeeck (1619 – 1677), was a Dutch navigator and colonial administrator and the founder of Cape Town. Groot Constantia manor house, a historic building at center (Groot Constantia is the oldest wine estate in South Africa and provincial heritage site in the suburb of Constantia in Cape Town, South Africa). The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "20" in ornate guilloche at left and right. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank" and in Afrikaans "Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" at the bottom part of the banknote. An inscriptions: "I promise to pay the bearer on demand at Pretoria TWENTY RAND For the South African Reserve Bank" & "Ek beloof op aanvraag te betaal aan toonder te Pretoria TWINTIG RAND Vir die Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank". The face value of the banknote in words at center: in Afrikaans "TWINTIG RAND" and in English "TWENTY RAND". Signature: Dr. Chris Stals (born 13 March 1935) was the seventh Governor of the South African Reserve Bank, serving from 8 August 1989 to 7 August 1999. He succeeded Dr. Gerhard de Kock who had died in office. Reverse: The Table Bay and Table Mountain with Jan van Riebeeck’s three ships at his arrival on April 6, 1652: the "Dromedaris", "Reijger" and "Goede Hoop" first time reaching the cape of Good Hope. The (old) Coat of Arms of South Africa between 1910 and 2000, with the Latin motto "Ex Unitate Vires" - "From Unity, Strength" (also translated as "Unity Creates Strength"). "Ex Unitate Vires" was South Africa's motto until 27 April, 2000, when the new Coat of Arms and motto were adopted. Variations of the old motto were common in many Afrikaner and South African institutions, often in Afrikaans ("Eendrag maak mag") or Dutch ("Eendragt maakt magt" in old orthography, "Eendracht maakt macht" in modern orthography). Watermark: Portrait of Jan van Riebeeck. Size: 144 x 77 mm. Colour: Brown on multicolored underprint. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. South African Currency 50 Rand banknote 1984 Jan van Riebeeck South African Currency 50 Rand banknote 1984 Jan van Riebeeck South African Reserve Bank - Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank Obverse: Portrait of Jan van Riebeeck (1619 – 1677), was a Dutch navigator and colonial administrator and the founder of Cape Town. Close-up of male Transvaal Lion head in under-print at center, as member of "The Famous Big Five animals of Africa". The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "50" in ornate guilloche at left and right. At the top are the name of the bank in Afrikaans "Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" and in English "South African Reserve Bank" at the bottom part of the banknote. An inscriptions: "Ek beloof op aanvraag te betaal aan toonder te Pretoria VYFTIG RAND Vir die Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" & "I promise to pay the bearer on demand at Pretoria FIFTY RAND For the South African Reserve Bank". The face value of the banknote in words at center: in Afrikaans "VYFTIG RAND" and in English "FIFTY RAND". Signature: Dr. Gerhard de Kock (14 February 1926 — 7 August 1989) was the sixth Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. He was the son of Dr. Michiel Hendrik de Kock, who was the third Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. Dr. de Kock was the first (and only) Governor of the South African Reserve Bank to die in office. His term was from 1 January 1981 until his death on 7 August 1989. Reverse: The vignette represents the South African animals at the watering, likely at Orange River: a giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, greater and lesser kudu. Crimson sun over a mountain range. The palm trees at the lower right corner. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "50" in ornate guilloche at left. Watermark: Portrait of Jan van Riebeeck. Size: 147 x 83 mm. Colour: Red on multicolored underprint. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. South Africa Currency 10 Rand banknote 1999 White Rhinoceros South Africa Currency 10 Rand banknote 1999 White Rhinoceros South African Reserve Bank - Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank The Famous Big Five animals of Africa Leopard, African Buffalo, Transvaal Lion, African Elephant, Rhinoceros Obverse: Close-up of a White Rhino head at right and a vignette of a White Rhinoceros mother and her Rhino baby in the African Savanna at center. Outline drawings of various round geometric figures at the bottom. Outline drawing of round geometric figure with coinciding register, as security measure at lower left corner. The parts printed on the back perfectly match the ones on the front. At the top are the name of the bank in Afrikaans "Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" and in English "South African Reserve Bank" at the bottom. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "10" at center, in numerals and words: in English "TEN RAND" at right and Afrikaans "TIEN RAND" along the left side of the banknote. Signature: Chris Stals - President Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. (Dr. Christian Lodewyk Stals, better known as Chris Stals (born 13 March 1935) was the seventh Governor of the South African Reserve Bank, serving from 8 August 1989 to 7 August 1999. He succeeded Dr. Gerhard de Kock who had died in office). Reverse: The theme of this banknote reverse is Agriculture: Close-up of a Ram head at left. Lower are South African merino sheep on the pasture and mountains in the background, the windmill at lower left corner. Above are three contour image of sunflowers. At the top are the name of the bank in Afrikaans "Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" and in English "South African Reserve Bank" at the bottom. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "10" at center, in numerals and words: in English "TEN RAND 10" at right and Afrikaans "TIEN RAND 10" along the left side of the banknote. Watermark: White rhino and electrotype 10. Size: 128 × 70 mm. Colour: Dark green and dark blue on brown and multicolored underprint. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. South African Currency 20 Rand banknote 1993 African Savanna Elephant South African Currency 20 Rand banknote 1993 African Savanna Elephant South African Reserve Bank - Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank The Famous Big Five animals of Africa Leopard, African Buffalo, Transvaal Lion, African Elephant, Rhinoceros Obverse: Close-up of an African Bush Elephant head at right and a vignette of the African Bush Elephant family walking in the bush at center (The African Bush Elephant, also known as the Savanna Elephant). Outline drawings of round brilliant cut at the bottom. Outline drawing of round brilliant cut with coinciding register, as security measure at lower left corner. The parts printed on the back perfectly match the ones on the front. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank" and in Afrikaans "Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" at the bottom. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "20" at center, in numerals and words: in English "TWENTY RAND" at left and Afrikaans "TWINTING RAND" along the right side of the banknote. Signature: Chris Stals - President Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. (Dr. Christian Lodewyk Stals, better known as Chris Stals (born 13 March 1935) was the seventh Governor of the South African Reserve Bank, serving from 8 August 1989 to 7 August 1999. He succeeded Dr. Gerhard de Kock who had died in office). Reverse: The theme of this banknote reverse is Surface mining industry - Open-pit mining. On the upper part of the banknote are three graphic image of round brilliant cut. Outline drawing of round brilliant cut with coinciding register, as security measure at lower right corner. The parts printed on the back perfectly match the ones on the front. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank" and in Afrikaans "Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" at the bottom. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "20" at center, in numerals and words: in English "TWENTY RAND 20" at left and Afrikaans "TWINTING RAND 20" along the right side of the banknote. Watermark: African Bush Elephant and electrotype 20. Size: 134 × 70 mm. Colour: Deep brown and red-brown on multicolored underprint. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. BANK NOTES OF MANDELA South Africa Currency 50 Rand banknote 1992 Transvaal Lion South Africa Currency 50 Rand banknote 1992 Transvaal Lion South African Reserve Bank - Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank The Famous Big Five animals of Africa Leopard, African Buffalo, Transvaal Lion, African Elephant, Rhinoceros Obverse: Close-up of male Transvaal Lion head at right and a vignette of the two Transvaal lionesses and cub drinking at water hole. Outline drawings of various round geometric shapes at the bottom. Outline drawing of stylized model of hydrocarbon atom with coinciding register, as security measure at lower left corner. The parts printed on the back perfectly match the ones on the front. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank" and in Afrikaans "Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" at the bottom. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "50" at center, in numerals and words: in English "FIFTY RAND" at right and Afrikaans "VYFTIG RAND" along the left side of the banknote. Signature: Tito Mboweni - President Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. (Tito Titus Mboweni, born 16 March 1959) is the current Minister of Finance of South Africa. Mboweni was the eighth Governor of the South African Reserve Bank and the first Black South African to hold the post. He was sworn in as Finance Minister on 9 October 2018, following Nhlanhla Nene's resignation.) Reverse: The theme of this banknote reverse is Manufacturing - Sasol oil refinery at the bottom part of the note. On the upper part of the banknote are stylized model of hydrocarbon atoms. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank" and in Afrikaans "Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" at the bottom. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "50" at center, in numerals and words: in English "FIFTY RAND 50" at right and Afrikaans "VYFTIG RAND 50" along the left side of the banknote. Refining capacity in South Africa is 250 million barrels/year, or about 700 thousand barrels/day, Including 500 thousand barrels/day of crude oil and 195 thousand barrels/day of synthetic liquid fuels from coal. It is interesting that the South African "Sasol" is the pioneer of the Fischer-Tpropsha producing synthetic fuel using this synthesis conversion of the gasified coal since 1955. Watermark: Transvaal lion and electrotype 50. Size: 140 × 70 mm. Colour: Maroon, brown and deep blue-green on multicolored underprint. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. South African Currency 100 Rand banknote 1999 Cape Buffalo South African Currency 100 Rand banknote 1999 Cape Buffalo South African Reserve Bank - Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank The Famous Big Five animals of Africa Leopard, African Buffalo, Transvaal Lion, African Elephant, Rhinoceros Obverse: Close-up of a Cape Buffalo head at right and a vignette of the two African or Cape Buffalos in the African Savannah at center. Outline drawings of various round geometric figures at the bottom. Outline drawing of round brilliant cut with coinciding register, as security measure at lower left corner. The parts printed on the back perfectly match the ones on the front. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank" and in Afrikaans "Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" at the bottom. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "100" at center, in numerals and words: in English "ONE HUNDRED RAND" at left and Afrikaans "EEN HONDERD RAND" at right. Signature: Tito Mboweni - President Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. (Tito Titus Mboweni, born 16 March 1959) is the current Minister of Finance of South Africa. Mboweni was the eighth Governor of the South African Reserve Bank and the first Black South African to hold the post. He was sworn in as Finance Minister on 9 October 2018, following Nhlanhla Nene's resignation.) Reverse: The theme of this banknote is Tourism. A herd of zebras on the African savanna at the bottom. On the upper part of the banknote are four graphic image of round brilliant cut. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank" and in Afrikaans "Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" at the bottom. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "100" at center, in numerals and words: in English "ONE HUNDRED RAND 100" at left and Afrikaans "EEN HONDERD RAND 100" at right. Watermark: The African buffalo or Cape buffalo and electrotype 100. Size: 146 × 70 mm. Colour: Blue on multicolored underprint. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. South Africa Currency 200 Rand banknote 1994 African leopard South Africa Currency 200 Rand banknote 1994 African leopard South African Reserve Bank - Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank The Famous Big Five animals of Africa Leopard, African Buffalo, Transvaal Lion, African Elephant, Rhinoceros Obverse: Close-up of a Leopard head at right and a vignette showing a leopard lying above the branch of a tree at center. Outline drawings of various round geometric figures at the bottom. Outline drawing of round geometric figure with coinciding register, as security measure at lower left corner. The parts printed on the back perfectly match the ones on the front. At the top are the name of the bank in Afrikaans "Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" and in English "South African Reserve Bank" at the bottom. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "200" at center, in numerals and words: in English "TWO HUNDRED RAND" at right and Afrikaans "TWEE HONDERD RAND" along the left side of the banknote. Signature: Chris Stals - President Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. (Dr. Christian Lodewyk Stals, better known as Chris Stals (born 13 March 1935) was the seventh Governor of the South African Reserve Bank, serving from 8 August 1989 to 7 August 1999. He succeeded Dr. Gerhard de Kock who had died in office). Reverse: The theme of this banknote reverse is Transport and Telecommunications. The Bloukrans Bridge at center. On left side is a big satellite dish, symbolizing telecommunication. Centered, above, are three images: Left one reminds a the turbine of an aircraft, centered image - stylized wheel of car/truck/tractor and right one reminds the wheel of an Electric locomotive - as symbols of Transport. At the top are the name of the bank in Afrikaans "Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" and in English "South African Reserve Bank" at the bottom. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "200" at center, in numerals and words: in English "TWO HUNDRED RAND 200" at right and Afrikaans "TWEE HONDERD RAND 200" along the left side of the banknote. Watermark: The African leopard (Panthera pardus pardus) and electrotype 200. Size: 152 × 70 mm. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. Bloukrans Bridge The Bloukrans Bridge is an arch bridge located near Nature's Valley, Western Cape, South Africa. Constructed between February 1980 and June 1983, the bridge stands at a height of 216m above the Bloukrans River. Its central span is 272m and the bridge is 451m in length in total. Its primary use is that of a road bridge, carrying national route N2. Bloukrans Bridge is the site of the world's highest commercial bridge bungee jumping, Bloukrans Bridge Bungy, operated by Face Adrenalin since 1997. The Bloukrans River below forms the border between the Eastern Cape and Western Cape provinces and is located in the Tsitsikamma region of the Garden Route. The Famous Big Five animals of Africa Africa is an environment with a diverse fauna and flora, that captures the hearts and minds of all who visit this beautiful content. A few animals, however, has been awarded a very special award, the Big Five. The famous Big Five refers to five of Africa's greatest wild animals - the Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino, and Buffalo. The term "Big Five" was originally coined by hunters, and referred to the five most difficult animals to hunt on foot in Africa. The Big Five wasn't chosen for their size, but rather for the difficulty in hunting them, and the degree of danger involved. The term is still used today in most tourist and wildlife guides, and are usually high on the priority list and a real treat for many a visitor to African game reserves. African Elephant The African Elephant is a very large herbivore with thick, almost hairless skin. The upper incisors of the elephant forms long curved tusks of ivory. The African Elephant is difficult to spot because despite its large size, they are able to hide in tall grass, and more likely to charge than other species. Lion The Lion is a large carnivorous feline, with a short tawny coat and a tufted tail. Males have magnificent heavy manes around their necks and shoulders. Considered by many the best of the Big Five, lions are very dangerous animals, and would attack if given a chance. Cape Buffalo The African Buffalo is a large horned bovid. Buffalos are considered the most dangerous of the Big Five, reportedly having caused many hunter deaths. Buffalos are known as the "Black Death" in Africa, with wounded animals reportedly ambushing and attacking its pursuers. Rhinoceros Rhinoceros (also called Rhino for short) are large, thick-skinned herbivores with one or two upright horns on the nasal bridge. Rhinos are able to reach one tonne or more in weight. Rhinos are listed as "critically endangered" by the IUCN Red List, as they are killed by humans for their valuable horns, which are made of keratin, and wrongly believed by some to act as an aphrodisiac, amongst other things. Leopard The Leopard is a large, carnivorous feline with either tawny fur with dark rosetto-like markings, or black fur. Leopards are very difficult to spot as they have nocturnal feeding habits and secretive nature. Leopards are also extremely wary of humans, and will take flight in the face of danger. South African Currency 10 Rand banknote 2005 White Rhino South African Currency 10 Rand banknote 2005 White Rhino South African Reserve Bank - Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank The Famous Big Five animals of Africa Obverse: Close-up of a White Rhino head at right and a vignette of a White Rhinoceros mother and her Rhino baby in the African Savanna at center. Outline drawings of various round geometric figures at the bottom. Outline drawing of round geometric figure with coinciding register, as security measure at lower left corner. The parts printed on the back perfectly match the ones on the front. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank". The present South African Coat of Arms is used prominently on the front top left corner. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "10" are in top left and lower right corners and in words: in English "TEN RAND" along the right side of the banknote. Signature: Tito Mboweni - President Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. (Tito Titus Mboweni, born 16 March 1959) is the current Minister of Finance of South Africa. Mboweni was the eighth Governor of the South African Reserve Bank and the first Black South African to hold the post. He was sworn in as Finance Minister on 9 October 2018, following Nhlanhla Nene's resignation.) Reverse: The theme of this banknote reverse is Agriculture: Close-up of a Ram head at left. Lower are South African merino sheep on the pasture and mountains in the background, the windmill at lower left corner. Above are three contour image of sunflowers. At the top are the name of the bank in Afrikaans "Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" and in Swati "liBhangi lesiLulu leNingizimu Afrika" at the bottom. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "10" are in top left and lower right corners, in numerals and words: in English "TEN RAND" along the right side of the banknote. Watermark: White rhino and electrotype 10. Size: 128 × 70 mm. Colour: Dark green and dark blue on brown and multicolored underprint. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. The South African Coat of Arms is used prominently on the front top left corner of all the denominations. It can also be seen in the iridescent band on the back, and as a holographic image in the security thread of the R50, R100 and R200 banknotes. Watermark: This is smaller and the denomination numeral is added to the watermark of the main motif. Perfect registration: This see-through security feature reveals the denomination numeral in perfect registration on the front and back when the banknote is held up to the light. Windowed security thread: On the R50, R100 and R200 banknotes the thread is 4 mm wide. “SARB”, “RAND” and the denomination numeral appear when the banknote is held up to the light, and a holographic Coat of Arms appears in the thread when tilted. On the R10 and R20 banknotes the thread is 2 mm wide and “SARB” and the denomination numeral appear in clear text. Diamond shapes: The dots on the front that assist the blind to distinguish between the denominations have been replaced with diamonds: 1 diamond for the R10, 2 diamonds for the R20, 3 diamonds for the R50, 4 diamonds for the R100, and 5 diamonds for the R200. Unique numbering: This has moved from the front to the back: a vertical number on the left-hand side and a horizontal number top right. The horizontal number is conical. Microlettering: “SOUTH AFRICAN RESERVE BANK” appears in microlettering to the right of the animal’s ear. The microlettering is printed in positive and negative text. Iridescent band: This is a very prominent feature in a gold colour on the back of all banknotes. When tilted, the Coat of Arms and the denomination numeral appear. Different geometric shapes: These have been added to the front of the banknotes as an aid for the partially sighted: diamond on the R10, square on the R20, circle on the R50, and different hexagons on the R100 and R200. Latent image: When the banknote is held almost horizontally at eye level, the denomination numeral appears inside the geometric shapes. Optically variable ink: On the R50, R100 and R200 banknotes the denomination numeral on the front bottom right is printed in colour-changing ink. When the R50 and R100 banknotes are tilted, the colour changes from green to gold. On the R200 it changes from magenta to green. Denomination numerals: These are more prominent on both the front and back of the banknotes. South Africa Currency 20 Rand banknote 2005 African Bush Elephant South Africa Currency 20 Rand banknote 2005 African Bush Elephant South African Reserve Bank - Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank The Famous Big Five animals of Africa Leopard, African Buffalo, Transvaal Lion, African Elephant, Rhinoceros Obverse: Close-up of an African Bush Elephant head at right and a vignette of the African Bush Elephant family walking in the bush at center (The African Bush Elephant, also known as the Savanna Elephant). Outline drawings of round brilliant cut at the bottom. Outline drawing of round brilliant cut with coinciding register, as security measure at lower left corner. The parts printed on the back perfectly match the ones on the front. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank". The present South African Coat of Arms is used prominently on the front top left corner. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "20" are in top left and lower right corners and in words: in English "TWENTY RAND" along the right side of the banknote. Signature: Tito Mboweni - President Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. (Tito Titus Mboweni, born 16 March 1959) is the current Minister of Finance of South Africa. Mboweni was the eighth Governor of the South African Reserve Bank and the first Black South African to hold the post. He was sworn in as Finance Minister on 9 October 2018, following Nhlanhla Nene's resignation.) Reverse: The theme of this banknote reverse is Surface mining industry - Open-pit mining. On the upper part of the banknote are three graphic image of round brilliant cut. Outline drawing of round brilliant cut with coinciding register, as security measure at lower right corner. The parts printed on the back perfectly match the ones on the front. At the top are the name of the bank in Tswana "Banka-kgolo ya Aforika Borwa " and in Southern Ndebele "lBulungelo-mali eliKhulu leSewula Afrika" at the bottom. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "20" are in top left and lower right corners, in numerals and words: in English "TWENTY RAND" along the right side of the banknote. Watermark: African Bush Elephant and electrotype 20. Size: 134 × 70 mm. Colour: Deep brown and red-brown on multicolored underprint. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. The South African Coat of Arms is used prominently on the front top left corner of all the denominations. It can also be seen in the iridescent band on the back, and as a holographic image in the security thread of the R50, R100 and R200 banknotes. Watermark: This is smaller and the denomination numeral is added to the watermark of the main motif. Perfect registration: This see-through security feature reveals the denomination numeral in perfect registration on the front and back when the banknote is held up to the light. Windowed security thread: On the R50, R100 and R200 banknotes the thread is 4 mm wide. “SARB”, “RAND” and the denomination numeral appear when the banknote is held up to the light, and a holographic Coat of Arms appears in the thread when tilted. On the R10 and R20 banknotes the thread is 2 mm wide and “SARB” and the denomination numeral appear in clear text. Diamond shapes: The dots on the front that assist the blind to distinguish between the denominations have been replaced with diamonds: 1 diamond for the R10, 2 diamonds for the R20, 3 diamonds for the R50, 4 diamonds for the R100, and 5 diamonds for the R200. Unique numbering: This has moved from the front to the back: a vertical number on the left-hand side and a horizontal number top right. The horizontal number is conical. Microlettering: “SOUTH AFRICAN RESERVE BANK” appears in microlettering to the right of the animal’s ear. The microlettering is printed in positive and negative text. Iridescent band: This is a very prominent feature in a gold colour on the back of all banknotes. When tilted, the Coat of Arms and the denomination numeral appear. Different geometric shapes: These have been added to the front of the banknotes as an aid for the partially sighted: diamond on the R10, square on the R20, circle on the R50, and different hexagons on the R100 and R200. Latent image: When the banknote is held almost horizontally at eye level, the denomination numeral appears inside the geometric shapes. Optically variable ink: On the R50, R100 and R200 banknotes the denomination numeral on the front bottom right is printed in colour-changing ink. When the R50 and R100 banknotes are tilted, the colour changes from green to gold. On the R200 it changes from magenta to green. Denomination numerals: These are more prominent on both the front and back of the banknotes. South African Currency 50 Rand banknote 2005 Transvaal Lion South African Currency 50 Rand banknote 2005 Transvaal Lion South African Reserve Bank - Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank The Famous Big Five animals of Africa Leopard, African Buffalo, Transvaal Lion, African Elephant, Rhinoceros Obverse: Close-up of male Transvaal Lion head at right and a vignette of the two Transvaal lionesses and cub drinking at water hole. Outline drawings of various round geometric shapes at the bottom. Outline drawing of stylized model of hydrocarbon atom with coinciding register, as security measure at lower left corner. The parts printed on the back perfectly match the ones on the front. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank". The present South African Coat of Arms is used prominently on the front top left corner. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "50" are in top left and lower right corners and in words: in English "FIFTY RAND" along the right side of the banknote. Signature: Tito Mboweni - President Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. (Tito Titus Mboweni, born 16 March 1959) is the current Minister of Finance of South Africa. Mboweni was the eighth Governor of the South African Reserve Bank and the first Black South African to hold the post. He was sworn in as Finance Minister on 9 October 2018, following Nhlanhla Nene's resignation.) Reverse: The theme of this banknote reverse is Manufacturing - Sasol oil refinery at the bottom part of the note. On the upper part of the banknote are stylized model of hydrocarbon atoms. At the top are the name of the bank in Xhosa "iBhanki enguVimba yoMzantsi Afrika " and in Venda "Bannga ya Vhukati ya Afurika Tshipembe" at the bottom. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "50" are in top left and lower right corners, in numerals and words: in English "FIFTY RAND" along the right side of the banknote. Refining capacity in South Africa is 250 million barrels/year, or about 700 thousand barrels/day, Including 500 thousand barrels/day of crude oil and 195 thousand barrels/day of synthetic liquid fuels from coal. It is interesting that the South African "Sasol" is the pioneer of the Fischer-Tpropsha producing synthetic fuel using this synthesis conversion of the gasified coal since 1955. Watermark: Transvaal lion and electrotype 50. Size: 140 × 70 mm. Colour: Maroon, brown and deep blue-green on multicolored underprint. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. The South African Coat of Arms is used prominently on the front top left corner of all the denominations. It can also be seen in the iridescent band on the back, and as a holographic image in the security thread of the R50, R100 and R200 banknotes. Watermark: This is smaller and the denomination numeral is added to the watermark of the main motif. Perfect registration: This see-through security feature reveals the denomination numeral in perfect registration on the front and back when the banknote is held up to the light. Windowed security thread: On the R50, R100 and R200 banknotes the thread is 4 mm wide. “SARB”, “RAND” and the denomination numeral appear when the banknote is held up to the light, and a holographic Coat of Arms appears in the thread when tilted. On the R10 and R20 banknotes the thread is 2 mm wide and “SARB” and the denomination numeral appear in clear text. Diamond shapes: The dots on the front that assist the blind to distinguish between the denominations have been replaced with diamonds: 1 diamond for the R10, 2 diamonds for the R20, 3 diamonds for the R50, 4 diamonds for the R100, and 5 diamonds for the R200. Unique numbering: This has moved from the front to the back: a vertical number on the left-hand side and a horizontal number top right. The horizontal number is conical. Microlettering: “SOUTH AFRICAN RESERVE BANK” appears in microlettering to the right of the animal’s ear. The microlettering is printed in positive and negative text. Iridescent band: This is a very prominent feature in a gold colour on the back of all banknotes. When tilted, the Coat of Arms and the denomination numeral appear. Different geometric shapes: These have been added to the front of the banknotes as an aid for the partially sighted: diamond on the R10, square on the R20, circle on the R50, and different hexagons on the R100 and R200. Latent image: When the banknote is held almost horizontally at eye level, the denomination numeral appears inside the geometric shapes. Optically variable ink: On the R50, R100 and R200 banknotes the denomination numeral on the front bottom right is printed in colour-changing ink. When the R50 and R100 banknotes are tilted, the colour changes from green to gold. On the R200 it changes from magenta to green. Denomination numerals: These are more prominent on both the front and back of the banknotes. South Africa Currency 100 Rand banknote 2005 African Buffalo South Africa Currency 100 Rand banknote 2005 African Buffalo South African Reserve Bank - Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank The Famous Big Five animals of Africa Leopard, African Buffalo, Transvaal Lion, African Elephant, Rhinoceros Obverse: Close-up of a Cape Buffalo head at right and a vignette of the two African or Cape Buffalos in the African Savannah at center. Outline drawings of various round geometric figures at the bottom. Outline drawing of round brilliant cut with coinciding register, as security measure at lower left corner. The parts printed on the back perfectly match the ones on the front. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank". The present South African Coat of Arms is used prominently on the front top left corner. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "100" are in top left and lower right corners and in words: in English "ONE HUNDRED RAND" along the right side of the banknote. Signature: Tito Mboweni - President Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. (Tito Titus Mboweni, born 16 March 1959) is the current Minister of Finance of South Africa. Mboweni was the eighth Governor of the South African Reserve Bank and the first Black South African to hold the post. He was sworn in as Finance Minister on 9 October 2018, following Nhlanhla Nene's resignation.) Reverse: The theme of this banknote is Tourism. A herd of zebras on the African savanna at the bottom. On the upper part of the banknote are four graphic image of round brilliant cut. At the top are the name of the bank in Northern Sotho "Panka ya Resefe ya Afrika Borwa " and in Tsonga "Banginkulu ya Afrika-Dzonga" at the bottom. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "100" are in top left and lower right corners, in numerals and words: in English "TWO HUNDRED RAND" along the right side of the banknote. Watermark: The African buffalo or Cape buffalo and electrotype 100. Size: 146 × 70 mm. Colour: Blue on multicolored underprint. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. The South African Coat of Arms is used prominently on the front top left corner of all the denominations. It can also be seen in the iridescent band on the back, and as a holographic image in the security thread of the R50, R100 and R200 banknotes. Watermark: This is smaller and the denomination numeral is added to the watermark of the main motif. Perfect registration: This see-through security feature reveals the denomination numeral in perfect registration on the front and back when the banknote is held up to the light. Windowed security thread: On the R50, R100 and R200 banknotes the thread is 4 mm wide. “SARB”, “RAND” and the denomination numeral appear when the banknote is held up to the light, and a holographic Coat of Arms appears in the thread when tilted. On the R10 and R20 banknotes the thread is 2 mm wide and “SARB” and the denomination numeral appear in clear text. Diamond shapes: The dots on the front that assist the blind to distinguish between the denominations have been replaced with diamonds: 1 diamond for the R10, 2 diamonds for the R20, 3 diamonds for the R50, 4 diamonds for the R100, and 5 diamonds for the R200. Unique numbering: This has moved from the front to the back: a vertical number on the left-hand side and a horizontal number top right. The horizontal number is conical. Microlettering: “SOUTH AFRICAN RESERVE BANK” appears in microlettering to the right of the animal’s ear. The microlettering is printed in positive and negative text. Iridescent band: This is a very prominent feature in a gold colour on the back of all banknotes. When tilted, the Coat of Arms and the denomination numeral appear. Different geometric shapes: These have been added to the front of the banknotes as an aid for the partially sighted: diamond on the R10, square on the R20, circle on the R50, and different hexagons on the R100 and R200. Latent image: When the banknote is held almost horizontally at eye level, the denomination numeral appears inside the geometric shapes. Optically variable ink: On the R50, R100 and R200 banknotes the denomination numeral on the front bottom right is printed in colour-changing ink. When the R50 and R100 banknotes are tilted, the colour changes from green to gold. On the R200 it changes from magenta to green. Denomination numerals: These are more prominent on both the front and back of the banknotes. South African Currency 200 Rand banknote 2005 African Leopard South African Currency 200 Rand banknote 2005 African Leopard South African Reserve Bank - Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank The Famous Big Five animals of Africa Leopard, African Buffalo, Transvaal Lion, African Elephant, Rhinoceros Obverse: Close-up of a Leopard head at right and a vignette showing a leopard lying above the branch of a tree at center. Outline drawings of various round geometric figures at the bottom. Outline drawing of round geometric figure with coinciding register, as security measure at lower left corner. The parts printed on the back perfectly match the ones on the front. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank". The present South African Coat of Arms is used prominently on the front top left corner. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "200" are in top left and lower right corners and in words: in English "TWO HUNDRED RAND" along the right side of the banknote. Signature: Tito Mboweni - President Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. (Tito Titus Mboweni, born 16 March 1959) is the current Minister of Finance of South Africa. Mboweni was the eighth Governor of the South African Reserve Bank and the first Black South African to hold the post. He was sworn in as Finance Minister on 9 October 2018, following Nhlanhla Nene's resignation.) Reverse: The theme of this banknote reverse is Transport and Telecommunications. The Bloukrans Bridge at center. On left side is a big satellite dish, symbolizing telecommunication. Centered, above, are three images: Left one reminds a the turbine of an aircraft, centered image - stylized wheel of car/truck/tractor and right one reminds the wheel of an Electric locomotive - as symbols of Transport. At the top are the name of the bank in Zulu "iBhange-ngodla laseNingizimu Afrika" and in Sotho "Banka ya Sesiu ya Afrika Borwa " at the bottom. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "200" are in top left and lower right corners, in numerals and words: in English "TWO HUNDRED RAND" along the right side of the banknote. Watermark: The African leopard (Panthera pardus pardus) and electrotype 200. Size: 152 × 70 mm. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. Bloukrans Bridge The Bloukrans Bridge is an arch bridge located near Nature's Valley, Western Cape, South Africa. Constructed between February 1980 and June 1983, the bridge stands at a height of 216m above the Bloukrans River. Its central span is 272m and the bridge is 451m in length in total. Its primary use is that of a road bridge, carrying national route N2. Bloukrans Bridge is the site of the world's highest commercial bridge bungee jumping, Bloukrans Bridge Bungy, operated by Face Adrenalin since 1997. The Bloukrans River below forms the border between the Eastern Cape and Western Cape provinces and is located in the Tsitsikamma region of the Garden Route. The South African Coat of Arms is used prominently on the front top left corner of all the denominations. It can also be seen in the iridescent band on the back, and as a holographic image in the security thread of the R50, R100 and R200 banknotes. Watermark: This is smaller and the denomination numeral is added to the watermark of the main motif. Perfect registration: This see-through security feature reveals the denomination numeral in perfect registration on the front and back when the banknote is held up to the light. Windowed security thread: On the R50, R100 and R200 banknotes the thread is 4 mm wide. “SARB”, “RAND” and the denomination numeral appear when the banknote is held up to the light, and a holographic Coat of Arms appears in the thread when tilted. On the R10 and R20 banknotes the thread is 2 mm wide and “SARB” and the denomination numeral appear in clear text. Diamond shapes: The dots on the front that assist the blind to distinguish between the denominations have been replaced with diamonds: 1 diamond for the R10, 2 diamonds for the R20, 3 diamonds for the R50, 4 diamonds for the R100, and 5 diamonds for the R200. Unique numbering: This has moved from the front to the back: a vertical number on the left-hand side and a horizontal number top right. The horizontal number is conical. Microlettering: “SOUTH AFRICAN RESERVE BANK” appears in microlettering to the right of the animal’s ear. The microlettering is printed in positive and negative text. Iridescent band: This is a very prominent feature in a gold colour on the back of all banknotes. When tilted, the Coat of Arms and the denomination numeral appear. Different geometric shapes: These have been added to the front of the banknotes as an aid for the partially sighted: diamond on the R10, square on the R20, circle on the R50, and different hexagons on the R100 and R200. Latent image: When the banknote is held almost horizontally at eye level, the denomination numeral appears inside the geometric shapes. Optically variable ink: On the R50, R100 and R200 banknotes the denomination numeral on the front bottom right is printed in colour-changing ink. When the R50 and R100 banknotes are tilted, the colour changes from green to gold. On the R200 it changes from magenta to green. Denomination numerals: These are more prominent on both the front and back of the banknotes. South Africa Currency 10 Rand banknote 2012 President Nelson Mandela South Africa Currency 10 Rand banknote 2012 President Nelson Mandela The bank's name South African Reserve Bank are translated into two official South African languages: Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank (Afrikaans) and liBhangesilulu leNingizimu Afrika (Swati). The notes have been nicknamed the "randela". Obverse: An image of Nelson Mandela, considered by most South Africans (both black and white) to be the father of the post-apartheid new South Africa. He is held in deep respect within South Africa, where he is often referred to by his Xhosa clan name, Madiba, and described as the "Father of the Nation". Despite spending 27 years in jail, Mandela's presidency (1994-1999) was marked by a spirit of reconciliation and forgiveness. The denomination of the bank note in the lower-right-hand corner, printed in a special, colour-changing security ink that carries the pattern of Mandela’s famous shirts, and a seven-bar circle that frames Mandela’s portrait image. This aims to represent the bars seen on the post-apartheid South African national flag, and the seven bars on the door of Mandela’s prison cell at Robben Island. These bars also contain ultraviolet (UV) light technology, another security feature. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank". The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "10" at left center and on the right of the portrait of Nelson Mandela along the bottom side of the note, and in words: in English "TEN RAND" along the right side of the banknote. Signature: Lesetja Kganyago - Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. Coat of arms of the Republic of South Africa at upper left. The White Rhinos on the background at center. Across all field of banknote are ornaments and leaping antelopes. Reverse: The Famous Big Five animals of Africa - A Closeup of a head of White Rhino and another White Rhino in the background at center. Watermark: Portrait of Nelson Mandela and electrotype 10. Size: 128 × 70 mm. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. South African Currency 20 Rand banknote 2012 President Nelson Mandela South African Currency 20 Rand banknote 2012 President Nelson Mandela The bank's name South African Reserve Bank are translated into two official South African languages: Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank (Afrikaans) and liBhangesilulu leNingizimu Afrika (Swati). The notes have been nicknamed the "randela". Obverse: An image of Nelson Mandela, considered by most South Africans (both black and white) to be the father of the post-apartheid new South Africa. He is held in deep respect within South Africa, where he is often referred to by his Xhosa clan name, Madiba, and described as the "Father of the Nation". Despite spending 27 years in jail, Mandela's presidency (1994-1999) was marked by a spirit of reconciliation and forgiveness. The denomination of the bank note in the lower-right-hand corner, printed in a special, colour-changing security ink that carries the pattern of Mandela’s famous shirts, and a seven-bar circle that frames Mandela’s portrait image. This aims to represent the bars seen on the post-apartheid South African national flag, and the seven bars on the door of Mandela’s prison cell at Robben Island. These bars also contain ultraviolet (UV) light technology, another security feature. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank". The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "20" at left center and on the right of the portrait of Nelson Mandela along the bottom side of the note, and in words: in English "TWENTY RAND" along the right side of the banknote. Signature: Lesetja Kganyago - Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. Coat of arms of the Republic of South Africa at upper left. The African bush elephants on the background at center. Across all field of banknote an ornament and Prehistoric hunting scenes. Reverse: The Famous Big Five animals of Africa - A Closeup of a head of African bush elephant and another African bush elephant in the background at center. Watermark: Portrait of Nelson Mandela and electrotype 20. Size: 134 × 70 mm. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. South Africa Currency 50 Rand banknote 2012 President Nelson Mandela South Africa Currency 50 Rand banknote 2012 President Nelson Mandela The bank's name South African Reserve Bank are translated into two official South African languages: Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank (Afrikaans) and liBhangesilulu leNingizimu Afrika (Swati). The notes have been nicknamed the "randela". Obverse: An image of Nelson Mandela, considered by most South Africans (both black and white) to be the father of the post-apartheid new South Africa. He is held in deep respect within South Africa, where he is often referred to by his Xhosa clan name, Madiba, and described as the "Father of the Nation". Despite spending 27 years in jail, Mandela's presidency (1994-1999) was marked by a spirit of reconciliation and forgiveness. The denomination of the bank note in the lower-right-hand corner, printed in a special, colour-changing security ink that carries the pattern of Mandela’s famous shirts, and a seven-bar circle that frames Mandela’s portrait image. This aims to represent the bars seen on the post-apartheid South African national flag, and the seven bars on the door of Mandela’s prison cell at Robben Island. These bars also contain ultraviolet (UV) light technology, another security feature. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank". The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "50" at left center and on the right of the portrait of Nelson Mandela along the bottom side of the note, and in words: in English "FIFTY RAND" along the right side of the banknote. Signature: Lesetja Kganyago - Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. Coat of arms of the Republic of South Africa at upper left. The Transvaal lions on the background at center. Across all field of banknote an ornament and Prehistoric hunting scenes. Reverse: The Famous Big Five animals of Africa - A Closeup of a head of Transvaal Lion and another Transvaal Lion in the background at center. Watermark: Portrait of Nelson Mandela and electrotype 50. Size: 140 × 70 mm. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. South African Currency 100 Rand banknote 2012 President Nelson Mandela South African Currency 100 Rand banknote 2012 President Nelson Mandela The bank's name South African Reserve Bank are translated into two official South African languages: Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank (Afrikaans) and liBhangesilulu leNingizimu Afrika (Swati). The notes have been nicknamed the "randela". Obverse: An image of Nelson Mandela, considered by most South Africans (both black and white) to be the father of the post-apartheid new South Africa. He is held in deep respect within South Africa, where he is often referred to by his Xhosa clan name, Madiba, and described as the "Father of the Nation". Despite spending 27 years in jail, Mandela's presidency (1994-1999) was marked by a spirit of reconciliation and forgiveness. The denomination of the bank note in the lower-right-hand corner, printed in a special, colour-changing security ink that carries the pattern of Mandela’s famous shirts, and a seven-bar circle that frames Mandela’s portrait image. This aims to represent the bars seen on the post-apartheid South African national flag, and the seven bars on the door of Mandela’s prison cell at Robben Island. These bars also contain ultraviolet (UV) light technology, another security feature. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank". The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "100" at left center and on the right of the portrait of Nelson Mandela along the bottom side of the note, and in words: in English "ONE HUNDRED RAND" along the right side of the banknote. Signature: Lesetja Kganyago - Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. Coat of arms of the Republic of South Africa at upper left. The African buffalo on the background at center. Across all field of banknote an ornament and Prehistoric fishing scenes. Reverse: The Famous Big Five animals of Africa - A Closeup of a head of African Buffalo and another African Buffalo in the background at center. Watermark: Portrait of Nelson Mandela and electrotype 100. Size: 146 × 70 mm. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. South Africa Currency 200 Rand banknote 2013 President Nelson Mandela South Africa Currency 200 Rand banknote 2013 President Nelson Mandela The bank's name South African Reserve Bank are translated into two official South African languages: Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank (Afrikaans) and liBhangesilulu leNingizimu Afrika (Swati). The notes have been nicknamed the "randela". Obverse: An image of Nelson Mandela, considered by most South Africans (both black and white) to be the father of the post-apartheid new South Africa. He is held in deep respect within South Africa, where he is often referred to by his Xhosa clan name, Madiba, and described as the "Father of the Nation". Despite spending 27 years in jail, Mandela's presidency (1994-1999) was marked by a spirit of reconciliation and forgiveness. The denomination of the bank note in the lower-right-hand corner, printed in a special, colour-changing security ink that carries the pattern of Mandela’s famous shirts, and a seven-bar circle that frames Mandela’s portrait image. This aims to represent the bars seen on the post-apartheid South African national flag, and the seven bars on the door of Mandela’s prison cell at Robben Island. These bars also contain ultraviolet (UV) light technology, another security feature. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank". The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "200" at left center and on the right of the portrait of Nelson Mandela along the bottom side of the note, and in words: in English "TWO HUNDRED RAND" along the right side of the banknote. Signature: Lesetja Kganyago - Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. Coat of arms of the Republic of South Africa at upper left. The African leopards on the background at center. Across all field of banknote an ornament and Prehistoric hunting scenes with dogs. Reverse: The Famous Big Five animals of Africa - A Closeup of a head of African Leopard and another African Leopard in the background at center. Watermark: Portrait of Nelson Mandela and electrotype 200. Size: 152 × 70 mm. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. South African Currency 10 Rand Commemorative banknote 2018 Nelson Mandela Centenary South African Currency 10 Rand Commemorative banknote 2018 Nelson Mandela Centenary 1918 - 2018 South African Reserve Bank The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has issued the release of limited edition commemorative banknotes in honour of Nelson Mandela’s legacy, celebrating the liberation icon’s centenary in July 2018, which look to show “the journey of a nation as of the man”. The honorary ‘randelas’ are an ode to the former president’s struggle saga, which ultimately led to the liberation of South Africa and an end to apartheid oppression. Different imagery has been designed for each of the five notes, which look to chronologically “tell the story of Mandela’s life from a young boy through to president of South Africa”. Obverse: An image of Nelson Mandela, considered by most South Africans (both black and white) to be the father of the post-apartheid new South Africa. He is held in deep respect within South Africa, where he is often referred to by his Xhosa clan name, Madiba, and described as the "Father of the Nation". Despite spending 27 years in jail, Mandela's presidency (1994-1999) was marked by a spirit of reconciliation and forgiveness. The denomination of the bank note in the lower-right-hand corner, printed in a special, colour-changing security ink that carries the pattern of Mandela’s famous shirts, and a seven-bar circle that frames Mandela’s portrait image. This aims to represent the bars seen on the post-apartheid South African national flag, and the seven bars on the door of Mandela’s prison cell at Robben Island. These bars also contain ultraviolet (UV) light technology, another security feature. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank". The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "10" at left center and on the right of the portrait of Nelson Mandela along the bottom side of the note, and in words: in English "TEN RAND" along the right side of the banknote. A commemorative inscription "Mandela Centenary 1918 - 2018" along the right side of the bank note. Signature: Lesetja Kganyago - Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. Coat of arms of the Republic of South Africa at upper left. The White Rhinos on the background at center. Across all field of banknote are ornaments and leaping antelopes. A commemorative inscription "Mandela Centenary 1918 - 2018" at right. Reverse: A "youthful" portrait of Mandela dressed in traditional attire. The vignette of the life events of Mandela - "Birth" - Mvezo. The 10 Rand note portrays the humble rural hamlet of Madiba’s birthplace, Mvezo. The small Eastern Cape village solidified its place in the history books by being the official hometown of Nelson Mandela. While Mandela spent most of his childhood in the nearby town of Qunu, a time he describes as the “happiest moments of his childhood”, the honour bestowed upon Mvezo is commemorated by the Madiba Birthplace Museum. Mandela grew up in Qunu after his father was ousted as the chief of Mvezo. The bank's name South African Reserve Bank are translated into two official South African languages: iBhangle Lombuso laseNingizmu Afrika (Zulu) and Banka ya Risefe ya Afrika Borwa (Sotho). A commemorative inscription "Mandela Centenary 1918 - 2018" at right and "Madiba" at left. Watermark: Portrait of Nelson Mandela and electrotype 10. Size: 128 × 70 mm. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. South Africa Currency 20 Rand Commemorative banknote 2018 Nelson Mandela Centenary South Africa Currency 20 Rand Commemorative banknote 2018 Nelson Mandela Centenary 1918 - 2018 South African Reserve Bank The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has issued the release of limited edition commemorative banknotes in honour of Nelson Mandela’s legacy, celebrating the liberation icon’s centenary in July 2018, which look to show “the journey of a nation as of the man”. The honorary ‘randelas’ are an ode to the former president’s struggle saga, which ultimately led to the liberation of South Africa and an end to apartheid oppression. Different imagery has been designed for each of the five notes, which look to chronologically “tell the story of Mandela’s life from a young boy through to president of South Africa”. Obverse: An image of Nelson Mandela, considered by most South Africans (both black and white) to be the father of the post-apartheid new South Africa. He is held in deep respect within South Africa, where he is often referred to by his Xhosa clan name, Madiba, and described as the "Father of the Nation". Despite spending 27 years in jail, Mandela's presidency (1994-1999) was marked by a spirit of reconciliation and forgiveness. The denomination of the bank note in the lower-right-hand corner, printed in a special, colour-changing security ink that carries the pattern of Mandela’s famous shirts, and a seven-bar circle that frames Mandela’s portrait image. This aims to represent the bars seen on the post-apartheid South African national flag, and the seven bars on the door of Mandela’s prison cell at Robben Island. These bars also contain ultraviolet (UV) light technology, another security feature. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank". The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "20" at left center and on the right of the portrait of Nelson Mandela along the bottom side of the note, and in words: in English "TWENTY RAND" along the right side of the banknote. A commemorative inscription "Mandela Centenary 1918 - 2018" along the right side of the bank note. Signature: Lesetja Kganyago - Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. Coat of arms of the Republic of South Africa at upper left. The African bush elephants on the background at center. Across all field of banknote an ornament and Prehistoric hunting scenes. A commemorative inscription "Mandela Centenary 1918 - 2018" at right. Reverse: A "youthful" portrait of Mandela dressed in traditional attire. The vignette of the life events of Mandela - "Life" - Soweto. Nelson Mandela moved into his Soweto home in 1946. The 20 Rand note depicts the humble home at 8115 Orlando West, on the corner of Vilakazi and Ngakane Streets. The story of Mandela’s Soweto home is bittersweet; following his marriage to Winnie Madikizela, the struggle leader was in constant state of flux, evading the apartheid police and intelligence agencies, while being consumed by his commitment to the liberation struggle. In those years, Madiba seldom saw the inside of his Soweto home. Mandela returned here for a brief 11 days after his release from Robben Island in 1990. The house now operates as a museum, honouring the legacy of Madiba, managed by the Soweto Heritage Trust. The bank's name South African Reserve Bank are translated into two official South African languages: iBhangle Lombuso laseNingizmu Afrika (Zulu) and Banka ya Risefe ya Afrika Borwa (Sotho). A commemorative inscription "Mandela Centenary 1918 - 2018" at right and "Madiba" at left. Watermark: Portrait of Nelson Mandela and electrotype 20. Size: 134 × 70 mm. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. South African Currency 50 Rand Commemorative banknote 2018 Nelson Mandela Centenary South African Currency 50 Rand Commemorative banknote 2018 Nelson Mandela Centenary 1918 - 2018 South African Reserve Bank The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has issued the release of limited edition commemorative banknotes in honour of Nelson Mandela’s legacy, celebrating the liberation icon’s centenary in July 2018, which look to show “the journey of a nation as of the man”. The honorary ‘randelas’ are an ode to the former president’s struggle saga, which ultimately led to the liberation of South Africa and an end to apartheid oppression. Different imagery has been designed for each of the five notes, which look to chronologically “tell the story of Mandela’s life from a young boy through to president of South Africa”. Obverse: An image of Nelson Mandela, considered by most South Africans (both black and white) to be the father of the post-apartheid new South Africa. He is held in deep respect within South Africa, where he is often referred to by his Xhosa clan name, Madiba, and described as the "Father of the Nation". Despite spending 27 years in jail, Mandela's presidency (1994-1999) was marked by a spirit of reconciliation and forgiveness. The denomination of the bank note in the lower-right-hand corner, printed in a special, colour-changing security ink that carries the pattern of Mandela’s famous shirts, and a seven-bar circle that frames Mandela’s portrait image. This aims to represent the bars seen on the post-apartheid South African national flag, and the seven bars on the door of Mandela’s prison cell at Robben Island. These bars also contain ultraviolet (UV) light technology, another security feature. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank". The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "50" at left center and on the right of the portrait of Nelson Mandela along the bottom side of the note, and in words: in English "FIFTY RAND" along the right side of the banknote. A commemorative inscription "Mandela Centenary 1918 - 2018" along the right side of the bank note. Signature: Lesetja Kganyago - Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. Coat of arms of the Republic of South Africa at upper left. The Transvaal lions on the background at center. Across all field of banknote an ornament and Prehistoric hunting scenes. A commemorative inscription "Mandela Centenary 1918 - 2018" at right. Reverse: A "youthful" portrait of Mandela dressed in traditional attire. The vignette of the life events of Mandela - "Capture" - Howick. The 50 Rand note represents a place of pain in the life of Mandela. While the area is now a site for celebration, featuring a commemorative steel sculpture revealing a portrait of the struggle icon, on 5 August 1962 it became the site of Mandela’s capture. Mandella was travelling in disguise as the chauffeur of the car he drove and was on the R103 road between Durban and Johannesburg. Apartheid police and intelligence agencies had been on his trail for 17 months, eventually catching up to him on this stretch of road near Howick in KwaZulu-Natal. Then Nelson Mandela Capture Site is now home to a mammoth steel structure, comprised of 50 steel columns, which reveal a portrait of Madiba when viewed from a certain angle. The bank's name South African Reserve Bank are translated into two official South African languages: iBhangle Lombuso laseNingizmu Afrika (Zulu) and Banka ya Risefe ya Afrika Borwa (Sotho). A commemorative inscription "Mandela Centenary 1918 - 2018" at right and "Madiba" at left. Watermark: Portrait of Nelson Mandela and electrotype 50. Size: 140 × 70 mm. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. South Africa Currency 100 Rand Commemorative banknote 2018 Nelson Mandela Centenary South Africa Currency 100 Rand Commemorative banknote 2018 Nelson Mandela Centenary 1918 - 2018 South African Reserve Bank The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has issued the release of limited edition commemorative banknotes in honour of Nelson Mandela’s legacy, celebrating the liberation icon’s centenary in July 2018, which look to show “the journey of a nation as of the man”. The honorary ‘randelas’ are an ode to the former president’s struggle saga, which ultimately led to the liberation of South Africa and an end to apartheid oppression. Different imagery has been designed for each of the five notes, which look to chronologically “tell the story of Mandela’s life from a young boy through to president of South Africa”. Obverse: An image of Nelson Mandela, considered by most South Africans (both black and white) to be the father of the post-apartheid new South Africa. He is held in deep respect within South Africa, where he is often referred to by his Xhosa clan name, Madiba, and described as the "Father of the Nation". Despite spending 27 years in jail, Mandela's presidency (1994-1999) was marked by a spirit of reconciliation and forgiveness. The denomination of the bank note in the lower-right-hand corner, printed in a special, colour-changing security ink that carries the pattern of Mandela’s famous shirts, and a seven-bar circle that frames Mandela’s portrait image. This aims to represent the bars seen on the post-apartheid South African national flag, and the seven bars on the door of Mandela’s prison cell at Robben Island. These bars also contain ultraviolet (UV) light technology, another security feature. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank". The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "100" at left center and on the right of the portrait of Nelson Mandela along the bottom side of the note, and in words: in English "ONE HUNDRED RAND" along the right side of the banknote. A commemorative inscription "Mandela Centenary 1918 - 2018" along the right side of the bank note. Signature: Lesetja Kganyago - Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. Coat of arms of the Republic of South Africa at upper left. The African buffalo on the background at center. Across all field of banknote an ornament and Prehistoric fishing scenes. A commemorative inscription "Mandela Centenary 1918 - 2018" at right. Reverse: A "youthful" portrait of Mandela dressed in traditional attire. The vignette of the life events of Mandela - "Struggle" - Robben Island. A pile of rocks on Robben Island, where the great liberator was imprisoned from 1964–1982. Mandela spent 18 years on the stark island, working in a lime quarry, busting rocks as part of his forced labour. While on the island, he was permitted one visit and one letter every six months. While enduring physical and psychological torture at the hands of white warders, at night he persevered with his studies for an LLB degree which he was obtaining from the University of London. In April 1982, Mandela was transferred to Pollsmoor Prison in Tokai, Cape Town. The bank's name South African Reserve Bank are translated into two official South African languages: iBhangle Lombuso laseNingizmu Afrika (Zulu) and Banka ya Risefe ya Afrika Borwa (Sotho). A commemorative inscription "Mandela Centenary 1918 - 2018" at right and "Madiba" at left. Watermark: Portrait of Nelson Mandela and electrotype 100. Size: 146 × 70 mm. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. South African Currency 200 Rand Commemorative banknote 2018 Nelson Mandela Centenary South African Currency 200 Rand Commemorative banknote 2018 Nelson Mandela Centenary 1918 - 2018 South African Reserve Bank The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has issued the release of limited edition commemorative banknotes in honour of Nelson Mandela’s legacy, celebrating the liberation icon’s centenary in July 2018, which look to show “the journey of a nation as of the man”. The honorary ‘randelas’ are an ode to the former president’s struggle saga, which ultimately led to the liberation of South Africa and an end to apartheid oppression. Different imagery has been designed for each of the five notes, which look to chronologically “tell the story of Mandela’s life from a young boy through to president of South Africa”. Obverse: An image of Nelson Mandela, considered by most South Africans (both black and white) to be the father of the post-apartheid new South Africa. He is held in deep respect within South Africa, where he is often referred to by his Xhosa clan name, Madiba, and described as the "Father of the Nation". Despite spending 27 years in jail, Mandela's presidency (1994-1999) was marked by a spirit of reconciliation and forgiveness. The denomination of the bank note in the lower-right-hand corner, printed in a special, colour-changing security ink that carries the pattern of Mandela’s famous shirts, and a seven-bar circle that frames Mandela’s portrait image. This aims to represent the bars seen on the post-apartheid South African national flag, and the seven bars on the door of Mandela’s prison cell at Robben Island. These bars also contain ultraviolet (UV) light technology, another security feature. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank". The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "200" at left center and on the right of the portrait of Nelson Mandela along the bottom side of the note, and in words: in English "TWO HUNDRED RAND" along the right side of the banknote. A commemorative inscription "Mandela Centenary 1918 - 2018" along the right side of the bank note. Signature: Lesetja Kganyago - Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. Coat of arms of the Republic of South Africa at upper left. The African leopards on the background at center. Across all field of banknote an ornament and Prehistoric hunting scenes with dogs. A commemorative inscription "Mandela Centenary 1918 - 2018" at right. Reverse: A "youthful" portrait of Mandela dressed in traditional attire. The vignette of the life events of Mandela - "Destiny" - Union Buildings. This 200 Rand note represents the moment Mandela was inaugurated as South Africa’s first democratically elected president in 1994. The image on the note is that of a bronze statue situated at the Union Buildings, unveiled to close the official 10-day mourning period for the much loved former state president, who died at his Johannesburg home on 5 December 2013. South African sculptors André Prinsloo and Ruhan Janse van Vuuren were responsible for creating the statue. According to Prinsloo, the sculptors considered various poses like the Raised Fist Salute, but in the Spirit of Reconciliation, the current open arm pose was suggested. The bank's name South African Reserve Bank are translated into two official South African languages: iBhangle Lombuso laseNingizmu Afrika (Zulu) and Banka ya Risefe ya Afrika Borwa (Sotho). A commemorative inscription "Mandela Centenary 1918 - 2018" at right and "Madiba" at left. Watermark: Portrait of Nelson Mandela and electrotype 200. Size: 152 × 70 mm. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. BACK TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE

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