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South African Music Afrikaans music is a genre that originated in South Africa and is sung in the Afrikaans language. It is known for its emotional and heartfelt lyrics, often touching on themes of love, loss, and the beauty of the South African landscape. The music is typically accompanied by guitar and other traditional instruments, and can range from slow ballads to upbeat, danceable tunes. Some popular Afrikaans artists include Spoegwolf, Riaan Benadé, and Theuns Jordaan. (AI Generated) Top Afrikaans Songs of All Time Friday, August 02, 2019 at 8:29 AM by Peris Walubengo 6 min read Music is highly placed in the life of an African since it is one of the integral parts of their culture. Over the years the Afrikaans tribe of South Africa has produced some of the best musicians who have confounded fans with their amazing hits in the unique Afrikaans language. Did you know that, fine music can always be defined by more than just the language it is sung in? Keep reading to discover the Top Afrikaans Songs of All Time. Read more: https://briefly.co.za/34552-top-afrikaans-songs-all-time.html die heuwels fantasties Jack Parow Bok van Blerk rock south africa Fokofpolisiekar Glaskas Jan Blohm Van Coke Kartel Zinkplaat happy Laurika Rauch Robbie Wessels Spoegwolf Koos Kombuis Ray Dylan Francois Van Coke Jay Karlien van Jaarsveld Kurt Darren Straatligkinders Straatligkinders Valiant Swart chill Karen Zoid Riana Nel Theuns Jordaan aKING eden indie Desmond & The Tutus Die Tuindwergies Foto Na Dans Lianie May Shortstraw Various acoustic afrikaans rock classic afrikaans dance easy listening pop sokkie south african suid-afrikaans éF-éL Adam Alleen Na Desember Bobby van Jaarsveld David Kramer Die Antwoord Gerhard Steyn Jakkie Louw Jeremy Loops Johannes Kerkorrel Juanita du Plessis Lukraaketaar Mel Botes Pierre Greeff Snotkop folk sing along suidafrika Bittereinder Borrah And Borrah And Mad ProfessorMad Professor Brendan Peyper Dans Dans Lisa Dewald Wasserfall Dozi Elvis Blue Etienne Steyn Frank Ocean Frieda van den Heever Gazelle Goldfish GoodLuck Haezer Jak de Priester Joshua Na Die Reën Justice Kaleidoskoop Kevin Leo Klopjag Kongos Koos Du Plessis LCNVL MK Mandoza Matthew Mole Milky Chance Mimi Coertse Miriam Makeba Nicholis Louw Okay Orange Sector Rooies Grobbelaar Shadowclub Stef Bos Steve Hofmeyr The Parlotones The Plastics Akkedis Al Bairre AlexDavid-2 Amanda Strydom Andre Swiegers Andriette Angus Angus & Julia Stone Anke Anna Davel Anton Botha Arno Carstens Arno Jordaan August Rush (Motion Picture Soundtrack) Autoheart BLEACHERS BLK JKS Barry Louis Polisar Bebo Best Ek Mis Jou Elizma Theron Elvis se Seun Estevan Cruz 1 FPK Farryl Purkiss Fifth Harmony Flip a Coin Frankie Goes to Hollywood Fredrik Thordendal's Special Defects Freshlyground Frikkie En Die Dolfyne Fuzigish Gang of Rhythm George Ezra Gerrie Pretorius Gert Bekker Gert Vlok Nel Gone In The Daylight Guus Meeuwis Click Here List of South African musicians Afrotraction (Mzwandile Moya; born 1983), R&B and neo-soul musician and producer AKA (1988–2023), hip-hop artist and record producer aKing , acoustic rock band Akustika Chamber Singers , chamber choir from Pretoria Sizwe Alakine , Amapiano musician (aka Reason, rapper) Amampondo , traditional Xhosa percussion group from Cape Town Anatii (born 1993), hip-hop artist and record producer A-Reece (born 1997), hip-hop artist and lyricist Leigh Ashton (born 1956), singer-songwriter from Johannesburg Assagai , Afro-rock band active in the early 1970s Robin Auld , singer songwriter The Awakening , gothic rock Aymos , singer songwriter Julian Bahula (1938–2023), jazz drummer Ballyhoo , 1980s pop band best known for the hit "Man on the Moon" Zakes Bantwini [1] Leonel Bastos (born 1956), Mozambiquan adult contemporary musician and producer working in South Africa Battery 9 , industrial music project from Johannesburg Beatenberg Amanda Black (born 1993), Afro-soul singer-songwriter BlackByrd , pop trio BLK JKS , rock band Elvis Blue , musician and songwriter Bongo Maffin , kwaito music group Boo! , band Boom Shaka , kwaito music group Stef Bos (born 1961), singer Cristina Boshoff (born 1980), folk pop singer and pianist Brasse Vannie Kaap , hip-hop group Bles Bridges (1947–2000), singer Bright Blue , 1980s pop band, best known for the hit song "Weeping" The Brother Moves On , performance art ensemble Buckfever Underground , folk/punk/art band Bucie (born 1987), R&B and soul singer Bulletscript , metal band Busiswa (born 1988), house musician Jonathan Butler (born 1961), singer-songwriter and guitarist Guy Buttery (born 1983), guitar player Adrienne Camp (born 1981), singer-songwriter Captain Stu , ska, funk, punk, and soul fusion band Arno Carstens (born 1972), former lead singer of Springbok Nude Girls Louise Carver (born 1979), folk rock singer-songwriter and pianist Cassette , rock band Cassper Nyovest (born 1990), rapper and record producer Tony Cedras (born 1952), musician Chad , (born 1993), rapper Yvonne Chaka Chaka (born 1965), singer Chris Chameleon (born 1971), solo artist, lead singer and bass guitarist for Boo Blondie Chaplin (born 1951), singer and guitarist Jesse Clegg (born 1988) Johnny Clegg (1953–2019) Clout , 1970s rock group Basil Coetzee (1944–1998), saxophonist Mimi Coertse (born 1932), soprano singer Fifi Cooper (born 1991), singer Tony Cox (born 1954), guitarist Crashcarburn , rock band Crossingpoint , Christian progressive hardcore band Cutting Jade , five-piece rock group Civil Twilight , four-piece rock band Crow Black Sky , black metal band Costa Titch (1995–2023), Amapiano rapper and dancer Covenant Voices , mass gospel choir with elements of traditional Zulu music, jazz, R&B and contemporary music Da L.E.S (born 1985), hip-hop artist Simphiwe Dana (born 1980) Danny K (Daniel Koppel), R&B singer-songwriter Kurt Darren , singer Pierre de Charmoy (born 1961), singer-songwriter Steven De Groote (1953–1989), classical pianist and winner of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition Fanie de Jager (born 1949), operatic tenor Die Antwoord , alternative hip hop group[2] Die Heuwels Fantasties , Afrikaans rock band Bonginkosi Dlamini (born 1977), poet, actor and singer, also known as Zola Dollar Brand (born 1934) Donald (born 1985), singer Dorp , rock band Downfall , ska and punk band Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels, reggae Dreamteam , hip-hop group from Durban Jabulani Dubazana , singer, Ladysmith Black Mambazo Lucky Dube (1964–2007) Ampie du Preez , singer and guitarist Johnny Dyani (1945–1986), jazz double bassist DJ Speedsta , hip-hop DJ AFRIKAANS MUSIC LINKS Top Afrikaans 2020 - YouTube Music Best Afrikaans 2024 ♫ Top 100 Afrikaans Songs 2024 ... - YouTube Music 45 Free Afrikaans music playlists | 8tracks radio Best Afrikaans Songs of 2023 - New Afrikaans Songs - Chosic Afrikaans musiek - YouTube Music Afrikaanse Musiek Videos - Nuutste December 2024 - YouTube AFRIKAANS SOKKIE TREFFERS 2024 (BESTE SOKKIE MUSIEK) Top afrikaans artists - Last.fm Afrikaanse musiek videos - Nuutste Nov 2024 - Best AFRIKAANSE BESTES 2024 - playlist by JouTaal - Spotify Nuutste Afrikaans Musiek 2024 - Beste Afrikaans 2024 (Nuutste ... - YouTube Top Afrikaans songs 2019 Afrikaans musicians have done an excellent job in releasing Top Afrikaans songs over the past couple of decades. Ranging from rock to electro and gospel, the mesmerizing Afrikaans hits have no doubt managed to give the world a fair dose of the sweet African musical flavor. It is on this note that we bring to you 10 of the Best Afrikaans songs of all time. Read also Jack Parow: Thrilling facts about the Afrikaans rap king Die Antwoord - Cookie Thumper The rap hit song “Cookie Thumper”, which was released in 2014, has a whopping 35,700,991 views on YouTube and still counting. Sung by the famous South African rap-rave group Die Antwoord (Afrikaans for “The answer”) the song has been sending shockwaves both in mainstream and social media. The group Die Antwoord was founded in Cape Town in 2008, by rappers Yolandi Visser, Ninja and God (previously known as DJ Hi-Tek). The group’s image is premised on a counterculture movement popularly called Zef in South Africa. Jack Parow - Cooler as Ekke This Hip-Hop/Rap hit song by Jack Parow was released in 2009, and it had hit three million views on YouTube by June 2015. Currently, the song has 4,450,570 views on YouTube and still going strong. Jack Parow is an acclaimed South African Afrikaans rapper who hails from Bellville, Western Cape. Read also Is Simphiwe Dana wedding any time soon? The rapper who is known to have started by rapping for a burger and a beer over 13 years ago is also well known for his role in the song “Die Vraaqstuk”, in collaboration with Die Heuwels Fantasies, with whom he also performed at the 2009 Oppikoppi Music Festival. “Cooler as eke,” Jack Parow’s debut single, has become his most identifiable song, getting a lot of airplay on 3fm - Dutch national radio station. Tarryn Lamb – Mal Oor Jou The hit song “Mal Oor Jou” is found in Tarryn Lamb’s debut solo album named “Mal Oor Jou,” which was released in 2018 and as so far won three Ghoema Music Awards this year. Released on 10 August 2018, the song has already garnered 1,646,638 views on YouTube just one year down the line and promises to be a monster hit. Tarryn Lamb is a South African actor, pop singer, and songwriter, best known for her role as the lead singer in the band BlackByrd. The band has so far won 2 South African Music Awards. Read also Top 20 trending Blaq Diamond songs to listen to in 2022: latest and classic hits Jack Parow ft. Francois van Coke - Dans Dans Dans This hit song by Jack Parow featuring the Fokofpolisiekar frontman Francois van Coke was released in Jack Parow’s self-titled studio album in 2010, and it so far has 1,973,630 views on YouTube. “Dans, Dans, Dans" which means "Dance, Dance, Dance" is one of the most popular Afrikaans songs in South Africa today. Released in the wake of Jack Parow’s highly successful debut single “Cooler as eke,” the song “Dans, Dans, Dans” has received favorable attention from Afrikaans songs lovers. Read also: Nasty C on lookalike, Nasty B: 'Maybe high key proud of brah' Bok Van Blerk - De La Rey Bok van Blerk released the song "De la Rey" in 2006, and it became one of his best hit songs with a massive 1,973,630 views on YouTube currently and still counting. He characterizes the song as a stand against historical guilt. Read also What are the most popular Duncan songs and videos? The famous Afrikaans musician is on record saying that Young Afrikaners are tired of having the apartheid guilt trip shoved down their throats. “This song makes them proud of their heritage,” he added. Born Louis Pepler on March 30, 1978, Bok van Blerk shot into the limelight after his 2006 rendition of “De la Rey” by Johan Vorster and Sean Else. Lianie May & Jay - Toe Stop My Hart - 2,113,359 views Released in 2009, the song “Toe Stop My Hart” is in the album “Boeremeisie." One of the most popular Afrikaanse songs, “Toe Stop My Hart” has hit a total of 2,113,359 views on YouTube and still counting. Lianie May launched her Afrikaans music career in 2007 with her debut album “Vergeet My Nie” (Forget Me Not). Together with Jay du Plessis, a renowned Afrikaans musician, they made “Toe Stop My Hart” one of the most sought after Afrikaans song of the recent past. Read also Top 20 bolobedu music jams from 2019 to 2020 Bok Van Blerk - Afrikanerhart - 1,277,773 views Another of Bok van Blerk’s massive hits is “Afrikanerhart," which currently has over 1, 277,770 views on YouTube. Released on 27 July 2009, under the Mozi Records label, it is one of the hit songs in the album “Afrikanerhart.” Bok van Blerk shot into fame in 2006 for his rendition of "De la Rey" by Sean Else and Johan Vorster, and he has since never looked back. Kurt Darren - Kaptein - 403,842 views Released in 2008, this Afrikaans pop song is found in the album "Uit die diepte van my hart." The song has been enjoying fair airplay across South African FM stations, and so far, it is about to hit the half a million mark with a 403, 842 views on YouTube. Kurt Darren shot into the limelight when he recorded his number one hit song “Meisie Meisie,” which was immediately followed by a chain of other hits, including "Loslappie," "Sê Net Ja" and "Hemel Op Tafelberg." Read also Katlego Maboe biography Steve Hofmeyr – Redgebed - 383,367 views The Afrikaans hit song “Redgebed,” which was released in 2017, was in the album “Skree.” The song is destined to be a huge success having garnered 383,367 views on YouTube up to date. Steve Hofmeyr, the writer, and composer of the hit song is arguably South Africa’s most successful musician. From his humble beginnings as an actor in the popular TV show "Agter Elke Man" then "Egoli" and eventually his TV show "Dis Hoe Dit Is Met Steve," (aired on Kyk Net) Steve has proven himself both as a formidable actor and prolific singer. Elizma Theron – Marilyn Monroe 137,591 views Released in 2018, this particular song is in the album "Hierdie Hart Barand Liefde." The song has been getting fair airplay across radio and TV stations in South Africa, and it promises to be one huge hit. It was one of best Afrikaans songs 2018. Apart from singing Afrikaan songs, Elizma Theron also doubles up as a well-known actress. Read also Mandla Maphumulo biography: girlfriend, success story, life, and albums There is no doubt that Afrikaans music has been growing from strength to strength in the past two decades. Initially, the Afrikaan language was associated mainly with apartheid and “whiteness” in South Africa. However, this view has been gradually changing as more South Africans embrace diversity in the music industry, thanks to the top Afrikaans songs of all time, and music from other main South African languages that seem to enjoy acceptance across the race divide. 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SAFARI PARKS Luxury African Safaris & Tours Are you dreaming of a luxury African safari? Picture the scene. The sun is sinking slowly into savannah grasses and the sky is tinged with pink and red streaks. You’re sitting atop a granite rock boulder that’s warm to the touch. A man hands you a gin and tonic and points towards a small group of trees. As if on cue, a pair of lionesses stroll out of hiding. It’s the ultimate African safari fantasy and one that every African safari-goer dreams of living. But just how do you go about organizing an upmarket luxury safari tour? Well, it’s easier than you might think. Kruger Safari Tours Kruger Safari Tours -Packages South Africa’s premier safari destination, Kruger National Park throws up some staggering statistics. Established in 1898, it extends over some 19,000km²/7,335mi² and supports a total of 147 mammal species (the most of any African national park). This includes an estimated 13,000 elephants, 40,000 buffalo, 2,000 lions and more rhinos than any other protected area. Kruger is an ideal safari destination at both ends of the price and experiential spectrum. No other major African park is so well geared to budget-conscious self-drivers. Equally, some of the all-inclusive private and concession lodges associated with Kruger and its immediate surroundings (including MalaMala, Sabi Sabi and Londolozi) rank among the most exclusive, prestigious and costly in Africa. Pilanesberg Safari Tours & Holidays Nestled in an ancient volcanic crater up to three hours’ drive from Johannesburg, Pilanesberg Game Reserve is a top-notch 572km²/221mi² park set in the wilds of North West Province. It is home to all the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino) and makes for a great all-round safari destination. As the closest major park to Johannesburg, it is particularly suited to business travelers wanting a short bush break. Pilanesberg lies in a malaria-free area, so families with young children often find it preferable to the better-known Kruger National Park. Pilanesberg is also often visited in combination with Sun City, a glitzy but family-friendly resort complete with luxury hotels, casinos, golf courses and a water park that stands right outside the park boundary. Mt Kilimanjaro Climbing, Trekking and Hiking Tours For many visitors to Africa, climbing Mt Kilimanjaro is a once-in-a-lifetime challenge. The climb takes in muddy rainforests, unique high-altitude plants and alpine meadows before finally arriving at the glacier-coated summit. Standing tall above the savannahs of East Africa, Mt Kilimanjaro (5,895m/19,340ft) is an icon of Africa. But just how do you go about climbing Tanzania’s Mt Kilimanjaro and how fit do you have to be? We answer some of these common questions below. Masai Mara Safari - Tours If Africa had a Top Five for safari parks, the Masai Mara safari would easily make the final cut. It’s a classic safari destination and one of the best places to see lions, leopards and cheetahs, as well as being home to iconic savannah country that long ago came to define the East African safari. It also has the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino), a good mix of public areas and private conservancies, and extraordinarily rich accommodations offerings. Okavango Delta Safari Tours & Holidays The Okavango Delta is an African classic, a vast network of waterways that changes with the seasons, but always hosts memorable wildlife populations. The diversity here is endless, with islands that exist one year but are gone the next. This world in motion should be drama enough for most visitors, but it is here that Botswana’s wildlife reputation was born and so many wildlife documentaries were filmed. To put it another way, the Delta is one of the best places on the planet to see wildlife. Ngorongoro Crater Safari Tours & Holidays A Ngorongoro Crater tour is usually combined with a safari in neighboring Serengeti National Park. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area protects the volcanically formed Crater Highlands, which are dotted with deep volcanic craters. The best known, Ngorongoro is the world’s largest intact caldera and a natural wildlife reserve with few peers. Ngorongoro safari tours offer your best chance in Tanzania of spotting all the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and black rhino) in one game drive. The crater is also notable for the spectacularly scenic combination of the verdant plains of the lake-studded crater floor and imposing 600m-/1,968ft-high cliffs that enclose it on all sides. Amboseli Safari Tours & Holidays Amboseli National Park is one of East Africa’s most rewarding safari destinations, and a real classic of the Kenya safari circuit. Compact enough to get around easily, filled with wildlife, replete with good accommodation in and around the park, and with the best Kilimanjaro views to be had anywhere on the continent, Amboseli should be on the list of every safari visitor to Kenya. It’s also close to Nairobi, making it easy to visit in a short time frame, and combine it with other parks as well. South Africa Safari - Compare 964 Tours South Africa is one of the world’s most varied holiday destinations. From the classic safari country of Kruger National Park to the stately ‘mother city’ of Cape Town; from the snow-sprinkled heights of the Drakensberg to the parched red dunescapes of the Kalahari; from the gorgeous Winelands around Stellenbosch to the idyllic beaches of the Garden Route – South Africa is a true all-rounder that attracts more than its fair share of repeat visitors. It is also the most affordable and well equipped of African safari destinations, particularly well suited to family holidays, to those seeking a malaria-free holiday, to dedicated foodies and wine-lovers, and for combining a foray into Big Five country with a beach holiday and/or city break. Namibia Safari Tours & Holidays A safari in Namibia is as much about the wildlife as the country’s scenic beauty. It is home to Etosha National Park, one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife reserves, but there’s so much more to discover. The national parks of the Zambezi Region (formerly Caprivi Strip) are finally getting the attention they deserve, while the dune-scapes of the Skeleton Coast and its hinterland are simply extraordinary. These are just the starting points for exploring a country rich in experiences and safari opportunities. Mozambique Tours & Safari Packages Mozambique’s main draw are the countless paradisiacal palm-fringed beaches that line its 2,600km/1,616mi Indian Ocean coastline and innumerable offshore islands. Serviced by some first-class luxury resorts, it is the perfect country for a relaxing beach holiday, as well as for more active marine pursuits such as snorkeling, diving and coastal safaris. Inland, Mozambique’s national parks and reserves were once major attractions, but a prolonged civil war that ended in 1992 left them poached out and depleted of wildlife. Despite this, recent rehabilitation efforts mean that some of these little-visited parks are now slowly emerging as worthwhile goals for adventurers seeking an off-the-beaten-track safari experience. Gorilla Trekking Tours There are many amazing wildlife encounters – but few can match coming eye to eye with a mountain gorilla. A big part of what makes the gorilla trek so special is that these big apes are so closely related to humans (the difference in DNA is only about 1.6%). They do seem to touch a nerve when they look at us with interest. The gorillas’ natural habitat is restricted to a relatively small area in a historically turbulent region. But most of this region has stabilized in recent decades, which makes gorilla tours increasingly accessible. Habitat loss is now the main obstacle to the survival of gorillas, but money spent on gorilla tourism goes a long way in securing their survival. Chimp Trekking Tours A chimpanzee trekking safari offers a special opportunity to see our closest relatives at close range. Although it doesn’t get the same attention as gorilla trekking, the experience can be quite similar. The intelligence and social structure of chimps make them fascinating subjects for observation, and no two visits are the same. Chimpanzees live in communities ranging from 20 to 150 individuals. Like humans, they tend to have strong personalities. Their expressive faces make their identities easily recognized by us, even during a short visit. Lucky visitors will be able to hear their pant-hooting. This communal, loud calling session can be triggered by anything that excites them – including you. African Fly-in Safaris Imagine an African fly-in safari, flying in a small bush plane over the Serengeti or Kruger National Park, or wilder places like the Luangwa Valley. Way below you’ll spot wildlife such as elephant, hippo and giraffe. All the while you’ll watch the patterns of clouds on expansive savannah plains, and follow the twisting, turning course of great rivers like the Zambezi. Fly-in safaris can really enhance your holiday. They offer a convenient, comfortable means of travel to different destinations, either within one country or between different countries. Most safari destinations have a well-run network of routes that can land right in the heart of the bush. Some lodges even have their own private airstrip. African Canoe Safaris Africa offers some epic canoe safaris. The Okavango Delta, the Zambezi River and Malawi’s Shire River are great all-round African safari destinations, but they show their liveliest and most surprising sides to paddlers. African kayak safaris offer opportunities to get up close to elephant, hippo, crocodile and more. This is true whether you take it easy in a mokoro (dugout canoe) and glide into the sunset, or embark on a multiday canoe adventure. Best of all, canoes offer a way into the animals’ watery habitat. Cruising quietly along in a wooden or fiberglass craft means you won’t disturb the animals, from birds on branches to thirsty antelope at the riverbank. African Self-Drive Safaris & Tours An African self-drive safari might be just the thing for you if you’re a bit of an adventurer. There’s nothing quite like exploring Africa at your own pace and in your own time. While most safari packages adhere to a predetermined itinerary, a self-drive safari is where you get to take control. Yes, you’ll need to have your campsites and other accommodations booked well in advance, putting some limits on your freedom. But it will be up to you which route you take, how long you stay to watch those lions on a kill, and how long you stop for lunch. That freedom comes with a sense of responsibility – if something happens, you’re the one who’ll need to deal with it. But help is never more than a satellite phone call away and it’s a small price to pay for the sort of safari holiday that you’ll never forget. African Birdwatching Tours Africa offers some of the best birding safaris in the world. Birds are an integral part of the African landscape. Even on an ordinary safari, you can expect to see colorful bee-eaters and rollers, proud eagles and ostriches. Because it’s dominated by open savannah rather than dense rainforest, Africa tops the list for seeing a large number of species in the course of an ordinary holiday. Many leading African safari destinations boast a checklist of more than 500 bird species. These include Serengeti National Park (Tanzania), Kruger National Park (South Africa) and Queen Elizabeth National Park (Uganda). If you’ve been bitten by the birding bug, a specialist guided safari will maximize your sighting opportunities. African Walking Safaris Walking the wide, open African savannah in the company of an expert guide is the ultimate African safari experience. The guide can point out medicinal plants and tiny creatures and tell you stories of life in the bush. A long walking safari will give you a greater understanding of the ecosystem and its animals and plants than any jeep safari ever could. When you do see animals, it comes with the thrill of knowing that nothing stands between them and you. Altogether, a long walk through the African wilderness might be one of the greatest and most rewarding adventures you embark on. African Group Safaris & Tours Signing up to an African safari group tour is one of the most popular ways to go on safari. Having an expert plan the nitty-gritty of your safari package for you saves time and hassle. It means all you have to do is read up on African wildlife and hop on a plane. A small group tour can be a great way to see Africa. Special-interest group trips, such as bird watching, conservation or big cats, are recommended. A special-interest trip will put you in a group with like-minded people, and the guide will be an expert. Before jumping into a group safari though, there are a few things to consider. African Honeymoon Safaris Romance and indulgence go hand in hand with an African honeymoon safari. It’s the one holiday where you should pull out all the stops. Spoil yourselves and splash out on a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Africa is perhaps the most romantic continent on earth. It has everything from endless starlit skies and dramatic landscapes of shifting deserts to mighty rivers, open plains and the Great Rift Valley. Then there’s the spectacular wildlife, the stuff you’d only normally see on National Geographic or BBC Earth, right there in front of you. Add to that the beautiful beaches on Indian Ocean islands and friendly people, and the scene for your honeymoon is all set. African Photographic Safaris If you’re a photography enthusiast, you might want to consider booking an African photographic safari. Photography is a hobby shared by many. However, taking great wildlife photos requires dedication. By joining a photographic tour you will avoid ending up with a group of people taking selfies at every sighting. Instead, you'll be with people sharing your passion and dedication. Even if you’re accomplished as a photographer in another field, there’s still much you can learn from an experienced wildlife photographer and the skills of anticipating animal behavior. Wildlife photography on safari is unique in its need for patience and bush etiquette. You should never cross the line where your photography interferes with an animal’s existence. BACK TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE

THE BATTLE OF BLOOD RIVER The Battle of Blood River is a significant event in South African history. It took place on December 16, 8, between the Voortrekkers, led by Andries Pretorius, and the Zulu army, led by King Dingane. The Voortrekkers emerged victorious, and the battle has since been commemorated as a public holiday known as the Day of Reconciliation. THE FULL STORY The Battle of Blood River (16 December 1838) was fought on the bank of the Ncome River , in what is today KwaZulu-Natal , South Africa between 464 Voortrekkers ("Pioneers"), led by Andries Pretorius , and an estimated 25,000 to 30,000 Zulu . Estimations of casualties amounted to over 3,000 of King Dingane 's soldiers dead, including two Zulu princes competing with Prince Mpande for the Zulu throne. Three Voortrekker commando members were lightly wounded, including Pretorius. The year 1838 was the most difficult period for the Voortrekkers from when they left the Cape Colony, till the end of the Great Trek. They faced many difficulties and much bloodshed before they found freedom and a safe homeland in their Republic of Natalia. This was only achieved after defeating the Zulu Kingdom, at the Battle of Blood River, which took place on Sunday 16 December 1838. This battle would not have taken place if the Zulu King had honoured the agreement that he had made with the Voortrekkers to live together peacefully. The Zulu king knew that they outnumbered the Voortrekkers and decided to overthrow them and that led to the Battle of Blood River. In January 1840 Prince Mpande finally defeated King Dingane in the Battle of Maqongqe and was subsequently crowned as new king of the Zulu by his alliance partner Andries Pretorius. After these two battles, Dingane's prime minister and commander in the Battle of Blood River, General Ndlela , who had also been Mpande’s personal protector, was strangled to death by Dingane for high treason. Background The carronade used during the battle on an improvised carriage Andries Pretorius brought with him from the Cape. The trekkers—called Voortrekkers after 1880—had to defend themselves after the betrayal murder of chief Trekker leader Piet Retief and his entire entourage, and ten days later the Weenen/Bloukrans massacre where "not a soul was spared." Dingane had agreed that, if Retief could recover approximately 700 head of cattle stolen from the Zulus by the Tlokwa , he would let them have land upon which to establish farms. On 6 February 1838, two days after the signing of a negotiated land settlement deal between Retief and Dingane at UmGungundlovu , written by Jan Gerritze Bantjes (1817–1887) which included Trekker access to Port Natal , which the British also had interest in, Dingane invited Retief and his party into his royal residence for a beer-drinking farewell. The accompanying request for the surrender of Trekker muskets at the entrance was taken as normal protocol when appearing before the king. While the Trekkers were being entertained by Dingane's dancing warriors/soldiers, Dingane suddenly accused the visiting party of witchcraft and ordered his men: "Bulalani abathakathi" (Kill the sorcerers...). Dingane's soldiers bludgeoned Retief's party to death. Immediately after the UmGungundlovu massacre, Dingane sent out his impis (regiments) to attack several Trekker encampments at night time, killing an estimated 500 men, women, children, and servants, most notably at Blaukraans . Help arrived from farmers in the Cape Colony, and the Trekkers in Natal subsequently requested the pro-independence Andries Pretorius to leave the Cape Colony, in order to defend the Voortrekkers who had settled in Natal. After the Battle of Blood River, the Dingane-Retief treaty written by Jan Gerritze Bantjes was found on Retief's bodily remains,[9] providing a driving force for an overt alliance against Dingane between Prince Mpande and Pretorius. War strategies of the generals On 26 November 1838, Andries Pretorius (1798–1853) was appointed as Commander of 64 wagons and 464+ heavily armed Boer combatants directed against Dingane at UmGungundlovu with Jan Gerritze Bantjes (1817–1882) as his war secretary. By December 1838, Prince Mpande and 17,000 followers had already fled from Dingane, who was seeking to assassinate Mpande. In support of Prince Mpande as Dingane's replacement, Pretorius' strategy was to target Dingane only. To allow Prince Mpande to oust King Dingane through military might, Pretorius had first to weaken Dingane's personal military power base in UmGungundlovu. Dingane's royal residence at UmGungundlovu was naturally protected against attack by hilly and rocky terrain all around, as well as an access route via Italeni passing through a narrow gorge called a defile . Earlier on 9 April 1838, a Trekker horse commando without ox wagons, thereafter called the "Flight Commando", had unsuccessfully attempted to penetrate the UmGungundlovu defense at nearby Italeni valley, resulting in the loss of several Trekker lives. Trekker leader Hendrik Potgieter had abandoned all hope of engaging Dingane in UmGungundlovu after losing the battle of Italeni, and subsequently had migrated with his group out of Natal. To approach UmGungundlovu via the Italeni defile with ox wagons would force the wagons into an open column, instead of an enclosed laager as successfully employed defensively at Veglaer on 12 August 1838. The military commander during Dingane's attack on Veglaer was Ndlela kaSompisi . The highly experienced general Ndlela had served under Shaka , and was also prime minister and chief advisor under Dingane. Ndlela with his 10,000 troops had retreated from Veglaer, after three days and nights of fruitless attempts to penetrate the enclosed Trekker wagon laager. General Ndlela personally protected Prince Mpande from Dingane's repeated assassination plans. King Dingane desired to have his half brother Mpande, the only prince with children, eliminated as a threat to his throne. Prince Mpande was married to Msukilethe, a daughter of general Ndlela. General Ndlela, like Pretorius the promoter of Prince Mpande, was responsible for Dingane's UmGungundlovu defense during the Trekkers' second attack attempt under Pretorius in December 1838. Given general Ndlela's previous defense and attack experience at Italeni and Veglaer during April 1838 and August 1838 respectively, Ndlela's tactical options were limited. Proven UmGungundlovu defense tactics were to attack Trekker commandos in the rocky and hilly terrain on the narrowing access route at Italeni, thereby neutralising the advantages mounted riflemen had over spear-carrying foot soldiers.[11] Ndlela had to let Pretorius come close to UmGungundlovu at Italeni and lure the Trekkers into attack. Ndlela was not to attack the Trekkers when they were in a defensive wagon laager position, especially not during the day. The problem for Pretorius was that he had somehow to find a way to make Dingane's soldiers attack him in a defensive laager position at a place of his choice, far away from UmGungundlovu and Italeni. On 6 December 1838, 10 days before the Battle of Blood River, Pretorius and his commando including Alexander Biggar as translator had a meeting with friendly Zulu chiefs at Danskraal , so named for the Zulu dancing that took place in the Zulu kraal that the Trekker commando visited. With the intelligence received at Danskraal, Pretorius became confident enough to propose a vow to God, which demanded the celebration, by the commando and their posterity, of the coming victory over Dingane. The covenant included that a church would be built in honour of God, should the commando be successful and reach UmGungundlovu alive in order to diminish the power of Dingane. Building a church in Trekker emigrant context was symbol for establishing a settled state. After the meeting with friendly Zulu chiefs at Danskraal, Pretorius let the commando relax and do their washing for a few days at Wasbank till 9 December 1838. From Wasbank they slowly and daily moved closer to the site of the Battle of Blood River, practising laager defence tactics every evening for a week long. Then, by halting his advance towards UmGungundlovu on 15 December 1838, 40 km before reaching the defile at Italeni, Pretorius had eliminated the Italeni terrain trap. Location and preparation On Saturday, 15 December 1838, after the Trekker wagons crossed the Buffalo River 10 km SW of the actual battle site and still 80 kilometres (50 mi) from their target UmGungundlovu, an advance scouting party including Pretorius got news of a large Zulu force in rugged terrain to the east trying to lure the Boers into a trap as had been the case in April the same year with fatal consequences. While Cilliers wanted to ride out and attack, Pretorius declined the opportunity to engage Dingane's soldiers away from their base as had been the trap at Italeni valley. Instead, Pretorius decided on a fortified laager on the terrain of his own choosing in the hope that general Ndlela would attack Pretorius on his terms rather than the other way around. As the site for the defensive wagon laager, Pretorius chose a defensible position close to a vertical 8m descent into a deep hippo pool in the Ncombe River providing excellent protection on two sides. The wide-open area to the front of the laager provided absolutely no cover for an attacking force. The battle was set with the laager protected on two flanks. As usual, the ox-wagons were drawn into the typical protective enclosure or laager. Movable wooden barriers and ladders which could be quickly opened for cavalry were fastened between the wagon wheels to prevent intruders, with two smoothbore, short barrel artillery pieces positioned at the corners. Andries Pretorius had brought a 6-pound naval carronade with him from the Cape, mounted on a gun carriage improvised from a wagon axle, and named Grietjie. The other ordnance piece is unknown in the original, but the reproduction depicts a 4-pound smoothbore cannon by then obsolete in most European armies. Both were used to fire devastating grapeshot . As evening approached, a thick mist settled over the wagon site above which the sky was clear. According to Afrikaner traditions, the Zulu were afraid to attack at the night due to superstitions and the eerie glow of lamps which the Boers hung on sjamboks [whip-stocks] around the laager. Whether or not there is any truth in this, historian S.P. Mackenzie has speculated that the Zulu held back until what they perceived as the necessary numbers had arrived. Some of the Zulus only arrived near sunrise by following the tracks of the wagons. Due to some recent heavy rains the Ncombe River was swollen making crossing the river difficult. During the night of 15 December, six Zulu regiments, an estimated 20,000 (or more) Zulu soldiers led by Dambuza (Nzobo), crossed the Ncome River and started massing around the encampment, while the elite forces of senior general Ndlela did not cross the river, thereby splitting the army in two. Battle On 16 December, dawn broke on a clear day, revealing that "all of Zululand sat there", according to one Trekker eyewitness. General Ndlela and his crack troops, the Black and White Shields, remained on the other side of the river, observing Dambuza's men at the laager from a safe position across the hippo pool. According to the South African Department of Art and Culture: In ceremonies that lasted about three days, izinyanga zempi, specialist war doctors, prepared izinteleze medicines which made warriors invincible in the face of their opponents. This could partly help explain why Dambuza's forces were sitting on the ground close to the wagon laager when the Trekkers first saw them. An artist's impression of the Battle of Blood River. Dambuza's regiments repeatedly stormed the laager but could not break through. The attackers were hindered by a change introduced during Shaka's rule that replaced most of the longer throwing spears with short stabbing spears. In close combat the stabbing spear provided obvious advantages over its longer cousin. A Zulu eyewitness said that their first charge was mown down like grass by the Boer muskets. As Bantjes wrote in his journal: Sunday, December 16 was like being newly born for us - the sky was clear, the weather fine and bright. We hardly saw the twilight of the break of day or the guards, who were still at their posts and could just make out the distant Zulus approaching. All the patrols were called back into the laager by firing alarm signals from the cannons. The enemy came forward at full speed and suddenly they had encircled the area around the laager. As it got lighter, so we could see them approaching over their predecessors who had already been shot back. Their rapid approach (though terrifying to witness due to their great numbers) was an impressive sight. The Zulus came in regiments, each captain with his men behind (as the patrols had seen them coming the day before) until they had surrounded us. I could not count them, but I was told that a captive Zulu gave the number at thirty-six regiments, each regiment calculated to be "nine hundred to a thousand men" strong. The battle now began and the cannons unleashed from each gate, such that the battle was fierce and noisy, even the discharging of small arms fire from our marksmen on all sides was like thunder. After more than two hours of fierce battle, the Commander in Chief gave orders that the gates be opened and mounted men sent to fight the enemy in fast attacks, as the enemy near constantly stormed the laager time and again, and he feared the ammunition would soon run out. With the power of their firearms and with their ox wagons in a laager formation and some effective tactics, the Boers fought off the Zulu. Buckshot was used to maximise casualties. Mackenzie claims that 200 indigenous servants looked after the horses and cattle and helped load muskets, but no definite proof or witness of servants helping to reload is available. Writing in the popular Afrikaans magazine Die Huisgenoot , a Dr. D.J. Kotze said that this group consisted of fifty-nine "non-white helpers and followers" instead of the commonly stated two hundred. After two hours and four waves of attack, with the intermittent lulls providing crucial reloading and resting opportunities for the Trekkers, Pretorius ordered a group of horsemen to leave the encampment and engage the Zulu in order to induce the disintegration of their formations. The Zulu withstood the charge for some time, but rapid losses led them to scatter. The Trekkers pursued their fleeing enemies and hunted them down for three hours. Cilliers noted later that "we left the Kafirs lying on the ground as thick almost as pumpkins upon the field that has borne a plentiful crop." Bantjes recorded that about 3,000 dead Zulu had been counted, and three Trekkers were wounded. During the chase, Pretorius was wounded in his left hand by an assegaai (Zulu spear). Of the 3,000 dead Zulu soldiers, two were princes, leaving Ndlela's favourite Prince Mpande as frontrunner in the subsequent battle for the Zulu crown. Four days after the Battle of Blood River, the Trekker commando arrived at King Dingane's great kraal UmGungundlovu (near present-day Eshowe ), only to find it deserted and in ashes. The bones of Retief and his men were found and buried, where a memorial stands today. Up to this day 16 December is a public holiday in South Africa; before 1994 it was known as "the Day of the Vow ", "the Day of the Covenant" and "Dingaan's Day"; but today it is "the Day of Reconciliation " Aftermath The conflict between Dingane and the Trekkers continued for one more year after the Battle of Blood River. The idea of a decisive victory may have been planted in Pretorius' mind by a Zulu prisoner, who said that most of Dingane's warriors had either been killed or fled. The same prisoner led some of the Trekker party into a trap at the White Umfolozi River , eleven days after the battle at Ncome River. This time the Zulu were victorious. Only when Dingane's brother, Mpande , openly joined the Trekker side with his sizeable army, was Dingane finally defeated in January 1840. Following the Battle of Maqongqe in January 1840, the forces of Mpande did not wait for Pretorius' cavalry to arrive, and they attacked the remaining regiments of Dingane, who were again under the command of General Ndlela. Ndlela strayed from normal fighting tactics against Mpande, sending in his regiments to fight one at a time, instead of together in ox horn formation. Maquongqe Dingane had to flee Natal completely, but before he did so, he had Ndlela slowly strangled by cow hide for high treason, on the grounds that he had fought for Mpande, with the same disastrous result for Dingane as at Ncome-Blood River. Dambusa, Dingane's other general, had already been executed by Mpande and Pretorius when he fell into their hands before the battle. Pretorius approved and attended the crowning of Zulu King Mpande in Pietermaritzburg . They agreed on the Tugela River as the border between Zululand and the Republic of Natalia . Legacy Popular Afrikaner interpretations of the Battle of Blood River (bolstered by sympathetic historians such as George Theal ) played a central role in fostering Afrikaner nationalism . They believe that the battle demonstrated God's intervention and hence their divine right to exist as an independent people. This is stated in the official guidebook of the Voortrekker Monument (unveiled during the centenary celebrations of the Great Trek on 16 December 1949) that Afrikaners were a nation of heroes exemplifies the conclusions drawn from such events. From the Day of the Vow, Afrikaners consider the site and the commemoration of the day as sacred. Historian S.P. Mackenzie doubts the reported number of Zulu deaths. He compares Zulu casualties at Ncome to battles at Italeni , Isandlwana , and Rorke's Drift . Mackenzie acknowledges that the casualty count was not impossible. Yet, in a similar victory on 15 October 1836 by Trekkers under Hendrik Potgieter over some 9,000 Matabele , the latter suffered only 350 casualties. In 1879, 600 British soldiers with breech-loading rifles caused 2,000 Zulu casualties, perhaps 1,000 killed over three hours before being overrun Ncome/Blood River monument Laager at the Blood River Memorial A church, called "the Church of the Vow ", was built in the Natal town of Pietermaritzburg in 1841, where Pretorius settled on the farm "Welverdient" (English: "Well-earned"), a gift from the Trekkers. A monument was erected on the site of the battle in 1947, consisting of an ox wagon executed in granite by the sculptor Coert Steynberg . In 1971 a laager of 64 ox wagons cast in bronze (by Unifront Foundry in Edenvale – Fanie de Klerk and Jack Cowlard) was erected, and unveiled on 16 December 1972. A stone representation at the Voortrekker Monument of the Laager formed at the Battle of Blood River The Ncome monument on the east side of the river commemorates the fallen Zulu warriors. While the Blood River Memorial is associated with Afrikaner nationalism, the Ncome monument was intended as a symbol of reconciliation—but has become connected with Zulu nationalism. At 16 December 1998 inauguration of the most recent version of the monument, the Zulu politician and then Minister of Home Affairs , Mangosuthu Buthelezi , apologised to the Afrikaner nation for the death of Piet Retief and the subsequent suffering. At the same time Buthelezi also noted the suffering of the Zulus during Apartheid . He stressed that South Africans needed to consider the day as "a new covenant which binds us to the shared commitment of building a new country." Today two complexes mark the battle site: the Ncome Monument and Museum Complex east of the Ncome River, and the Blood River Monument and Museum Complex to the west. Ndlela monument South Africa's ex-president, Jacob Zuma , attended the official inauguration of the Ndlela monument in Eshowe, Kwazulu-Natal. President Cyril Ramaphosa's 2019 speech On the Day of Reconciliation 2019, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa described the Voortrekkers as invaders and the Zulu army as "Freedom Fighters". Dirk Hermann, managing director of the trade union Solidarity , criticised this historical claim as inaccurate and as a "criminalisation of Afrikaner history", and emphasised the reconciliatory message of politician Mangosuthu Buthelezi . December 16, 1838 Short Introduction of the Battle Battle of Blood River, (December 16, 1838), battle between the Zulu and the Voortrekker Boers in South Africa. Its proximate cause was a clash over land rights in Natal and the massacre of Voortrekkers by the Zulu king Dingane. Context In the early 1800s the British colonized the Cape, sending Boer farmers in South Africa looking for areas outside of British rule. These people became known as Voortrekkers (Afrikaans: “Early Migrants”). The Voortrekker migration initially faced little resistance and eventually reached Natal, an area primarily occupied by the Zulu people. Conflict between the Voortrekkers and the Zulu began with negotiations over the proposed purchase of land in Natal. In November 1837 the Voortrekkers met with Dingane, the king of the Zulu. Dingane reportedly granted the Voortrekkers land between the Tugela River and the Mzimvubu River in the south, on the condition that they retrieve cattle stolen by the rebel chief Sikyonela. Piet Retief, leader of the Voortrekkers, agreed to this, and he and his men completed the task that was asked of them. They also took additional horses, cattle, and guns from Sikyonela and his people to supplement the Voortrekkers’ supplies. Dingane demanded that Retief deliver this additional booty to him, and Retief responded with a letter that invoked a previous Voortrekker military success over the Ndebele. Dingane interpreted this thinly veiled threat as evidence of a Voortrekker plot against him. When the Voortrekkers arrived with the cattle and horses they had retrieved, Dingane pretended to welcome them with open arms. He is said to have granted a treaty for the land but planned to kill the Boers before they could settle there. Dingane invited Retief and his men to a farewell celebration that would take place the next day, asking them to leave their weapons behind as a sign of respect. Ignoring the warnings of fellow Voortrekkers who suspected that treachery was afoot, Retief arrived the next day with approximately 69 followers to partake in celebrations. After traditional dances and celebrations, Dingane commanded his people to kill the Voortrekkers. Chaos commenced, and all the Voortrekkers present were killed, including Retief. Dingane then moved against the rest of the Voortrekker population, which had encroached into Zulu territory. With approximately 15,000 men, he marched to the foot of the Drakensberg mountains, where the Voortrekkers had built their laagers (encampments). The Zulu wiped these camps out swiftly, killing a number of women and children in the process. The Voortrekkers responded by marching on the Zulu capital of Mgungundlovu with a force under commandants Dirk Uys and Andries Potgieter. Along the way, they were attacked by the Zulu at Ithaleni, and Uys and many of his men were killed. Exhausted, the remaining Voortrekkers prepared for defeat. The Zulu attacked again on August 12, 1838, but this time the Voortrekkers were able to hold their own. The three-day engagement ended in a Zulu defeat, and the Voortrekkers’ spirits were lifted. Andries Pretorius took command of the Voortrekker forces and led them into Zululand on the offensive. Battle of Blood River, or Battle of Ncome River Monument marking the site of the Battle of Blood River in South Africa. The monument features 64 bronze wagons arranged as they were during the battle on December 16, 1838. A museum on the site provides the Voortrekker view of the battle, while across the Ncome River the Ncome Museum offers the Zulu perspective. Andries Pretorius took command of the Voortrekker forces and led them into Zululand on the offensive. Knowing that they were outnumbered, the Voortrekkers abandoned their plan of a direct assault on the Zulu capital. With the odds against them, the Voortrekkers made a vow to the Christian God: if they won the coming battle, they would build a church and celebrate the day as a holiday. According to Boer tradition, this ritual was performed each night until they reached the Zulu. When news arrived that the Zulu were approaching, the Voortrekkers took a position near the Ncome River. The site was strategically advantageous, as it was protected by a ravine to the south. On December 15, 1838, the Zulu attempted to cross the Ncome, but only half of the 15,000 men were able to, perhaps because of misty weather conditions. The next morning, the Zulu attacked, despite the fact that half their force remained on the other side of the river. The Voortrekkers were able to check the charging Zulu forces with their guns and cannons. After running out of ammunition, Pretorius sent 300 men on horseback to split the remaining Zulu army. The Zulu retreated at nightfall. Seeing that the Ncome River was red with the blood of fallen Zulu warriors, the Boers gave it the Afrikaans name Bloedrivier (Blood River). Aftermath Pretorius and the Voortrekkers arrived at Mgungundlovu on December 20, 1838, only to discover that it had been destroyed. Near the capital, on KwaMatiwane hill, the Voortrekker troops found the remains of Retief and his men. Retief was supposedly found with the treaty ceding land to the Voortrekkers still intact on his person, although contemporary historians question the veracity of this claim. Dingane fled to Swaziland, only to be killed by local chiefs. The Voortrekkers, intent on keeping their vow, built a church in Pietermaritzburg (named after their two fallen leaders, Retief and Gerrit Maritz). December 16 was celebrated as “Dingane’s Day” until 1910, when it was renamed “Day of the Vow.” After the end of apartheid in 1994, December 16 was renamed the “Day of Reconciliation” and is meant to foster a sense of national unity and racial harmony. Pietermaritzburg South Africa Written and fact-checked by Article History Pietermaritzburg Town hall in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. Pietermaritzburg, South Africa Pietermaritzburg, city, capital of KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. It lies in the Msunduzi River valley, at the base of a tree-covered escarpment inland from Durban. Boers from the Cape Colony founded it in 1838 after a victory over the Zulus at Blood River and named it to honor their dead leaders Piet Retief and Gerrit Maritz. The British took control in 1843 and built Fort Napier (now a historical monument). Pietermaritzburg was incorporated in 1854 and was the capital of Natal (now KwaZulu-Natal) province from 1856 to 1994. It was co-capital with Ulundi of KwaZulu-Natal from 1994 to 1995, when Ulundi was designated the capital. This was reversed in 2004, when Pietermaritzburg was once again declared the capital of the province. Pietermaritzburg is known as the “City of Flowers” for its azaleas and roses and because it is the site of one of the country’s National Botanical Gardens. Butterflies for Africa, a butterfly conservation centre, is also in Pietermaritzburg. Other attractions are Alexandra Park, Wylie Park, the Bisley Nature Reserve, Queen Elizabeth Park, and many recreational facilities. At an elevation of 2,218 feet (676 meters), the city is a gateway to KwaZulu-Natal’s many game reserves and mountain resorts. Pietermaritzburg shares with Durban the University of KwaZulu-Natal (1910). There are many well-preserved late 19th-century government buildings in the city, such as the historic Old Supreme Court building, now home to the Tatham Art Gallery. Other cultural attractions include the Natal Museum; the Msunduzi Museum, which includes the Voortrekker Complex; and the KwaZulu-Natal Railway Museum. Pietermaritzburg is a growing business and industrial center. Its industries include the manufacture of furniture, footware, and aluminum ware and the processing of wattle extract. It has excellent highway and rail connections to Durban. Pop. (1996) urban agglom., 378,126; (2001) mun., 553,223. Natal historical province, South Africa Also known as: Terra Natalis Written and fact-checked by Article History historic provinces of South Africa Major Events: Battle of Blood River Battles of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift South Africa Act Great Trek Key People: Louis Botha Sir Theophilus Shepstone Andries Pretorius John Colenso Piet Retief Related Places: South Africa KwaZulu-Natal Hluhluwe Game Reserve Saint Lucia Game Reserve Natal, former province of South Africa. It was the smallest of the four traditional provinces and occupied the southeastern part of the country. The Portuguese navigator Vasco de Gama sighted the coast along what is now Durban on Christmas Day in 1497 and named the country Terra Natalis, after the Portuguese word (“Natal”) for Christmas. The Portuguese maintained a trading settlement farther north at Delagoa Bay from the 1540s. The interior of Natal had been occupied since the 16th century by the Nguni branch of the Bantu-speaking peoples. In the 1820s and ’30s the Zulu clan of the Nguni, under the successive leadership of Dingiswayo (1807–17), Shaka (1817–28), and Dingane (1828–40), developed highly trained regiments and new fighting tactics that enabled the Zulus to establish a powerful kingdom north of the Tugela River . Shaka launched devastating military campaigns south of the Tugela River that disrupted or destroyed the peoples in that area. Those not killed or conscripted by the Zulus fled to other regions or went into hiding, leaving much of the region temporarily depopulated. In the meantime, the British had established a trading post at Port Natal (now Durban) in 1824, and that same year they signed a treaty with Shaka ceding them Port Natal and about 50 miles (80 km) of coastline to a depth of 100 miles (160 km) inland. The British made little attempt to develop the interior, which continued to be decimated by the Zulus. BACK TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE

WELCOME TO THE HOME OF AFRIKANER CULTURE WELCOME TO THE HOME OF AFRIKANER CULTURE The Voortrekker Monument is located just south of Pretoria in South Africa . The granite structure is located on a hilltop, and was raised to commemorate the Voortrekkers who left the Cape Colony between 1835 and 1854. It was designed by the architect Gerard Moerdijk . On 8 July 2011, the Voortrekker Monument was declared a National Heritage Site by the South African Heritage Resource Agency . The idea to build a monument in honour of the Voortrekkers was first discussed on 16 December 1888, when President Paul Kruger of the South African Republic attended the Day of the Covenant celebrations at Danskraal in Natal . However, the movement to actually build such a monument only started on 4 April 1931 when the Sentrale Volksmonumentekomitee (SVK; Central People's Monuments Committee) was formed to bring this idea to fruition. Construction started on 13 July 1937 with a sod-turning ceremony performed by the chairman of the SVK, Advocate Ernest George Jansen , on what later became known as Monument Hill. On 16 December 1938 the cornerstone was laid  by three descendants of some of the Voortrekker leaders: Mrs. J.C. Muller (granddaughter of Andries Pretorius ), Mrs. K.F. Ackerman (great-granddaughter of Hendrik Potgieter ) and Mrs. J.C. Preller (great-granddaughter of Piet Retief ). The monument was inaugurated on 16 December 1949 by Prime Minister D. F. Malan .[citation needed ] The total construction cost of the monument was about £ 360,000, most of which was contributed by the South African government. A large amphitheatre , which could seat approximately 20,000 people, was erected to the north-east of the monument in 1949. The Voortrekker Monument and Nature Reserve is more than just a heritage conservation site. It is the cultural home of the Afrikaner, where everyone is welcome. It is a beacon of hope that can be seen from any direction of Pretoria. It is a place of relaxation. The Voortrekker Monument offers the public the opportunity to learn more about the Afrikaner’s remarkable story of faith, heroism, perseverance, and a vision of the future to be where we are today. Why was the Voortrekker Monument erected? What is the symbolism behind each element and room that makes up this well-thought-out work of art? What is the history behind each of the other attractions that can also be seen on the site? Bring your family, friends or school group and come dig deeper to find answers to all these questions! Besides the rich history, the Voortrekker Monument is also a place of relaxation! Here you can enjoy outdoor activities like horse riding, jogging, walking and cycling, have a picnic or braai, drink coffee and enjoy traditional Boerekos! Come and visit the cultural home of the Afrikaner today and discover our heritage like never before! In 1835, thousands of people left the Cape Colony with all their possessions in search of freedom to create their own future. A future in which they could be free to live according to their view of their own lives and future. The Voortrekker Monument is the symbolic embodiment and representation of their journey woven with idealism, courage, perseverance, ingenuity and hope … for freedom. The Voortrekker Monument is, therefore, a symbol of an ideal of freedom. The Hall of Heroes is the first room visitors enter when they walk through the Monument’s front door. On the walls of the Hall of Heroes, the story of the Great Trek is depicted clockwise by 27 marble frieze panels. These are the longest continuous frieze panels in the world. Here, visitors can also learn more about the symbolism behind the widening circular patterns that cover the Hall of Heroes’ marble floor and the two remarkable domes above the Hall of Heroes. CENOTAPH HALL As you descend the stairs on either side of the Hall of Heroes, you reach the Cenotaph Hall. With the cenotaph in the middle, you stand in a massive room, surrounded by paintings that tell more about the day-to-day life of the Trekkers. The cenotaph is the central focal point of the Monument. The Historical Trek-Route Garden is a modern, interactive learn-while-you-explore outdoor exhibition where young and old can come and relax and learn about the Great Trek and the history of the Voortrekkers. The garden, which depicts the story of the Great Trek on a small scale, contains replicas of various monuments commemorating historical events across South Africa. Along with the replicas, there are also plaques with poems on them. These poems summarise the experience of the Great Trek strikingly by lyrically reflecting on the role that the ox wagons, the Bible, the children and the Vow played during the Great Trek. PANARAMA : OF THE VOORTREKKER MONUMENT 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. 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. Main features 01 Main features The Voortrekker Monument is 40 metres high, with a base of 40 metres by 40 metres. The building shares architectural resemblance with European monuments such the Dôme des Invalides in France and the Völkerschlachtdenkmal in Germany but also contains African influences.The two main points of interest inside the building are the Historical Frieze and the Cenotaph. South window and frieze Historical Frieze The main entrance of the building leads into the domed Hall of Heroes. This massive space, flanked by four huge arched windows made from yellow Belgian glass, contains the unique marble Historical Frieze which is an intrinsic part of the design of the monument. It is the biggest marble frieze in the world. The frieze consists of 27 bas-relief panels depicting the history of the Great Trek , but incorporating references to every day life, work methods and religious beliefs of the Voortrekkers. The set of panels illustrates key historical scenes starting from the first voortrekkers of 1835, up to the signing of the Sand River Convention in 1852. In the centre of the floor of the Hall of Heroes is a large circular opening through which the Cenotaph in the Cenotaph Hall can be viewed. The Cenotaph Cenotaph The Cenotaph , situated in the centre of the Cenotaph Hall, is the central focus of the monument. In addition to being viewable from the Hall of Heroes it can also be seen from the dome at the top of the building, from where much of the interior of the monument can be viewed. Through an opening in this dome a ray of sunlight shines at twelve o'clock on 16 December annually, falling onto the centre of the Cenotaph, striking the words 'Ons vir Jou, Suid-Afrika' (Afrikaans for 'We're for you, South Africa'), a line from 'Die Stem van Suid-Afrika '. The ray of light symbolises God's blessing on the lives and endeavours of the Voortrekkers. 16 December 1838 was the date of the Battle of Blood River , commemorated in South Africa before 1994 as the Day of the Vow . The Cenotaph Hall is decorated with the flags of the different Voortrekker Republics and contains wall tapestries depicting the Voortrekkers as well as several display cases with artefacts from the Great Trek. Against the northern wall of the hall is a niche with a lantern in which a flame has been kept burning ever since 1938. It was in that year that the Symbolic Ox Wagon Trek , which started in Cape Town and ended at Monument Hill where the Monument's foundation stone was laid, took place. Visitors to the monument enter through a black wrought iron gate with an assegai (spear) motif. After passing through the gate one finds oneself inside a big laager consisting of 64 ox-wagons made out of decorative granite.  The same number of wagons were used at the Battle of Blood River to form the laager.[citation needed ] Voortrekker woman and children by Anton van Wouw Statue of Piet Retief At the foot of the monument stands Anton van Wouw 's bronze sculpture of a Voortrekker woman and her two children, paying homage to the strength and courage of the Voortrekker women. On both sides of this sculpture black wildebeest are chiselled into the walls of the monument. The wildebeest symbolically depicts the dangers of Africa and their symbolic flight implies that the woman, carrier of Western civilisation, is triumphant. On each outside corner of the monument there is a statue, respectively representing Piet Retief , Andries Pretorius , Hendrik Potgieter and an "unknown" leader (representative of all the other Voortrekker leaders).  Each statue weighs approximately 6 tons .[citation needed ] At the eastern corner of the monument, on the same level as its entrance, is the foundation stone. Under the foundation stone is buried: A copy of the Trekker Vow on 16 December 1838. A copy of the anthem "Die Stem". A copy of the land deal between the Trekkers under Piet Retief and the Zulus under king Dingane. 02 German links According to Alta Steenkamp, the masonic subtext of the Monument to the Battle of the Nations (Völkerschlachtdenkmal) in Leipzig , Germany, is reflected in the Voortrekker Monument because the architect, Gerard Moerdijk , had used the geometric order and spatial proportions of the Völkerschlachtdenkmal. This Germanisation of the Voortrekker Monument occurred after Moerdijk's initial design had caused a public outcry in the South African press for its resemblance to an Egyptian temple . In Moerdijk's initial design, the monument consisted of a causeway linking two Egyptian obelisks . Finalising his design of the Voortrekker Monument, Moerdijk visited Egypt in 1936, including the Karnak Temple Complex in Thebes . In Thebes, the pharaoh Akhenaten , Nefertiti 's husband, had erected three sun sanctuaries, including the Hwt-benben ('mansion of the Benben '). The most prominent aspect of Moerdijk's monument is the annual mid noon sun illumination of the Benben stone, the encrypted cenotaph. The cenotaph is the symbolic tomb of Piet Retief and his delegation. In the years preceding World War II, several Afrikaner nationalists travelled to Germany for academic, political and cultural studies. In 1928 Moerdijk visited Germany, and viewed the Amarna bust of Nefertiti on public display in Berlin. By 1934 Chancellor Hitler had decided that Germany would not return the Amarna bust of Nefertiti to Egypt . He instead announced the intention to use the Amarna bust as the central show piece of the thousand years Third Reich , in a revitalised Berlin to be renamed Germania . Likewise Moerdijk's thousand years monument with Amarna sun symbol at its centre, became Afrikaner nationalists' centre show piece of their capital Pretoria. 03 Round floor opening Looking from the sky dome downwards, a chevron pattern on the floor of the Hall of Heroes, radiates outwards like 32 sun rays. In Moerdijk's architecture, the natural sun forms the 33rd ray through the floor opening. Moerdijk said the chevron pattern on the floor depicts water,as does the double chevron hieroglyph from the civilisation of ancient Egypt . Moerdijk stated that all roads on the terrain of building art lead back to ancient Egypt .  Based on Moerdijk's reference to the watery floor of the Hall of Heroes, as well as his statements about ancient Egypt , the floor opening may be identified with the watery abyss , as in the creation theology of ancient African civilisation . Rising out of this watery abyss, was the primeval mound, the Benben stone, to symbolise a new creation. Religious sun ray Gerard Moerdijk was the chief architect of 80 Protestant churches in South Africa . Moerdijk adhered to Reformed church tradition and thus his Renaissance trademark, the Greek-cross floorplan, always focused on the pulpit and preacher. In Protestant theology, the word of God is central.122  Moerdijk created a similar central focus in the Voortrekker Monument, but in vertical instead of horizontal plane, and in African instead of European style. The monument's huge upper dome features Egyptian backlighting  to simulate the sky, the heavenly abode of God. Through the dome a sun ray penetrates downwards, highlighting words on 16 December at noon. The sky oriented words: "US FOR YOU SOUTH AFRICA", are Moerdijk's focus point. These words are taken from an anthem, Die Stem : "We will live, we will die, we for thee South-Africa". The same anthem ends: "It will be well, God reigns." Thus the sun ray simulates a connection between the words on the Cenotaph and the heavenly abode above, a communication between God and man. The actual sun ray itself forms a 33rd sun ray shining onto the stone in the midst of floor opening. Heavenly vow In Moerdijk's biblical theology, God communicates in two ways: through scripture and nature.Moerdijk merges both methods, by using the sun in his simulation. Relief of an ox-wagon on the laager wall The Vow of the Trekkers was commemorated on 16 December as the Day of the Vow . On 16 December, the appearance of an illuminating sun disc on the wording of the Cenotaph stone, transform their meaning as per the Philosophers Stone of the alchemists. Instead of man below making an earthly vow, the sun shifts the focus upwards to the trinitarian god of the Trekkers, as it is God who communicates through Moerdijk's sun architecture, making Himself a heavenly vow with the words: WE – as in GOD – FOR THEE SOUTH-AFRICA. Thus God in the trinitarian tradition of the Trekkers, speaks a vow within the sun disc illuminating the words on the Cenotaph. The Trekker belief that God was for South Africa originates from the 9–16 December 1838 vow of Trekker leader Andries Pretorius at Blood River, who at around the same time made military and political alliances with Christian Zulus like prince Mpande . Egyptian origin Moerdijk was an outspoken supporter of ancient Egyptian architecture. Moerdijk referred to Africa's greatness as imparted by ancient Egyptian constructions at the inauguration of the Voortrekker Monument. Before his Voortrekker Monument proposal was accepted, Moerdijk and Anton van Wouw had been working in alliance for many years on their "dream castle" project: a modern African-Egyptian Voortrekker Temple in South-Africa. Van Wouw and Frans Soff had earlier employed the Egyptian obelisk , a petrified ray of the African Aten , as central motif for the National Women's Monument in Bloemfontein , South Africa , itself likewise inaugurated on the Day of the Vow , 16 December 1913. Whilst finalising the design of the Voortrekker Monument in 1936,Moerdijk went on a research trip to Egypt . There he visited the Karnak Temple Complex at Thebes ,  where an African Renaissance had flourished under Pharaoh Akhenaten , Nefertiti 's husband. The open air temples of Akhenaten to the Aten incorporated the Heliopolitan tradition of employing sun rays in architecture, as well as realistic wall reliefs or friezes. Moerdijk also visited the Cairo Museum , where a copy of the Great Hymn to the Aten is on display, some verses of which remind of Psalm 104. Moerdijk's wife Sylva related that he was intimately acquainted with ancient Egyptian architecture,and was strongly influenced architecturally by his visit to Egypt. Architectural purpose Looking upwards at mid noon on 16 December reveals a dot within a circle, the ancient African-Egyptian hieroglyph for the monotheistic creator god Aten Looking downwards from the dome The architect, Gerard Moerdijk , stated that the purpose of a building had to be clearly visible.  The aspect of the sun at mid-noon in Africa, was during Nefertiti's time known as Aten . In Egyptian hieroglyphics , Aten was written as a sun dot enclosed by a circle. The Aten-hieroglyph is depicted in the Voortrekker Monument when the sun shines through an aperture in the top dome. Likewise, looking downwards from the top dome walkway, the round floor opening is seen to encircle the sun disc illumination. Moerdijk's message as implied by the wall frieze: by exodus out of the British Cape Colony , God created a new civilisation inland. In order to give thanks to this new creation of civilisation, Moerdijk, recalling Abraham of old, outwardly designed the Voortrekker Monument as an altar Monument complex In the years following its construction, the monument complex was expanded several times and now includes: An indigenous garden that surrounds the monument. The Wall of Remembrance dedicated to those who died while serving in the South African Defence Force (SADF). Fort Schanskop , a nearby fort built in 1897 by the government of the South African Republic after the Jameson Raid . It is currently a museum and was added to the monument complex in June 2000. The Schanskop open-air amphitheatre with seating for 357 people that was officially opened on 30 January 2001. A garden of remembrance. A nature reserve was declared on 3.41 km2 around the monument in 1992. Game found on the reserve include Zebras , Blesbok , Mountain Reedbuck , Springbok , Black Wildebeest and Impala . A Wall of Remembrance that was constructed near the monument in 2009. It was built to commemorate the members of the South African Defence Force (SADF) who died in service of their country between 1961 and 1994. An Afrikaner heritage centre, which was built in order to preserve the heritage of the Afrikaans -speaking portion of South Africa 's population and their contribution to the history of the country. BACK TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE

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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... 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... Prev Next Restaurants Recently Updated Bike Forge Tulbagh, Western Cape Braai, Breakfast, Burgers, Light Meals, Pizza, Pub Meals, Vegan, Vegetarian Welcome to Bike Forge! When the flag is up, we’re open! Bike Forge is a biker-friendly venue where like-minded people can get together and talk shop over a cold one and a bite to ea... Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa Somerset West, Western Cape Breakfast, Burgers, Fine Dining, Grills, Health, Light Meals, Seafood, Vegan, Vegetarian Embraced by history, surrounded by the majestic Hottentots Holland Mountains and neighbouring the magnificent Erinvale Golf Course and world-class wine estates; only 30 minutes from Cape Town Inter... 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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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