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About Me My Radio Station in Germany Radio SAM Broadcasting Studios Tune-Into Hi, thanks for dropping by! I Was Born On the 15 November 1960 in Germany and was Brought up in South Africa,Have Three of my Own Children and One child that I brought up as my Own Child,Two staying In South Africa and Two Staying with me in Germany. My Nick Name is Andy,and have a Profile on Facebook My Face book Profile Andy Willi Dezius | Create your badge I Speach - English / German and Africans , and also read and wright the 3 Languages , I am at the moment a Truck Driver in Germany. To my Profiles , here are a few things to tell you about me , I was Born in Germany, and was brought up in South Africa. My Homepages are about South Africa and South African Music, I have had Goodtimes and also Bad times when I lived in South Africa. I created this Homepage to Remember me , of my life , and the Wonderfull things I got to see in my Life . And to share it with people and friends on the Internet , So I say thankyou to WIX .com in Germany, and people who supported me to with my Homepage, the southernstar-africa.de.tl..... Get to Know Us Southernstar-africa is a Homepage and Website based on South Africa,The Life and Culture and Wildlife and as Well of our Lives ,when we were still Liveing in South Africa .This Homepage has Information on South African History,on the Wildlife and the Big Five Game of South Africa. You Can find Pictures ,Links ,News,Recipes,Joke ,South African Ghost Stories and many other things that mite Intrest you,and also for School Projects,Some Pages are not for childrens View. You will find link banner on top of the webpages,at the bottom of the website,and on the left side of the page,you will also see alot of pages are link to other sites ,on the Net,and as well linked to partner and our own websites and Homepages... Let’s work together BACK TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE

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THE FIRST SETTLER Durban Timeline 1497-1990 24 December, A flotilla of three Portuguese ships under the command of Capt Vasco da Gama sailed up the eastern seaboard of southern Africa, and moored overnight in the lee of a headland, which may have been the Bluff. Probably because of the date, Da Gama named the land “Terra do Natal”. It is not known whether sailors landed here to take on fresh water, but this seems improbable as they made landfall three days later, at the mouth of the Limpopo. 1552 24 June, The Portuguese slave galleon Sao Joao ran aground at the mouth of the Umzimvubu River, near present-day Port Edward. 1554 27 April, The Portuguese slaver Sao Bento was grounded near the Mzikaba River, off the northern Transkei. 1589 March, The Portuguese ship Sao Thome was shipwrecked near the coast of Natal. The survivors landed at Sordwana Bay. 1593 24 March, The Portuguese ship Santo Alberto ran aground near the Mtata River. 1608 The Portuguese Galleon Sao Esperitowas wrecked off the coast of Natal. 1622 The Portuguese ship Sao Joao Baptista was shipwrecked off the coast of the southern Transkei. 1635 July, The Portuguese ship Nossa Senhora de Belem ran ashore near the mouth of the Mzimkulu River. 1647 The Portuguese ship Sacramento was shipwrecked near present-day Port Edward. On Easter day the Portuguese ship Nossa Serihora da Atalaya was shipwrecked near Keiskamma Point. 1684 The English ship Frances visited Natal on an ivory trading mission, but did not enter the bay. 1685 17 May, The English ketch Good Hope was caught in a squall off the Bay of Natal and was driven ashore at the Point, where she remained immovably stuck. The 24 survivors, under the leadership of Capt John Adams, managed to reach the shore safely, and settled on the Bluff. Being skilled ship’s carpenters, they set about building a decked boat from the remains of the wreck, which the Master and nine men then sailed for Madagascar, leaving nine of their comrades behind, five of the remaining men having, in the interim, died of dysentery. Soon after, another English ketch put into the Bay to barter for supplies of beef, and left with another four survivors, while the last five men opted to remain behind, presumably in the company of newfound families. 1686 16 February, The Dutch East India Company ship Stavemisse was grounded some 112km south of the Bay of Natal. Forty-seven of the survivors decided to make their way overland to Cape Town, and by the time they were discovered by a rescue party at the mouth of the Kei, only 22 had come through their journey. Soon thereafter the 13 survivors who had, wisely, opted to remain behind at the wreck were joined by two English sailors from the Good Hope who invited them to join the small settlement at Bay of Natal. Although two then died on their way, eleven others completed this journey. 25 December, The English ketch Bona Ventura was wrecked at St Lucia Bay and its nine survivors made their way south to the Bay of Natal, swelling the size of the new settlement to 25. By combining their skills and labours these men were able to build a small sloop, that they named the Centaurus. Twenty of them then sailed it to Cape Town where it was purchased by the Dutch administration. 1689 4 January, The Noord, sent by the Dutch administration at the Cape to search for additional shipwreck survivors from the Stavenisse, reached the bay. The following day it managed to sail over the sand bar at its entrance, thereby becoming the first ship to moor in the Bay of Natal. Timeline: Durban 1700 - 1899 1736 A hunting party headed by Hermanus Hubner journeyed to the Bay where it met three English sailors and three English women, thought to have been the survivors of an unnamed shipwreck at the mouth of the Lwavibusa River, some years previously. 1822 September, The British Admiralty commissioned Capt William Owen RN to conduct a survey of the south-eastern seaboard of Africa, south of Delagoa Bay. This took place in January 1823. 1823 23 June, An exploratory party under Lieutenants Francis Farewell and James King set sail on the brig Salisbury from Cape Town hoping to establish a trading station at St Lucia. Having failed to make a landing there, they turned back and, ran into a severe storm off the Bay of Natal. Seeking shelter from the elements, they managed to sail over the sandbar and into the bay, where they found a safe mooring off Salisbury Island, a small land outcrop in the bay. 1824 10 May, A small advance party under Henry Fynn arrived at Port Natal on the Julia,landing in the bay near the site of present-day Maydon Wharf. In expectation of being joined subsequently by a second party, Fynn established a camp on a sandy flat subsequently used as a market, and now known as Farewell Square. July, A second party under Francis Farewell arrived aboard the Antelope. It numbered about 26 persons and included in its number a Dutchman, Josias Hoffman, whose son would eventually become the first President of the OFS. Fynn had previously made contact with Shaka, the Zulu king, whose suzerainty included the bay area, and he introduced Farewell to the royal Zulu court. As a result the settlement at Port Natal began to flourish, with trade being conducted in ivory, hippo tusks, buffalo hides, cattle and grain. 7 August, At a meeting with Fynn and Farewell, Shaka granted the English settlers an area about Port Natal of about 6500 km² in extent. Upon his return, on 24 August, Farewell hoisted the Union Jack and formally took possession of the land in the name of the British Crown. 7 September, Nine members of the Dutch party boarded the Julia and headed back to Cape Town. 30 September, The brig Mary, under the command of Lt Richard King, reached Port Natal where, on the following day, in a futile attempt to cross the sand bar under gale force winds, she was lost without loss of life. 9 December, The Julia returned to the bay later in 1824, and when she left on 9 December the last eleven members of the Dutch party departed aboard her. On its way back the vessel is believed to have caught alight and was lost at sea with all lives on board. 1827 Early in the year the settlers began to run low of medical supplies and a 15 year old boy, Charles Rawden Maclean, better known to his companions as John Ross, was sent to Delagoa Bay to secure fresh stores. Travelling under a Zulu escort Ross made the 970km journey on foot and returned to Port Natal in July. 1828 Shaka sent a delegation to the British Government, accompanied by Lt King. They only travelled as far as Algoa Bay, where they were met with the hostility and rudeness of local officials. 7 September, Death of Lt King as the result of dysentery. 24 September, Shaka was murdered at his military camp at Dukuza, by his half-brothers Dingane and Mhlangana, together with his bodyguard Mbopha. 1829 October, Lt Farewell was attacked and killed on the banks of the Uzimbuvu River, south of Port Natal. 1830 Dingane sent a delegation to the Cape to declare his friendly intentions and to encourage trade with the colony. 1832 Dr Andrew Smith, an officer in the British Army Medical Corps, visited the Zulu court. 1834 A group of 190 merchants from Cape Town petitioned the British Government to annex “Port Natal and the depopulated country in its vicinity”. In the same year a party of Dutch farmers from the Uitenhage district visited Natal to evaluate its potential for farming. 29 December, Capt Allen Gardiner, a British naval officer turned missionary, arrived in Port Natal. 1835 23 June, At a meeting of 15 settlers, held at the home of Mr Berkin, the growing village was named D’Urban, after Sir Benjamin D’Urban, then Governor of the Cape, while the area about was named Victoria County. Under the direction of Capt Allen Gardiner, a plan for the new settlement was drawn up and rudimentary defences were erected in expectation of an attack from the Zulu. 1836 Dr Newton Adams, together with Revs Grout and Champion, of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, established a mission house and school south of Durban. The settlement was destroyed by Zulu forces in 1838, but was rebuilt by Adams the following year. In 1847 it was moved south of the Umlazi Location, near present-day Amanzimtoti. 1837 Durban’s first military regiment, the Port Natal Volunteers, was established. 19 October, An advance party of sixteen Dutch men under Piet Retief arrived in Durban, where they received a warm welcome from its trader community. 1838 The village of Congella was established by Dutch families on the south-western side of the bay. 6 February, Piet Retief , together with a party of 69 men, were slaughtered at the Zulu capital of Mgungundlovu, on the orders of Dingane. Thereafter, on 17 February, Zulu forces fell upon Dutch families who had already scattered over the Bloukrans and Bushman’s River valleys, killing 40 men, 56 women and 185 children, as well as over 200 of their retainers. March, Towards the end of March a force of some 2500 Port Natal levies under the command of Ogle, Stubbs and Cane crossed the Mgeni River and attacked a number of Zulu homesteads in the Untunjambili (Kranskop) area. Meeting little resistance they fired the villages and returned home with 4000 cattle and 500 women and children whom they planned to integrate into their settlements. 10 April, A second expeditionary force consisting of 18 Natal traders, 30 Khoi retainers and some 600 levies, 400 of whom were armed with muskets, crossed the Thukela near its mouth. Seven Zulu regiments, numbering some 10,000 men, under the command of Dingane’s brother, Mpande, immediately confronted them, and after a sustained attack, the trader-led group was virtually annihilated. 24 April, A large force of Zulu attacked Durban and over a period of nine days systematically destroyed the village. Settlers were forced to retreat to the brig Comet, moored in the Bluff channel. The Zulu withdrew on 3 May, leaving the survivors to pick their way through the ashes. May, Taking advantage of the confusion in the aftermath of the Zulu attack, dissident Dutch farmers from the Cape annexed Durban and declared the Republic of Natalia, with its capital at Pietermaritzburg. December, A detachment of 100 men of the 72nd Regiment of Foot of the Seaforth Highlanders, under the command of Major S Charters, arrived at Durban. Charter’s orders included the proper fortification of the town, and the pacification of the region. Fort Victoria was built on the Point, close to present-day Alexandra Square. 1839 The Volksraad of Natalia granted a farm, subsequently named Salt River Poort, to Andries Martinus Laas. In 1851 it was surveyed as the village of Pinetown. 1840 30 January, In 1839 Mpande broke with his brother, Dingane, and moved south of the Tukela with his followers. Having now entered into an alliance with the Dutch, on 30 January a combined force of 10,000 Zulu warriors and 300 Dutch commandos defeated Dingane’s army at the Mkuzi River. Mpande was then proclaimed King of the Zulu. The Republican Volksraad at Pietermaritzburg appointed George Cato to set out a new plan for Durban, and the first public sale of land took place in June. 1842 French naturalist M Adulphe Delagorgue arrived in Durban and set up camp near present-day Albert Park. He witnessed the subsequent confrontation near Congella between English and Dutch forces. May, After marching overland from the Eastern Cape, a contingent of 263 men of the 27th Regiment of Foot of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, under the command of Capt Thomas Charlton Smith, arrived in Durban to reclaim, on behalf of the British Crown, the ownership of Natal. Smith built a fortified laager on the site now known as the Old Fort. Meanwhile Dutch forces under Commandant Andries Pretorius had begun to muster at a camp, known as Congella, 5km south of Durban. After issuing an ultimatum, they seized the British cattle herd. 23 May, Smith counter-attacked with a force of 138 men supported by a howitzer sent across the bay by boat. The British attack on Congella was easily repulsed by the Dutch, and they were forced to retreat after suffering the loss of 51 men. The Dutch then laid siege to the British garrison in Durban. 24 May, During the night a small party of English settlers evaded Dutch picket lines by rowing two small boats to the Bluff, towing two horses behind them. Two of their number, Richard King and a Zulu retainer named Ndongeni set off on an epic 970km ride to Grahamstown to request the assistance of its British garrison. The ride took 10 days and was made possible by the string of mission stations previously established in the Transkei. 10 June, The Mazeppa, under the command of Joseph Cato and manned by the wives and families of the besieged garrison at Durban, slipped her mooring and under heavy fire from Dutch muskets, managed to sail over the bar with no casualties on board. 15 June, The Mazeppa reached Delagoa Bay where, after laying in additional stores, it headed south for the Cape. 26 June, The British frigate Southampton sailed into Durban and opened fire on the Dutch, who had, in the interim, taken Fort Victoria. Troops were landed in the Bay, and by 16.00 that afternoon the siege had been lifted. The Dutch then abandoned their camp at Congella, and retreated to Pietermaritzburg. 15 July, The Republic of Natalia formally submitted to British rule, and although its Volksraad remained in existence until 1845, from 1843 the territory was under the effective control of the British Representative, Henry Cloete. 1843 Durban’s first Methodist Church, a thatched wattle-and-daub structure erected by Rev J Archbell, was opened for worship. In 1850 this was replaced by a more substantial building, designed by his successor, Rev WC Holden. 4 May, The District of Natal was adopted as a British Colony. This was ratified by a Proclamation on 12 May, with Henry Cloete, Advocate of the Supreme Court in Cape Town, as Commissioner. The 45th Regiment of Foot, also known as the Sherwood Foresters, were garrisoned in Durban, where its Engineer’s Corps was responsible for building the Great West Road, crossing over the Berea Ridge at the 45th Cutting, thus opening up the interior for settlement. 1844 31 May, District of Natal was annexed to the Cape Colony. 1845 Roman-Dutch law was established in the District. 30 April, Natal was constituted as a distinct and separate government to be administered by a Lieutenant-Governor. 21 August, Boundaries of Natal were defined by Proclamation. Subsequent revisions took place on 5 June 1858, 7 September 1865 and 26 January 1903. Separate Proclamations regarding Zululand were made in 1887, 1895 and 1897 respectively. September, Natal was incorporated as a separate district of the Cape Colony. 22 November, Sir Peregrine Maitland, Governor of the Cape, appointed Martin West, formerly Resident Magistrate in Grahamstown, as Natal’s first Lieutenant-Governor. He landed at Port Natal on 4 December, and was sworn in at Pietermaritzburg on 12 December, when he also took over the administration of the Colony. He died in office in 1850. 1846 The first direct mail link between England and Natal was established when the Sarah Bell sailed into the bay. West appointed a Commission to give African land holding legal status. Included were the Surveyor-General, Lt CJ Gibb, and Theophilus Shepstone, Diplomatic Agent to the Native Tribes in 1845-53, and subsequently Secretary for Native Affairs, 1853-75. 1847 Shepstone began to establish “Native Locations” for exclusive Black settlement. On 8 March Umlazi, south of Durban, and Inanda, to its north-west, were proclaimed Start of the so-called Great Emigration from Britain, as the result of crop failures, the collapse of the railway financial boom, and general commercial distress. From 1847-51 over a million persons left the country for various destinations in the Empire, of which some 5,000 men, women and children travelled to Natal under a variety of land schemes. 2 March, Powers of the Cape Legislature to make laws for the District were revoked and its administration and legislative powers were placed in the hands of an appointed Council. November, 187 German settlers arrived at Port Natal. They were given land in an area 15km west of Durban, near Pinetown, which then became known as New Germany. 1848 Construction of Durban’s first windmill. Located on the Berea Ridge, it was also served as a useful landmark for ships entering the harbour. The site was located near present day Windmill Road. First sugar cane cultivars were imported from Mauritius. 13 April, Umgeni River breaks its banks and comes down in flood along the eastern floodplain. 22 November, The first plots were sold in Durban. 1849 The first settlers to be brought out to Natal under the Byrne immigration scheme arrived in Durban aboard the Wanterer. Not unexpectedly Byrne went bankrupt in 1850. 1 August, Death in office of Martin T West, first Lieutenant-Governor of the Colony. 1850 5 February, First post office was opened in Durban. 21 December, Meeting of Durban residents resolved to petition the Colonial Government for the establishment of municipal government in the town. 1851 Benjamin CC Pine was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of the Colony. It seems probable that Pine Terrace was named in his honour at about the same time. He was knighted in 1857 when he took up a new posting in West Africa. Finding itself short of funds, the Colonial Government attempted to annex land on the Berea and, having laid out 18 stands, it proposed to sell them. Following vociferous opposition by Durban’s residents the Government was forced to abandon its project. At the same time 46 acres were surveyed near the Umbilo River to accommodate the establishment of smallholdings for Black farmers. The village of Pinetown was surveyed on the farm Salt River Poort, formerly owned by Andries Martinus Laas. October, A public meeting was held in Durban to propose the introduction of Indian labour. 1852 13 August, The first steamship to sail into Durban harbour, the Sir Robert Peel, was met at the bay by most of the town’s residents. The Natal Mercury was published in Durban for the first time. Jean-Baptiste Sabon and Bishop Allard established the Roman Catholic Church in the Colony. The Jane Morice sailed into Durban with a cargo of 15,000 cane tops from Mauritius. 1853 Adams College was founded by the American Board of Missions. The first lots of land were sold at Umbilo, subsequently known as Prospect Township. 30 January, Dr John William Colenso arrived on the steamship Calcutta, and after a visit of inspection to various parts of the Colony, he returned to England on 10 April. 17 March, Foundation stone laid for the construction of St Paul’s Anglican Church, giving onto Market Square. This was completed the following year. 21 September, A public meeting held in Kinghurst’s Store, and chaired by Mr AW Evans, constituted itself as the Durban Mechanics’ Institution, its objective being “the moral and intellectual improvement of its members and others”. Its first premises were located in a small thatched wooden building, originally intended as a shop, which it leased from Mr Pulleyn for £18pa. The services of Mrs Hall were engaged as Attendant at the Library for £12pa. The premises were officially opened to the public on 14 November 1853. By that time it could boast of 112 members, and had accumulated 409 volumes and 272 pamphlets. By 1857 the thatched roof had begun to leak, and the library and reading room were moved next door to a double-storey house belonging to Dr Johnston. In about 1861 it was renamed the Durban Public Library. 1854 The Durban Police force was established. Byelaws promulgated requiring Black visitors to the village to be clothed from the shoulder to the knee. The Durban Voluntary Guards, subsequently known as the Durban Light Infantry, was formed. 21 April, Ordinance No 1 of 1854 “For establishing Municipal Corporations within the District of Natal” was promulgated. This was published in Durban on 3 May. May, Lieutenant-Governor Benjamin Pine proclaimed the township of Durban a Borough. At the time its White population numbered 1,204. 10 June, Sir George Grey was appointed Colonial Secretary. 2 August, The first Town Council, consisting of 8 members representing four wards, was elected to office, with George Christopher Cato being elected the first Mayor of Durban. November, Durban’s first bank, the Natal Bank, opened its premises in Aliwal Street. 1855 February, Sidney Herbert, afterwards Lord Herbert of Lea, was appointed Colonial Secretary. 15 May, Lord John Russell, afterwards Earl Russell, was appointed Colonial Secretary. 20 May, Dr John Colenso, Bishop of Durban, together with his family, returned to Port Natal on the Jane Morice. His party included Mrs Colenso, their four children, Archdeacon CF McKenzie, the Rev WO Newnham, and a body of clergy, female teachers and other support staff. He preached for the first time on 27 May. 11 July, The foundation stone of the Congregational Chapel in Smith Street was laid with the usual honours. 21 July, Sir William Molesworth was appointed Colonial Secretary. 17 November, Henry Labouchere, afterwards Lord Taunton, was appointed Colonial Secretary. 1856 Rev Posselt established a Lutheran mission station at Christianenburg, subsequently known as Clermont. Francois Adams opened Durban’s first bookstore. Durban’s first jail was completed. Five years later a police station was built on the present site of Medwood Gardens. 12 April, Following four days of torrential rains during which time Durban suffered a deluge of 689mm, the Umgeni River burst its banks and flooded the low-lying plain north of the town, leaving most of Durban under water. 15 July, By Royal Charter Natal was proclaimed a separate British colony. On the same date John Scott, afterwards Sir, was appointed its Lieutenant-Governor. Provisions in the same Charter gave the franchise to every man above the age of 21 years who possessed any immovable property to the value of £50. These provisions excluded aliens and other persons convicted of any “treason, felony, or infamous offence, who have not received a free pardon”. 30 October, John Scott, the new Lieutenant-Governor of the Colony arrived at Durban aboard HMS Geyser. 1857 A partly-elected legislature was established. Butchers were obliged to remove to officially designated slaughter houses at the west end of town. The town’s first timber saw mill began operations from a site at the beach-end of Field Street. 16 March, The foundation stone for a new Wesleyan Church, located just off the corner of West and Gardiner Streets, was laid by the Rev Thomas Jenkins, formerly a missionary to the Mpondo. It was destroyed in 1877, and replaced soon after by a larger and more imposing structure, which served its community until 1977, when it was demolished. The churches’ former chapel in Aliwal Street was given over to a mission for Black residents. 23 March, The first Legislative Council under the new charter met in Pietermaritzburg. Donald Moodie, representing the Borough of Durban was elected its first Speaker. 1 June, Natal issued its first stamps. 14 July, The first meeting called for the town’s Total Abstinence Society. 1858 30 January, The first output of the Congella Salt Works, owned by Charles McDonald, was put up for sale in Market Square. Unfortunately this enterprise did not last long, owing to low levels of salinity in the bay as well as the rapid corrosion of the imported iron boiler-plate evaporating pans. 28 February, Lord Stanley, afterwards Earl of Derby, was appointed Colonial Secretary. 31 May, Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton, Bart, afterwards Lord Lytton, was appointed Colonial Secretary. 5 September, The 45th Regiment was relieved by the 85th Regiment, 1859 Following protracted negotiations between the Natal Government and the Colonial Secretary, the Natal Parliament passed the Coolie Law No 14 of 1859. This made it possible for the Colony to implement a programme whereby Indian labourers could be brought out to South Africa under a five-year contract of indenture. At the end of the five years, workers had the option of signing new contracts for a further five-year period, which would make them eligible to settle permanently in the colony, or of being given a free passage back to India Upon completion of a second contract of indenture, Indian labourers were also entitled to a gift of Crown land and full citizenship rights. This proviso was later withdrawn when Act No. 25 of 1891 was promulgated in order to discourage the settlement of Indians in the Colony. 18 June, Duke of Newcastle was appointed Colonial Secretary. 26 June, South Africa’s first railway line, linking the Point to Durban’s town centre, was opened by Acting Lt-Governor of Natal, Major Williamson. Most residents turned out to witness the event as the first steam locomotive, named The Natal, travelled a distance of some 3.2km from the railway station near Farewell Square to the Point. July, The Hermanus Isaac brought 90 Dutch settlers from Amsterdam to Durban. 24 September, The foundation stone for a Sailor’s Church, at the Point was performed by Rev WHC Lloyd, the Colonial Chaplain. 17 November, The first contingent of 341 indentured labourers from India to find employment as workers on Natal’s cane fields, entered the bay aboard the SS Truro. Immigration was suspended in 1866 due to depressed economic conditions in the Colony, and following allegations made in 1870 of embezzlement and ill-treatment of Indian workers on the part of White farmers, was only resumed in 1874. 1861 Under the guidance of Captain Vetch RE, construction began on a crescent-shaped pier, north of Milne’s breakwater at the entrance to the bay. Its purpose was to create a second harbour off the “back” beach on the seaward side of the Point. Construction was completed on the Natal Government Hospital, Durban’s first such facility, located near the current site of the Supreme Court, on the Esplanade. It was replaced in 1879 by Addington Hospital, on Erskine Terrace, where many of the casualties from the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 were admitted. First building bye-law passed prohibiting the use of thatch as a roofing material within the boundaries of the Borough. Bauboo Naidoo, an interpreter, opened a shop in Field Street, Durban, for the sale of condiments and other delicacies not included in the rations issued by law to indentured workers, thereby becoming the first Hindu Indian shop keeper in the Colony. 26 November, A second contingment of 310 indentured Indian labourers arrived in Durban from Calcutta on board the Belvedere. 1862 Proclamation promulgated requiring all Black males to wear trousers within the municipal boundaries of Durban and Pietermaritzburg. 1863 Durban’s population now numbered approximately 3,390 White, 1,380 Black and 230 Indian residents. 1864 The Queen’s Bridge, the first to be built across the Umgeni River, was opened to traffic. It was sited near Morewood’s Drift, also known at Morewood’s Ford. Letters Patent were issued vesting the Natal Native’s Trust with the authority to hold location lands in trust for the Black population. J Maclean was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of the Colony. November, Work began on Durban’s first lighthouse, located on the Bluff. The structure was designed by colonial engineer Peter Paterson, was completed in January 1867. Initially it used a ship’s lantern, until 1869 when a proper signal light was installed. For military reasons, it was demolished at the start of WWII and the present lighthouse was rebuilt near the site after 1946. The first eight street lamps were lit in Durban. This innovation did not survive for long, as by 1867, the Council could no longer afford to buy the oil and the lamps were put out. 4 April, Edward Cardwell, afterwards Viscount Cardwell, was appointed Colonial Secretary. 1865 The Legislative Council passed a law that specifically excluded indigenous male residents of Natal from the franchise in general, but still permitted individuals who had been exempted from African Law for seven years, and had resided in the Colony for twelve, to apply for the vote. Such applications had to be supported by three duly qualified white electors, but the granting of the vote remained at the discretion of the Governor Work was begun on laying down a hard surface on Berea Road. To pay for the project tollgates were erected at points where it crossed Ridge and Umgeni Roads. 1866 County Alfred, between the Mtamvuna and Mzimkulu Rivers, was incorporated in Natal. 1 June, Durban High School opened its doors from a building in Smith Street, opposite the old police station, near Broad Street. In 1880 its premises were moved to the building previously used as the Natal Government Hospital, on the Esplanade, and in 1894 it was moved again to its present location, in St Thomas’ Road, on the Berea. Thereafter, from 1895 to 1907, the old hospital building was taken over by the Durban Boys Model School. 6 July, Earl of Carnarvon was appointed Colonial Secretary. 1867 Robert W Keate was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of the Colony. 8 March, Duke of Buckingham and Chandos was appointed Colonial Secretary. 4 April, The Durban to Umgeni railway line was opened. 1868 10 December, Earl Granville was appointed Colonial Secretary. 1869 The first “passenger Indians” arrived in Durban. The appellation referred to Indian immigrant traders, artisans, teachers and shop assistants who paid their own passage to the Colony. 1870 The Durban Fire Department was established, following the gift of a fire engine to the Borough Council by William Palmer, the local agent for the Royal Insurance Company. 6 July, Earl of Kimberley was appointed Colonial Secretary. 1872 Photographic record made of the surviving British settlers who had arrived in Durban before 1851. Anthony Musgrave was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of the Colony. Aboobaker Haji Ahmed Jhaveri arrived in Natal. Hilton College was founded. The Coolie Consolidation Amendment Act No 12 of 1872 made provision for a Protector of Indian Immigrants. It abolished flogging for breaches of the Masters and Servants Act, and legislated the improvement of medical treatment for Indian labourers. 25 November, Colonel Price-Lloyd was appointed the first Protector of Indian Immigrants. In order to give effect to the law he immediately set about building up a suitable administrative system. 1873 Langalibalele, chief of the Hlubi, refused to register his firearms and, in an attempt to evade the colonial authorities, began to move his clan to Griqualand East. In a skirmish that followed a number of people were killed, including seven policemen. Langalibalele was arrested, and after his trial, he was banished for life to Robben Island. Following an appeal by Dr John Colenso, Anglican Bishop of Natal, he was released and allowed to return to his lands where he died in 1887. The incident led to the recall of the Governor, Benjamin Pine. April, Musgrove retired frim his position as Lieutenant-Governor of the Colony. July, Sir Benjamin Pine returned for a second term as Lieutenant-Governor of the Colony. 22 December, The Protector of Indian Immigrants was appointed to the Natal Legislature’s Executive Council. He held this seat until 21 December 1876 when his seat was taken by the Colonial Engineer. 1874 2 January, The Immigration Trust Board was established in under Natal Law No 208 of 1874. 21 February, Earl of Carnarvon was appointed Colonial Secretary. 1875 Sir Henry Ernest Bulwer was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of the Colony. June, Aboobaker Amod, a Memon trader from Porbander, opened a store in West Street, thus establishing himself as the first “Arab” trader in Natal. In the 1870s White colonial perceptions differentiated between Hindu and Muslim Indian immigrants, the latter being commonly referred to as “Arabs”. 1877 The first Harbour Board was constituted. 1 January, The Point to Umgeni railway line was opened. On this same day, under Act No 4 of 1875, the Natal Government acquired the Natal Railway Co Ltd and all its holdings. 2 August, The Durban Young Ladies’ Evangelical Collegiate Institute, now known as Durban Girls’ High School was founded. 1878 Following a protracted drought in the town, Councillor HW Currie proposed to sink an artesian well at the foot of the Botanic Gardens, where a spring had previously provided local elephants with drinking water. This became known as Currie’s Fountain, and was capable of yielding 227,000 litres a day, enough to supply Durban’s needs for drinking water until the Umbilo Water Works were completed in 1887. Other waterworks completed subsequently included Umlaas in 1891, Camperdown in 1901, and Shongweni in 1827. Natal Law 20 of 1878 was passed governing Indian Education. The new Addington Hospital was opened 4 February, Sir Michael E Hicks-Beach, Bart, was appointed Colonial Secretary. May, The Durban to Pinetown railway line was opened. 25 May, The Umgeni to Avoca railway line was opened. 1879 General Sir Garnet J Wolseley was appointed Governor of the Colony. Establishment of the Indian Immigration School Board. The Resident Magistrate of Umzinto, JA Knight, was the first to use two crossed lines to denote a registered letter, an innovation which was eventually adopted by postal services throughout the world. 11 January, British forces invaded Zululand. 22 January, At a battle, which took place on the slopes of Isandlwana, more than 2,500 British troops and colonial levies lost their lives fighting against a Zulu army. Later that day, in an epic defence of the Rorke’s Drift Mission Station, 104 men of the 24th Regiment held off an attack by 4,500 Zulus under the command of Dabulamanzi. Eleven of the 89 survivors were awarded the Victoria Cross. March, The Pinetown to Botha’s Hill railway line was opened. 15 March, The Avoca to Mount Edgecombe railway line was opened. 4 July, Zulu forces were finally defeated at the battle of Ulundi. 21 September, The Mount Edgecombe to Verulam railway line was opened. 1880 Major-General Sir George Pomeroy-Colley was appointed Governor of the Colony. 1 February, The Rossburgh to Isipingo railway line was opened. 28 April, Earl of Kimberley was appointed Colonial Secretary. October, The Botha’s Hill to Camperdown railway line was opened. December, The Camperdown to Pietermaritzburg railway line was opened. 1881 The Harbour Board was reconstituted for a second time. 1882 Sir Henry Bulwer was appointed Governor of the Colony. Zulu workers arriving in Durban and registering with the police were issued with white calico trousers. The Theatre Royal opened its doors to patrons from premises in West Street. 1883 The franchise was extended to White male persons of 3 years’ residence in the Colony. 1885 Sir Arthur E Havelock was appointed Governor of the Colony. The South African Republic (ZAR) passed Law No 3 of 1885, the first legislation in South Africa directed specifically against Indian immigration, whereby “any of the native races of Asia, including so-called Coolies, Arabs, Malays, and Mohammedan subjects of the Turkish Empire” were grouped together. The act did not permit any of these groups to obtain rights of citizenship, to be “owners of fixed property in the Republic except only in such streets, wards and locations as the Government for purposes of sanitation shall assign to them”, and for all traders to be registered. Sir Henry Bulwer appointed a commission to investigate the position of Indian residents in Natal and the impact of potential new immigrants upon the Colony. Jacaranda trees were planted fir the first time in Durban. 25 October, Building was completed of Durban’s first Town Hall. In 1910 it was given over to the Post Office once a second Town Hall had been completed nearby. 1887 Opening of Umbilo’s Municipal Water Works. Annexation of Zululand by the British Crown. Durban’s municipal museum, reputedly the largest such establishment in South Africa, was opened in a section of the old Town Hall. It was subsequently re-housed in the City Hall. 1888 The Registration of Servants Act No. 2 of 1888 was passed by the Natal legislature. This classified Indians as members of an “uncivilized race” and made them liable to registration. Free Indians were forced to carry passes or face arbitrary arrest. The ZAR rejected a British-Indian petition and placed Asiatics in the same category as its indigenous African population, whom it regarded only as labourers. 1889 Sir Charles HH Mitchell was appointed Governor of the Colony. 1891 19 Law, known as the “Code of Native Law” was adopted. 1892 The firm of Hewlett & Sons Ltd was established. At first it dealt only in the production of tea, but it soon expanded into sugar cane farming, and in 1903 it opened its first sugar mill at Tinley Manor. In a general election Natal voted in favour of self-government. The following year a ministry under Natal’s first Prime Minister, Sir John Robinson, took office, with an elected lower house of 37 members. Rickshas introduced to Durban. Later their use was to spread to Pietermaritzburg and the Natal midlands, as well as Johannesburg, Lourenco Marques, Bulawayo and Mombasa. 1893 Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi arrived in Durban. The London-trained lawyer was brought to South Africa by a group of Indian citizens concerned with obtaining rights of equal citizenship in their new country. Having bought a first-class train ticket for Johannesburg at the Durban station, he was forcibly ejected from the train at Pietermaritzburg following complaints from fellow White passengers. Sir Walter Francis Hely-Hutchinson was appointed Governor of the Colony. 26 June, Law providing for the establishment of Responsible Government in the Colony was given Royal Assent, and became law in the Colony on 20 July 1894. 10 October, First Natal parliament, under Prime Minister Sir John Robinson, took office. 1894 The Franchise Bill, which aimed to disenfranchise Natal Indians, was introduced in the Natal Colonial Parliament. This issue was to begin Mahatma Gandhi's political career and eventually led to the founding of the first South African Indian political organisation, the Natal Indian Congress. A critical shortage of agricultural labour in the Cape led to the appointment by its Colonial Government of a Labour Commission. One of its findings came out strongly against the importation of indentured labour from India and China. 22 August, The Natal Indian Congress (NIC) was founded with Dada Abdullah Haji Adam as its first Chair and Mahatma Gandhi as its secretary. As a result of NIC-led protests against the Franchise Act, the British Government did not immediately sanction its passing, but allowed the legislation to be reintroduced in 1896. 1895 The promulgation of the Indian Immigration Law Amendment Act, Law No 17 of 1895, allowed the Colony of Natal to impose a £3 penalty tax upon all previously indentured Indians who either failed to re-indenture or to return to India after the expiration of their labour contracts. In 1903, the Act is extended to include girls aged 13 and older, and boys aged 16 and older. Durban’s main post office ran out of ha’penny stamps. 1896 Michaelhouse was founded. Gandhi returns to Durban by ship but is prevented from disembarking for nearly a month by quarantine regulations. Even then he was attacked by an angry crowd near the Ship Hotel in West Street, and was only saved from serious harm by the intervention of Mrs Sarah Jane Alexander, the Police Superintendent’s wife. The franchise was extended to exclude all persons who were either “Natives”, or descendants in the male line of “Natives” of countries which had not hitherto possessed elective representative institutions founded on the parliamentary franchise. This was obviously aimed at Black residents originating from the southern African interior. 1 July, Durban’s first sewage disposal system was inaugurated, discharging the town’s wastes into the sea from the Point. This was retained until 1938, probably to the great delight of the city’s off-shoe lobster population. Fernando Pessoa, 1888-1935, arrived in Durban from Portugal. After being educated at the Durban High School, from 1899-1904, he left Durban in 1905, and went on to become a poet of world repute. It seems doubtful that he ever wrote any of his work in Durban, but today his youthful and somewhat brief sojourn in the town is marked by a statue in his honour in Pessoa Square, opposite the old station building. Reclamation work begins on Durban’s bay area, as well as the creation of an esplanade along part of the foreshore and the making of an embankment along the town length of the bay. After this was completed in 1902 it was named the Victoria Embankment, in honour of the British monarch’s diamond jubilee. In 1896, there were 9,309 registered White voters in Natal, and although only three Africans and 251 Indians had also been allowed to acquire voting rights in the colony, this small number was disenfranchised by the Franchise Act No 8 of 1896. 17 April, The Tongaat Sugar Company successfully applied to the Natal Immigration Trust Board for permission to recruit indentured artisans from India. 18 September, The European Protection Association was established in Pietermaritzburg, calling for limits to be placed upon Indian immigration and the compulsory repatriation of indentured labourers upon expiration of their contracts. 26 November, As a result of anti-Indian sentiment, White residents of Durban held a meeting where they condemned Mahatma Gandhi and set up the Colonial Patriotic Union. 1897 The Natal Immigration Restriction Act, and its subsequent amendments in 1900, 1903 and 1906, imposes an educational, health, age and mean tests on Indians, other than indentured workers, seeking admission into the country. Zululand was incorporated into Natal Colony. The Natal Dealers Licenses Act No 18 of 1897 empowered licensing officers to arbitrarily refuse to issue licenses to Indian traders. 15 February, Second Natal parliament, under Prime Minister Harry Escombe QC, took office. 7 May, The Natal Indian Congress (NIC) collects £1,539 from South African Indians for famine relief in India. 5 October, Third Natal parliament, under Prime Minister Sir Henry Binns, took office. 1898 The Portuguese community donated a civic clock to mark the 400th anniversary of the naming of Natal by Vasco da Gama. The last outstanding areas of the Kingdom of Zululand were incorporated into Natal Colony. 1899 9 June, Fourth Natal parliament, under Prime Minister Lt-Col Albert Henry Hime, took office. 30 September, The Durban Light Infantry entrains from Durban Station in expectation of war with the Dutch Republics of the Orange Free State and the ZAR. This marks the first time that this regiment was deployed for action 11 October, Republican forces invaded the Cape and Natal, occupying Ladysmith. 23 December, Winston Churchill arrived in Durban aboard the SS Nduna,following his escape from a Republican jail in Pretoria. Timeline: Durban 1900 - 1990 1901 Colonel Sir Henry Edward McCullum was appointed Governor of the Colony. Urban myth has it that a Durban housewife prepared the first known “kitchen suit” for her young gardener by adapting one of her son’s old school uniforms. This idea was adopted by the clothing company Harvey, Greenacre & Co, who then produced a number of variations for male wear based upon the original design, including uniforms for house servants, gardeners, police and ricksha pullers. From the beginning Black employees found such apparel offensive. 1902 The former ZAR districts of Utrecht and Vryheid were ceded to Natal. 1 May, The first electric trams ran in Durban. 1903 Founding of newspaper Indian Opinion . This was subsequently published from the Phoenix Settlement . January, The districts of Vryheid and Utrecht were annexed to the Colony. 15 May, The steamship Umona ran onto a reef south of one of the Maldive islands. The passengers, which included a group of 475 Indian labourers headed for the coffee and sugar plantations of Natal, were all landed safely on the island, together with adequate provisions. 18 August, Fifth Natal parliament, under Prime Minister Sir George Morris Sutton, took office. 25 September, The last horse-drawn tram ran its route from the Town Hall to Prospect Road, in Umbilo. 1904 Settlement established at Phoenix by Gandhi. 26 June, The Armadale Castle enters the harbour following extensive dredging operations in the harbour mouth. 29 June, Durban’s new floating dock was brought on-line when, for the first time, it lifted the 7000 ton SS Kentout of the water for repairs. 1905 6 May, Sixth Natal parliament, under Prime Minister Charles John Smythe, took office. 1906 Martial law was repealed. Lillie Langtry visits Durban. Her personal ricksha puller, a man named Jim, is said to have worn her racing colours of fawn and turquoise. 1 January, A poll tax of £3 was introduced in Natal.on every Indian resident over 18 years of age February, The Bhambatha Rebellion erupted in Natal in protest against a so-called “hut tax” levied by the Natal Government. Martial Law proclaimed in the Colony. 24 April, The Natal Indian Congress, under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, established an ambulance corps to render assistance to the wounded in the field during the Bhambatha uprising . 28 November, Seventh Natal parliament, under Prime Minister Frederick Robert Moore, took office. 1907 Lt-Col Sir Mathew Nathan was appointed Governor of the Colony. Council introduces two special “funeral” trams for the use of mourners. This was suspended for White use after only two trips, following a loud protest from the town’s undertakers, but remained in use until 1931 for Black customers. 1908 A private referendum run by The Natal Witness showed that only 438 of those polled favoured unification with the other colonies, while 1396 would welcome a federal solution. Isolation was preferred choice of 790 people. October, Twelve delegates from the Cape of Good Hope, five from Natal, eight from the Transvaal, five from the Orange River Colony, and three from Rhodesia, appointed by their respective parliaments, met in Durban to consider the viability of a South African union. These 33 representatives constituted the South African National Convention which deliberated at Durban for over three weeks and then adjourned to meet at Cape Town on 23 November 1908. 1909 The Electric Theatre, Durban’s first permanent cinema, opened its doors. The Native Administration Act of 1908 was adopted, providing for the appointment of a permanent Secretary for Native Affairs, and dividing the Colony into four districts, each under the control of a District Native Commissioner. They were then required to carry out the orders and directions of “the Supreme Chief”, which were given through the Secretary of Native Affairs. It also established a Council for Native Affairs which met in August of each year and whose members excluded persons of colour. 10 June, Referendum was held on the adoption of the Act of Union. From a total of 14, 822 ballots cast, a majority of 7,430 men voted in its favour. 1910 The first commercial wireless radio station in sub-Saharan Africa began broacasting from Jacobs. General Lord Methuen was appointed Governor of the Colony. 12 April, The new City Hall was inaugurated, at which stage the old City Hall was given over for use by the Post Office. 30 April, The first airplane flight took place in Durban. 31 May, Natal joined the Cape, Transvaal and Orange Free State, to form the Union of South Africa . A wireless-radio installation was built on The Bluff with a range of about 650 kms. 1911 The last ship to bring indentured Indian labour to Natal, the Umlazi, arrives in Durban. At this stage the indentured labour scheme was finally abolished. Isaiah Shembe founded the Nazareth Baptist Church at Ekuphakameni, near the Phoenix Settlement. 1912 12 July, The Durban Technical Institute (DTI) opens its doors. 1914 Outbreak of WWI. Many residents of Durban lost their lives in the conflict and the Cenotaph in Gardiner Street was dedicated to their memory. 1915 13 May, Following the sinking of the Lusitaniaby a German submarine, anti-German riots broke out in Durban as well as other major towns in South Africa. One of the premises targeted by the mob was a biscuit factory in Palmer Street belonging to JML Bauman, a town councillor whose two sons were serving in the South African army fighting Germans in East Africa. Subsequent to this incident the name of his business was changed to Bakers’ Ltd. 1916 The Durban and District Native Football Association was established. 1917 The Indian Printers Union and the Indian Workers Union were founded. Their secretaries, MK Moodley and Rev BLE Sigamoney, were both Natal-born Indians. The Umngeni River came down in flood. 1918 Outbreak of Spanish influenza. 1919 July, Indian entrepreneur Mr Siddhoo introduces the first truck to be converted to use as a passenger transport. 1920 Mrs Edith Benson became the town’s first woman Councillor. 1921 5 March, The Durban Land Alienation Ordinance, No 14 of 1922, was passed by the Durban Town Council, enabling it to exclude Indians from the ownership or occupation of property in designated White areas. This legislation preceded the imposition by the Nationalist Party of apartheid legislation by 27 years 6 March, The Natal Indian Congress was re-established in Durban for the second time. Ismail Gora was elected president. The first Comrades Marathon was run between Durban and Pietermaritzburg. 1922 The DTI was split into the University of Natal, now known as the University of KwaZulu-Natal, and the Natal Technicon, now known as the Durban University of Technology. 1923 31 May, The Mayor of Durban, Walter Gilbert, officially opened the third national conference of Indian organisations in the Durban Town Hall, which formally established the SA Indian Congress. Omar Hajee Amod Jhaveri was elected its first president. 1924 10 December, The town’s first public wireless programme was broadcast from the City Hall. 1925 15 June, Durban Transport introduced the first three Thornycroft single-decker petrol engine busses. The first Dennis single-decker diesel engine bus was run on 2 November 1834, while first Daimler double-decker diesel-powered bus came into service on 20 August 1938. 1927 Athlone Bridge, spanning over the Umngeni River, was opened to traffic. 11 November, The Memorable Order of Tin Hats (MOTHS) holds its first parade when 3,000 ex-servicemen marched through town to the cenotaph. The birth of the movement was inspired by Natal Mercury cartoonist, Charles Evenden. 1928 The Maharajah of Mysore presents the citizens of Durban with an elephant. Nellie, as she was soon named, became a firm favourite with local children. 1929 The Governor-General of South Africa, the Earl of Athlone, opened Sastri College, a high school for Indian boys in Durban. 1930 12 May, Durban’s first traffic lights were installed at the intersection of Pine and Field Streets. In 1931 an additional 14 units were ordered at a cost of £1040. In 1933 the first traffic signal with buried sensors was erected on an experimental basis at the intersection of St Thomas’ and Musgrave Roads. Regrettably, despite the time passed since then, Durban’s drivers have still to master the Rules of the Road regarding inoperative traffic lights. 1933 The first group of Indian girls was matriculated in South Africa. 1935 The Borough of Durban was granted city status. 24 February, The first electric trolley bus came into service on the Marine Parade route to phase out the old electric trams. 1938 The Fitzsimons Snake Park was opened. Although it was initially established to produce snake anti-venom, it went on to become one of the city’s most popular attractions. 1939 3 March, The fifth cricket test between England and South Africa began at Kingsmead, and although it had previously been resolved by its organisers that it would be played to a conclusion, no matter how long that took, the test was eventually declared a draw on March 14, when the English side, requiring only 42 runs for victory, was forced to leave to catch their ship home. This has since become known in sporting history as the Timeless Test. 3 September, Upon the outbreak of WWII, a number of defensive measures were set up around Durban, on the Bluff and at Battery Beach. Blockhouses were built at the harbour entrance and anti-submarine nets were thrown across the channel at the base of North and South piers. A number of prominent city features which, it was believed, could have assisted enemy navigation, were also dynamited, including the lighthouse and an unusual rock formation on the beach known as Hole in the Wall. 1940 April, Perla Siedle Gibson began to sing to every ship connected with the war effort, arriving or leaving from Durban harbour. Wearing a trademark white dress and floppy red hat, she serenaded over 13,000 ships and achieved worldwide recognition as “The Lady in White”. Durban celebrated the marriage of Sir Delvers Broughton and Diana Caldwell prior to their departure for Kenya. Early the following year Durban social climbers were horrified to learn of the arrest of Sir Delvers for the murder of Lord Erroll who, it was alleged, had begun a romantic dalliance with Lady Diana. This incident subsequently formed the basis in 1988 for a film White Mischief. 1941 The first, and probably only, vehicle accident in the world involving an overturned trolley bus took place at the corner of West and Farewell Streets. Thirtyseven passengers were injured in the process. 1943 20 September, Italian submarine Ammiraglio Cagni entered Durban Harbour under escort and surrendered to the Allies. 1949 Durban celebrated the centenary of the arrival of its 1849 Settlers. 13 January, Following an incident between a black youth and an Indian shopkeeper in Victoria Street, riots broke out in Victoria Street, Grey Street, Victoria Avenue, Tollgate, Mayville, Musgrave Road and Cato Manor. According to official figures 200 people were killed and 1029 injured with over 25,000 people being displaced from their homes. 2 August, The last electric tram to serve Durban pulled into the municipal sheds. 1958 Durban-born Penny Coelen wins the Miss World title. 1959 The so-called Beer-Hall Riots broke out in Cato Manor, in protest against the Durban Municipality’s monopoly on the brewing of sorghum beer. 1960 December, Municipal by-law prohibiting the wearing of bikinis on the city’s beaches was repealed. 1961 31 May, South Africa unilaterally proclaimed itself a Republic and left the Commonwealth. 1968 29 February, The city’s new water reservoir was opened at Durban Heights. 1971 The Natal Indian Congress was re-established for a third time. 1972 The Marine Hotel, on the corner of Gardiner Street and the Victoria Embankment, was demolished. Amongst its many prominent guests it numbered the Prince of Wales in 1923, Prince George in 1934 and Prince Bernhardt of The Netherlands in 1954. 1975 The Union Whaling Station, located on The Bluff, which had been in operation since 1908, closed down. At its peak in 1965 it processed 3640 whales killed by its fleet. In 1973 five members of the National Union of South African Students (NUSAS) were caught by the Harbour Police in an attempt to vandalise one of their ships, but were let off with a warning after pleading a severe case of youthful indiscretion. The hacksaw they used has never been preserved for posterity. 1982 Durban celebrated the 150th anniversary of its naming. 1986 Morris Fynn, descendant of early pioneer Henry Francis Fynn, initiated a campaign of vandalising apartheid signs on Durban’s beachfront. The hacksaw he used has been preserved for posterity in the Old Courthouse Museum, in Aliwal Street. 1990 The Separate Amenities Act was repealed, thus opening up Durban’s facilities to all races.

Wildlife of South Africa The wildlife of South Africa consists of the flora and fauna of this country in Southern Africa . The country has a range of different habitat types and an ecologically rich and diverse wildlife, vascular plants being particularly abundant, many of them endemic to the country. There are few forested areas, much savanna grassland, semi-arid Karoo vegetation and the fynbos of the Cape Floristic Region . Famed for its national parks and big game, 297 species of mammal have been recorded in South Africa , as well as 849 species of bird and over 20,000 species of vascular plants. Geography South Africa is located in subtropical southern Africa, lying between 22°S and 35°S . It is bordered by Namibia , Botswana and Zimbabwe to the north, by Mozambique and Eswatini (Swaziland) to the northeast, by the Indian Ocean to the east and south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the coastline extending for more than 2,500 km (1,600 mi). The interior of the country consists of a large, nearly flat, plateau with an altitude of between 1,000 m (3,300 ft) and 2,100 m (6,900 ft). The eastern, and highest, part of this is the Drakensberg , the highest point being Mafadi (3,450 m (11,320 ft)), which is on the border with Lesotho , a country surrounded by South Africa. The south and south-western parts of the plateau, at approximately 1,100 to 1,800 m (3,600 to 5,900 ft) above sea level, and the adjoining plain below, at approximately 700 to 800 m (2,300 to 2,600 ft) above sea level, is known as the Great Karoo , and consists of sparsely populated shrubland . To the north the Great Karoo fades into the drier and more arid Bushmanland , which eventually becomes the Kalahari Desert in the far north-west of the country. The mid-eastern, and highest part of the plateau is known as the Highveld . This relatively well-watered area is home to a great proportion of the country's commercial farmlands. To the north of Highveld, the plateau slopes downwards into the Bushveld , which ultimately gives way to the Limpopo lowlands or Lowveld . The climate of South Africa is influenced by its position between two oceans and its elevation. Winters are mild in coastal regions, particularly in the Eastern Cape . Cold and warm coastal currents running north-west and north-east respectively account for the difference in climates between west and east coasts. The weather pattern is also influenced by the El Niño–Southern Oscillation . In the plateau area, the influence of the sea is reduced, and the daily temperature range is much wider; here the summer days are very hot, while the nights are usually cool, with the possibility of frosts in winter. The country experiences a high degree of sunshine with rainfall about half of the global average, increasing from west to east, and with semi-desert regions in the north-west. The Western Cape experiences a Mediterranean climate with winter rainfall, but most of the country has more rain in summer. Flora A total of 23,420 species of vascular plant has been recorded in South Africa, making it the sixth most species-rich country in the world and the most species-rich country on the African continent. Of these, 153 species are considered to be threatened.Nine biomes have been described in South Africa: Fynbos , Succulent Karoo , desert , Nama Karoo , grassland , savanna , Albany thickets , the Indian Ocean coastal belt , and forests . The most prevalent biome in the country is the grassland, particularly on the Highveld, where the plant cover is dominated by different species of grass ; fires, frosts and grazing pressure result in few trees occurring here, but geophytes (bulbs) are plentiful and there is a high level of plant diversity, especially on the escarpments. Vegetation becomes even more sparse towards the northwest due to low rainfall . There are several species of water-storing succulents , like aloes and euphorbias , in the very hot and dry Namaqualand area. The grass and thorn savannah turns slowly into a bush savannah towards the north-east of the country, with denser growth. There are significant numbers of baobab trees in this area, near the northern end of Kruger National Park . Fynbos vegetation on the Cape Peninsula There are few forests in the country, these being largely restricted to patches on mountains and escarpments in high rainfall areas and gallery forests , and much of the plateau area is covered by grassland and savanna . The karoo occupies much of the drier western half of the country; this area is influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic and has winter rainfall. The vegetation here is dominated by dwarf succulent plants , with many endemic species of both plants and animals. Fynbos is a belt of natural shrubland located in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces with a unique flora dominated by ericas , proteas and restios . This area is part of the Cape Floristic Region . The World Wide Fund for Nature divides this region into three ecoregions : the Lowland fynbos and renosterveld , the Montane fynbos and renosterveld and the Albany thickets . There is some concern that the Cape Floristic Region is experiencing one of the most rapid rates of extinction in the world due to habitat destruction , land degradation , and invasive alien plants . The Cape Floral Region Protected Areas is a UNESCO World Heritage Site , a group of about thirteen protected areas that together cover an area of over a million hectares. This is a hotspot of diversity of endemic plants, many of which are threatened, and demonstrates ongoing ecological and evolutionary processes. This region occupies less than 0.5% of the area of the African continent yet has almost 20% of its plant species, almost 70% of the 9,000 plant species being endemic to the region. The Fynbos vegetation consists mainly of sclerophyllous shrubland. Of special interest is the pollination biology of the plants, many of which rely on ants, termites, birds or mammals for this function, the adaptions they have made to the fire risk, and the high level of adaptive radiation and speciation . The Mediterranean climate produces hot, dry summers, and many of the plants have underground storage organs allowing them to resprout after fires. A typical species is the silver tree , which grows naturally only on Table Mountain . Fire kills many of the trees but triggers the germination of the seeds, founding the next generation of these short-lived trees. Fauna Mammals See also: List of mammals of South Africa Cape buffalo Gemsbok Greater kudu bull Some 297 species of mammal have been recorded in South Africa, of which 30 species are considered threatened. The Kruger National Park , in the east of the country, is one of the largest national parks in the world, with an area of 19,485 square kilometres (7,523 sq mi) of grassland with scattered trees. It supports a wide range of ungulates including Burchell's zebra , impala , greater kudu , blue wildebeest , waterbuck , warthog , Cape buffalo , giraffe and hippopotamus . There are also black and white rhinoceroses , African elephant , African wild dog , cheetah , leopard , lion and spotted hyena . Elsewhere in the country there are gemsbok , alternatively known as oryx, nyala , bushbuck and springbok . There are seventeen species of golden mole , a family limited to southern Africa, five species of elephant shrew , many species of shrews, the southern African hedgehog , the aardvark , various hares and the critically endangered riverine rabbit . There are numerous species of bat and a great many species of rodent . Primates are represented by the Mohol bushbaby , the brown greater galago , the Sykes' monkey , the vervet monkey and the chacma baboon . Smaller carnivores include mongooses , genets , the caracal , the serval , the African wildcat , the Cape fox , the side-striped jackal , the black-backed jackal , meerkats , and the African clawless otter . The brown fur seal and other species of seal occur on the coasts and the waters around the country are visited by numerous species of whale and dolphin . Birds See also: List of birds of South Africa With its diverse habitat types, South Africa has a wide range of residential and migratory species. According to the 2018 edition of The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World , 849 species of bird have been recorded in South Africa and its offshore islands. Of these, 125 species are vagrants, and about 30 are endemic either to South Africa, or the more inclusive South Africa/Lesotho/Eswatini region.The endemic species include the southern black and blue korhaans , the grey-winged francolin , the Knysna turaco , the Fynbos buttonquail , the southern bald ibis , the forest buzzard , the ground woodpecker , the Cape and Drakensberg rockjumpers , the Cape , eastern and Agulhas long-billed larks , the red , Karoo , Rudd's and Botha's larks , the Cape bulbul , the Victorin's and Knysna warblers , the Drakensberg prinia , the bush blackcap , the Cape sugarbird , the chorister robin-chat , the sentinel and Cape rock thrushes , the buff-streaked chat , the pied starling , the African Penguin , and the orange-breasted sunbird . The common ostrich is plentiful on the open grassland and savannah areas. Some birds breed elsewhere but migrate to South Africa to overwinter, while others breed in the country but migrate away in the non-breeding season. Migratory species include the greater striped swallow , white-rumped swift , white stork , African pygmy kingfisher , yellow-billed kite and the European bee-eater . Reptiles and amphibians There is a rich fauna of reptiles and amphibians , with 447 species of reptile recorded in the country (as compiled by the Reptile Database), and 132 species of amphibian (compiled by AmphibiaWeb). South Africa has the richest diversity of reptiles of any African country. Endemic species include the angulate tortoise and geometric tortoise , the Zululand dwarf chameleon , the Transkei dwarf chameleon and the Robertson dwarf chameleon , the Broadley's flat lizard , the dwarf Karoo girdled lizard , the Soutpansberg rock lizard , and the yellow-bellied house snake . Natal diving frog Also included among the fauna are the Nile crocodile , the leopard tortoise , the Speke's hinge-back tortoise , the serrated hinged terrapin , various chameleons, lizards, geckos and skinks, the cape cobra , the black mamba , the eastern green mamba , the puff adder , the mole snake and a range of other venomous and non-venomous snakes. Amphibian diversity reflects the many diverse habitats around the country. Species of interest include the endemic western leopard toad and the arum frog , the bronze caco , the spotted snout-burrower and the critically endangered Rose's ghost frog , found only on the slopes of Table Mountain . Another endangered endemic species is the Natal diving frog . National parks Main article: List of national parks in South Africa The following have been designated as national parks in South Africa: Addo Elephant National Park Agulhas National Park Augrabies Falls National Park Bontebok National Park Camdeboo National Park Garden Route National Park Golden Gate Highlands National Park Karoo National Park Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park Kruger National Park Mapungubwe National Park Marakele National Park Mokala National Park Mountain Zebra National Park Namaqua National Park Richtersveld National Park Table Mountain National Park Tankwa Karoo National Park West Coast National Park South African endangered species Some animals occurring in South Africa are classified as "endangered " or "critically endangered ". These include: Giant golden mole , Chrysospalax trevelyani Van Zyl's golden mole , Cryptochloris zyli Marley's golden mole , Amblysomus marleyi Gunning's golden mole , Neamblysomus gunningi Juliana's golden mole , Neamblysomus julianae White-tailed rat , Mystromys albicaudatus African wild dog , Lycaon pictus Sei whale , Balaenoptera borealis Blue whale , Balaenoptera musculus African penguin , Spheniscus demersus Critically endangered De Winton's golden mole , Cryptochloris wintoni Riverine rabbit , Bunolagus monticularis Hooded vulture , Necrosyrtes monachus White-headed vulture , Trigonoceps occipitalis White-backed vulture , Gyps africanus WILD ANIMALS IN SOUTH AFRICA Blue Wildebeest Connochaetes taurinus They have broad shoulders, broad muzzles, and cow-like horns. They are typically slate-colored with tan forelegs, dark vertical stripes on their shoulders and backs, and white or tan manes and beards. Wildebeests are one of the most unique-looking animals in South Africa! Blue Wildebeests look like cows to me, although they are considered antelopes. They eat short grasses and live in various habitats. However, their favorite spots are moderately moist with rapidly regrowing grasses and a nearby water source. Despite their shrinking population, Wildebeest herds are protective of their young. Females give birth in the middle of the day, allowing the calf time to get steady on its feet before most predators come out in the evening. Blue wildebeest. (2023, August 16). In Wikipedia. The map above shows the ranges of the different Blue Wildebeest subspecies. While healthy adult Blue Wildebeests are perfectly capable of defending themselves, the calves are not. If the adults spot a potential predator, they bunch together, stamp their feet, and issue loud, shrill alarm calls. The larger the herd, the more likely the calf will survive. Blue Wildebeest herds are famous for their historic long-distance migrations with the change of season, where they move to areas where good forage is more available. Sadly, Blue Wildebeests have seen serious population declines. Today, they typically live in much smaller herds and are less nomadic. Only three populations are known to migrate more than 100 miles. Waterbuck Kobus ellipsiprymnus They have shaggy brown-gray coats, large rounded ears, and white patches above the eyes, on the throat, and around the nose and mouth. Males have prominently ringed horns that curve back and up and may reach 55–99 cm (22–39 in) long. The Waterbuck’s appearance may vary throughout its range. There are 13 recognized subspecies, all with slightly different traits! In general, all waterbucks have glossy coats with a unique oily secretion. It makes them smell a bit funny to humans, but the scent helps them to find a mate! The oil secretion also serves to help keep their coat waterproof. These robust animals live in grasslands in South Africa and are almost always found near water. Compared to some more migratory antelope species, Waterbucks tend to be rather sedentary, remaining in valleys with rivers and lakes. This is because their diet depends on access to fresh water along with the protein-rich medium and short grasses that grow in moist areas. Waterbuck. (2023, June 6). In Wikipedia. Waterbucks are social animals and usually live in herds of up to 30 individuals. Typically, bachelor males form herds together, and females form separate herds comprised of only females and their young. Once born, mothers leave their calf hidden in the thicket and only visit to nurse. This helps prevent predators from smelling or finding the calf, though mortality is still quite high. Tsessebes are one of the most territorial herbivores in South Africa. Their territories are taken seriously by other Tsessebe herds, to the point that traveling herds will go to great lengths to avoid them. They will move around the outskirts of another herd’s territory, occasionally risking entering neutral areas with lions and other predators! Tsessebe Range Map Damaliscus lunatus. (2023, July 9). In Wikipedia. The map above shows the ranges of the different Tsessebe subspecies. All of the Tsessebes’ territories have high vantage points, which allow females to alert others of danger and males to display their territory. They prefer grassland habitats, including open plains and lightly wooded savannas. As their habitat suggests, they feed primarily on grass. During the rainy season, when the grass is fresh and wet, they get all their water needs from their food, but during dry periods, they need fresh water every day or two. Tsessebes are most active in the morning and evening and spend the hotter parts of the day watering, resting, and digesting their food. Tsessebe Damaliscus lunatus They have glossy, tan coats with grayish or bluish-black markings on their upper legs, black faces and tail tufts, and light undersides. Both sexes have ringed, s-shaped horns but are typically slightly larger in males. Southern White Rhinoceros Ceratotherium simum simum Adults typically weigh 3,080 to 7,920 pounds (1,397 to 3,593 kg). They have pale-gray skin with dense, tough, plate-like folds. Relatively small eyes, square lips, long necks, humps, and two horns of unequal size. Southern White Rhinos are the second largest land animal in South Africa after the Elephant. They may not look like antelopes and other grazers, but White Rhinos feed primarily on grass, something their wide upper lip is specially adapted to. They usually spend their mornings along riverbanks and in open areas and move to denser woodlands for shade during the heat of the day. Females give birth to just a single offspring, which they aggressively defend, after 16 months of gestation. Interestingly, females can continue to breed every two to three years until they’re 46 years old! Unlike most other animals, White Rhinos live longer in the wild than in captivity. In the wild, they often live for 46 to 50 years, while they only live about 27 to 30 years in captivity. Southern White Rhinos almost went extinct at the end of the 19th century, when there were only between 20-50 individuals left. But since then, their population has recovered due to aggressive conservation efforts. Unfortunately, they are still threatened due to habitat loss and poaching for their horns in the use of traditional Chinese medicine. Springbok Antidorcas marsupialis They have white faces with dark stripes running from eyes to mouths, light brown coats with reddish stripes on their sides, and white undersides and rump flags. Both sexes have long black horns that curve backward and grow to 35-50 cm (14-20 in) long. Springboks were once one of the most hunted animals in South Africa. Dutch farmers killed enormous numbers because they ruined crops. Today, most live within game preserves. Amazingly, Springboks can live without drinking water for years! They survive by selecting various leaves, flowers, and other succulent vegetation high in moisture. They will graze and browse, and their diet varies seasonally. Springboks are preyed on by lions, cheetahs, and other big predators. When threatened or startled, Springboks display a unique defense tactic known as “pronking.” They leap straight into the air up to 2 m (6.6 ft) off the ground in a stiff-legged position with their tail up and back arched. This is believed to startle and throw off predators. Thankfully, predators don’t seem to impact this species’ population too severely. They are one of the few antelope species that are believed to be increasing. Southern Bushbuck Tragelaphus sylvaticus They are light brown with up to seven white stripes on their backs, white splotches on their sides, and often some white on their ears, chins, tails, legs, necks, and muzzles. Males have horns with a single twist up to 0.5 m (1.64 ft) long. Bushbucks are one of the least social antelopes in South Africa. Unlike many of their relatives that move about in herds, Southern Bushbucks are solitary animals. However, they aren’t aggressive towards each other and will sometimes forage in close proximity. Bushbucks only come together to mate and then go their separate ways. Females hide their young and go to great lengths to keep them hidden. When they visit their calves, they go so far as to eat their dung to keep the scent from attracting predators. Side-striped Jackal Lupulella adusta They are heavily built and have shorter legs and ears than other jackal species. Coloration is buff-gray with a darker gray back and a blackish tail with a white or almost silver tip. Look for these mammals in moist habitats in South Africa. Side-striped Jackals live in swamps, marshes, humid savannas, and wooded areas up to 2,700 m (8,800 ft) above sea level. They’re strictly nocturnal, so they can be hard to spot, but you may hear them calling out at night. These canines are incredibly vocal creatures that make various noises, including yipping to communicate with other jackals, screaming when threatened or wounded, and an owl-like hoot, which sets them apart from other jackal species. Side-striped jackal. (2023, September 6). In Wikipedia. Side-striped Jackals are omnivorous scavengers. While their diet varies with location and season, they commonly feed on insects, small vertebrates, fruit, carrion, and plant material. They occasionally kill small prey like rats or birds but spend the most time feeding on the leftovers from other large predators. Sadly, massive trapping and poisoning efforts have damaged the population of these animals. Side-striped Jackals have also been seriously impacted by rabies and distemper epidemics. While they’re rare in much of their range, they are not endangered and have been given some protection at national parks. Warthog Phacochoerus africanus Warthogs have disproportionately large heads with thick protective pads (“warts”) on the sides of their heads, two upper tusks that protrude from their snout, and sharp lower tusks. Sparse bristles cover their body, with manes of longer bristles down the top of their head and spine. A tuft of long hairs at the end of their tail. Warthogs live in various habitats in South Africa, including wooded savannas, grass steppes, and semideserts. But their lack of body fat and fur means they need certain landscape features to help them regulate their body temperatures. Common warthog. (2023, July 27). In Wikipedia. For example, they use wet areas called “wallows” to cool off in the mud when the temperature is hot. In cool temperatures, they go inside burrows to stay warm. They fill these holes with grass and use them as shelter and insulation from the hot sun and cold temperatures. Warthogs have some interesting feeding adaptations. They often kneel on their calloused, padded front knees when feeding on grass. They also use their strong, blunt snouts and tusks to dig up and eat tubers, bulbs, and roots. Suni Nesotragus moschatus Identifying Characteristics: Adults are 30-43 cm (12-17 in) tall at the shoulder. They may vary in color from gray to rich chestnut with a reddish tinge with paler underparts, and each leg has a black band above the hoof. Adult males have wide-set, black, ringed horns, which slant backward and measure 8–13 cm (3–5 in) long. These antelopes in South Africa are small but MIGHTY! They live in high-altitude forests that many other animals can’t tolerate. This helps Suni’s stay away from predators because their small size makes them an easy target for carnivores. Their coloring helps camouflage them in dense foliage as well. In addition to their inhospitable habitat, Suni are excellent at maintaining their diet through tough conditions. They eat fallen leaf litter and follow monkeys to feed on the fruit that they drop! Sunis don’t need to live near a fresh water source because all the water they need comes from their food. If a Suni does encounter a predator, their first instinct is to freeze when threatened. When this fails, they will quickly leap away through the underbrush in hopes of escaping larger animals. They tend to be shy and secretive, active in the early morning, late evening, and night. Straw-coloured Fruit Bat Eidolon helvum Wingspans up to 30 inches (76 cm). They have yellowish-brown necks and backs and tawny olive or brownish undersides. Large, narrow wings, long, pointed faces, large eyes, and widespread ears. Straw-colored Fruit Bats are the second largest African species of fruit bat. They are often called “flying foxes” for their large size, dog-like faces, widespread ears, and big eyes. These big bats are social animals in South Africa that live in large colonies of 100,000 to 10,000,000 individuals! While they are often active during the day, they mostly feed at night, leaving the colony in small groups to search for food in nearby forests. Straw-colored Fruit Bat Range Map Straw-coloured fruit bat. (2022, November 21). In Wikipedia. Unlike many of the smaller insectivorous bat species you may be familiar with, Straw-colored Fruit Bats are herbivores. When they find fruit, Straw-colored Fruit Bats grab it using their large thumbs and hold it to eat. Unlike most bats, Straw-colored Fruits Bats don’t use echolocation to navigate the skies. They rely upon their keen sense of smell and eyesight. Steenbok Raphicerus campestris They are reddish-fawn with a white throat and belly, large white-lined ears, and sharp hooves. Males have vertical horns that grow 7–19 cm (3-7.5 in) long. Steenboks are one of the smallest antelopes in South Africa! They prefer to live in open areas that offer some cover in the form of grasses or sparse trees. They’re herbivorous but don’t just graze like some antelopes. Steenboks will use their sharp hooves to dig up roots and tubers. They get most of the moisture they need from their food, so you may find them far from fresh water. Due to their small size, Steenboks must be on high alert for predators. If they sense danger, their first instinct is to freeze and lie low in dense vegetation, but if they still feel threatened, they will run and sometimes try to hide in aardvark burrows! Steenbok. (2023, August 21). In Wikipedia. You’ll usually see Steenboks by themselves or in pairs. The males are territorial and solitary, remaining in their territory for life. Males and females only come together to mate. Sable Antelope Hippotragus niger Adult males are black, adult females are chestnut, and all adults typically have white eyebrow markings, cheek stripes, bellies, and rump patches. Both sexes have horns that arch backward, but the horns of females are generally 61–102 cm (24–40 in) long, while males’ horns may reach 81–165 cm (32–65 in). These stunning animals in South Africa prefer mixtures of savanna, open woodlands, and grasslands. They tend to avoid extensive areas of open land. Researchers believe that their food preferences dictate their somewhat limited habitat. Sable Antelopes prefer grasses at specific heights and only graze during certain seasons in a highly specific feeding pattern. They also require water at least every other day. You will rarely spot this species far from a river or watering hole. Interestingly, Sable Antelopes will chew on bones to ingest important minerals they can’t get from grass. Sable antelope. (2023, May 3). In Wikipedia. Despite their calm appearance, these antelope are impressive fighters with few natural predators besides humans. Their formidable size and abilities make even lions think twice about taking on adults. However, the young are susceptible to predation from various species. To help protect against predators, Sable Antelopes typically live in herds of 15 to 25 members. The herds with females, their young, and one dominant male will rally around all the young to protect them in case of an attack. Non-dominant males will also form bachelor herds until they are old enough to mate. African Savanna Elephant Loxodonta africana Also called the African Bush Elephant. Thick, gray, creased skin, muscular trunks, and large triangular ears shaped a bit like the African continent. Both sexes have thick, curved ivory tusks. The African Savanna Elephant is the biggest land animal in South Africa (and the world). It is also the largest of the three elephant species (Forest and Asian). Due to their size, an elephant’s most significant requirement is food. They spend most of their time eating, and a single individual may eat 350 pounds (158 kg) of vegetation daily. Today, these magnificent creatures are restricted to preserves, but in the past, they would migrate hundreds of miles annually, moving from high to low elevations with food availability. Savanna Elephant Range Map African bush elephant. (2023, August 17). In Wikipedia. As you probably know, one of the most unique features of elephants is their trunks. Their trunks contain over 40,000 muscles and two sensitive finger-like projections on the tip, allowing them to handle small objects or pick up as much as 400 pounds (181 kg)! They can also use their trunks to breathe, drink water, or blow water onto their backs to cool themselves. The females have a 22-month gestation period, the longest among mammals, and give birth to a single calf, which the whole herd helps to raise. Elephants are considered ecosystem engineers because of their many impacts. For example, they dig in dry riverbeds in the dry season, creating watering holes with their tusks, which other animals rely upon. And as they move through the landscape, they create large pathways for other species to follow. They also rip up small trees and open areas for other grazers like zebras. Lastly, their dung also spreads seeds from several important plant species. Rusty-spotted Genet Genetta maculata They have slender bodies, long tails, and short legs. Coloration is yellowish-gray with rust-colored to black spots, a continuous dark line down their backs, and dark rings around their tails. Look for these cat-like animals in South Africa at night. Rusty-spotted Genets are small omnivores closely related to mongooses. They’re nocturnal and solitary but occasionally hunt or live in pairs. They LOVE to eat rodents, which means they’re frequently spotted around cultivated fields where mice and similar species feed. Side-striped jackal. (2023, September 6). In Wikipedia. These mammals are semi-arboreal, meaning they spend much of their time in the trees and prefer to live in densely forested areas. They sleep during the day and use densely vegetated tree branches, aardvark burrows, or rock crevices as shelter. As you might expect, they have excellent climbing skills! You may be able to spot a Rusty-spotted Genet right now on our LIVE animal camera from South Africa . They are often seen at night visiting the feeding station. Rock Hyrax Procavia capensis Also called Dassie, Cape hyrax, Rock Rabbit, and Coney. Short snouts, cleft upper lips, stout legs, short ears, and rubber-like soles on their feet. They are brownish-gray with creamy undersides, long black whiskers, and a black patch of hair on their back. These small animals may look like rodents in South Africa, but their closest living relatives are actually elephants and manatees! As their name suggests, they live in rocky, scrub-covered areas. Rock Hyrax have several adaptions that allow them to move about skillfully on steep, rocky surfaces. First, Rock Hyrax feet soles are rubber-like and kept moist by a glandular secretion. And second, their feet also have a depression in the center that acts a bit like a suction cup. Rock Hyrax Range Map Rock hyrax. (2023, June 9). In Wikipedia. Rock Hyraxes usually live in colonies called “kopjes,” ranging from 5 to 60 individuals. Usually, these groups are made of a male, several females, and their young. Interestingly, Rock Hyrax colonies usually urinate and defecate in a common restroom. This habit causes a build-up of calcium carbonate from the urine, turning the cliffs where they live white. In the past, African tribes and Europeans collected the calcium carbonate crystals for medicine to treat epilepsy, hysteria, and other injuries and ailments. Roan Antelope Hippotragus equinus They are reddish-brown with lighter undersides, black faces, and white eyebrows, cheeks, and around the nose. They have short, erect manes, light beards, and red nostrils, and both sexes have ringed horns that sweep backward. Roan Antelopes are one of the largest animals in South Africa! Look for these large ruminants in lightly wooded savannas with medium or tall grass and access to water. They feed in the morning and evening and retreat to shaded areas in the middle of the day, so you’ll need to rise early to observe them. Unlike many antelopes, healthy adult Roan Antelopes are formidable opponents to most predators. They don’t flee like many animals. Instead, they face down even the most fearsome predators, like lions. They’re known to gore attacking lions with their long, scimitar-like horns. Roan antelope. (2023, March 1). In Wikipedia. These fierce creatures don’t travel alone either, instead living in mixed herds of about 20 animals, including females, young, and one dominant bull. Less dominant bachelor males tend to form their own groups. Being a herd animal is one more way these animals discourage attacks. Roan Antelopes are currently listed as lower risk but conservation dependent by the IUCN. Their populations have rapidly declined in recent years due to hunting and poaching, habitat deterioration and loss, and slaughter as part of tsetse fly control efforts. Plains Zebra Equus quagga Zebras are boldly striped, with some populations tending to have more narrow, defined striping. They have upright ears with rounded tips, erect manes, tufts at the ends of their tails, relatively short legs, convex heads, and somewhat concave nose profiles. The Plains Zebra is probably the most recognized animal found in South Africa! Even the youngest children can identify their black and white coats. Interestingly, the exact coat pattern is unique to the individual, just like a fingerprint. As their name suggests, Plains Zebras prefer open terrain and spend most of their time in open savannas, grasslands, woodlands, and scrublands. Typically, zebras move about these areas in social groups called harems, consisting of one dominant stallion (male) and several females and their offspring. Plains Zebra Range Map Plains zebra. (2023, August 22). In Wikipedia. When threatened, Plains Zebras will often form a semi-circle. The stallion will attempt to protect his harem and may charge their two most common predators, Lions and Spotted Hyenas. Adults are fast animals, capable of running 40 miles per hour (64 kmh) to escape when necessary. To help avoid predation, newborn foals are incredibly well-developed when born. Unbelievably, they can STAND within 15 minutes and can run after an hour! Then, after a week, they are already feeding on grass, even though they aren’t fully weaned until 7 to 11 months old. Nyala Tragelaphus angasii Identifying Characteristics: Adults are 90-110 cm (35-43 in) tall at the shoulder. Females are a rusty red color, while males are slate gray, and both sexes have some white stripes and spots that vary with the individual. Both sexes have a dorsal crest of hair running from the back of the head to the base of the tail. Males also have spiraling horns up to 60–83 cm (24–33 in) long. Nyalas are one of the oldest antelope species in South Africa! These amazing animals emerged as a separate species at the end of the Miocene era, close to six million years ago! They live in savannas and woodlands, always within close proximity to freshwater sources. They’re mainly active in the morning and late afternoon when they browse and graze on grasses, twigs, fruit, and tree leaves. They’re clever, too, sometimes following baboons to eat the fruits and leaves that they dislodge from trees. Interestingly, Nyalas are among the few species that benefit from poor agricultural practices. Overgrazing by cattle usually encourages weeds to grow, and these plants are some of their favorite things to eat! Large carnivores are a major concern for these antelopes. When they feel threatened, they give a deep barking alarm call that warns other Nyalas in the area. Nyalas listen closely to other animals, too, and react to the alarm calls of impala, baboons, and kudu. Nile Crocodile Crocodylus niloticus Adults are 2.8-3.5 m (9-11.5 ft) long. Coloration is dark olive to gray-olive with yellowish bellies, but young individuals may be more greenish or brown with darker crossbands on their bodies and tails. They have long, sturdy tails, long, powerful jaws, stout legs, and thick, scaly, heavily armored skin. The Nile Crocodile is the largest reptile in South Africa. These creatures have a nasty reputation as man-eaters, and it isn’t entirely undeserved. Nile Crocodiles are indiscriminate carnivores that feed on whatever they can catch, and because their habitat often overlaps with human settlements, run-ins happen. Although the data can be unreliable, some reports indicate that Nile Crocodiles kill about 200 people annually. These intimidating carnivores are patient, agile ambush predators. They will feed on nearly any prey that comes into range and may swallow it whole or rip it apart. Their conical teeth and strong jaws give them a uniquely powerful bite with a grip that’s nearly impossible to loosen. As if that weren’t enough, these incredible predators can swim at 30-35 kph (19-22 mph) and remain underwater for up to 30 minutes. During mating season, males attract females to their territory by bellowing, slapping their snouts in the water, blowing water out of their noses, and making other noises. In areas with high populations of males, they sometimes get into physical altercations over females, especially if they’re similar in size. These altercations aren’t common but can be quite a spectacle to witness! Lion Panthera leo They have short, tawny coats, white undersides, and long tails with black tufts at the ends. Males have manes, while females do not. Lions are probably the most famous animal found in South Africa. Though intimidating, lions aren’t very effective hunters on their own. Instead, lions usually hunt in groups, called prides, to take down large herbivores like zebras, impalas, gazelles, wildebeests, giraffes, and cape buffalo. Tommyknocker, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Lions live in groups called prides, which range from 2-40 individuals, though they are rarely all together at once. Female pride members are all related, as females don’t leave their mother’s territories. Females don’t have a dominance hierarchy and instead work together to find food and care for each other’s cubs. On the other hand, males are generally forced out of their father’s territory at about 2.5 years of age, roam for two to three years, and then attempt to take over their own pride by seriously injuring or killing the current leaders. While we often picture one male as the “king,” male lions sometimes form coalitions of 2-4 males to take over a pride. These coalitions are often brothers, and the larger the coalition, the longer they’ll be able to reign over their pride. While they don’t have natural predators, lions are still susceptible to starvation and human attacks. Their worldwide populations have declined significantly throughout their range. Sadly, some subspecies of lions are critically endangered, while others are already extinct. Leopard Panthera pardus Identifying Characteristics: They have relatively short heads and long bodies, broad heads, small round ears, and long whiskers. Adults may be tawny, light yellow, reddish-orange, or black, and they often have black rosettes on their faces and bodies and black rings on their tails. Leopards have the most varied coloring of any animal in South Africa. In fact, individuals’ coat coloring is so unique it can be used to identify individuals like fingerprints. Their color patterns help these carnivores to remain camouflaged in various habitats. This excellent camouflage is essential as leopards are ambush predators. They approach prey while remaining hidden, crouched low to the ground, and then pounce before the animal can react. These big cats have tremendous strength and can tackle prey up to ten times their own weight! Leopard. (2023, August 29). In Wikipedia. Leopards are some of the most athletic wildlife you will find in South Africa. They can swim, climb trees and descend from them head first, run at bursts of 60 kph (36 mph), and jump 6 m (20 ft) horizontally and 3 m (10 ft) vertically. This is one carnivore that would break every record in gym class! 🙂 Sadly, leopard populations are declining due to habitat loss, range fragmentation, and hunting. Today, they are listed as near threatened on the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species. Klipspringer Oreotragus oreotragus Adults are stocky with short necks and bodies, large hindquarters, large rounded ears, and sometimes short, straight horns. Their coats may be yellow and speckled with brown, bright golden-yellow, or gray and dull, with each individual hair being light at the base and dark towards the tip. Look for these animals in the arid, rocky hills of South Africa. To make life in these rocky regions a bit easier, Klipspringers have specially adapted feet. The last joints of their toes are rotated so that they walk on the tips of their hooves. The rocks wear the hooves down into cylindrical shapes well-suited for balancing on the rocks. Klipspringer. (2023, January 18). In Wikipedia. These unique little creatures are also monogamous to a greater extent than most other antelopes. A pair will mark and defend a territory together, with males performing dominance displays and butting heads. Females are a bit aggressive, too, and may bite and rip out each other’s fur. Klipspringers are usually most active in the morning and evening. One of the pair, usually the male, will stand guard while the other feeds. They are preyed on by many large predators and have to remain constantly alert. Impala Aepyceros melampus They have reddish-brown hair on the upper parts of their bodies, and the undersides of their bellies, chins, lips, inside ears, the line over the eye, and tails are white. Look for these well-known animals in South Africa in grasslands and savannas. While Impala are predominantly grazers, especially when the grass is lush and abundant, they switch to shrubs, trees, and other plants as needed. They’re ruminants, meaning they have multi-chambered stomachs and regurgitate and chew their food, called cud, multiple times to get the most nutrients possible. Impala. (2023, July 30). In Wikipedia. Impalas share their grassland and woodland habitats with many large, capable predators, so they must stay alert and ready to make a quick escape! Impalas leap in random directions when they sense danger and run quickly to startle their enemies. They’re incredibly athletic and may jump up to 10 ft (3.5 m) in the air! To avoid being grabbed, Impalas often kick their back feet up as they land on just their front legs. Calves are the most susceptible to predation, harsh weather conditions, and illness. Thankfully, female Impalas have some incredible strategies to care for their young. For example, they can delay giving birth for up to one month if weather conditions are harsh. They also typically give birth around mid-day when most predators are sleeping. Honey Badger Mellivora capensis Identifying Characteristics: Adults are 55–77 cm (22–30 in) long. They have stocky bodies, large heads, small eyes, strong, wide forefeet, small hind feet with short claws, muscular necks and shoulders, and thick, loose skin. Their color varies with subspecies, but generally, their lower half is black, and they have an upper mantle of gray or bright white. Honey Badgers are one of the toughest animals in South Africa! They have a reputation for living anywhere, eating anything, and surviving no matter what. Honey badger. (2023, August 7). In Wikipedia. Their diet is as varied as their habitat. Honey Badgers are opportunistic foragers whose menu changes with the season and prey availability. They frequently prey on snakes, birds, eggs, frogs, and small rodents. As their name suggests, they’re also known for raiding honey bee hives to eat the larvae and honey inside. Hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius Adult males weigh up to 9,920 pounds (4,500 kg), while adult females average 3000 pounds (1,360 kg). They’re typically purple or slate gray, brownish pink around their ears and eyes, and covered in sparse, thin hair. Hippos are the LARGEST animal in South Africa you will find in freshwater! In fact, the Hippopotamus is the third largest land animal alive today, after the Elephant and the White Rhinoceros! Hippos have unique skin that needs to be wet most of the day, meaning they spend most of their time submerged in shallow lakes, rivers, and swamps. But despite their aquatic lifestyle, Hippos can’t actually swim! They are just walking on the bottom when you see them in water. Hippopotamus Range Map Hippopotamus. (2023, August 25). In Wikipedia. At night, Hippos typically leave the water to feed to avoid the sun. They mainly feed on short grasses near the water but sometimes travel miles for food, using their acute sense of smell for dropped fruit. These big mammals may look cute, but beware, Hippos are one of the most aggressive and dangerous mammals alive, particularly the dominant males. They clash with anything in their territory, including other hippos, humans boating, and predators. Hippos have HUGE, sharp canines that grow continuously and may reach 20 inches (51 cm) in length! Hartebeest Alcelaphus buselaphus Deeply sloping backs, long legs, long, narrow snouts, tufted tails, and large glands below their eyes. Their coloring varies, may be pale brown to brownish gray, and both sexes have dark, oddly shaped horns. Look for these animals in grasslands and savannas in South Africa. Hartebeests are almost entirely grazers; their diet is never less than 80% grass. Their odd, long snout may look funny, but it enhances their chewing ability, allowing them to gain more nutrition from poor-quality food. Hartebeest. (2023, August 21). In Wikipedia. The map above shows the ranges of the different Hartebeest subspecies. Hartebeests are usually rather sedentary animals that often appear to be relaxing, but don’t let their casual appearance fool you. They are alert and cautious. Hartebeests always have a sentinel watching for predators. When danger is spotted, the herd will bolt away as a group. Greater Kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros Their coloring ranges from reddish-brown to blue-gray, with 6 to 10 stripes down their back and black-tipped tails with white undersides. Males have beards and large horns with two and a half twists that can grow as long as 120 cm (47 in). This species is one of the biggest animals in South Africa! Greater Kudus are tall and large with impressive horns. These graceful creatures can easily clear obstacles up to 2.5 m (8 ft) tall and run up to 100 kph (62 mph). Greater Kudus are social and surprisingly vocal animals. You may hear them make whimpers, bleats, barks, grunts, and hums. The females stay together in groups of up to 25 with their offspring, and the males gather in small herds of 2-10. Males and females only come together to mate. Greater kudu. (2023, September 6). In Wikipedia. The map above shows the ranges of the different Greater Kudu subspecies. The females give birth during the rainy season when the grass is high, essential for keeping the calves hidden from predators. The calves remain hidden for the first four weeks of their lives before they can join the herd. During this time, their mother will only visit to nurse them to avoid attracting attention from predators. Gemsbok Oryx gazella Identifying Characteristics: Adults are about 1.2 m (4 ft) at the shoulder. They are typically light taupe to tan in color with lighter patches towards the bottom of their rump. Black markings extend from the base of the horns and sweep back in stripes over the eyes and cheeks, continuing down their necks and backs. They have black bands around all four legs. Both sexes have slightly curved black horns with light-colored rings that average 85 cm (33 in) long. Gemsboks are some of the most-hunted antelope in South Africa. They are prized by hunters for their long, curved horns, which are often turned into trophies or other ornamental objects. Although they’re a species of least concern on the IUCN Red List , there have been large declines in several parts of their range. They’re most susceptible to hunting, climate change, habitat destruction, and livestock overgrazing. Oddly, you can also find these unique creatures in parts of North America . The New Mexico Department of Fish and Game introduced a herd to the Tularose Basin between 1969 and 1977. Today, scientists estimate their current North American population at around 3,000 individuals, and an unknown number have also spread north into the San Andres Wildlife Refuge and the Jornada Biosphere Reserve. Common Eland Tragelaphus oryx Females are usually much smaller than males. They are a uniform fawn color with some vertical white striping on their upper parts. Both sexes have long dewlaps, short manes, and corkscrew horns that are 43–66 cm (17–26 in) long. Elands are incredibly large animals found in South Africa. But they are relatively slow compared to other wildlife, only running at speeds up to 32 kph (20 mph). However, they can jump nearly 1 m (3 ft) into the air. They are one of the world’s most adaptable ruminants and can survive in deserts, grasslands, and mountainous areas. Elands have another feature that sets them apart: a weird sound that lets you know they’re near. When walking, the tendons and joints in their front legs produce sharp clicking sounds that can be heard from a distance. Scientists believe that these sounds may help an Eland advertise their territory. Common eland. (2023, August 15). In Wikipedia. Elands are generally social creatures and may form large herds of up to 500 individuals. Typically, these larger herds are mostly females and their young, while males tend to roam by themselves or in small groups. Males often fight for mates, and females tend to select the most dominant males to breed with. Cheetah Acinonyx jubatus Identifying Characteristics: Relatively long legs, small, rounded heads, and short ears. Their coloration is yellowish with a white or light tan underside, small black spots, and dark rings terminating in a white tip on the end of their tail. As you probably know, Cheetahs are the FASTEST animal in South Africa (and the world). Unlike most other big cats, Cheetahs do not stalk their prey. Instead, they use their incredible speed (80-130 kph, or 50-80 mph) to charge. However, they can only maintain this speed for short distances. Cheetahs are solitary except during mating. The cubs are cared for solely by their mother. When they’re young, the female will hide the cubs in tall vegetation, rocky outcrops, or marshy areas while she hunts, occasionally carrying them to new hiding spots. Once they are old enough to fend for themselves, the mother goes back to her solitary lifestyle until mating again. Cheetah. (2023, September 6). In Wikipedia. When a Cheetah overtakes its prey, it strangles its target by squeezing its neck in its jaw. They feed mostly on gazelles but also consume impalas, hares, and birds. Interestingly, most hunts are unsuccessful, and they work much harder than other big cats to get a meal. Cheetahs are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Researchers have found they have little genetic diversity, which leaves them susceptible to disease and environmental changes. Despite this, some countries still allow Cheetahs to be hunted, and they are sometimes persecuted for livestock losses. Caracal Caracal caracal Coloration is red to brown with white undersides adorned with many small spots and black facial markings. They have robust builds, disproportionately long, muscular back legs, short faces, long tufted ears, and short tails. These animals are nearly impossible to spot in South Africa. Caracals are nocturnal and generally very secretive. These medium-sized cats live in a range of habitats, including plains, rocky hills, scrub forests, woodlands, and thickets. They love edge habitats, especially the transition between forest and grasslands. Caracals are highly athletic, capable carnivores that can take down prey three times their size. They’re also known for their incredible bird-snaring leaps into the air. To hunt, they rely on stealth to get close to prey and then pounce on it, using their muscular back legs. Caracal. (2023, September 4). In Wikipedia. They’re also perfectly capable of avoiding predation. When they sense a threat, they often lie flat and use their coloring to blend in with the ground and go unnoticed. They’re also agile climbers that can escape lions and other large predators by climbing into trees. If all else fails, they’re known to chase off predators twice their size. Unfortunately, the one predator they can’t go up against is humans. Farmers and ranchers frequently kill them for feeding on small livestock. Cape Porcupine Hystrix africaeaustralis Covered with bristly hairs and quills that they can erect. Long whiskers and hollow spines on their tail, which rattle when they shake. The Cape Porcupine is the largest rodent in South Africa! These formidable animals are most commonly seen at night and usually live in wooded areas with plenty of vegetation and rocky outcrops. They need shelter and frequently seek out crevices, caves, or antbear dens. They will build dens up to 65 feet (20m) long if none are available. Cape Porcupine Range Map Cape porcupine. (2023, June 23). In Wikipedia. Despite looking a bit clumsy, Cape Porcupines are formidable opponents for most predators. If approached by a lion, hyena, or other meat-eater, they freeze and lift the sharp quills running down their back, making them appear twice their size. They give other warning signs, too, by rattling their tails, hissing, and snorting. Bush Duiker Sylvicapra grimmia Adults only grow up to 50 cm (20 in) tall. They vary in color and may be chestnut, silvery gray, or light brown, with an erect tuft of hair on the top of their head. Males have small, spike-like horns up to 11 cm (4.3 in) long with grooves at the base. Bush Duikers are the smallest antelopes in South Africa! These little animals will adapt to various habitats and live in woodlands, savannas, grasslands, and mountainous areas. They inhabit higher altitudes than any other African ungulate. To help live in these inhospitable conditions, they consume insects and have occasionally been observed stalking and eating birds, rodents, lizards, and frogs. Bush Duikers are territorial and form monogamous pairs. Both sexes will use threat displays to drive other Duikers of the same sex out of their territory. If these displays fail, battles may ensue! Females will head-butt other females, and males may fight, chase, and stab each other with their horns. The lifespan of Bush Duikers in the wild is unknown, but they have lived up to 14 years in captivity. This species is listed as one of least concern on the IUCN Red List . Brown Hyena Parahyaena brunnea They have heavily built necks, shoulders, chests, and heads. Short brushy tails, large pointed ears, noticeably larger hind feet, and longer forelegs than hind legs, giving them a sloping appearance. They have long, shaggy hair that’s usually dark brown to black on their body and tan on the shoulders and neck and striped legs. Look for this predator in semi-arid regions of South Africa. Brown Hyenas can live in drier areas than some of their relatives because they consume fruit with high water content when fresh water sources aren’t available. While this is a great adaption, it also puts them at odds with melon farmers seeking to protect their crops. These canines protect themselves from heat by hunting nocturnally and taking shelter during the day. They build dens in sandy areas near rocks or vegetation, which helps provide shade. Brown hyena. (2023, August 21). In Wikipedia. Brown Hyenas may form clans or remain solitary, but all adults look for food alone. They don’t usually hunt live prey, instead using their keen sense of smell to locate carrion. However, they will go after birds and small mammals if a good opportunity presents itself. Brown Hyenas have decreasing populations and are listed as near threatened on the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species. They are often killed by farmers who blame them for crop and livestock losses. This is sad because they almost never prey on livestock since they are primarily scavengers. Serval Leptailurus serval Identifying Characteristics: They have the longest ears and legs in the cat family relative to their size. They have a coppery, golden-yellow, or buff coat with some white on their faces and undersides, black tail and ear tips, black rings on their tail, and various black stripes and spots on their bodies. Servals are some of the most playful wildlife you will find in South Africa! They have a kitten-like personality. Both young and adult Servals sometimes play with their food like domestic cats. They may throw animals into the air or let them scurry away before catching them again. They hunt by using their large ears and acute hearing to locate prey, sometimes remaining motionless for up to 15 minutes while they listen. Servals can pounce on prey from more than 4m (13 ft) away! These athletic cats have also been observed jumping 1.5 m (5 ft) into the air after birds. Serval. (2023, August 27). In Wikipedia. Servals are solitary creatures that spend most of their time in reed beds and grasslands but will also roam through thickets, forest brush, streams, and marshes. They’re crepuscular, spending most of their time hunting in the morning and evening, though Servals living close to human populations often become nocturnal to avoid people. Bontebok/Blesbok Damaliscus pygargus They are chocolate brown with black tails, white undersides, white stripes from their foreheads to the tips of their noses, and a white patch surrounding their tails. Both sexes have large, dark-colored, noticeably ringed, curving horns. The horns can reach a length of 0.5 m (1.64 ft). These animals are some of the easiest to spot in South Africa! They have a striking color pattern, with rich brown fur and a large white patch on the front of the head. Their curved, ringed horns add another level of glamor to their appearance. Males are territorial and fiercely guard harems of females and young year-round. They will attempt to intimidate other males by stamping their feet, digging up the soil with their horns, and swinging their heads. If their intimidation tactics fail, things may get violent. Males clash their horns and occasionally catch each other on the sides or head, which can be deadly. In the early 1900s, Bonteboks came within a hair’s breadth of extinction! In 1931, only 17 Bonteboks remained in the wild! Thankfully, these 17 were conserved, and Bontebok National Park was created. Today, their population ranges from 2,500 to 3,000 individuals descended from those original 17 animals. However, Bonteboks remain listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List . Black Rhinoceros Diceros bicornis Hairless except for their ears. Typically gray but may vary from yellow-brown to dark brown. They have two horns, short, rounded ears, and hooked or pointed upper lips. Black Rhinos are distinguished from White Rhinos by their hooked upper lip, which is flat in White Rhinos. This distinguishing feature is due to their different diets. White Rhinos are grazers feeding primarily on grass, while Black Rhinos are browsers, and their hooked lips help them pull leaves from trees and bushes. Black Rhinos will inhabit woodlands, forests, wetlands, and semidesert savannas. Good food sources are one of the most essential features of their habitat, as they need areas with plenty of shrubs and woody plants, water sources, and mineral licks. Black Rhino Range Map Black rhinoceros. (2023, June 25). In Wikipedia. Adults have NO natural predators due to their large size, deadly horns, and thick skin. Despite being aggressively defended by their mother, calves, and juveniles are sometimes preyed upon by lions and crocodiles. These incredible animals are classified as “critically endangered” in South Africa due to habitat loss and poaching. Black-backed Jackal Lupulella mesomelas They have a fox-like appearance with slender bodies, long legs, large ears, and bushy tails. They are reddish-brown to tan with a black saddle that has a mix of silver hair and black tail tips. Unlike many other animals in South Africa, Black-backed Jackals are noisy! These fox-like canines are highly vocal, making various sounds, including yelling, yelping, woofing, whining, growling, and cackling. They use sounds to advertise their presence and territory and express alarm and excitement. These opportunistic omnivores eat anything they can find. They take small prey like insects, small mammals, and young antelopes but will also go after larger species if the animal is wounded or sick. In coastal areas, Black-backed Jackals will consume seals, fish, and shorebirds. Black-backed jackal. (2023, September 6). In Wikipedia. Throughout the 1800s and 1900s, there were several attempts to eradicate Black-backed Jackals through hunting, poisoning, gas, and trapping, but they were all unsuccessful. These resourceful creatures have learned to regurgitate poisoned bait or avoid it altogether. Bat-eared Fox Otocyon megalotis Coloration is yellow-brown with pale throats and underparts. Black outer ears, raccoon-like face masks, lower legs, feet, and tail tips. They have relatively short legs, huge ears, and more molars than other canids. Look for these small animals in the arid grasslands and savannas of South Africa. Named for their enormous ears, these interesting-looking foxes prefer areas with short grass. They live in large dens with long tunnels and several entrances, and they have multiple dens within their territory. Bat-eared fox. (2023, September 7). In Wikipedia. Bat-eared Foxes arrange their schedule by the weather. In the summertime, they’re mostly nocturnal to avoid the heat of the day, while during colder weather, they sleep at night. They spend much of their time feeding on insects and other arthropods. They often follow herds of wildebeest, zebra, and buffalo, which disturb the termites as they walk. Their dung also attracts dung beetles, which make a tasty treat. Their large ears allow them to hear insects even underground! African Wild Dog Lycaon pictus They have large, muscular legs, thin bodies, large, rounded ears, four toes on each foot, and blackish skin, which may show through where fur is sparse. Their coloring makes them appear painted in shades of yellow, white, brown, red, and black, with some black on their head and white on the tip of their tail. These canines live in savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands in South Africa. They’re widespread, social animals, often living in packs of up to 40 members. The pattern of colors on each African Wild Dog is unique to that individual, like a fingerprint. African wild dog. (2023, August 13). In Wikipedia. Like their wolf cousins, African Wild Dog packs are run by a dominant male and female pair. They have a complicated hierarchy that dictates their behavior, but the entire pack is incredibly nurturing toward one another. All members care for the pups once they’ve left the den, and pups may even nurse from other females. Upon returning from a hunt, all hunting pack members will regurgitate food for the puppies, old or sick dogs, and any adults unable to go on the hunt. African Wild Dogs are diurnal and do most of their hunting during the morning and evening. The alpha male usually leads the hunts. Once the pack locates prey, they chase it as a group. Chases may last several kilometers and reach speeds up to 56 kph (35 mph). African Wildcat Felis lybica Coloration varies and may be tawny brown, sandy yellow, reddish, or gray with faint tabby spots and stripes, banded legs, and reddish or rusty-brown on the backs of their ears. They have long legs, small ear tufts, and long, thin tails with rings near the end and black tips. You are looking at the ancestor of the domestic cat! African Wildcats are skillful hunters with incredible hearing. Once they’ve located prey, they slowly and sneakily approach it and pounce once they’re in range. They usually feed on mice, rats, and other small mammals. African wildcat. (2023, September 6). In Wikipedia. African Wildcats are most active at night. During the day, they tend to avoid the heat and rest under bushes or other shelter, although sometimes they can be observed out hunting on cloudy, overcast days. Additionally, when threatened, these cats raise their hair to make themselves seem larger and intimidate their opponents, similar to what we see in domestic cats. African Clawless Otter Aonyx capensis They have large heads, stout, tapered tails, partially webbed hind feet, long white whiskers on their cheeks, chin, and brows, and are clawless except for three grooming claws on each back foot. They have thick, shiny, dark brown coats with white markings on their upper lips, the sides of their faces, necks, throats, bellies, and lower ears. Otters are one of the most playful animals in South Africa! As a primarily aquatic species, you’ll almost always see African Clawless Otters around rivers and other freshwater habitats. They prefer areas with thick reed beds and shallow water because they don’t dive below 1.5 m (5 ft). African clawless otter. (2023, August 7). In Wikipedia. African Clawless Otters also spend time on land. They build dens with entrances above or below the water they share with other otters. They use their dens for giving birth, playing, eating, and resting. These creatures breed during the dry season, and the young otters are particularly fun to watch. They spend much of their time fighting, swimming, sliding on rocks, playing with food, and throwing pebbles into the water to dive and grab before reaching the bottom. Watching them is like a little circus show! African Civet Civettictis civetta They have large hindquarters, low heads, and short manes that extend down their backs. Coloration is silverish or cream with black or brown markings and spots, a black raccoon-like face mask, and white neck stripes. If you see this shy animal in South Africa, you might not know exactly what you’re looking at! African Civets are incredibly unique. They have similar features to raccoons and cats but aren’t related to either. Their large hindquarters and extended mane are dead giveaways that you have found an African Civet. African civet. (2023, August 31). In Wikipedia. These unusual-looking animals live in forested and open areas but need plenty of cover for hunting and hiding from larger animals. For example, in open areas, they require tall stands of grasses or thickets to shelter in during the daytime. African Civets are primarily nocturnal but occasionally move around during the morning or evening of cloudy days. They’re secretive and solitary except when they come together to breed. Aardwolf Proteles cristatus They have large pointed ears, slender skulls, thick manes that run from the back of their head to their tail, and longer forelegs than hind legs, giving them a sloping appearance. They have buff-yellow or dark brown fur with dark stripes on their bodies, horizontal dark stripes on their legs, and dark feet and tails. It’s easy to mistake this animal in South Africa for a hyena. Aardwolves are smaller than hyenas and have more defined stripes. However, their similarity is so uncanny that some researchers have suggested it may be a defense mechanism called Batesian mimicry . This trait, which is rare in mammals, is where one species mimics a more dangerous one in appearance. Aardwolf. (2023, August 26). In Wikipedia. Aardwolves don’t hunt large animals and are considered insectivores since they almost exclusively feed on insects. Their favorite food is termites, and they have specially adapted long, sticky tongues that help them lap up hundreds at a time. One Aardwolf can consume 300,000 termites in a single night! Aardwolves live in dry, open savannas and grasslands and spend most of their life either solitary or in pairs. During the daytime, they retreat into underground dens to escape the sun and heat. Despite being common and widespread, it’s rare to spot one since they’re nocturnal, shy, and secretive. Aardvark Orycteropus afer They have squared-off heads, long noses wider at the end, tapering tails, four-toed forefeet, five-toed hind feet, and massive bodies with muscular limbs. They have short hairs on their heads, necks, and tails and longer hair on their limbs that may be worn off in older individuals. Aardvarks might be the strangest-looking animal in South Africa! Aardvarks are highly specialized to forage for their favorite prey: ants and termites. Their large ears, long noses, and sticky tongues help them easily find, scoop, and eat these insects. Due to their highly specific prey preference, they avoid areas that flood or have hard, compacted, or rocky soil. Aardvark. (2023, August 23). In Wikipedia. When Aardvarks find an ant or termite mound, they dig rapidly into the side of it with sharp claws. Then, they sweep the ants and termites into their mouth with their long, sticky tongues. They don’t chew the insects but digest them in a gizzard-like stomach. The defenses ants and termites use, like stinging, biting, chemical defenses, and hard mounds, may work on other insectivores but are no match for Aardvarks. These odd-looking creatures have some equally odd methods of defending themselves. When threatened, Aardvarks will stand on their hind legs or lay on their backs to fight enemies with their large front claws. They also avoid predators and heat by building underground burrows, which they shelter in during the day. African Buffalo Syncerus caffer They are heavy, cow-like animals that are typically dark gray or black. Both sexes have heavy, ridged horns that go straight out from the head and curve downward, then up. African Buffalo are one of the most formidable animals in South Africa! They are widely regarded as dangerous and have few natural predators other than humans. Lions are the only carnivores that regularly hunt adults, but it is certainly not easy. Cheetahs, hyenas, leopards, and African wild dogs will only go after calves. Buffalo are known to defend themselves courageously against lions and will often fight off multiple individuals, chasing them until they jump into a tree. These large mammals are some of the most successful grazing wildlife found in South Africa. They live in a wide range of habitats so long as there is plenty of access to water and grass. You may spot them in semi-arid bushlands, savannas, lowland rainforests, grasslands, montane forests, and coastal savannas. This is one of my favorite videos to watch, and it shows the toughness of the African Buffalo. You must watch it to the end! The African Buffalo uses a safety-in-numbers approach to avoid predation, sometimes congregating in herds of thousands of animals. These large herds are critical to protecting young calves. Calves give low, mournful bellows if threatened, and their herd will come running to defend them! Wildlife in South Africa Several Big Five reserves protect the more charismatic large mammals associated with the African savannah. Foremost among these is the Kruger National Park and its abutting private reserves. Still, other key safari destinations include iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi, Madikwe, Pilanesberg, Addo Elephant National Park, and a variety of smaller and more exclusive private reserves. These premier reserves all support healthy lion, elephant, and buffalo populations. South Africa stands as the world’s most important stronghold for rhinos (around 90% of the global population of White rhinos and Black rhinos is concentrated there). At the same time, the private reserves bordering Kruger have few, if any, rivals when it comes to intimate leopard encounters. Other wildlife associated with these reserves includes African wild dogs, cheetahs, spotted hyenas, giraffes, zebra, warthogs, baboons, and Vervet monkeys. Leopards are elusive and shy animals so spotting one on safari is a magical experience The country supports around two dozen species of antelope, ranging from the outsized eland and stately spiral-horned greater kudu to the gregarious Blue wildebeest and impala and arid-country specialists such as gemsbok, springbok, and the diminutive forest-dwelling Red and Blue duikers. Several large mammal species are endemic to South Africa. The Black wildebeest and Blesbok are associated mainly with grassy habitats in the Highveld. At the same time, the Cape mountain zebra and bontebok are fynbos-dwellers more-or-less confined to the Western Cape. Marine wildlife is a strong feature of South Africa. The clifftop town of Hermanus offers the world’s finest land-based whale-watching, while other aquatic wildlife attractions range from caged shark dives at Mossel Bay and turtle-nesting excursions in iSimangaliso to the penguin colony at Cape Town’s Boulders Beach and dolphins that frequently visit many of the country’s bays. The African wild dog is one of the most endangered predators in Africa, but also the most efficient hunters in the bush South Africa is a key bird-watching destination . The national checklist comprises around 840 species and includes the world’s largest bird (ostrich) and what is reputedly its bulkiest flying species (kori bustard), along with a dazzling variety of bee-eaters, turacos, parrots, rollers, and waxbills. The iconic Mountain zebra in the Karoo National Park The national checklist comprises around 840 species and includes the world’s largest bird (ostrich) and what is reputedly its bulkiest flying species (kori bustard), along with a dazzling variety of bee-eaters, turacos, parrots, rollers, and waxbills. d several more are near-endemics with a range that extends a small way into Namibia and/or Botswana. A Southern right whale breaks the water near the coastal town of Hermanus in the Western Cape Avian variety is most significant in the southern summer (November-March) when several resident species assume a colorful breeding plumage and dozens of migrant species arrive from Europe or elsewhere in Africa. There are several sites in South Africa, most notably perhaps Kruger, where a moderately skilled birder could tick 100 species in a day. BACK TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE

FREE STATE Free State (province) The Free State (Sotho : Freistata; Afrikaans : Vrystaat [ˈfrɛistɑːt] ; Xhosa : iFreyistata; Tswana : Foreistata; Zulu : iFuleyisitata), formerly known as the Orange Free State, is a province of South Africa . Its capital is Bloemfontein , which is also South Africa 's judicial capital. Its historical origins lie in the Boer republic called the Orange Free State and later the Orange Free State Province . History Further information: Orange Free State The current borders of the province date from 1994 when the Bantustans were abolished and reincorporated into South Africa. It is also the only one of the four original provinces of South Africa not to undergo border changes, apart from the reincorporation of Bantustans, and its borders date from before the outbreak of the Boer War . The Free State is one of the nine provinces of South Africa and is centrally located. It represents 10.6% of the total land area of the country. It boasts wide horizons, blue skies, mountains and goldfields. The province covers an area of 129 464 km2 and is roughly the size of Nicaragua. In 2011, the province had a population of 2.7 million with four district municipalities and one metropolitan municipality. The Free State is situated on the flat, boundless plains in the centre of South Africa. It borders most of the other provinces, the exceptions being Limpopo and the Western Cape. To the east, it has an international boundary with Lesotho nestling in the hollow of its beanlike shape, and the escarpment separates it from the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. The Orange and Vaal rivers form the southern, western and most of the northern border and the last section of the north-eastern boundary is formed by the Klip River. The western part of the Free State consists of plains, with pans as primary hydrological feature. The eastern part is mountainous. The Maluti Mountains along the border are connected to the Drakensberg on the border with KwaZulu-Natal. The province consists mainly of grasslands with some Karoo vegetation in the south. Climate Almost uniformly at about 1,300m above sea level, the Free State climate is typical of the interior plateau with rain falling in summer, cold winters and lots of sunshine. Almost all precipitation falls in the summer months, with aridity increasing towards the west. Frost occurs throughout the region usually from May to early September in the west and up to early October in the east. To the north, the Vaal irrigation area nourishes the small assortment of farming towns below it, and the hue of the Free State countryside is often green. Areas in the east experience frequent snowfalls in winter, especially on the higher ranges, whilst the west can be extremely hot in summer. The south brings hot, dry summer days and long, cold winter nights. This semi-desert area also brings fluctuations of temperature from day to night. The west is warm and cold in equal measure, its inhabitants making use of the many man-made water recreation facilities to endure the heat as much as using heating facilities in winter’s low temperatures. Regions Regions The Fezile Dabi District is an important agricultural production area, mainly maize. The Vaal Dam is the main source of water and offers a wide variety of leisure facilities. Other attractions include the Vredefort Dome, which is the third largest meteorite site in the world, and San paintings. Sasolburg is the location of the country’s largest chemical and synthetic fuel plant. The Lejweleputswa District boasts goldfields and it is a major agricultural area. The district forms part of the larger Witwatersrand basin. The first gold was discovered in the early 1940s. Bothaville is one of the important maize centres in the country. The annual National Maize Production Organisation festival attracts more than 70 000 visitors and is the second largest private show in the world. The Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality contains the largest population and comprises mainly of open grassland, with mountains in the most eastern region. The main urban centre is Bloemfontein. The city is the trade and administrative hub of the Free State and boasts the provincial government and the seat of the Appeal Court of South Africa. It also has a rich history, which includes the establishment of the African National Congress in 1912 and the National Party in 1914. The Thabo Mofutsanyana District borders Lesotho to the east and has beautiful hills and fruit farms. The district is one of the most important tourism destinations due to spectacular scenic beauty of the Drakensberg and Maluti mountain ranges. Other attractions include the Golden Gate Highland Park, the annual cherry festival at Ficksburg, a Basotho cultural village in Maluti-a-Phofung, and Khoisan rock paintings. The Xhariep District is located in the south-west of the province and is a semi-arid area with extensive farming, mainly sheep. The district comprises open grasslands with small wide dispersed towns. The Xhariep Dam is one of the tourists’ attractions. It offers a variety of leisure facilities. Tourism The Free State lies at the heart of the country. The province disposes of inter alia 14 nature reserves with varying facilities; four large holiday resorts; 12 state dams with banks totalling some 760 km; numerous sports and outdoor opportunities; nine restored battlefields; some 12 000 tourist beds and a booming guesthouse industry. Each region offers its own unique tourism attractions; Mangaung Phillip Sanders and Maselspoort resorts near Bloemfontein Botanical Gardens, Naval Hill and Franklin Game Reserve Bloemfontein Zoo National Museum – huge collection of fossils and archaeological discoveries Women’s Memorial Monument Anglo-Boer War Museum SA Military Museum Freshford House Museum Waaihoek precinct, founding venue of the ANC Digareteneng (Place of curtains), built to coincide with the visit of King George V in 1952 Maphikela House has been declared as a national monument and named after Mr Thomas Maphikela who was the first Secretary-General of the ANC Dr Sebe James Moroka House historical site (Thaba Nchu) Sand Du Plessis Theatre Loch Logan Waterfront Mimosa Mall Shopping Complex Oliewenhuis Art Gallery President Brand Street -housing inter alia Appeal Court, Free State Legislature, Gen. CR de Wet Statue, City Hall, Afrikaans Literature Museum Fezile Dabi District Vredefort Dome World Heritage Site The Vredefort Dome World Heritage Site, declared a heritage site by UNESCO in 2005, came about in a matter of minutes an estimated 2 billion years ago when an asteroid that hit the earth, with the resultant rock formation today mainly between Parys, Vredefort and an adjacent part of North West Province spanning some 10 km in diameter. As such it is the largest known impact structure on earth. Eco-tourism at the Ghoya Africa conservancy situated on the R34 ± 12 km south of Heilbron en route to Edenville and the Francolin Creek Conservancy situated approximately 30 km east of Heilbron Two luxurious golf estates, private game ranches and nature reserves in the Parys region Deneysville at the Vaal Dam, hosts the biggest annual inland regatta, the Round the Island Race – on the 300 km² sprawling Vaal Dam. Lejweleputswa District Aventura Aldam Holiday Resort and Willem Pretorius Game Reserve NAMPO Harvest Farm near Bothaville Golden Arts & Crafts Scramble at Hennenman and Virginia Aco tractor factory near Hoopstad Voortrekker Monument at Winburg Gold Museum in the Welkom Library Underground mine tours Phakisa Racetrack Folk Dancing Monument at Boshof Thabo Mofutsanyane District Golden Gate National Highlands Park near Bethlehem Basotho Cultural Village at QwaQwa Seekoeivlei Nature Reserve near Memel constitutes a wetland with RAMSAR status is a bird-watching mecca Wolhuterskop Nature Reserve in Bethlehem Sterkfontein Dam Titanic Rock at the northern entrance of Clarens Bushman rock art at 27 farms near Fouriesburg Korannaberg Hiking Trail at Excelsior Mountain bike trails at Marquard Claerhout Art Gallery at Tweespruit Cherry Festival annually in November at Ficksburg Xhariep District Gariep Dam and resort Annual Equestrian Endurance event at Fauresmith Railroad tracks running through the centre of Fauresmith Landzicht Wine Cellar at Jacobsdal Open Mine Museum and mining hole at Jagersfontein Open Mine Museum at Koffiefontein Transgariep Museum and Laurens van der Post Memorial at Philippolis The ‘Little Gallery’ at Smithfield Gariep Dam The ‘Eye’ of Zastron DH Steyn bridge near Bethulie The Free State (Sotho : Freistata; Afrikaans : Vrystaat [ˈfrɛistɑːt] ; Xhosa : iFreyistata; Tswana : Foreistata; Zulu : iFuleyisitata), formerly known as the Orange Free State, is a province of South Africa . Its capital is Bloemfontein , which is also South Africa 's judicial capital. Its historical origins lie in the Boer republic called the Orange Free State and later the Orange Free State Province . History Further information: Orange Free State The current borders of the province date from 1994 when the Bantustans were abolished and reincorporated into South Africa. It is also the only one of the four original provinces of South Africa not to undergo border changes, apart from the reincorporation of Bantustans, and its borders date from before the outbreak of the Boer War . Law and government See also: Executive Council of the Free State The provincial government consists of a premier, an executive council of ten ministers, and a legislature. The provincial assembly and premier are elected for five-year terms, or until the next national election. Political parties are awarded assembly seats based on the percentage of votes each party receives in the province during the national elections. The assembly elects a premier, who then appoints the members of the executive council. The provincial legislature meets at the Vierde Raadsaal in Bloemfontein . As of February 2023 the premier of Free State is Mxolisi Dukwana of the African National Congress (ANC).[8] Geography Cornelia in the Riemland region The Free State is situated on a succession of flat grassy plains sprinkled with pastureland, resting on a general elevation of 3,800 feet only broken by the occasional hill or kopje . The rich soil and pleasant climate allow for a thriving agricultural industry. The province is high-lying, with almost all land being 1,000 metres above sea level. The Drakensberg and Maloti Mountains foothills raise the terrain to over 2,000 m in the east. The Free State lies in the heart of the Karoo Sequence of rocks, containing shales , mudstones , sandstones and the Drakensberg Basalt forming the youngest capping rocks. Mineral deposits are plentiful, with gold and diamonds being of particular importance, mostly found in the north and west of the province. Fauna and flora The flats in the south of the reserve provide ideal conditions for large herds of plain game such as black wildebeest and springbok . The ridges, koppies and plains typical of the northern section are home to kudu , red hartebeest , southern white rhinoceros and buffalo . The Southern African wildcat , black wildebeest , zebra , eland , white rhinoceros and wild dog can be seen at the Soetdoring Nature Reserve near Bloemfontein . The South African cheetahs were reintroduced in the Free State for the first time in June 2013 after a hundred years of regional extinction, at Laohu Valley Reserve near Philippolis .[9] Following the reintroduction of an adult female South African cheetah in early 2016, three wild cheetah cubs were born for the first time in Laohu Valley Reserve in February 2017, making the three new cubs the first cheetahs born in the wild since their disappearance from the Free State province in over a century. Climate The Free State experiences a continental climate , characterised by warm to hot summers and cool to cold winters. Areas in the east experience frequent snowfalls, especially on the higher ranges, whilst the west can be extremely hot in summer. Almost all precipitation falls in the summer months as brief afternoon thunderstorms , with aridity increasing towards the west. Areas in the east around Harrismith , Bethlehem and Ficksburg are well watered. The capital, Bloemfontein , experiences hot, moist summers and cold, dry winters frequented by severe frost. Bloemfontein averages: January maximum: 31 °C (min: 15 °C), July maximum: 17 °C (min: -2 °C), annual precipitation: 559 mm Bethlehem averages: January maximum: 27 °C (min: 13 °C), July maximum: 16 °C (min: -2 °C), annual precipitation: 680 mm Borders Borders Mafahlaneng township at Tweeling In the southeast, the Free State borders seven districts of Lesotho : Mokhotlong – farthest to the east Butha-Buthe – northwest of Mokhotlong and northeast of Leribe Leribe – southwest of Butha-Buthe and northeast of Berea Berea – southwest of Leribe and north of Maseru Maseru – south of Berea and northeast of Mafeteng Mafeteng – southwest of Maseru and northwest of Mohale's Hoek Mohale's Hoek – southeast of Mafeteng Domestically, it borders the following provinces: KwaZulu-Natal – east Eastern Cape – south Northern Cape – west North West – northwest Gauteng – north Mpumalanga – northeast The Free State borders more districts of Lesotho and more provinces of South Africa than any other province. It is traversed by the northwesterly line of equal latitude and longitude. Municipalities Main article: List of municipalities in the Free State Free State districts and local municipalities The Free State Province is divided into one metropolitan municipality and four district municipalities . The district municipalities are in turn divided into 19 local municipalities : Metropolitan municipalities Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality District municipalities Fezile Dabi District Moqhaka Ngwathe Metsimaholo Mafube Thabo Mofutsanyana District Setsoto Dihlabeng Maluti-a-Phofung Nketoana Phumelela Mantsopa Lejweleputswa District Masilonyana Tokologo Tswelopele Matjhabeng Nala Xhariep District Letsemeng Kopanong Mohokare Major cities and towns See also: List of cities and towns in the Free State The Free State's major towns include: Bloemfontein & Botshabelo in Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality Welkom , Odendaalsrus and Virginia in Lejweleputswa Bethlehem , Harrismith and Phuthaditjhaba in Thabo Mofutsanyana Kroonstad , Sasolburg and Parys in Fezile Dabi Health The Free State is the only province in South Africa that operates a free 24-hour dedicated rotor-wing aeromedical service from a public hospital. They are able to reach far-flung areas in only 45 minutes and deliver a high level of care on scene. On 31 October 2018, Free State Emergency Medical Service launched an additional 65 road ambulances to augment the fleet. The Free State has many public and private hospitals. Economy The province is the granary of South Africa, with agriculture central to its economy, while mining on the rich goldfields reef is its largest employer. Agriculture Cattle grazing near Winburg Agriculture dominates the Free State landscape, with cultivated land covering 32,000 square kilometres, and natural veld and grazing a further 87,000 square kilometres of the province. It is also South Africa's leader in the production of biofuels, or fuel from agricultural crops, with a number of ethanol plants under construction in the grain-producing western region. South Africa is one of the top ten Maize producers in the world (12,365,000 tons as of 2013). Field crops yield almost two-thirds of the gross agricultural income of the province. Animal products contribute a further 30%, with the balance generated by horticulture. Ninety percent of the country's cherry crop is produced in the Ficksburg district, which is also home to the country's two largest asparagus canning factories. Soya, sorghum, sunflowers and wheat are cultivated in the eastern Free State, where farmers specialise in seed production. About 40% of the country's potato yield comes from the province's high-lying areas. The main vegetable crop is asparagus, both white and green varieties. Although horticulture is expanding and becoming increasingly export-orientated, most produce leaves the province unprocessed. The Free State's advantage in floriculture is the opposing seasons of the southern and northern hemispheres. Mining The Free State is also rich in mineral wealth, gold representing 20% of the world's total gold production. Mining is the province's major employer. The province has 12 gold mines, producing 30% of South Africa's output and making it the fifth-largest producer of gold in the world. The Harmony Gold Refinery and Rand Refinery are the only two gold refineries in South Africa. Gold mines in the Free State also supply a substantial portion of the total silver produced in the country, while considerable concentrations of uranium occurring in the gold-bearing conglomerates of the goldfields are extracted as a byproduct. Bituminous coal is also mined, and converted to petrochemicals at Sasolburg. The Free State also produces high-quality diamonds from its kimberlite pipes and fissures, and the country's largest deposit of bentonite is found in the Koppies district. Industry Since 1989, the Free State economy has moved from dependence on primary sectors such as mining and agriculture to an economy increasingly oriented towards manufacturing and export. Some 14% of the province's manufacturing is classified as being in high-technology industries – the highest of all provincial economies. The northern Free State's chemicals sector is one of the most important in the southern hemisphere. Petrochemicals company Sasol , based in the town of Sasolburg , is a world leader in the production of fuels, waxes, chemicals and low-cost feedstock from coal. Tourism On top of Koranaberg In the northeastern Free State, nestled in the rolling foothills of the Maluti mountains, the Golden Gate Highlands National Park is the province's prime tourist attraction. The park gets its name from the brilliant shades of gold cast by the sun on the spectacular sandstone cliffs, especially the imposing Brandwag or Sentinel Rock, which keeps vigil over the park. Brandwag (The Sentinel) The sandstone of this region has been used for the lovely dressed-stone buildings found on the Eastern Highlands, while decoratively painted Sotho houses dot the grasslands. Some of South Africa's most valued San (Bushman) rock art is found in the Free State, particularly in the regions around Clarens , Bethlehem , Ficksburg , Ladybrand and Wepener . Sesotho is the dominant home language in most of the province. Zulu is the major language in the far eastern municipality of Phumelela . Setswana is the main language in Tokologo in the northwest, and in and around the area of Thaba Nchu . The Free State is the only province in South Africa with a Sesotho majority. Afrikaans is widely spoken throughout the province, as a first language for the majority of whites and coloureds (who constitute a minority) and as a second or third language by Sesotho, Setswana and Xhosa speakers. Although there are relatively few native English speakers, English is becoming increasingly important as the language of business and government. This is evidenced by the shift of tertiary institutions such as the University of the Free State from solely using Afrikaans as the medium of instruction to using both Afrikaans and English. Ethnicity The majority of the population are black Africans who speak Sotho as a first language. The vast majority of white people in the Free State are Afrikaans-speaking. In 1880 the white population made up 45.7% of the total population. In 1904 this had fallen to 36.8%.[11] Of the 142,679 people in 1904, only 60% were born in the province. Of the 2,726 European immigrants born in non-British states, 1,025 came from the Russian Empire , mainly Jews . In 1904 whites made up a majority in most settlements, namely Ficksburg (52.3%), Wepener (60.2%), Ladybrand (60.0%), and Kroonstad (51.6%), and made up a substantial minority in Bloemfontein (45.7%) and Winburg (36.3%). Education Universities University of the Free State (Bloemfontein , Phuthaditjhaba ) Central University of Technology (Bloemfontein , Welkom ) Other educational institutions Akademia (Bloemfontein ) Boston City Campus (Bloemfontein ) Damelin (Bloemfontein ) Flavius Mareka FET College (Kroonstad , Mphohardi , Sasolburg ) Goldfields FET College (Welkom , Tosa ) Maluti TVET College (QwaQwa , Bethlehem , Harrismith ) Motheo TVET College (Bloemfontein , Botshabelo , Thaba nchu , Koffiefontein ) Qualitas Career Academy (Bloemfontein ) Media Newspapers Die Volksblad (Bloemfontein ) Bloem news (Bloemfontein ) Bloemfontein Courant Dumelang News (The People's Paper ) Express-News (Bloemfontein , Botshabelo , Thaba Nchu ) Free State Times Vista Newspaper (Welkom ) VrystaatKroon Radio OFM Lesedi FM Motheo FM Radio Rosestad 100.6 FM Kovsie FM CUT FM 104.1 MedFM BACK TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE

THE NINE PROVINCE OF SOUTH AFRICA The nine provinces of South Africa South Africa has nine provinces, each with its own history, landscape, population, languages, economy, cities and government. South Africa’s nine provinces are the Eastern Cape, the Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, the Northern Cape, North West and the Western Cape. Before 1994, South Africa had four provinces: the Transvaal and Orange Free State – previously Boer republics – and Natal and the Cape, once British colonies. 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. READ MORE: The 11 languages of South Africa The main languages in each province, according to Census 2011: Eastern Cape: isiXhosa 78.8%, Afrikaans 10.6% Free State: Sesotho 64.2%, Afrikaans 12.7% Gauteng: isiZulu 19.8%, English 13.3%, Afrikaans 12.4%, Sesotho 11.6% KwaZulu-Natal: isiZulu 77.8%, English 13.2% Limpopo: Sesotho 52.9%, Xitsonga 17%, Tshivenda 16.7% Mpumalanga: siSwati 27.7%, isiZulu 24.1%, Xitsonga 10.4%, isiNdebele 10.1% Northern Cape: Afrikaans 53.8%, Setswana 33.1% North West: Setswana 63.4%, Afrikaans 9% Western Cape: Afrikaans 49.7%, isiXhosa 24.7%, English 20.3% Economy of the provinces Gauteng dominates almost all industries in South Africa, except agriculture and mining. In 2016 the main industries in each province were: Eastern Cape: government services 21%, trade, catering and accommodation 18%, finance 16% Free State: government services 15%, finance 14%, trade, catering and accommodation 13% Gauteng: finance 23%, government services 19%, manufacturing 14% KwaZulu-Natal: manufacturing 16%, finance 15%, government services 15% Limpopo: mining 25%, government services 18%, trade, catering and accommodation 13% Mpumalanga: mining 20%, trade, catering and accommodation 13%, manufacturing 13% Northern Cape: mining 19%, government services 15%, finance 12% North West: mining 30%, government services 12%, finance 12% Western Cape: finance 23%, trade, catering and accommodation 15%, manufacturing 14% The province’s share of South Africa’s economy Population size correlates with each province’s contribution to the national economy, with Gauteng having the biggest. The tiny province punches way above its weight, making up 33.8% of South Africa’s gross domestic product in 2016 and around 5% of the GDP of Africa as a whole. Next is KwaZulu-Natal with 16%, followed by the Western Cape with 13.7%. These three provinces together contribute nearly two-thirds to total economy of South Africa. In 2016 the value of each province’s economy, and its share of the total GDP of South Africa, was: Northern Cape: R91 billion (2.1% of South Africa’s GDP) Free State: R218 billion (5%) North West: R280 billion (6.4%) Limpopo: R312 billion (7.2%) Mpumalanga: R324 billion (7.4%) Eastern Cape: R331 billion (7.6%) Western Cape: R596 billion (13.7%) KwaZulu-Natal: R692 billion (15.9%) Gauteng: R1.5 trillion (34.6%) Government of the provinces South Africa’s provinces are governed, in different ways, on a national, provincial and local level. National government On the national level, South Africa has two houses of parliament: the National Assembly, and the National Council of Provinces. The second exists to ensure that the interests of each province are protected in the laws passed by the National Assembly. Each one of South Africa’s nine provinces sends 10 representatives to the National Council of Provinces. Six of these are permanent members of the council, and four are special delegates. Provincial government Each province has its own provincial government. The provincial legislature has the power to pass laws in certain limited areas. The legislature has between 30 and 80 members depending on the province’s portion of the national voters’ roll. The premier – the head of government in the province – governs the province together with other “members of the executive council”, known as MECs. Each MEC has a specific responsibility, such as health, education, tourism and transport. Local government The nine provinces are each further divided into municipalities. Metropolitan municipalities are densely populated urban areas with major cities – such as Johannesburg or Durban – at their core. District municipalities are larger, less urban regions centred on one or more town or small city. District municipalities are further divided into local municipalities. The cities of the provinces Each of the nine provinces has a provincial capital, the seat of provincial government. These are usually the largest city in the province – Johannesburg in Gauteng, for example, or Mahikeng in North West. The exceptions are the Eastern Cape (Bhisho) and KwaZulu-Natal (Pietermaritzburg), which have smaller cities as their capitals for reasons of history. Cape Town in the Western Cape and Bloemfontein in the Free State also stand out for being both provincial capitals and two of the three capital cities of South Africa. The provincial capitals and major cities of South Africa’s nine provinces are: Eastern Cape: Bhisho (capital) and Port Elizabeth (major city) Free State: Bloemfontein (capital and major city) Gauteng: Johannesburg (capital and major city) KwaZulu-Natal: Pietermaritzburg (capital) and Durban (major city) Limpopo: Polokwane (capital and major city) Mpumalanga: Mbombela (capital and major city) – also known as Nelspruit North West: Mahikeng (capital and major city) – formerly known as Mafeking, then as Mafikeng Northern Cape: Kimberley (capital and major city) Western Cape: Cape Town (capital and major city) Sources Census South Africa public database Statistics South Africa Census 2011 Statistics South Africa Community Survey 2016 Statistics South Africa mid-year population estimates 2017 Statistics South Africa gross domestic product, fourth quarter 2017 United Nations Statistics Division World Statistics Pocketbook 2017 World Bank Open Data Media Club South Africa South African Provinces “If I have ever seen magic, it has been in Africa” – John Hemingway. These words continue to be true across the African continent and more especially in the country of South Africa where the magic resides and its people and the very land which they stand on. A country of true hospitality and “Ubuntu” meaning humanity. People come far and wide to this land for its colorful rainbow nation, tasteful cuisines, beautiful scenery, history, Overland Tours, culture, and so much more. The South African country is one that comes from far with its complex history and cultural dynamics. For a truly South Africa experience, one would have to visit the 9 provinces of South Africa. These 9 South Africa provinces were established on the 27 April 1994, the date of the first non-racial elections and of the adoption of the Interim Constitution, born under the new democratic of South Africa favoring all people. These 9 provinces include the Western Cape, known for its beaches and offering the best Cape Town Safari experiences, Gauteng which is the smallest province in terms of size but the largest in terms of population as a prominent economic hub, the Northern Cape which is the largest in size known for its impressive desert landscapes and great Pilanesberg Safari opportunities, the Eastern Cape which is a natural paradise and perfect for those seeking Safari Cape Town adventures, the North West is known prominently as a Tswana speaking province, one of the 11 official languages of South Africa, Kwa-Zulu Natal which is the province of the great Shaka Zulu who appears in many historical pages when speaking about Chiefs of South African tribes and offers fantastic Kruger Safari tours , Mpumalanga which means “where the sun rises” and is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts with its Kruger Park Safari tours, Limpopo which borders Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique and is known for its cultural heritage and Kruger National Park Packages , and lastly but definitely not least the Free State is known for its farm life and wide horizons, perfect for small group tours to South Africa. These provinces individually contribute to the image and package that is South Africa, offering unique experiences that capture one’s attention through architecture, history, natural scenery, landmarks, and so much more. The collective attractions found in these provinces create packages for any traveler to be impressed from the get-go. Different elements ensure that one’s trip is not only educational but also entertaining, leaving one feeling enlightened enough that they want to return to the South African soil time and time again. Below is what each province offers and what makes it unique. Gauteng Province Gauteng Province The Gauteng Province, though the smallest in South Africa, is one that carries its weight with its population density, making it a unique province. This tiny area offers people from all walks of life in a vibrant and colourful city, offering urban life on a beautiful African platter. The City of Gold, as it’s known, offers various attractions that speak for themselves on culture and urban life and everything in between of the Gauteng province. Gauteng is home to the most famous township in South Africa, the Soweto Township which showcases authentic South African lifestyles in dances, cuisines, and so much more. Vilakazi street, the Hector Pieterson Memorial Museum, as well as the Mandela house, are also found in Soweto where one can get a taste of history and heritage. Johannesburg is also found in Gauteng where one gets to see the busy city life. Johannesburg or Joburg as it is known houses attractions such as the Constitutional Hill which also sheds light on the apartheid era and the Apartheid Museum. The Gauteng province is also home to Pretoria, which is, in fact, the capital city of South Africa. In Pretoria, one can visit the Union buildings as well as the Voortrekker Monument for more South African history and heritage. One may also drive past the Jacaranda trees in Pretoria for a uniquely beautiful floral display. Gauteng is also host to the Cradle of Humankind which is a World Heritage Site offering displays of human evolution and discoveries. While there one can also visit the Sterkfontein Caves. While in Gauteng one should not forget the city life aspect where one can go enjoy Gold reef city for a day of amusement park entertainment as well as Monte Casino for those who like to win big amongst other entertaining activities. Most of the History sites in Johannesburg can be visited by booking Johannesburg Day tours if you would like specific tours. Also, check out the Overland Tours starting from Johannesburg as they give a good start to learn the long history of Apartheid and its scars. Johannesburg Soweto Tours can be found on our website and last from 5 hours to 8 hours depending on the day tour one chooses. A Soweto Tour allows visitors to delve into the rich history and culture of South Africa, particularly during the apartheid era. Northern Cape Province Northern Cape Province The largest province in South Africa, also known for its desert terrain, is a true African gem. The famous desert terrain of this vast area can be attributed to the Tswalu Kalahari Reserve known for its safaris and game drives with the viewing of meerkats and pangolins and so much more, Richtersveld with its mountains and plains in very remote settings for quiet wilderness, Goegap Nature Reserve for camping, as well as the Mokala National Park where one can get to lodge among endangered species. The Northern Cape also offers various waterfall settings for those who love this type of setting. The Augrabies Falls National Park and the Augrabiesvalle offer one dramatic and beautiful waterfalls in the backdrop of rocky terrain. While still on nature, the Northern Cape continues to offer nature’s best in the form of biodiverse parks for flower lovers at the Namaqua National Park. For those who love technology and advancements, the Northern Cape is also home to the largest telescope in Southern Africa which can be visited for one’s pleasure. Lastly, one cannot leave any South African province without a little cultural or heritage stimulation, hence why the McGregor Museum is an extremely popular attraction when in the Northern Cape. The Northern Cape is also known for its capital Kimberly. This city is home to the Big Hole which is a manmade hole. This open-pit and underground mine in Kimberley, South Africa, is claimed to be the deepest hole excavated by hand. What makes the Northern Cape appealing to any traveler is its remoteness and the purely natural element where one can just experience the world as it is with extremely limited human touches, but rather nature in its purest form. Mpumalanga Province The Mpumalanga Province is truly a place where the sun rises, as everything the sun touches is pure gold. The scenery in this province is reason alone for one to visit this province. Mpumalanga first and foremost is home to one of the largest game reserves in Africa, the Kruger National Park, offering fantastic Kruger National Park Safaris . This National Park stretches across the province and is home to various big 5 animals that draw large crowds in their sheer sizes alone. A true Kruger National Park Safari Experience. This National Park is, however, not a one-trick pony type of destination but rather offers various activities for everyone. The Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve is also another destination which one can go enjoy when in Mpumalanga for nature’s gifts with various waterfalls that will take one’s breath away. These waterfalls include the Berlin Falls and Lisbon’s Falls. These can also be booked under a day tour called Panorama full Day Tour offered by our sister company Kruger Safari Africa. While in Mpumalanga one should also go visit Nelspruit and Hazyview which are a city and town that offer a lot of activities and attractions for travelers, including visiting the Sudwala Caves and Ostrich farms amongst other entertaining activities. Mpumalanga might be home to the largest game reserve in South Africa but that does not mean there are not various options for one’s wildlife needs. One can visit various game reserves such as the Sabie Sands Game reserve and the Timbavati Game Reserve amongst many others. Lastly, while in Mpumalanga one can enjoy the view of the Sabie River. As one of the most biologically diverse rivers in South Africa, it’s no wonder Mpumalanga made the cut for one of South Africa’s provinces. Western Cape Province The Western Cape is nothing short of breathtaking. One of the most popular places that travelers tend to visit when in South Africa and it is easy to see. This vibrant province offers everything from culture and heritage to beaches and sun. So why the Western Cape? Firstly, Cape Town which is a great city hosting world-renowned attractions. As a port city on a peninsula beneath Table Mountain there is nothing not to love about this beautiful destination. While in Cape Town one can visit Table mountain for the most beautiful scenery overlooking the ocean, the Cape of Good Hope is also another scenic spot to visit as well as the tip of the Cape Peninsula where one can enjoy the beautiful scenery and feel like they are on top of the world. All these attractions can be booked under Cape Town Day Tours with Africa Moja Tours. Beaches in Cape Town are in abundance so a visit to one is exactly right up the alley when in the Western Cape. While still in Cape Town one can visit the Boulders Beach and have a day with the penguins. Robben Island is also on offer while in this city for a day of culture and the heritage of South Africa. One can wind down in Cape Town at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden for a picnic and a day of beautiful indigenous plant life. No wonder Cape Town is the gem of the Western Cape. However, the Western Cape is jam-packed with attractions. If you like wine then the Western Cape is just the place with its Winelands based in Stellenbosch, Franshoek, and Paarl for those who enjoy a glass or two. If one likes to surf, then the Muizenberg area is just the place. Knysna is also offered when in the Western Cape known for its beautiful gorgeous lagoons, tasteful oysters, elephants for the wilderness lovers as well as forest for more of nature’s best. The town of George can also be found here where the Garden route can be found. The Western Cape is full of destinations for places to go and visit that travelers will fully enjoy. One of our South Africa Overland Tours called the 15 Days Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, and Cape town will cover the provinces of Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and the Western Cape, including incredible Kruger Safari experiences. We will also get to visit all the tourist attractions in Cape Town. If you do not have 15 Days and would still like to visit and learn about South Africa’s history and present, then the 10 Days Johannesburg and Cape Town Overland Trips will cover the two provinces. Gauteng Province with its rich Apartheid history and Cape Town with its lovely and out-of-the-world attractions like Table Mountain and the Cape Winelands. Limpopo Province Limpopo Province The Limpopo province is just the place for everything old and traditional. With most of its attractions untouched and still having remnants of the past, it is no wonder this place stands out. Limpopo is one of the provinces which the Kruger National Park crosses, therefore, offering travelers the Big 5 wilderness experience speaking again of its size. The National Parks or Nature Reserves in the Limpopo area, however, have grown substantially over the years and now offer unique experiences to different markets. Moving on from the wilderness and getting in touch with remnants of the past Limpopo offers travelers the opportunity to visit the Mapungubwe National Park which was home to now-lost civilization and is now a protected habitat. While in Limpopo one can also visit the town of Thohoyandou which is home to the Venda people of South Africa who take pride in their culture and can be seen when visiting this area. Bela Bela is another popular hotspot when in Limpopo for one to visit with various museums and lodges for a beautiful Limpopo experience. Kwa-Zulu Natal Province A Coastal city known for its beaches, mountains, and unmatched hospitality. Kwa-Zulu Natal is a province that is well versed in the language of traveler’s needs. This begins, of course, in Durban which is the most popular destination when in Kwa-Zulu Natal. Durban is known for its Addington Beach, Surfing, and the Golden Mile Beach. While still on the topic of beaches Kwa-Zulu Natal has an array of famous beaches such as the Umhlanga Beach with its surfing and lighthouses, Margate area with its country clubs for a more private beach experience, and so much more. Continuing with the trend of water this province also offers an array of wetlands for one’s enjoyment, including Saint Lucia known for wetlands, hippos, and safaris as well as the Isimangaliso Wetland Park which is a World Heritage Site showcasing the appeal of wetlands in this province that cannot be found anywhere else. While in Kwa-Zulu Natal the big 5 or safaris are also not in short supply with the Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park and the Maloti-Drakensberg Park just to mention a few for one’s wilderness experience. While in Kwa-Zulu Natal one can also visit the Dolphins Coast for the viewing of dolphins amongst other things. The Royal Natal National Park is another area to visit when in this province for the most beautiful scenery when one is taking a hike. A few other hotspots to check when in this area include Richards Bay, Kokstad, and New Castle just to mention a few. The Kwa-Zulu Natal area is one drenched in culture and heritage but most importantly it’s one that knows its way in getting people to visit its shores. North West Province Sun City, the Palace of Lost City, South Africa If you have ever wondered where in South Africa, you can experience a manmade beach then North West is the province you’ve been looking for. Home to the Sun City Resort with its casinos and beautiful hotels as well as the Valley of the Waves, the North West province is a true gem. We offer Sun City Day Tour and also packages to Sun City Resort. With landscape defined by mountains in the northeast and bushveld scattered with trees and shrubs, the North West is safari, beach, and luxury destination. For the ultimate safari or wilderness experiences, two places stand out when one is in the North West and those places are the Pilanesberg National Park Safari and the Madikwe Game Reserve offering one all their big 5 needs. Hartbeespoort is another attraction or destination to visit when in this area for a visit to the Crocodile river as well the Hartbeespoort dam for scenery and everything in-between. For history and heritage, one should visit Potchefstroom for museums. Brits is another area which people visit when in the North West for Cheetahs and hunting amongst other activities. This very remote area is one that draws large numbers to its land, and it is hard not to see why with its inventive and unique selling point of a luxury resort in the middle of nowhere. Still, in North West, a Pilanesberg National Park 2 Days 1 Night Magical Safari will allow you to stay at Sun City resort for one night while giving you an opportunity to experience a morning BIG 5 experience and afternoon Pilanesberg National Park Safari. Free State Province Free State Province Sharing its borders with the Lesotho Kingdom and situated in the heart of South Africa between the Vaal River and the Orange river, it is no wonder this area is a province of South Africa. Known mostly for its natural beauty, open farmlands, and uninterrupted skies, towns and villages, interesting road routes, and the vast rocky mountain area of the East Highlands, the Free State is a province to be reckoned with. So, what attraction can one visit when in the heart of South Africa? Firstly, one can visit the Basotho Cultural Village for a day of cultural enlightenment where one gets to immerse themselves in the lives of 16th century to date Sotho customs and traditions. While at this province the Free State Botanical Garden is also another place to visit for natural beauty for one’s delight amongst 400 different plant species some of which are indigenous to the South African soil. One would also enjoy the Golden Gate Highlands National Park in the Free State with its wide accommodation of varies species and identified with its golden sandstone cliffs. If you like resorts this is definitely the province for you as the Free state is also home to the Forever Resorts Gariep which is nestled between the largest dam in South Africa giving this resort an almost Caribbean feel on the South African soil. A true paradise for relaxation and luxury. Among st other attractions, the Free State is also known for its Museum in Bloemfontein established in 1877 as well as the Naval Hill. A must-visit South African province. Eastern Cape Province As the second-largest province in South Africa, the Eastern Cape is the home of former president Nelson Mandela who became the first democratically elected president in South African in 1994, but not only that, it is also the place of many struggle heroes such as Steve Biko. With its cultural and heritage firmly rooted from the Xhosa people of South Africa, this province stands out for its beautiful scenery and various other destinations that appeal to travelers. These include the wilderness with the Addo Elephant Park which is dedicated to the protection of elephants as well as the Mountain Zebra National Park which is dedicated to the protection of the Zebra. The wilderness can be found in the Eastern Cape in their numbers not just for select species but for all animals. The Eastern Cape is also home to various beaches with places like Port Elizabeth, Jeffrey’s Bay, East London and so much more offering one beach experiences to last a lifetime. Coastal Parklands with forest and trails can also be found in this province and these include the Garden Route National Park, Cape Saint Francis, Port Alfred and so much more where one can enjoy various water activities. The Eastern Cape is also home to the Wild Coast with places like Coffee Bay and the Hole in the Wall where a warm ocean meets green hills and rocky coastline. With these types of coastal attractions, one would not be wrong to say that these attractions are indeed the wild coast. For natural beauty, one can visit Hogsback for its beautifully landscaped and cloud-wrapped mountains. Small Group Tours to South Africa Small group tours to South Africa offer an intimate and personalised way to experience South Africa. Traveling in small groups allows for more interaction with guides and fellow travellers, creating a close-knit and immersive experience. These tours often focus on specific interests, such as wildlife photography, culinary adventures, or cultural exploration, ensuring that participants can tailor their South African journey to their preferences. The home language of most people in KwaZulu-Natal is, unsurprisingly, isiZulu. In the Eastern Cape it’s isiXhosa. Around half the people of the Western Cape and Northern Cape speak Afrikaans. In Gauteng and Mpumalanga, no single language dominates. The main languages of each province are: Eastern Cape – isiXhosa (78.8%), Afrikaans (10.6%) Free State – Sesotho (64.2%), Afrikaans (12.7%) Gauteng – isiZulu (19.8%), English (13.3%), Afrikaans (12.4%), Sesotho (11.6%) KwaZulu-Natal – isiZulu (77.8%), English (13.2%) Limpopo – Sesotho sa Leboa (52.9%), Xitsonga (17%), Tshivenda (16.7%) Mpumalanga – siSwati (27.7%), isiZulu (24.1%), Xitsonga (10.4%), isiNdebele (10.1%) Northern Cape – Afrikaans (53.8%), Setswana (33.1%) North West – Setswana (63.4%), Afrikaans (9%) Western Cape – Afrikaans (49.7%), isiXhosa (24.7%), English (20.3%) South Africa’s constitution recognises 11 official languages: Sepedi (also known as Sesotho sa Leboa ), Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga, Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, isiXhosa and isiZulu. For centuries South Africa’s official languages were European – Dutch, English, Afrikaans. African languages, spoken by at least 80% of the people, were ignored. In 1996 South Africa’s new constitution gave official protection to all of the country’s major languages. South Africa has about 34 historically established languages. Thirty are living languages, and four extinct Khoesan languages. English is an urban language of public life, widely used in the media, business and government. Out of the 4.9-million South Africans who speak English as a first language, a third (33%) are white, a quarter (24%) are black, 22% are Indian and 19% are coloured South Africans. English is widely used as a second language and common language of communication, mainly in the cities. Afrikaans is a version of Dutch that evolved out of a South Holland dialect brought here in the 1600s. Over the centuries it has picked up many influences from African languages, as well as from European colonial languages such as English, French and German. More than half (50.2%) of Afrikaans speakers are coloured, 40% are white, 9% black and just 1% Indian. Click to enlarge South Africa’s nine African official languages all fall into the Southern Bantu-Makua subfamily, part of the broad and branching Niger-Congo family of languages. The languages arrived here during the great expansion of Bantu-speaking people from West Africa eastwards and southwards into the rest of the continent. The expansion began in around 3000 BCE and was largely complete by 1000 CE. Like all languages in the Niger-Congo family they are tonal languages, in which either a high or low tone gives a word a different meaning. The nine African languages can be broadly divided in two: Nguni-Tsonga languages: isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu, siSwati, Xitsonga Sotho-Makua-Venda languages: Sesotho, Sesotho sa Leboa, Setswana, Tshivenda Within the first group Xitsonga alone falls into the Tswa-Ronga subfamily, while isiZulu, isiXhosa, isNdebele and siSwati are Nguni languages. Similarly, Sesotho, Sesotho sa Leboa and Setswana are closely related Sotho languages, and Tshivenda something of a standalone in the Sotho-Makua-Venda subfamily. Multilingual South Africa South Africans are more than bilingual. A rough estimate based on Census 2001 first-language data and a 2002 study of second-languages speakers is that the average South African – man, woman and child – uses 2.84 languages. Obviously, many people are limited to one, and many others able to speak three, four or more languages. Click to enlarge English- and Afrikaans-speaking people (mostly coloured, Indian and white South Africans) tend not to have much ability in African languages, but are fairly fluent in each other’s language. Multilingualism is common among black South Africans. For this reason, South African censuses ask people which two languages they speak. The question in the 2011 Census was: Which two languages does (member of household) speak most often in this household? Thirteen options were given: South Africa’s 11 official languages, plus Sign Language, and “Other”. If a person did not speak a second language, that too was recorded. The contrast between first language and second language is shown in the maps at right. While the geographical pattern of dominant first languages neatly conforms to the facts of history and urbanisation, the picture of second languages is more complicated, more of a mess. The second map reveals a couple of things. The first is how few South Africans speak just one language. The second is that while English is the dominant first language only in the cities – Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban – it is widely used as a second language across the country. English is spread by the media and used as a common language of communication. But many South Africans are compelled to learn English, and often Afrikaans as well, simply to get a job and to work. These are often poorer people denied an adequate education. Elsewhere in the world the ability to speak many languages is a sign of sophistication. In South Africa, multilingualism – a complex undertaking, especially in languages from very different families – is a common achievement of the poor. Code-switching South Africa Language is fluid, especially in South Africa. Our languages are and have been for centuries in a constant swirl , mixed by work, migration, education, urbanisation, the places we live, friendship and marriage. Because of this, South Africans are a code-switching people. “Code switching” simply means using more than one language in a single conversation. Every adult South African does this at some time, even if they aren’t aware of it. Here’s an example overheard at a football match. IsiZulu is in regular type, Afrikaans in bold and English in italics: “I-Chiefs isidle nge-referee’s ngabe ihambe sleg. Maar why benga stopi this system ye-injury time?” A rough translation: “Chiefs [the football club] have won because the referee favoured them. Otherwise, they would have lost. But why is this system of injury time not stopped?” Influenced by the other languages spoken around them, all of South Africa’s languages change and grow all the time. Who speaks what? Watch: South Africa’s most recent census was in 2011. The following table gives a breakdown of first-language speakers, as recorded by the census. The languages Unless otherwise indicated, all figures below are from Census 2011 and refer only to first language – the language spoken at home. Afrikaans Also known as: isiBhuru (isiNdebele), isiBhulu (isiXhosa), isiBhunu (isiZulu), siBhunu (siSwati), Seburu (Sesotho sa Leboa), Xibunu (Xitsonga) First-language users: 6,855,082 (13.5% of South Africans) Second-language users: 10,300,000 (2002 estimate) All users: 17,155,082 (estimate) Afrikaans evolved out of a 17th-century Dutch dialect introduced to South Africa in 1652 when the Dutch first colonised the Cape of Good Hope. Today it is the majority language of the Northern Cape. Afrikaans became an official language in South Africa with the Official Languages of the Union Act of 1925, which retroactively dated the language’s official status to 1910. The 6,855,082 South Africans who speak Afrikaans as a first language make up 13.5% of the country’s total population. More than half (50.2%) of these Afrikaans speakers are coloured, 39.5% white, 8.8% black, 0.9% Indian or Asian, and 0.6% other. More than three-quarters (75.8%) of coloured South Africans speak Afrikaans, as do almost two-thirds (60.8%) of whites. It is the home language of 4.6% of Indian or Asian people, and of 1.5% of black South Africans. Afrikaans and South Africa’s population groups BlackColouredIndian or AsianWhiteOtherAll Total population41,000,9384,615,4011,286,9304,586,838280,45451,770,560 Afrikaans speakers602,1663,442,16458,7002,710,46141,5916,855,082 Share of population1.5%75.8%4.6%60.8%15.2%13.5% Most Afrikaans speakers (41%) live in the Western Cape, and 21% in Gauteng. Ten percent of all Afrikaans speakers live in the Eastern Cape, 8.8% in the Northern Cape, and 5% in the Free State. Within the provinces, Afrikaans is the majority language in the Northern Cape (53.8%) and the Western Cape (49.7%). It makes up 12.7% of languages spoken in the Free State, 12.4% of Gauteng’s languages, 10.6% of languages in the Eastern Cape, 9% in North West, 7.2% in Mpumalanga, 2.6% in Limpopo and 1.6% in KwaZulu-Natal. English Also known as: Engels (Afrikaans), isiNgisi (isiNdebele and isiZulu), isiNgesi (isiXhosa), Senyesemane (Sesotho), Seisemane (Sesotho sa Leboa), siNgisi (siSwati), Xinghezi (Xitsonga) First-language users: 4,892,623 (9.6% of South Africans) Second-language users: 11,000,000 (2002 estimate) All users: 15,892,623 (estimate) English is a prominent language in South African public life, widely used in government, business and the media. As a first language it is mainly confined to the cities. In 1910 English and Dutch were declared the official languages of the new Union of South Africa. English has retained this official status ever since. The 4,892,623 South Africans who speak English as a first language make up 9.6% of the country’s total population. Among first-language English speakers, 32.8% are white, 23.9% black, 22.4% Indian and 19.3% coloured. The majority (86.1%) of Indian South Africans speak English as their home language, as do over a third (35.9%) of whites. It is the first language of 20.8% of coloured people, and of 2.9% of black South Africans. English and South Africa’s population groups BlackColouredIndian or AsianWhiteOtherAll Total population40,413,4084,541,3581,271,1584,461,409274,11150,961,443 English speakers1,167,913945,8471,094,3171,603,57580,9714,892,623 Share of population2.9%20.8%86.1%35.9%29.5%9.6% The largest number of English speakers are in Gauteng – 1.6-million people, or a third (32.8%) of all English-speaking South Africans. Over a quarter (27.3%) live in KwaZulu-Natal, 23.5% in the Western Cape, and 7.4% in the Eastern Cape. English is a minority language within all nine provinces. It is the second-largest language in both the Western Cape (after Afrikaans) and Gauteng (after isiZulu). In the Western Cape it is spoken by 20.2% of the population, and in Gauteng by 13.3%. English is minimally spoken in the other provinces. Read more: The online dictionary of South African English isiNdebele Also known as: Ndebele, Southern Ndebele, Ndzundza, isiKhethu First-language users: 1,090,233 (2.1% of South Africans) Second-language users: 1,400,000 (2002 estimate) All users: 2,490,233 (estimate) IsiNdebele is the least spoken of South Africa’s 11 official languages, and confined mainly to Mpumalanga and Gauteng. It is an Nguni language, like isiZulu, isiXhosa and siSwati. Also called Southern Ndebele, it is not to be confused with Northern Ndebele, more commonly known as Matabele, which is closer to isiZulu and an official language of Zimbabwe. The 1,090,223 South Africans who speak isiNdebele as a first language make up just 2.1% of the country’s total population. Among first-language isiNdebele speakers, 97% are black, 0.9% Indian or Asian, 0.8% coloured, 0.8% white and 0.5% other. IsiNdebele is spoken by 2.6% of black South Africans – fewer than the 2.9% who speak English at home. It is barely spoken by other population groups, being the home language of 0.2% of both the coloured and white population, and 0.8% of Indian or Asian people. It is also spoken by 2.1% of people who describe themselves as “other”. IsiNdebele and South Africa’s population groups BlackColouredIndian or AsianWhiteOtherAll Total population40,413,4084,541,3581,271,1584,461,409274,11150,961,443 IsiNdebele speakers1,057,7818,2259,8158,6115,7911,090,223 Share of population2.6%0.2%0.8%0.2%2.1%2.1% Most isiNdebele speakers (37%) live in Mpumalanga, followed by Gauteng (34.9%), KwaZulu-Natal (10.2%), Limpopo (9.6%) and North West (4%). IsiNdebele is a minority language in all the provinces. It is spoken by 10.1% of the population of Mpumalanga and 3.2% of Gautengers. isiXhosa Also known as: Xhosa First-language users: 8,154,258 Second-language users: 11,000,000 (2002 estimate) All users: 19,154,258 (estimate) The dominant language of the Eastern Cape, isiXhosa is also the second-largest language in South Africa after isiZulu. It is an Nguni language, like isiNdebele, isiZulu and siSwati, but also shows some influence from the Khoekhoe languages. The 8,154,258 South Africans who speak isiXhosa as a first language make up 16% of the country’s total population. Among first-language isiXhosa speakers, 99.4% are black, 0.3% coloured, 0.2% white and 0.1% Indian or Asian. Among the population groups, isiXhosa is spoken by 20.1% of black South Africans, the second-largest share after isiZulu. It is the home language of 0.6% of coloured people, 0.4% of Indians, 0.3% of whites and 1.9% of people who describe themselves as “other”. IsiXhosa and South Africa’s population groups BlackColouredIndian or AsianWhiteOtherAll Total population40,413,4084,541,3581,271,1584,461,409274,11150,961,443 IsiXhosa speakers8,104,75225,3405,34213,6415,1828,154,258 Share of population20.1%0.6%0.4%0.3%1.9%16% Close to two-thirds (62.4%) of first-language isiXhosa speakers live in the Eastern Cape, and 17.2% in the Western Cape. About a tenth (9.8%) of all isiXhosa speakers live in Gauteng. Within the provinces, isiXhosa is the majority language in the Eastern Cape, where its 5,092,152 first-language users make up 78.8% of the population. In the Western Cape a quarter (24.7%) of the population speaks isiXhosa. IsiXhosa is spoken by 7.5% of people in the Free State, 6.6% in Gauteng, 5.5% in North West, and 5.3% in the Northern Cape. isiZulu Also known as: Zulu First-language users: 11,587,374 (22.7% of the population) Second-language users: 15,700,000 (2002 estimate) All users: 27,300,000 (estimate) IsiZulu is the most widely spoken language in South Africa, the first language of close to a quarter of the population. It is the dominant language of KwaZulu-Natal. Like isiNdebele, isiXhosa and siSwati, isiZulu is an Nguni language. The 11,587,374 South Africans who speak isiZulu as their home language make up 22.7% of the country’s total population. A full 99.4% of first-language isiZulu speakers are black, 0.2% coloured, 0.1% white and 0.1% Indian or Asian. IsiZulu is spoken by 28.5% of black South Africans, more than any other language. It is the home language of 1.3% of Indian or Asian people, 0.5% of coloureds, 0.4% of whites and 4.1% of people who describe themselves as “other”. IsiZulu and South Africa’s population groups BlackColouredIndian or AsianWhiteOtherAll Total population40,413,4084,541,3581,271,1584,461,409274,11150,961,443 IsiZulu speakers11,519,23423,79716,69916,45811,18611,587,374 Share of population28.5%0.5%1.3%0.4%4.1%22.7% Over two-thirds (68.2%) of isiZulu-speaking South Africans live in KwaZulu-Natal, and more than a fifth (20.6% in Gauteng). Some 8.3% of all isiZulu speakers live in Mpumalanga, which borders KwaZulu-Natal to the northwest. The rest are thinly spread across the other provinces. Within the provinces, isiZulu is spoken by over three-quarters (77.8%) of the population of KwaZulu-Natal, and nearly a quarter (24.1%) of the people of Mpumalanga. Almost a fifth (19.8%) of Gautengers speak isiZulu. It is a small minority language in the rest of the provinces. Sesotho Also known as: Southern Sotho First-language users: 3,798,915 (7.6% of the population) Second-language users: 7,900,000 (2002 estimate) All users: 11,698,915 (estimate) Sesotho is the language of the Free State, and the first language of 3,798,915 South Africans, or 7.6% of the total population. It is one of the three Sotho languages, with Sesotho sa Leboa and Setswana. A full 98.7% of first-language Sesotho speakers are black, 0.6% coloured, 0.5% white and 0.1% Indian or Asian. Sesotho is spoken by just under a tenth (9.4%) of black South Africans. It is the home language of 0.5% of coloured people, of 0.4% of both white and Indian/Asian people, and of 1.7% of the people who describe themselves as “other”. Sesotho and South Africa’s population groups BlackColouredIndian or AsianWhiteOtherAll South Africa’s population40,413,4084,541,3581,271,1584,461,409274,11150,961,443 Sesotho speakers3,798,91523,2305,26917,4914,6573,849,563 Share of population9.4%0.5%0.4%0.4%1.7%7.6% Most (44.6%) Sesotho speakers live in the Free State. The inner curve of this bean-shaped province fits around the northwest border of Lesotho, a country where Sesotho and English are the official languages. Over a third (36.2%) of all Sesotho-speaking South Africans live in Gauteng. Some 5.2% live in North West. Within the provinces, Sesotho is spoken by close to two-thirds (64.2%) of the population of the Free State, over a tenth (11.6%) of Gauteng, and by 5.8% of people living in North West. Sesotho sa Leboa (Sepedi) Also known as: Northern Sotho First-language users: 4,618,576 (9.1% of the population) Second-language users: 9,100,000 (2002 estimate) All users: 13,518,576 (estimate) Sesotho sa Leboa or Sepedi? The 1993 interim Constitution named the language Sesotho sa Leboa. It was then changed to Sepedi in the final Constitution of 1996 . Debate on the right name continues . Most language experts, as well as speakers of the language , consider Sesotho sa Leboa to be the correct name, and Sepedi to be a dialect. In a study of the language policy of six South African universities, five used Sesotho sa Leboa and one Sepedi. But both the Department of Basic Education and Statistics South Africa use Sepedi as the language’s name. Sesotho sa Leboa is South Africa’s third-largest African language (after isiZulu and isiXhosa), and mainly spoken in Limpopo. Like Sesotho and Setswana, it is a Sotho language. Sesotho sa Leboa is the first language of 4,618,576 people, or 9.1% of the total population. A full 99.7% of first-language Sesotho sa Leboa speakers are black, 0.1% coloured, 0.1% white and 0.1% Indian or Asian. Sesotho sa Leboa is spoken by 11.4% of black South Africans. It is the home language of just 0.2% of Indians, 0.1% of coloureds, 0.1% of whites and 0.6% of people who describe themselves as “other”. Sesotho sa Leboa and South Africa’s population groups BlackColouredIndian or AsianWhiteOtherAll Total population40,413,4084,541,3581,271,1584,461,409274,11150,961,443 Sesotho sa Leboa speakers4,602,4595,6422,9435,9171,6164,618,576 Share of population11.4%0.1%0.2%0.1%0.6%9.1% Nearly two-thirds of (61.2%) of all Sesotho sa Leboa speakers live in Limpopo, over a quarter (27.8%) in Gauteng and 8.1% in Mpumalanga. The rest of the language’s speakers are scattered around the country. Within the provinces, Sesotho sa Leboa is spoken by more than half (52.9%) the people of Limpopo, 10.6% of those in Gauteng, and 9.3% of Mpumalanga’s population. Setswana Also known as: Tswana, Sechuana, Chuana First-language users: 4,067,248 (8% of the population) Second-language users: 7,700,000 (2002 estimate) All users: 11,767,248 (estimate) The language of North West and its neighbouring country of Botswana, Setswana is the Tswanaic language in the Sotho-Tswana subfamily, which it shares with Sesotho and Sesotho sa Leboa. Its 3,996,951 speakers make up 8% of South Africa’s population. Some 98.3% of Setswana speakers are black, 1% coloured, 0.1% Indian or Asian and 0.1% white. Setswana is spoken by 9.9% of black South Africans, making it the third-largest language in the population group. It is the first language of 0.9% of coloured people, 0.4% of both Indians and whites, and 2.4% of people who describe themselves as “other”. Setswana and South Africa’s population groups BlackColouredIndian or AsianWhiteOtherAll Total population40,413,4084,541,3581,271,1584,461,409274,11150,961,443 Setswana speakers3,996,95140,3514,91718,3586,6714,067,248 Share of population9.9%0.9%0.4%0.4%2.4%8.0% Over a half (52.9%) of Setswana speakers live in North West, a quarter (26.9%) in Gauteng, and close on a tenth (9.2%) in the Northern Cape. Both North West and the Northern Cape lie on the border of Botswana, where 79% of the population speak Setswana. Within the provinces, Setswana is spoken by nearly two-thirds (63.4%) of the population of North West, a third (33.1%) of the Northern Cape’s people, by 9.1% of Gauteng’s population and 5.2% of the Free State’s. siSwati Also known as: Swati, Swazi First-language users: 1,297,046 (2.5% of the population) Second-language users: 2,400,000 (2002 estimate) All users: 3,697,046 (estimate) SiSwati is mostly spoken in Mpumalanga, which along its curved eastern border almost encircles the country of Swaziland. SiSwati is an Nguni language, like isiNdebele, isiXhosa and isiZulu. The 1,297,046 people who speak siSwati are just 2.5% of South Africa’s population, making it the country’s third-smallest language. Among first-language siSwati speakers, 99.3% are black, 0.3% coloured, 0.2% white and 0.1% Indian or Asian. In the population as a whole, siSwati is spoken by 3.2% of black South Africans, by around 0.1% of the other population groups, and by 0.5% of people who describe themselves as “other”. SiSwati and South Africa’s population groups BlackColouredIndian or AsianWhiteOtherAll Total population40,413,4084,541,3581,271,1584,461,409274,11150,961,443 SiSwati speakers1,288,1564,0561,2172,2991,320234,655 Share of population3.2%0.1%0.1%0.1%0.5%2.5% Most siSwati speakers live in Mpumalanga – 85.3% of its total users and the highest provincial concentration of any language. Another tenth (10.5%) live in Gauteng, and the rest are scattered mainly over the northern parts of the country. Within the provinces, sisSwati is spoken by 27.7% of the total population of Mpumalanga, and just 1.1% of Gautengers. Tshivenda Also known as: Venda, Chivenda First-language users: 1,209,388 (2.4% of the population) Second-language users: 1,700,000 (2002 estimate) All users: 2,909,388 (estimate) Tshivenda is something of a standalone among South Africa’s major African languages, falling into the broader Sotho-Makua-Venda subfamily but not part of the Sotho group. It is mostly spoken in the far northeast of Limpopo. The 1,209,388 South Africans who speak Tshivenda are just 2.4% of the country’s population, making it the second-smallest language after isiNdebele. A full 99.4% of first-language Tshivenda speakers are black, 0.2% coloured, 0.2% white and 0.1% Indian or Asian. Tshivenda is spoken by 3% of black South Africans, by just 0.1% of the other population groups, and by 0.5% of people who describe themselves as “other”. Tshivenda and South Africa’s population groups BlackColouredIndian or AsianWhiteOtherAll Total population40,413,4084,541,3581,271,1584,461,409274,11150,961,443 Tshivenda speakers1,201,5882,8478102,8891,2541,297,046 Share of population3.0%0.1%0.1%0.1%0.5%2.4 Three quarters (73.8%) of Tshivenda speakers live in Limpopo, giving the language the second-highest provincial concentration after siSwati. A further 22.5% of Tshivenda speakers live in Gauteng. Within the provinces, Tshivenda is spoken by 16.7% of the population of Limpopo, and 2.3% of the population of Gauteng. Xitsonga Also known as: Tsonga, Shangaan, Shangana, Vatsonga First-language users: 2,277,148 (4.5% of the population) Second-language users: 3,400,000 (2002 estimate) All users: 5,677,148 (estimate) Xitsonga is a minority language concentrated along South Africa’s northeast border with the country of Mozambique, where it is also spoken. Within the broader Nguni-Tsonga language subfamily which it shares with isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu and siSwati, it alone falls into the Tswa-Ronga group, while the other languages are Nguni. The 2,277,148 South Africans who speak Xitsonga as their home language make up 4.5% of the country’s total population. A full 99.1% of first-language Xitsonga speakers are black, 0.2% white, 0.1% coloured and 0.1% Indian or Asian. Xitsonga is spoken by 5.6% of black South Africans, 0.2% of Indians, 0.1% of whites, 0.05% of coloureds and 3.9% of people who describe themselves as “other”. Xitsonga and South Africa’s population groups BlackColouredIndian or AsianWhiteOtherAll Total population40,413,4084,541,3581,271,1584,461,409274,11150,961,443 Xitsonga speakers2,257,7712,2682,5063,98710,6161,209,388 Share of population5.6%0.05%0.2%0.09%3.9%4.5% Nearly two-fifths (39.8%) of Xitsonga-speaking South Africans live in Limpopo, over a third (35%) in Gauteng, 18.3% in Mpumalanga and 5.6% in North West. Within the provinces, Xitsonga is spoken by 17% of the population of Limpopo, 10.4% of Mpumalanga and 6.6% of the people in Gauteng. Sources and notes Glottolog – Comprehensive reference information for the world’s languages, especially the lesser known languages. Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 Statistics South Africa Census 2011 Adrian Frith: Census 2011 Ethnologue: Languages of South Africa , 20th edition data (2017) Pharos South African Multilingual Dictionary (2014) ISBN 9781868901975 Language in South Africa: The role of language in national transformation, reconstruction and development (2002) by Victor Webb. ISBN 9789027297631 “The twelve modern Khoisan languages” (2013) by Matthias Bretzinger. In Khoisan languages and linguistics, Proceedings of the 3rd international symposium . ISBN 9783896458735 Researched, written and designed by Mary Alexander. Updated 11 September 2024. Comments? Email mary1alexander@gmail.com A guide to South African Provinces A guide to South African Provinces South Africa Travel and Discover South Africa Information to help you choose where to go South Africa is on the southernmost tip of the African continent. It is still Africa. Many people have asked me where they should go when they want to visit and travel to South Africa. It is like asking how many grains of sugar is in a teaspoon. If you have never visited South Africa and you know very little about it, you will discover it is vast and diverse. One of the most important questions you have to ask yourself is what your goal is when you want to visit. The second question is the length of time you have for your travels. Then you can consider your budget and plan accordingly. Which province and region should you travel to in South Africa? South Africa might not be the largest country in the world but it certainly isn’t small. It is 9th on the list of largest countries in Africa. Did you know South Africa has nine provinces? They cover approximately 1,22 million km². That is a whole lot of space to explore. Sometimes you can flit around and get to places quickly; sometimes it takes you ages just to drive a couple of hundred kilometres. To give you an idea, South Africa is twice the size of France, 3 x the size of Japan and 4 x the size of Italy. South Africa is also about 5 times bigger than the United Kingdom. Safaris in South Africa - elephants will keep you entertained The most popular places to visit in South Africa Cape Town and Kruger National Park are the most visited areas in South Africa. Cape Town might have it all from beautiful mountains with glorious vistas, to delectable wines or splendid beaches. The Kruger National Park might have all the wildlife your heart desires, but there is an enormous variety to see between these two destinations. For instance, if you only visit Cape Town and its vicinity you will have missed out on many other parts of South Africa from its people, to varied scenery and even different animals. Delectable wines doing good! - Unite against poaching Facts about South Africa – Geographical, populace and environmental If you would like to visit South Africa it is advisable to know a bit about its size, its environment and its climate. South Africa’s provinces vary considerably in size. Each has its own attractions filled with historic information, unique landscapes and different cultures. 60’s Vibe in Stormsriver Village The Northern Cape, an arid and usually dry region is vast and therefore the largest of the provinces. Gauteng by comparison is tiny but contains the country’s largest city. The Northern Cape has approximately 1.3 million people living there whilst Gauteng (Place of Gold) has an estimated population of over 16 million. To put it into perspective, in Gauteng there are nearly 700 people per square kilometre whilst in the Northern Cape there are probably less than four people per square kilometre. Open spaces in the Kgalagadi, Northern Cape Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Eswatini (Swaziland) and Mozambique are South Africa’s neighbours and the mountain kingdom of Lesotho is completely landlocked by South Africa. Each province has its own Legislature, Premier and Executive Council. The country has common boundaries with Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, while Mozambique and Eswatini lie to the north-east. Bat eared fox Travel inspiration delivered directly to your inbox Subscribe here The 9 Provinces of South Africa: Eastern Cape Free State Gauteng KwaZulu-Natal Limpopo Mpumalanga Northern Cape North West Province Western Cape Scenic mountain passes South Africa boasts three capital cities: Cape Town in the Western Cape is the legislative capital where South Africa’s Parliament is. Pretoria in the City of Tshwane in Gauteng is the administrative capital, where the Union Buildings are. Bloemfontein in the Free State is the judicial capital where the Supreme Court of Appeal resides. Rugged landscape of the Northern Cape Four of South Africa’s provinces are situated on the coast. The coastline has two oceans, the cold Atlantic Ocean and the warmer Indian Ocean. Northern Cape: Situated on the western side of South Africa the Northern Cape has the cold and frequently rough Atlantic Ocean. Western Cape: Although it is in the western area of South Africa, it also shares some of the southern tip of Africa. It is the only province that features two oceans, the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean, where the two meet at Cape Agulhas. Eastern Cape: Still situated in a southern section of South Africa, the Eastern Cape has the warmer subtropical Indian Ocean. Kwazulu-Natal: Situated in the east of South Africa, Kwazulu-Natal has the subtropical warmer Indian Ocean. All the other provinces of South Africa, the Free State, Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West Province are landlocked. Richest Provinces In South Africa Richest Province In South Africa 2024: South Africa is one of the most prominent Countries in Africa. Situated in the southernmost part of the continent, it has about 60 million people as it’s population and prides itself as one of the few Countries yet to experience coup d’etat. It’s ability to resolve most of it national crisis has gone a long way in promoting it’s image in the international community. It has one of the largest wide life habitat and home for tourism and culture. South Africa is known to have about 80% of it population as Black South Africans while the other remaining population comprises of Africa’s largest communities of European, Asian and multiracial (Coloured South Africans). Most developed province in South Africa These accounts for its diversity in culture and heritage. With numerous languages spoken in the country, it is well categorized as a multiethnic society with a wide variety of cultures, and religious belief and worshipers. This peculiarity was aptly captured under the South African constitution whereby it recognized 11 official National languages. South Africa is known to have about nine provinces and has been recorded as one of the most beautiful Countries in Africa with lots of natural habitation for both humans and wildlife. It is also a very busy country with lots of economic opportunities for both citizens and foreigners alike. It is a very flourishing country in terms of infrastructural development and commercial activities. Top ten richest province in South Africa Recommended: Most corrupt countries in Africa and why Table of Contents Top 9 Richest Provinces In South Africa By GDP 2024 Unveiling Facts About South Africa Other Interesting Facts About South Africa Top 9 Richest Provinces In South Africa By GDP 2024 1. GAUTENG: The Gauteng province most times referred to as the ‘eGoli’ and ‘City of Gold’ is the richest province in South Africa. It is no news how gold was discovered in the province around 1886. This skyrocketed the economic status of the province from that time. With lots of big multinational corporations establishing their headquarter there to the seemingly advancement of commercial activities in the area. Richest province with minerals in South Africa It has been able to retain the position ever since as a commercial hub being one of the major exporter of over 40 percent of the world gold production. It is one of the province that contribute heavily to the GDP of the country. It is one of the most richest, infact, the richest province in South Africa operating a seperate GDP of about 18,259 US Dollars. Also see: Advantages And Disadvantages Of Privatization 2. WESTERN CAPE: Western Cape is the hub of tourism. It is one of the busiest province in South Africa. It has been listed as one of the most beautiful and richest province in South African. It has a lot of tourist sites, great nightlife and exquisite hotels. It is one of the best places to visit and have a great experience and adventure. List Of Richest Province In South Africa It is one of the province operating a high GDP and contributing to the economic growth of the country. Apart from being a hub of tourist attractions with a number of visitors coming in annually, it also has lots of establishment. Western Capeis recorded to have a GDP of over 15,673 US Dollars. Also see: Highest Paying Jobs in South Africa 2022 3. NORTH WEST: The province is also known as the ‘platinum province’ because of its many platinum mines. The North West remains one of the most richest and industrialized province in the country and accounts for about 94% of the country’s platinum. North West is also recorded as a major producer of platinum, producing more platinum than any single area globally. GDP per province South Africa North west is also home to Sun City Resort, one of the most amazing landscapes and a home of relaxation. It is one of the most visited resorts in the country with amazing sceneries to appeal to the onlookers. It is peaceful and quite. It is part of the tourist attraction contributing to the Economic Growth of the province. With a GDP of about 12, 829 US Dollars per capita, it ranks as one of the richest province in South Africa. 4. MPUMALANGA: The province of Mpumalanga is not as large as other province but certainly not the poorest province either. It is one of the richest province in South Africa owing to the many economic establishments set up in the area. Which is the richest municipality in South Africa? It is known as the place of sunrise and home of tourists. It has some of the best National Park and other recreational parks and event centers that generate and contribute to bother the National GDP and the GDP of the province. It has a GDP per capita up to the tune of about 12, 585 US Dollars making it one of the richest province even though it is the smallest province in South Africa. Also see: Highest Paying law firms in Nigeria 5. FREE STATE: The Free State has shown to be the commercial hub for skilled artist and artistry. Apart from being a base and the Judicial capital, it has a very robust and functional economy that is targeted at growing a more productive economic system. The province is the base of real culture and art. The level of artistic engagement found in the area as well as the festivals of art and culture. It also has a diversified interest in agriculture with maximum participation producing more economic results. It has a GDP of about 12, 584 US Dollars per capita and has been instrumental to the growth of the Country’s overall GDP. Fastest growing province in South Africa 6. NORTHERN CAPE: The Northern Cape remains the country’s biggest province but has a relatively low population. It is quite a home for enterprise and commercial activities bringing the province to limelight as one of the richest province in the country. Although it is a relatively new province having been carved out in 1994 from the West and Eastern provinces. It has a GDP of about 11, 902 US Dollars which is is quite plausible for a young province with low human population. It has been a major contributor to the National GDP as well. Second richest province in South Africa Also see: Richest States In The US By Income 2022 7. KWAZULU-NATAL: The coastal region and province of KwaZulu-Natal is one of the most beautiful and warmth inducing province in the country and has been considered as one of the richest province in South Africa. It opens its doors to tourists and lovers of nature. Amongst many other diversified strategic enterprises boosting it’s economy, the province has some of the best tourist centers such as the King Shaka International Airport, Umhlanga and Ballito avails onlookers and tourists a wonderful experience to relax while glancing through beautiful sceneries. With a GD P of about 10, 406 US Dollars and ranks as one of the richest provinces in South Africa. 8. LIMPOPO: Limpopo is known for its openness and beauty. Covered in the natural embellishments of wildlife and has fast become a haven for both wildlife and tourists. The province has been able to harness it resources and infrastructures across the province, harnessing the potential that lies in other sectors other than depending on a streamlined source of income. The province is known to have some of the best tourist attraction centers which has been a boost to the economic trajectory of the province and the country at large. It has a commendable GDP of about 8,983 US Dollars, slightly above that of Eastern Cape. It is one of the richest provinces in South Africa. Recommended: Richest Provinces In Canada By GDP 2023 9. EASTERN CAPE: With the Eastern Cape contributing less than 8% to the total national GDP it ranks lower on the list as one of the richest province in South Africa. This is because it is riddled with a poverty that is clearly below the average level and it’s GDP totalling about 7, 893 seem to be the lowest when compared to the other provinces. Although more effort and plans are being put in place to revitalize the economy of the province by diversifying the economy, it has not been able to placate the deplorable standard of living in the area and has failed to profer a quick approach to alleviating the poverty rate in the area. Recommended: Oldest Universities In The World currently Unveiling Facts About South Africa Today, South Africa is made up of many different people, each with their own language and history. This country has 11 official languages, and many more unofficial languages. It has colourful mix of cultures which gives it a nickname “rainbow nation“. How many provinces in South Africa Today, most of the landscapes in South Africa are made up of high, flat areas called “plateaus”. These landscapes are covered with rolling grasslands (which are called “highveld”) and tree-dotted plains (which are called “bushveld”). Again, there is a mountainous region at the east, south, and west of these plateau lands (which are also called the “Great Escarpment”). The eastern range of the land is called the “Drakensberg” or “Dragon’s Mountain” and is filled with jagged peaks. Some of these jagged peaks reach 3,400 meters high! South Africa has another country within its borders. This country is called the “Drakensberg” and is the mountainous kingdom of Lesotho. The water in South Africa comes from the snow-capped peaks of Lesotho (it is also called “the kingdom of the Sky”). Today, Lesotho is the only country in the world that lie entirely over 1,000m above sea level. Recommended: Main Causes Of Unemployment In Ghana And Solutions South Africa has wonderful wildlife from aardvarks to zebras. Although South Africa only makes up about one percent of the land surface of the Earth, it is home to almost ten percent of the species of known bird, fish and plant in the world, and about six percent of the species of the mammals and reptiles in the world. Also, the seas around this country are full of incredible creatures. Over 2,000 marine species visit the waters of South Africa at some point during the year. The country enjoys one of the most spectacular underwater events of nature (which is called the “sardine run“). For instance, millions of sardines travel up the east coast of South Africa every June, creating a phenomenal feeding frenzy for thousands of hungry sharks, birds, and dolphins. Today, this country has 10% of the total species of birds on earth. About 900 different types of birds (such as peacocks, ostriches, vultures, and penguins) can be found all over the country. You can swim with Jackass penguins in South Africa. These Jackass penguins are located at Boulders Beach in Town of Simon near Cape Town, as well as further down the coast in Betty’s Bay. Recommended: Richest Musicians in Africa Currently Other Interesting Facts About South Africa 1. It has 11 Official Languages: The diversity of cultures found throughout the nation has earned South Africa the moniker “Rainbow Nation.” The fact that South Africa has eleven official languages—English, Afrikaans, Northern Sotho, isiZulu, isiXhosa, Sesotho, IsiNdebele, Setswana, SiSwati, Tshivenda, and Xitsonga—demonstrates the country’s reputation as a cultural “melting pot.” The majority of South Africans are multilingual in their native tongue. The most widely spoken first language is isiZulu, followed by isiXhosa. 2. South Africa has an abundance of Wildlife: Even though South Africa makes up only 2% of the planet’s land area, it is home to 10% of the world’s species of birds, fish, and plants, as well as 7% of mammals and reptiles! There are many different types of natural environments and wildlife in South Africa, even though you might not see lions, elephants, or giraffes strolling through the city. From vervet monkeys swinging through tree-lined suburban streets and baboons playing around Cape Point, to seals visiting the Hout Bay harbor in search of a fish snack and a multitude of bird species taking to the skies at any given time. There’s wildlife all around you! 3. There is evidence of human evolution: Some of the earliest evidence of human evolution has been found in the Sterkfontein Caves, northwest of Johannesburg. Archaeologists have discovered human remains here that go back more than two million years! The area, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is now referred to as “the Cradle of Humankind” because of the discoveries that were made there. In South Africa, fossils date back hundreds of thousands, if not millions of years, from both the natural and human past. Up to 80% of the mammalian fossils found to date have come from the Karoo, while early dinosaur fossil discoveries have come from the Western Cape. 4. It is a famous holiday destination: There are many different types of landscapes and biomes found in South Africa, such as wetlands, grasslands, mountains, subtropical forests, bushveld, and deserts. It’s a vacation spot unlike any other! South Africa offers golden beaches, sunshine, and the sea for your beach vacation. Game reserves and amazing wildlife can be found in South Africa if you’re looking for a safari experience. The Cape Winelands of South Africa are just waiting to be discovered if you’re itching to get away into wine country! In addition to all of this, you can find charming seaside towns and modern cities. Alternatively, take a drive along dusty roads in the desert and pass through beautiful mountain passes. BACK TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE

South African Flag Songs South Africa’s national anthem is a musical diamond, being the only neo-modal national anthem in the world. But what does that mean, and what are the lyrics? South Africa’s national anthem combines new English lyrics with extracts from the 19th-century hymn ‘Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika’ and the Afrikaans song ‘Die Stem van Suid-Afrika’. ‘Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika (Lord, Bless Africa)’ is the official anthem of the African National Congress, while ‘Die Stem van Suid-Afrika (The Call of South Africa)’ was the country’s national anthem during Apartheid. When South Africa won the Rugby World Cup back in 1995, the songs were as usual heard alongside each other – and the powers-that-be decided to finally acknowledge both songs as national anthems. Two years later, they merged into one song. Today, South Africa’s anthem is the only neo-modal national anthem in the world, meaning it is the only one that starts in one key and finishes in another. Read more: The greatest national anthems in the world The South African national anthems What are the lyrics to South Africa’s national anthem? South Africa’s national anthem features five of the most widely spoken of the country’s eleven official languages – Xhosa, Zulu, Sesotho, Afrikaans and English. You can find all the lyrics below, along with an English translation beside each line. Language: isiXhosa and isiZulu Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika (God Bless Africa) Maluphakanyisw' uphondo lwayo, (Raise high Her glory) Yizwa imithandazo yethu, (Hear our Prayers) Nkosi sikelela, thina lusapho lwayo (God bless us, we her children) Language: Sesotho Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso, (God protect our nation) O fedise dintwa le matshwenyeho, (End all wars and tribulations) O se boloke, O se boloke setjhaba sa heso, (Protect us, protect our nation) Setjhaba sa South Afrika - South Afrika. (Our nation South Africa - South Africa) Language: Afrikaans Uit die blou van onse hemel, (Ringing out from our blue heavens) Uit die diepte van ons see, (From the depth of our seas) Oor ons ewige gebergtes, (Over our everlasting mountains) Waar die kranse antwoord gee, (Where the echoing crags resound) Language: English Sounds the call to come together, And united we shall stand, Let us live and strive for freedom, In South Africa our land. "The Call of South Africa" Ringing out from our blue heavens, From our deep seas breaking round; Over everlasting mountains, Where the echoing crags resound; From our plains where creaking wagons Cut their trails into the earth, Calls the spirit of our country, Of the land that gave us birth. At thy call we shall not falter, Firm and steadfast we shall stand, At thy will to live or perish, O South Africa, dear land. In our body and our spirit, In our inmost heart held fast; In the promise of our future, And the glory of our past; In our will, our work, our striving, From the cradle to the grave – There's no land that shares our loving, And no bond that can enslave. Thou hast borne us and we know thee, May our deeds to all proclaim Our enduring love and service To thy honour and thy name. In the golden warmth of summer, In the chill of winter's air, In the surging life of springtime, In the autumn of despair; When the wedding bells are chiming Or when those we love do depart, Thou dost know us for thy children And dost take us to thy heart Loudly peals the answering chorus: We are thine, and we shall stand, Be it life or death, to answer To thy call, beloved land. In thy power, Almighty, trusting, Did our fathers build of old; Strengthen then, O Lord, their children To defend, to love, to hold – That the heritage they gave us For our children yet may be: Bondsmen only to the Highest[a] And before the whole world free. As our fathers trusted humbly, Teach us, Lord to trust Thee still: Guard our land and guide our people In Thy way to do Thy will. Literal translation of "Die Stem van Suid-Afrika" From the blue of our heavens From the depths of our sea, Over our eternal mountain ranges Where the cliffs give an echo. Through our far-deserted plains With the groan of ox-wagon – Rises the voice of our beloved, Of our country South Africa. We will answer to your calling, We will offer what you ask: We will live, we will die – We for Thee, South Africa. In the marrow of our bones, In our heart and soul and spirit, In the glory of our past, In our hope of what will be. In our will and work and wander, From our crib to our grave – Share no other land our love, No other loyalty can sway us. Fatherland! We will bear the nobility, Of your name with honour: Dedicated and true as Afrikaners – Children of South Africa. In the sunglow of our summer, In our winter night's cold, In the spring of our love, In the autumn of our sorrow. At the sound of wedding bells, At the stonefall on the coffin – Soothes your voice us never in vain, You know where your children are. At your call we never say no, We always, always say yes: To live, to die – Yes, we come, South Africa. On your almight steadfast entrusted Had our fathers built: Give to us also the strength, o Lord! To sustain and to preserve – That the heritage of our fathers For our children heritage remain: Servants of the almighty, Against the whole world free. As our fathers trusted, Teach us also to trust, o Lord – With our land and with our nation It will be well, God reigns. History National anthems of South Africa "God Save the King"1901–1952 "Die Stem van Suid-Afrika"1938–1952 "God Save the Queen"1952–1957 "Die Stem van Suid-Afrika"1952–1994 "Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika "1994–1997 "Die Stem van Suid-Afrika"1994–1997 "National anthem of South Africa "1997–present Duration: 2 minutes and 12 seconds.2:12 A 1938 recording of "Die Stem van Suid-Afrika" being performed by the ASAF Choir, featuring the first and last verses. Duration: 1 minute and 5 seconds.1:05 Mid-20th century recording of "Die Stem van Suid-Afrika" being performed by the South African Air Force Band. Duration: 5 minutes and 7 seconds.5:07 "Die Stem van Suid-Afrika"'s all four stanzas sung by a choir in the mid-20th century Duration: 5 minutes and 19 seconds.5:19 "The Call of South Africa" all four stanzas sung by a choir in the mid-20th century in English Duration: 1 hour, 23 minutes and 52 seconds.1:23:52 "Die Stem van Suid-Afrika" performed by a US military band in 1994 as part of an official state visit by South African president Nelson Mandela to the US capital of Washington, DC. Background and inception In May 1918, C.J. Langenhoven wrote an Afrikaans poem called "Die Stem", for which music was composed in 1921 by Marthinus Lourens de Villiers [af ], a reverend.The music composed that ended up being accepted was actually a second version; the first did not satisfy Langenhoven. It was widely used by the South African Broadcasting Corporation in the 1920s, which played it at the close of daily broadcasts, along with "God Save The King ". It was recorded for the first time in 1926 when its first and third verses were performed by Betty Steyn in England for the Zonophone record label it was sung publicly for the first time on 31 May 1928 at a raising of the new South African national flag . In 1938, South Africa proclaimed it to be one of the two co-national anthems of the country, along with "God Save the King ". It was sung in English as well as Afrikaans from 1952 onward, with both versions having official status in the eyes of the state, while "God Save the Queen " did not cease to be a co-national anthem until May 1957, when it was dropped from that role. However, it remained the country's royal anthem until 1961, as it was a Commonwealth realm until that point. The poem originally had only three verses, but the government asked the author to add a fourth verse with a religious theme. The English version is for the most part a faithful translation of the Afrikaans version with a few minor changes. Composition It is uplifting in tone, addressing throughout of commitment to the Vaderland (English: Fatherland) and to God . However, it was generally disliked by black South Africans , who saw it as triumphalist and strongly associated it with the apartheid regime where one verse shows dedication to Afrikaners (though the specific mention of Afrikaners is omitted in the English version to avoid alienating the British-descent Anglophone whites living in South Africa as they are not considered Afrikaners) and another to the Great Trek of the Voortrekkers . P. W. Botha , who was the state president of South Africa during the 1980s, was fond of the song and made his entourage sing it when they visited Switzerland during his presidency. Decline As the dismantling of apartheid began in the early 1990s, South African teams were readmitted to international sporting events, which presented a problem as to the choice of national identity South Africa had to present. Agreements were made with the African National Congress (ANC) that "Die Stem van Suid-Afrika" would not be sung at rugby matches, due to its connection to the apartheid system and minority rule (which led the ANC and other such groups at the time to view the song as offensive). However, at a rugby union test match against New Zealand in 1992 , the crowd spontaneously sang "Die Stem" during a moment of silence for victims of political violence in South Africa, and although it was ostensibly agreed upon beforehand that it would not be played, an instrumental recording of "Die Stem" was played over the stadium's PA system's loudspeakers after the New Zealand national anthem was performed, and spectators sang along, sparking controversy afterwards. Although it remained the official national anthem of the state during this time period, both the usage of it and the then-national flag began to dwindle whenever possible, particularly overseas. For example, at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona that year, Schiller's "Ode to Joy ", as set to Beethoven 's music, was used instead of it, along with a neutral Olympic-style flag instead of the South African flag at the time. "Die Stem van Suid-Afrika"'s future seemed in doubt as the country prepared to transition to majority rule , with many predicting that it would not remain after the transition into the new democratic dispensation. In 1993, a commission sought out a new national anthem for South Africa, with 119 entries being suggested, but none were chosen. Instead, it was decided to retain "Die Stem"'s official status after the advent of full multi-racial democracy which followed the 1994 general election . When the old South African flag was lowered for the last time at the parliament building in Cape Town , "Die Stem" was performed in Afrikaans and then in English as the new South African flag was raised. After 1994, it shared equal status with "Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika ", which had long been a traditional hymn used by the ANC. In 1995, "Die Stem van Suid-Afrika" was sung by a black choir at the Rugby World Cup final match, as it had been done at the 1994 South African presidential inauguration in Pretoria, first in Afrikaans and then in English. Consolidation The practice of singing two different national anthems had been a cumbersome arrangement during the transition to post-apartheid South Africa . On most occasions, it was usually the first verse of "Die Stem van Suid-Afrika" that was sung at ceremonies, in both official languages prior to 1994, with some English medium schools in what was then Natal Province singing the first verse in Afrikaans and the second in English. During this period of two national anthems, the custom was to play both "Die Stem" and "Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika" during occasions that required the playing of a national anthem. However, this proved cumbersome as performing the dual national anthems took as much as five minutes to conclude. In 1997, with the adoption of a new national constitution, a new composite national anthem was introduced, which combined part of "Nkosi Sikelel 'iAfrika" and part of "Die Stem van Suid-Afrika" into a single composition in order to form a new hybrid song. Legacy Since the end of apartheid and the adoption of a new national anthem in the 1990s, the status of "Die Stem" has become somewhat controversial in contemporary South Africa, due to its connection with the apartheid regime and white minority rule. Although elements of it are used in the current South African national anthem, in recent years some South Africans have called for those segments to be removed due to their connection with apartheid, whereas others defend the inclusion of it, as it was done for post-apartheid re-conciliatory reasons. When "Die Stem" was mistakenly played by event organisers in place of the current South African national anthem during a UK-hosted women's field hockey match in 2012, it sparked outrage and confusion among the South African staff members and players present. The Afrikaans version remains popular with Afrikaner nationalists [60] and far-right organisations such as the Afrikaner Weerstandsbeweging , where it is sometimes performed at the funerals of such groups' members or at demonstrations by them. Die Stem was also the name of a far-right periodical during the apartheid era. Oranje-blanje-blou Oranje-blanje-blou (Afrikaans for Orange, white and blue) refers, of course, to the old South African flag used between 1928 and 1994. This song was popular especially among Afrikaners when this flag flew over South Africa. The tune is by Henry Hugh Pierson (they don't say whether it was borrowed from this composer), and the lyrics are by an Afrikaans poet who wrote under the name Eitemal. The attribution for the text reads: "EITEMAL na: ,,O.D., hoch in Ehren''. (There is a commonly used style of quotation marks, primarily German but often used in Afrikaans, that opens a quote with commas rather than the more familiar "inverted commas"). The title simply gives the colours of the 1928 South African flag, or, more strictly, the Dutch Princenvlag: orange, white and blue. (I am not certain of the derivation of "blanje", since it is not used in ordinary spoken Afrikaans, but I would guess that it is a form of the French "blanc", white). The text reads: Die Hoogland is ons woning, die land van son en veld, waar woeste vryheidswinde waai oor graf van meenge held. Die ruimtes het ons siel gevoed, ons kan g'n slawe wees, want vryer as die arendsvlug, die vlugte van ons gees. Chorus: Dis die tyd, (repeated) dis die dag, (repeated) om te handhaaf en te bou. Hoog die hart, (repeated) hoog die vlag, (repeated) hoog Oranje-blanje-blou! Ons gaan saam die donker toekoms in om as een te sneuwel of oorwin, met ons oog gerig op jou, ons Oranje-blanje-blou! (Note: In the sixth line [hoog Oranje-blanje-blou], there is an echo of "blou, blanje-blou!") Die ruwe berge-reekse staan hoog teen awendlug, soos gryse ewighede daar versteen, verstyf in vlug. En stewig soos die grou graniet ons Boeretrots en -trou, die fondament warop ond hier 'n nuwe nasie bou. (Chorus) Die God van onse vaders het ons hierheen gelei ons dien sy grootse skeppings-plan, solank ons Boere bly. Ons buig ons hoof voor Hom alleen; en as Hy ons verhoor omgord ons bly die lendene: Die toekoms wink daar voor. Translation (off the cuff - any improvements welcome). Note: the reference to Hoogland (translated here as highlands) is probably poetic licence for Highveld (Afrikaans Hoe"veld), a region which includes large parts of both the former Transvaal Province (Zuid- Afrikaansche Republiek) and the current Free State Province (the old Oranje Vrij Staat). The highlands are our home, the land of sun and veld, where wild winds of freedom blow over [the] grave of many a hero. The open spaces have fed our souls, we cannot be slaves [literaaly "we can be no slaves"] as freer than the eagle's flight, the flights of our spirit. Chorus: It's the time, it's the day, to maintain and to build. High the heart, high the flag, high Orange-white-blue! We go together into the dark future together to die or win, with our eye fixed on you, our Orange-white-blue! (Sneuwel means literally to die in warfare; oorwin means to win in battle.) The rugged mountain ranges stand high against the evening light like petrified grey eternities there, stiffened in flight. And firmly like the grey granite our Boer pride and loyalty, the foundation upon which we here are building a new nation. (The word awendlug [evening air] seems to be an error; it seems more logical to say awendlig [evening light]; awend is a poetic form [harking back to Dutch] for the more usual Afrikaans "aand"). The God of our fathers led us here, we serve his mighty creation plan, as long as we Boers remain. Webend our heads before Him alone; and if He hears us we gird our loins joyfully: The future waves us on. (Source: The FAK [Federasie van Afrikaanse Kultuurvereninge] Sangbunde). Mike Oettle, 06 Feb 2004 Ons Vlag Nou waai ons Vlag en wapper fier! Sy kleure is ons vreugde; hul skoonheid spoor ons harte aan tot ware, ed'le deugde. Oranje dui op heldemoed wat krag vind by die Here; die Blanje eis 'n rein gemoed; die Blou verg trou en ere. Ons Vlag bly steeds ons eenheidsband. Al kom ook sware tye; dis God wat waak oor Volk en Land, Suid-Afrika ons eie. Translation: Now our flag waves and flaps bravely! Its colours are our joy; their beauty encourages our hearts to true, noble virtues. Orange stands for heroic courage which draws strength from the Lord; the White demands a pure attitude; the Blue wants loyalty and honour. Our flag remains our bond of unity. Even if times get hard; it's God who watches over Nation and Land, South Africa our own. The forms "sware" (where "swaar" would be the usual way of speaking), "ed'le" (for "edele") and "ere" (for "eer") are poetic forms, adaptations to the scansion. The same goes for the word "meen'ge" in Oranje-blanje-blou, which would normally be "menige". (Source: The FAK [ Federasie van Afrikaanse Kultuurvereninge] Sangbunde). Mike Oettle, 10 Feb 2004 DIE VLAGLIED Die betekenis van 'n eie nasionale vlag word n�rens mooier en treffender besing as in die woorde van C.J. Langenhoven se Vlaglied nie. Die Vlaglied is slegs die laaste strofe van die gedig �Ons eie vlag�. Dit is deur F.J. Joubert getoonset. Nooit hoef jou kinders wat trou is te vra: Wat beteken jou vlag dan, Suid-Afrika? Ons weet hy's die se�l van ons vryheid en reg Vir naaste en vreemde,vir oorman en kneg; Die pand van ons erf'nis,geslag op geslag, Om te hou vir ons kinders se kinders wat wag; Ons nasie se grondbrief van eiendomsland, Uitgegee op gesag van die Hoogste se hand. Oor ons hoof sal ons hys, in ons hart sal ons dra, Die vlag van ons eie Suid-Afrika. Which I translate as follows: THE FLAG SONG Nowhere the meaning of an own national flag is expressed more beautifully and fittingly than in the words of C.J. Langenhoven's Flag Song. This is the last stanza of the poem �Ons eie vlag� (Our own flag). It was set to music by F.J. Joubert. Never your children so faithful need ask: What does you flag mean then, South Africa? We know it's the seal of our freedom and rights For neighbour and stranger, for servant and boss; The pledge of our heritage, from parent to child To keep for our children's children to be The writ of our nation of the right to the land. That was written on authority of the Highest own hand We'll hoist ov'r our heads, and we'll hold in our heart The flag of our dearest South Africa Peter Hans van den Muijzenberg, 31 Aug 2007 De Vlaamse Leeuw This song is an odd one to find in the FAK Sangbundel, since its title translates as "The Flemish Lion" and the language is Dutch, definitely not Afrikaans. Clearly, it was included because, centuries after the Eighty Years War, the symbol of Flanders still finds a resonance with Afrikaner descendants of those Protestant Flemings who fled Spanish rule and went to live in the Seven Provinces. The words are credited to T H van Peene, and the tune to K Mirij, arrangement by Dirkie de Villiers (son of M L de Villiers, the composer of the music to Die Stem van Suid-Afrika, the former South African national anthem). There are two verses and a refrain: Zij zullen hem niet temmen, de fiere Vlaamse Leeuw, al dreigen zij zijn vrijheid met kluisters en geschreeuw. Zij zullen hem niet temmen, zolang e'e'n Vlaming leeft, zolang de Leeuw kan klauwen, zolang hij tanden heeft. Refrain: Zij zullen him niet temmen zolang e'e'n Vlaming leeft, zolang de Leeuw kan klauwen, zolang hij tanden heeft, zolang de Leeuw kan klauwen, zolang hij tanden heeft. De tijd verslindt de steden, geen tronen blijven staan, de legerbenden sneven, een volk zal niet vergaan. De vijand trekt te velde, omringd van doodsgevaar. Wij lachen met zijn woede, die Vlaamse Leeuw is daar. Here's an attempt at a translation: They won't tame him, the proud Flemish Lion, even if they threaten his freedom with chains and shouting. They will not be able to tame him as long as even one Fleming lives, as long as the Lion can claw, as long as he has teeth. Refrain: They will not tame him, the proud Flemish Lion, as long as one Fleming lives, as long as the Lion has claws, as long as he has teeth, as long as the Lion has claws, as long as he has teeth. Time eats up the cities, no thrones last forever, the armed companies die in battle, a people will not disappear. The enemy goes out to war, surrounded by deadly danger. We laugh at his anger, the Flemish Lion is there. I have written the word een as e'e'n - each 'e' carries an acute accent. This emphasises the word, giving the meaning "even if only one Fleming is left alive". The word verslindt means to destroy by eating - this verb is used literally only of animals (never humans) and, poetically, of things that destroy in like manner. I am not certain that I have the right word for "kluisters" - I don't have a dictionary at hand as I write this - and would be grateful if some Dutch correspondent would check that. "Geschreeuw" can mean either shouting or screaming, but shouting seems more appropriate. In the second verse, "de legerbenden sneven" - "leger" means army, but "armed companies" seems to fit better with "benden" or bands. "Sneven" (in Afrikaans "sneuwel") means to die in war or in battle (rather than dying of disease, another common way in which soldiers have traditionally lost their lives). I have rendered "een volk" as "a people", but "a nation" could also be appropriate. "Trekt te velde" means literally to go out into the fields, but its application to an enemy means that it is out on campaign (after all, campaign comes from a word meaning "fields", also). Mike Oettle, 02 Mar 2004 Words and tune of this song were created 1847, one of the most difficult times for Flemish identity and Dutch language in Belgium. Since 1973 it has been the official hymn of the Vlaamse Gemeenschap (Flemish Community). More information (in Dutch) can be found at: http://docs.vlaanderen.be/channels/hoofdmenu/vlaamseoverheid/volkslied.jsp In 20th Century Protestant, and probably also Catholic, songbooks in the (Northern) Netherlands the song was a standard item. It was one of the first tunes I learnt to play on the piano (after listening to my grandfather playing it on his organ). Gerard van der Vaart, 03 Mar 2004 I may add that the original version was deliberatly transposed (lowered, I believe) at the moment of adoption by the (then) Flemish Community so as to start with the same note as the Dutch hymn, 'Wilhelmus'. As can be seen on the link provided, the flag relation is mainly prescribed usage; the Lion is present metaphorically. "Kluisters" are shackles, but "chains" is all right. There are some who think that the song is old-fashioned, preferring "Waar Maas en Schelde vloeien" (Where Maas/Meuse and Scheldt are flowing"). In the recent past, song festivals such as the "Vlaams Nationaal Zangfeest" (Flemish National Songfest") ended by singing the 'Vlaamse Leeuw', the 'Wilhelmus', and 'Die Stem van Suid-Afrika'. Jan Mertens, 03 Mar 2004 Transvaalse Volkslied The Transvaalse Volkslied, although the official anthem of the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek and when the territory was officially called Transvaal (1879-81and 1901 onwards), it was not well thought of by the authorities. The words and music of the Transvaalse Volkslied are by Catharina F van Rees, and it is dated 1875 - surprisingly it dates to the period before the annexation of 1879, since the emotions seem to blend well with those of the victorious rebels of 1881. Possibly this date accounts for the song's non-avoidance of the word Transvaal, which was the name of the state so strongly rejected in the uprising of 1880-81. The arrangement is by G G Cillie'. (There is an acute accent on the final letter in this surname; it is pronounced "Sil-yee". The surname is French, although its spelling is no longer authentically French; other members of this family spell it as Cilliers or Celliers.) The language is Dutch. (As mentioned previously, Afrikaans was the spoken language of all the 19th-century Boer republics, but was hardly ever written, and was not generally well thought of by those who had been educated in either English or Dutch.) Kent gij dat volk vol heldenmoed en toch zo lang geknecht? Het heeft geofferd goed en bloed voor vryheid en voor recht. Komt burgers! laat de vlaggen wapp'ren, ons lijden is voorbij; roemt in die zege onzer dapp'ren: Dat vrije volk zijn wij! Dat vrije volk, dat vrije volk, dat vrije, vrije volk zijn wij! Kent gij dat land, zo schaars bezocht en toch zo heerlik schoon; waar de natuur haar wond'ren wrocht, en kwistig stelt ten toon? Transvalers! laat ons feestlied schallen! Daar waar ons volk hield stand, waar onze vreugdeschoten knallen, daar is ons vaderland! Dat heerlik land, dat heerlik land, dat is, dat is ons vaderland! Kent gij die Staat, nog maar een kind in's werelds Statenrij, maar tog door 't machtig Brits bewind weleer verklaard voor vrij? Transvalers! edel was uw streven, en pijnlik onze smaad, maar God die uitkomst heeft gegeven, zij lof voor d'eigen Staat! Looft onze God! Looft onze God! Looft onze God voor land en Staat! Now for a translation (again lease excuse and correct! any errors): Do you know the people full of heroic courage and yet so long servants? It has offered possessions and blood for freedom and for justice. Come, citizens, let the flags wave, our suffering is past; be joyous in the victory of our brave ones; We are the free people! The free people, the free people, the free, free people are we! Do you know the land, so seldom visited, and yet so wonderfully beautiful; where nature has wrought her wonders, and profligately puts them on display? Transvalers! let our festival song resound! There were our people stood fast, where our gunshots of joy resound, there is our fatherland, That wonderful land, that wonderful land, that is, that is our fatherland! Do you know the State, yet still a child among the States of the world, but nontheless by the mighty British power truly declared as free? Transvalers! Noble was your struggle, and painful our suffering, but God has given the outcome, and praise for our own State! Praise our God! Praise our God! Praise our God! Praise our God for land and State! In the first verse, "wapp'ren" and "dapp'ren" are poetic forms that omit the middle vowel. The same goes for "wond'ren" in the second verse. "Geknecht" means "reduced to the state of servants" (not quite slaves). In the third verse the word Statenrij has no exact equivalent in English, although English occasionally uses the same construction of ending a word with -ry to form a noun from a shorter one, as in "heraldry". "Statenrij" is perhaps best rendered as "the multitude of States" or "the variety of States" (independent states, that is). "Door't" is a typically Dutch construction which has disappeared from Afrikaans, except in one or two idioms, where the definite object "het" is reduced to its final letter and (sometimes) tagged onto the previous word. (North country English has a comparable usage, although this is a shortening of "the".) Mike Oettle, 04 Mar 2004 Vryheidslied On flipping through the FAK book I came across a song. The title is Vryheidslied. The lyrics are by Jan F E Celliers, and the music by Emiel Hullebroeck. The words are: Vrome vad're, fier en groot Deur vervolging, ramp en nood, was hul leuse, tot die dood: Vryheid! Vryheid! Erf'nis van hul moed en trou is die grond waar ons op bou. Juigend tot die hemel-blou: Vryheid! Vryheid! Ere wie die dood mag lei om te rus aan hulle sy, met die sterwenswoord te skei: Vryheid! Vryheid! Op dan, broers, en druk hul spoor, voorwaarts, broers, die vaandel voor, laat die veld ons krygsroep hoor: Vryheid! Vryheid! Woes geweld mag hoogty hou, kettings mag ons lede knou, maar die leuse bly ons trou: Vryheid! Vryheid! Jukke mag vir slawe wees, manneharte ken geen vrees, duld geen boei vir lyf of gees: Vryheid! Vryheid! Now the English translation: Pious fathers (ancestors), proud and brave Through persecution, disaster and need their motto, to the death, was: Freedom! Freedom! The heritage of their courage and faith is the land we build on. Joyful to the blue heavens: Freedom! Freedom! Honours to those led by death to rest at its side, uttering their final word: Freedom! Freedom! Up, then, brothers, and follow their tracks, forwards, brothers, the banner in front, may the veld hear our battle cry: Freedom! Freedom! Brutal force might with the day, chains may chafe our limbs, but to this motto we are faithful: Freedom! Freedom! Yokes may be for slaves, the hearts of men know no fear, tolerating no shackles for body or soul: Freedom! Freedom! Notes: The word "vader" translates as "father", and its usual plural is "vaders" ("fathers"). The plural form "vadere" (here poetically shortened to "vad're") means "ancestors". The word "lede" means "members", but is here an abbreviation of "ledemate" ("body parts" or "limbs"). "Ledemate" is used also of members of a church community, a reference to St Paul's description of the Church as being the Body of Christ, made up of people with different functions. The ordinary translation of "vaandel" is "ensign" (a naval ensign is a vlootvaandel), but in the poetic context, "banner" seems more appropriate. Mike Oettle, 14 April 2004 Vaarwel aan die Vierkleur Here are the lyrics of Vaarwel aan die Vierkleur, as they appear in the FAK-Sangbundel (Fourth Edition 1979, sixth printing of 2002) published by Protea Boekhuis for the Federasie van Afrikaanse Kultuurvereniginge (FAK). I don't know if I've managed to turn out an acceptable rendition in English. The original is rather tearful I'm afraid. The word 'Vierkleur' I kept, 'Fourhue' rather sounds like a steed ridden by a LOTR character. To pronounce 'Vierkleur', say "veerckler" with -er as in 'her'. One strong image gets lost in translation, the word 'vlag' is feminine you see. Here goes: No longer may the Vierkleur wave, in tears we gave it up, it has been buried with our braves sunk into an honourable grave it has been buried with our braves sunk into an honourable grave. Happier those who fell when still the Flag was borne, than us who had to see and mourn it dragged into the dust than us who had to see and mourn it dragged into the dust. No happy morning for it there, we part from it forever now resting in the Nation's heart and dedicated to the Past now resting in the Nation's heart and dedicated to the Past. Blessed to those who bore it boldly to brave the prideful foe whose feeble arms to it did cling as they went to their death whose feeble arms to it did cling as they went to their death. Let Future Ages never forget them as long as men endure till even Heaven is outworn and Earth reels before its fall, till even Heaven is outworn and Earth reels before its fall. Jan Mertens, 30 Apr 2004 Die Vlaglied / The Song of the Flag Another flag song, this time abut the former South African flag called "Die Vlaglied" / "The Song of the Flag" which was composed by CJ Langenhoven, the composer of the former South African National Anthem "Die Stem van Suid-Afrika" / "The Call of South Africa". This song was sung by a Children's Choir at the dedication ceremony marking the establishment of the Republic of South Africa held at the Cape Show Grounds in Cape Town on 31 May 1961. The English and Afrikaans versions are as follows: "The Song of the Flag" Cradled in beauty forever shall fly In the gold of her sunshine the blue of her sky, South Africa's pledge of her freedom and pride In their home by sacrifice glorified. By righteousness armed, we'll defend in our might The sign and the seal of our freedom and right, The emblem and loyalty, service and love; To our own selves true and to God above, Our faith shall keep what our hearts enthrone - The flag of the land that is all our own. "Die Vlaglied" Nooit hoef jou kinders wat trou is te vra: "Wat beteken jou vlag dan, Suid-Afrika?" On sweet hy's die seel van ons vryheid en reg Vir naaste en vreemde, vir oorman en kneg; Die pand van ons erf'nis, geslag op geslag, Om te hou vir ons kinders se kinder swat wag; Ons nasie se grondbrief van eiendomsland, Uitgegee op gesag van die Hoogste se hand. Oor ons hoof sal ons hys, in ons hart sal ons dra, Die vlag van ons eie Suid-Afrika. Bruce Berry, 31 Aug 2007 The Fallen Flag While this is not a song about a flag (it has no tune that I am aware of), it is very much a poem about the vierkleur of the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek , and to my mind belongs with the South African flag songs which have already been posted to FOTW. This poem was published in England in 1902 as part of a collection entitled "Songs of the Veld". The book was banned in South Africa by the British military authorities at that time. A new edition of "Songs of the Veld" has just been published in Cape Town, with the addition of commentary and historical notes in both Afrikaans and English. The ISBN is 978-0-620-39432-1. THE FALLEN FLAG Inscribed to Albert Cartwright � The African Bonivard. Furl the fourfold banner, Lay that flag to rest; In the roll of honour � The brightest, bravest, best. Now no hand may wave it, O'er valley, pass or hill; Where thousands died to save it � The patriot hearts are still. It flew o'er proud Majuba, Where the victor farmers stood: O'er the tide of the Tugela � Dark-dyed with hostile blood. On Stormberg passes glorious � And o'er Ma'rsfontein* height, � Wher Cronje's host victorious Withstood the British might. But a prouder grander story Is the record of the band, Which surpassed all former glory, In the latest greatest stand. When ten to one outnumbered � Of hope and help bereft, On ground with graves encumbered, Defenders still were left. There were hero hearts to lead them, On the path where death was won; To float the flag of Freedom Where the eagle sees the sun. To keep the Vierkleur flying On every fortress hill; From the cold clasp of the dying There were hands to sieze it still. O Land, so fondly cherished � Endeared by patriot graves, � The soil where such have perished Is not the soil for slaves. From age to age your story Shall sound to other days: You leave your sons the glory That fallen flag to raise. O sacred smitten Nation, Crowned on thy Calvary, There's a day of restoration � An Easter Morn for Thee. Vierkleur, young hands shall grab thee � New armies round thee stand; Men whose fathers died shall clasp thee On the blood-bought Burghers' Land. * Magersfontein should thus be pronounced. [This footnote, explaining the spelling Ma'rsfontein, appears under the second stanza.] Mike Oettle, 18 Dec 2008 Nkosi Sikelele Afrika Song Nkosi Sikelel\'i Afrika (Herr Gott segne Afrika) Maluphakanyisw\'uphondo Iwayo (Lass seinen Ruf erhoben sein) Yizwa imithandazo ythu (Höre und vernehme unsere Gebete) Nkosi sikelela, Nkosi sikelela (Oh Herr Gott segne Afrika) Nkosi Sikelel\'i Afrika (Herr Gott segne Afrika) Maluphakanyisw\'uphondo Iwayo (Lass seinen Ruf erhoben sein) Yizwa imithandazo ythu (Höre und vernehme unsere Gebete) Nkosi sikelela, Thina lusapho Iwayo (Oh Gott segne uns, uns Kinder Afrikas) Woza moya (Komm Geist) Woza moya woza (Komm Geist komm) Woza moya (Komm Geist) Woza moya woza (Komm Geist komm) Nkosi sikelela (Oh Herr Gott segne) Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso (Gott segne unsere Nation) Ofedise dintwa le matshwenyeho (und stop alle Kriege und Leiden) Oh se boloke (Und segne es) O se boloke morena (Und segne es Herr, Oh Gott) Setjhaba sa heso (Segne unsere Nation) Setjhaba sa Afrika (Unsere Nation, Afrika) Nkosi Sikelel\'i Afrika (Herr Gott segne Afrika) Maluphakanyisw\'uphondo Iwayo (Lass seinen Ruf erhoben sein) Yizwa imithandazo ythu (Höre und vernheme unsere Gebete) Nkosi sikelela (Oh Gott segne uns, uns Kinder Afrikas) Nkosi sikelel\'i Afrika (Gott segne Afrika) "Die Stem van Suid-Afrika Uit die blou van onse hemel, Uit die diepte van ons see, Oor ons ewige gebergtes Waar die kranse antwoord gee. Deur ons vêr-verlate vlaktes Met die kreun van ossewa – Ruis die stem van ons geliefde, Van ons land Suid-Afrika. Ons sal antwoord op jou roepstem, Ons sal offer wat jy vra: Ons sal lewe, ons sal sterwe – Ons vir jou, Suid-Afrika. In die murg van ons gebeente, In ons hart en siel en gees, In ons roem op ons verlede, In ons hoop op wat sal wees. In ons wil en werk en wandel, Van ons wieg tot aan ons graf – Deel geen ander land ons liefde, Trek geen ander trou ons af. Vaderland! Ons sal die adel, Van jou naam met ere dra: Waar en trou as Afrikaners – Kinders van Suid-Afrika. n die songloed van ons somer, In ons winternag se kou, In die lente van ons liefde, In die lanfer van ons rou. By die klink van huw'liks-klokkies, By die kluit-klap op die kis – Streel jou stem ons nooit verniet nie, Weet jy waar jou kinders is. Op jou roep sê ons nooit nee nie, Sê ons altyd, altyd ja: Om te lewe, om te sterwe – Ja, ons kom, Suid-Afrika. Op U Almag vas vertrouend Het ons vadere gebou: Skenk ook ons die krag, o Here! Om te handhaaf en te hou – Dat die erwe van ons vad're Vir ons kinders erwe bly: Knegte van die Allerhoogste, Teen die hele wêreld vry. Soos ons vadere vertrou het, Leer ook ons vertrou, o Heer – Met ons land en met ons nasie Sal dit wel wees, God regeer. See also Music portal South Africa portal List of historical national anthems National anthem of South Africa National anthem of the Orange Free State National anthem of the Transvaal Flag of South Africa (1928–1994)

THE BIG FIVE 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 . Lions are majestic creatures that are known for their strength and courage. They are the kings of the jungle and are admired by many for their beauty and power. Lions also social animals that live in groups called prides, they work together to hunt and protect their territory. The African buffalo, also known as the Cape buffalo, is one of the Big Five game animals in Africa. They are known for their unpredictable nature and are considered one of the most animals in Africa. In Africa, the buffalo a significant role in the's history, particularly the colonial era. They were hunted extensively for their and hides, and population declined significantly. Today, the buffalo is protected species in South, and conservation efforts have to increase their numbers The elephant is one of the most fascinating creatures on earth. These gentle giants have been around for millions of years and have played an important role in many cultures religions. From their impressive size to their unique physical features, there is no denying the awe-inspiring nature of the elephant Let's take a closer look at the history of these magnificent animals. The rhinoceros has been an integral part of South Africa's wildlife centuries. These majestic creatures have roamed the savannas and grasslands of the country for thousands of years, and have played an important role in the country cultural and ecological heritage. However, in recent years, the rhino population has been threatened by poaching and habitat loss, making conservation efforts more important than ever. Despite these challenges, South Africa remains committed to protecting its rhino population and ensuring that these magnificent animals continue to thrive for generations to come. The leopard is one of the most fascinating animals in South Africa. It is known for its beautiful coat and elusive nature. Leopards have been a part of South African history for centuries, with many stories and legends surrounding them. From ancient rock art to modern-day conservation efforts, the leopard continues to capture the imagination of people all over the world. THE BIG FIVE Why are the Big Five animals on South Africa’s Banknotes — Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Buffalo and Elephant? For many tourists and travellers, South Africa’s banknotes are a colourful and beautiful surprise when visiting the country for the first time. And, in 2023, the South African Reserve Bank released new banknotes and coins , showcasing the country’s ‘family bonds’ and ‘deep ecology’. Although some design changes were made (with the big five getting a “family-makeover”), South Africa’s banknotes continue to proudly feature each of the big five animals on the back and former president, Nelson Mandela, on the front — earning the paper currency the locally-coined ‘Randela‘ nickname. “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 South African Reserve Bank, 2023 South Africa’s new banknotes, released on 3 May 2023. Picture Supplied: The Reserve Bank The Big Five on South Africa’s Banknotes But Why are the Big 5 Animals on South Africa’s Banknotes? 1. Tourism 2. National Pride 3. Cultural History The Rhinoceros (Featured on South Africa’s R10 Banknote) The Elephant (Featured on South Africa’s R20 Banknote) The Lion (Featured on South Africa’s R50 Banknote) The Buffalo (Featured on South Africa’s R100 Banknote) The Leopard (Featured on South Africa’s R200 Banknote) But Why are the Big 5 Animals on South Africa’s Banknotes? The the Big Five animals are easily recognised on the back of South Africa’s paper currency. Their first appearance on the South African Rand (ZAR) banknotes in the early 1990s, between 1992 and 1993 with the introduction of the fourth issue of the Rand currency, marked a significant redesign following the end of apartheid. But why are the big five animals on South Africa’s money? Well, the Big Five animals (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) are featured on South Africas banknotes for a few reasons: 1. Tourism The Big Five are a major draw for tourists visiting South Africa. Their presence on the currency highlights the importance and contribution of safaris parks and game reserves to the country’s economy. In Africa, wildlife tourism employs more than 25 million people. Tourism also drives 8.6% of South Africa’s economy, and continues to grow. The Big 5 animals contribute so much to the country’s economy, it’s no surprise to see them featured on South Africa’s paper currency. 2. National Pride The big five animals are a source of national pride for South Africa. Having them on the currency showcases a part of what makes the country unique. The Big Five animals are something nearly every South African knows — with even children learn about them in school. The big five have become entwined with South Africa’s national identity and its people are proud to be a nation blessed with such incredible wildlife. 3. Cultural History South Africa has a rich and diverse wildlife heritage, and the Big Five on the country’s banknotes pay homage to the importance of the nation’s wildlife throughout the history of our country and its people. Many iconic African animals, for example, like the leopard and lion, are prized for their status and symbolism in traditional African dress and ceremony. The Rhinoceros (Featured on South Africa’s R10 Banknote) The White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) is featured on South Africa’s R10.00 (ten rand) banknotes. The ‘green note’ features two rhinos, a mother and its calf, signifying the strength and unity of familial bonds in South Africa. This is only fitting as these large and sturdy animals represent strength and resilience and are a prominent member of South Africa’s Big Five animals. Sadly, rhinos are critically endangered due to poaching for their horns. Despite various anti-poaching efforts, these sturdy creatures are surprisingly vulnerable. During 2023, 499 rhinos were poached across South Africa . Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these magnificent creatures, and their depiction on the R10.00 banknote serves as a solemn reminder to protect South Africa’s wildlife. The Elephant (Featured on South Africa’s R20 Banknote) The African Elephant is the largest land animal in the world. Featured on South Africa’s R20 (twenty rand) banknote, the African Bush Elephant (a sub-species of the African Elephant) is a highly social and intelligent creature. Growing over 4 metres tall (13 feet) and weighing between 3 to 6 tonnes (5000 to 13,000 pounds), these impressive animals really put the ‘big’ in the big five. Most famous for their long trunks and ivory tusks, African elephants are a proud and prominent figure in South Africa’s wildlife heritage. Did you know that South Africa’s National Coat of Arms , first introduced on Freedom Day, 27 April 2000, features two pairs of elephant tusks curving inwards — forming the sides of the shield or “coat of arms”. Elephants are known for their matriarchal social structures and complex emotional behaviours, making them a symbol of love, wisdom and strength. The Lion (Featured on South Africa’s R50 Banknote) The African Lion (Panthera leo) is featured on South Africa’s R50 (fifty rand) banknote. The ‘King of the Jungle” is the apex predator in South Africa’s wild and represents courage, strength and loyalty. Lions are usually at the top of everyone’s safari bucket list and are a major draw for tourism and Big Five safaris tours in Southern Africa. These majestic animals live in prides and are best known for their impressive manes (hair) and powerful roars that can be heard up to 8 kilometres away. Their presence on South Africa’s banknotes is a testament to their importance and national symbolism of power, family bonds and leadership. The Buffalo (Featured on South Africa’s R100 Banknote) The African Buffalo, a formidable-looking herbivore, is featured on the R100 (one-hundred rand) banknote. The Southern Savanna Buffalo and Cape Buffalo, which are both sub-species of the African Buffalo, are found in South Africa. Hardy and able to survive in the country’s harshest terrains, these grazing-machines live in large herds of up to 1000 or more buffalo. Did you know that buffalos are the most feared of all the Big Five animals? They are said to have killed more hunters in Africa than any other animal. Known for their unpredictable nature and impressive horns, buffalo are symbols of tenacity and survival in the wild. Their inclusion on South Africa’s R100 paper currency highlights their role in the natural ecosystem and the respect they command within the Big Five. The Leopard (Featured on South Africa’s R200 Banknote) The African Leopard is a stealthy and nocturnal big cat, featured on the R200 (two-hundred rand) banknote. Easily recognised for their incredible ‘rosette’ spotted coats, leopards possess incredible strength and can drag large prey (weighing up to three times their own body weight) up trees over 6 metres (20 feet) tall. Although leopards are agile tree climbers, capable of hunting and napping in trees, they do not live in trees. Leopards are solitary and elusive animals with expansive territories, making them one of the most challenging Big Five animals to see in the wild. Their depiction on the highest denomination banknote pays homage to their elegance, symbolism and high value in traditional South African cultures. See South Africa’s Big Five Animals Up Close and In Person Wildlife travel seekers, tourists and local South Africa’s have the incredible opportunity to see South Africa’s Big Five animals not only on the country’s banknotes, but within national parks and game reserves all over the country. As Cape Town’s closest Big Five safari destination , Aquila Private Game Reserve and Spa is proud to be on the frontlines of conservation and wildlife rehabilitation in the Western Cape . For the ultimate Big Five day trip safari or overnight safari adventure that fits perfectly in your Cape Town city itinerary, book now or browse our seven different day tour options — from early morning safaris , horseback trails , quad bike safaris and sunset game drives through Aquila’s wild and stunning 10 000 hectare reserve. What are the Big 5 animals What are the Big 5 animals of Africa and where to find them? What are the Big 5 of Africa? The Big Five animals of Africa Fall in love with Africa\'s Wildlife, savannah plains, Baobab Trees, magical African sunsets, and find the Best Safari Destinations in Africa + tips to plan your Best Safari Tour! , in short, 'The Big 5' include the African elephant, rhinoceros, lion, leopard, and Cape buffalo. These five big game animal species are found on the African continent in the Southern and Eastern parts of Africa. As the name suggests, they are not the heaviest or the 5 biggest safari Embark on a transformative journey with a safari in Africa. Witness iconic wildlife, explore diverse landscapes, and immerse yourself in the rich cultures of the continent. From the majestic Serengeti to the renowned.. animals. If it was about the size or weight of the African animal Interesting facts about African animal species you can find on safari in Africa including the possibility to book a wildlife course to learn everything about animal behavior in the African bush. Read everything you.. , a gorilla or hippo could also easily fit in. A hippo is for example three times heavier than a Cape buffalo and a male gorilla and male lion can both weigh up to 225kg. Why are they called the Big Five animals? The Big Five game refers to the 5 African animals Interesting facts about African animal species you can find on safari in Africa including the possibility to book a wildlife course to learn everything about animal behavior in the African bush. Read everything you.. that big game hunters in the late 1800s, during Africa's colonial period, considered the most dangerous and difficult wild animals to track and hunt on foot. Hunting these African game animals got them the biggest prices and trophies. Dangerous, because of their behavior when they feel threatened or get injured. Sadly, this wildlife is still hunted today but luckily there are also a lot of conservation initiatives to protect these threatened species that are decreasing in population and struggling because of habitat loss. Nowadays, the term 'Big Five' is more a commercial term used by safari companies to sell their 'African Big 5 Safari trips' and to describe the Top 5 safari animals Interesting facts about African animal species you can find on safari in Africa including the possibility to book a wildlife course to learn everything about animal behavior in the African bush. Read everything you.. to see on a game drive The definition of a game drive on safari is: ‘a guided excursion or self-drive by (preferably 4 wheel drive) open-sided safari vehicle in a National Park, reserve, or conservancy to spot and observe African.. . This made them also the most famous large African animals to look for on a safari trip to Africa. Ticking off the Big 5 is therefore on many travelers’ bucket lists. However, there's much more wildlife worth seeing roam freely in their natural habitat, like the cheetah, a tall elegant giraffe, a spotted Hyena, or a pack of African wild dogs. Even smaller creatures, like Dung Beetles or all the colorful birdlife, play an important role in the ecosystems. So, with this article, I also want to raise awareness about the fact that there's more to Africa than spotting the Big Five, which is a hunting term after all. That is also the main reason for setting up the New Big Five project, an international initiative to create a new Big Five of wildlife: the Big Five of wildlife photography Welcome to our comprehensive guide on wildlife photography , where we delve into the art, techniques, and equipment required to capture stunning images of wildlife in their natural habitats. Whether you're an.. where it's about shooting with a camera instead of hunting with a gun. The aim of this project is to raise awareness about the crisis facing the world's wildlife from threats, including habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, poaching, illegal wildlife trade, and climate change. Big Five animal facts 1. African Elephant: a gentle giant The African savanna elephant is the largest land mammal in the world and can reach up to 3 meters in height and can weigh up to 7 tons. The African forest elephant is 3 feet shorter. Elephants communicate across a large distance at a very low frequency through their feet and the soil that cannot be heard by humans. Elephants live in a herd that is led by the 'matriarch' female. The elephant is threatened by ivory poachers for their tusks. 2. Rhino: most endangered species of the Big 5 The Rhinoceros is the most endangered species of the Big Five due to rhino poaching and illegal trade in rhino horns. There are two species of rhino in Africa: the White Rhino and the Black Rhino and five subspecies. The names of the rhino don't have anything to do with color as both species are grey. The name of the 'white' rhino is a corruption of the Dutch word 'wijd' (wide), which refers to the wide mouth or square lip of the white rhino. A rhino can weigh up to 5000 pounds and its horns can grow up to 5 feet long. Rhinos have poor eyesight but excellent hearing and sense of smell. 3. African Lion: courageous King of the jungle An African lion is the largest predator on land. Preys of the lion include zebra, impala, giraffes, and other herbivores like wildebeest. A group of lions is called a pride and males are easily distinguished from females because of their large manes. The darker the lion's manes, the older he is. A male lion is sometimes referred to as the king, but in reality, lions don't have a permanent social hierarchy. The dominant male in a lion pride can change at any time. The females hold the territory and stay with the pride in which they were born. They also do most of the hunting and take care of the cubs. Lions use their roar as a form of communication and can be heard up to 5 miles away. 4. Leopard: sneaky and excellent tree climber The African leopard is the most solitary and elusive animal of the big 5, staying hidden during the day. They are the least seen of the Big 5 and on most occasions found alone. The leopard is nocturnal and mainly hunts at night. Their kills include zebra and antelopes like Thompson Gazelle. The elusive leopards hide their prey in a tree to prevent lions and hyenas from stealing it. A lion and a leopard both belong to the African big cats, but they can't get along. A lion will kill a leopard if it has the chance. A leopard is also a good swimmer and occasionally eats fish. 5. Cape Buffalo: most dangerous to humans The African buffalo is very territorial and protective and is probably the most dangerous animal of the big five to humans. If this cow-like animal feels threatened it can become very aggressive and charge with astonishing speed. Buffaloes are mostly found in groups and large herds and spend a lot of their time grazing. Both male and female buffaloes have horns, but the males' horns curve and come together in the center, forming a big bony plate called a boss. The primary predator of the buffalo is the lion. A buffalo will try to protect and rescue another member of the herd and they have even been seen killing a lion after the lion had killed a member of the group. Although the African buffalo and water buffalo resemble each other, they are not closely related. Where to find the Big Five in Africa? The Big 5 animals live on the African continent. You can find all of the Big 5 in Southern Africa and East Africa. The African countries where you can see the Big Five are: Angola Botswana Visit Botswana, Africa’s last great wilderness. Find exclusive safari experiences, eco-lodges, the Kalahari desert, and Okavango Delta with free-roaming wildlife. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Kenya Kenya is Africa\'s Top Safari Destination! This Kenya Travel Guide features The Best Places to visit for a Kenya Safari and Wildlife Photography, such as the Masai Mara and Amboseli Malawi Malawi Travel Guide featuring ✓ Lake Malawi ✓ Safari in Liwonde National Park ✓ Majete Wildlife Reserve ✓ Zomba Plateau ✓ Satemwa Tea Estates ✓ Lusaka and ✓ Nkhotakota Mozambique Namibia Travel to Namibia and experience the country\'s amazing wildlife, tribes, and endless horizons. From red dunes and deserts to canyons and coastlines. Explore Namibia with my helpful Ultimate Namibia Travel Guide and.. Rwanda Rwanda Travel Guide featuring ✓ Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes NP ✓ Nyungwe Forest ✓ Big Five Safari Akagera National Park ✓ Kigali Genocide Memorial ✓ Best time to visit Rwanda South Africa Travel to South Africa and fall in love with its free-roaming wildlife, stunning landscapes, warm-hearted people, the City of Cape Town, and stunning views. Explore South Africa with my helpful Ultimate South Africa.. Tanzania Tanzania Travel Guide featuring ✓ Serengeti ✓ Balloon Safari Tanzania ✓ Ngorongoro ✓ Tarangire ✓ Arusha ✓ Maasai & Hadzabe ✓ Zanzibar Island ✓ Tanzania Safari Tours and more! Uganda Uganda Travel Guide featuring ✓ Gorilla trekking Bwindi ✓ Kibale Chimpanzees ✓ Safari in Murchison Falls ✓ Tree-lions in Ishasha ✓ Kampala ✓Sipi Falls and ✓ Kidepo National Park Zambia Discover Zambia\'s remote wilderness! Plan your safari in Zambia with this helpful guide featuring Victoria Falls, Lower Zambezi, Kafue, South Luangwa, North Luangwa and Lusaka. Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Travel Guide featuring the best places to visit for safari in Zimbabwe, things to do including Victoria Falls or a walking safari in Hwange and Mana Pools, and the best time to visit Zimbabwe! Not all of the above countries where the Big 5 live are ideal for a safari trip in terms of safety and existing numbers of the Big Five species. What are the best Big Five safari destinations? The best countries to see all the big five on safari are South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Uganda, and Namibia. However, in Namibia, you can't find all of the Big 5 in one place. In Etosha National Park you can only see 4 of the African Big Five. You can't find the buffalo there, but it's the best place in Africa to see the black rhino. They often concentrate around a water hole where tourists can sit to observe these critically endangered animals. In Uganda, you can't see rhinos in the wild, but you have a chance of seeing all the Big 5 when you visit them up close at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary where they roam freely but are protected by rangers A game ranger , or simply ranger, is responsible for a wide range of duties related to the management and conservation of wildlife. This includes veterinary care, population control and breeding, as well as more.. 24/7. In Uganda, you can also see the endangered mountain Gorilla and our closest relative on a chimpanzee trekking Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is one of the exciting activities that will turn your Uganda safari into an experience of a lifetime. Did you know that Chimpanzees are our closest genetic relatives, sharing over.. or chimpanzee habituation. South Africa is one of the most reliable Big Five safari destinations to spot all the Big 5. South Africa even honored the importance of the Big 5 animals by putting each of the 5 animals on their bills. What are the best places to see all of the Big 5? The best chance of seeing the Big Five on a single safari or even on a single game drive is at the following places: Kruger National Park and the surrounding Kruger Game Reserves The Kruger Game Reserves neighboring Kruger National Park in South Africa are renowned for hosting Africa's most iconic wildlife species. Greater Kruger Park is a prime destination for African safaris, where.. . Kruger is one of the best places to go for a safari in South Africa Travel to South Africa and fall in love with its free-roaming wildlife, stunning landscapes, warm-hearted people, the City of Cape Town, and stunning views. Explore South Africa with my helpful Ultimate South Africa.. for both beginner safari travelers and seasoned wildlife viewers. Jock Concession within Kruger NP or Sabi Sands Game Reserve and Thornybush, host luxurious safari lodges with an abundance of wildlife roaming around freely. Sabi Sands and Thornybush are also known for its high number of leopard sightings, but they are not the only reserve famous for that. Read more about the best Private Game Reserves and Concessions in Kruger to spot the Big Five Safari animals. Shamwari Private Game Reserve When planning a safari in Africa, especially for first-timers, it's good to know the difference between a private game reserve and a national park. This article will give an answer to the question ' what is a.. is a great place to find the Big 5 in South Africa. A beautiful high-end reserve with luxurious lodges and an exclusive feeling. You're often the only safari vehicle at an animal sighting. Shamwari is also well-known for its wildlife conservation initiatives, like the born-free Foundation. Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania is a perfect place to find all of the Big Five in one day! You can combine your trip to the Ngorongoro Crater with for example the Serengeti Without a doubt, Serengeti National Park is the best place to visit for a safari in Tanzania. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is unique for many reasons, but especially because of the Great Migration, the incredible.. , famous for its wildlife sightings including the great migration The Great Migration in Africa is an annual event that sees millions of wildebeest, zebra, and other ungulates migrate across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in East Africa. This migration involves the movement of large.. of wildebeest and zebra. Want to plan a safari to Tanzania? Read the best places to visit in Northern Tanzania. Maasai Mara The Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most popular safari destinations in East Africa. Without a doubt, a Masai Mara safari in Kenya guarantees a memorable experience with spectacular game drives and.. National Park and the Mara Conservancies are also one of the best places to find the Big 5, although seeing rhinos roaming freely is a challenge. Some conservancies have a rhino sanctuary, but these rhinos are protected by rangers 24/7. An example is the Enonkishu Conservancy A conservancy is a protected area of land that is set aside for the conservation of natural resources, such as plants, animals, and ecosystems. The purpose of a conservancy is to preserve and protect the natural.. on the northern boundary of the Maasai Mara Conservancies. Another great place in Kenya to see rhinos is at Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Read everything you need to know about safari in the Masai Mara. Of course, there are much more places and national parks to see the Big Five. Not all national parks have all of the Big Five and when they do have them, it can be harder to spot all of them on a single safari in Africa. When is the best time to see the Big Five in Africa? The high season for a safari in Africa is from July to October. It's the cooler dry winter which makes a Big 5 sighting easier because of the thin and dried-up vegetation. The lack of rain also means animals congregate around flowing rivers or larger lakes to drink. However, the shoulder seasons are also perfect to find the big 5 in Africa and it's less touristy. The African Big Five and wildlife conservation status Africa's Big Five are of great concern for wildlife conservationists due to trophy hunting, poaching, and habitat loss. Most of the Big 5 animals are listed as vulnerable or (critically) endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Hunting is sadly still allowed to some degree, but Africa now also has strict laws to protect and conserve many African animal species. The black rhinoceros is classified as critically endangered and the southern white rhinoceros is near threatened. Mostly due to poaching because of the rhino horn. Two species of the African Big Cats, the African lion, and the African leopard are classified as vulnerable. The African savanna elephant is an endangered species, mainly because of the poaching crisis and habitat loss. The African buffalo is of the least concern of all the Big Five animals. Learn about the Big 5 on safari in Africa Did you know I'm a qualified Field Guide A field guide or nature guide is a trained and experienced professional who leads tours and provides education and interpretation about the local flora, fauna, and natural heritage, history, folklore and beauty of an.. (also known as a nature guide A field guide or nature guide is a trained and experienced professional who leads tours and provides education and interpretation about the local flora, fauna, and natural heritage, history, folklore and beauty of an.. or safari guide A field guide or nature guide is a trained and experienced professional who leads tours and provides education and interpretation about the local flora, fauna, and natural heritage, history, folklore and beauty.. Join my Africa Safari Tours and experience the real African Wilderness in an ethical and authentic way, while learning more about wildlife, culture, and safari photography. to Africa with me where you will learn even more about the Big Five and all other flora and fauna. As a photographic tour leader and Dutch/English/German-speaking tour guide, I work closely together with local African tour operators and local drivers/guides. Get in touch to enquire about the possibilities. Guide to the Big 5 Animals of Africa I hope this article was helpful to learn more facts about the African Big 5 animals, including why they are called the Big Five, in what countries these Big 5 safari animals are found, and the best time of spotting them with a side note that there's more to Africa than spotting the Big Five. Smaller creatures play an important role in the ecosystems as well. People who are going on a safari in Africa shouldn't be disappointed when they don't tick off the Big Five. Try to appreciate every single animal, big or small. Even trees, plants, and flowers. Every sighting is a gift of nature. Everything is connected and we should appreciate this more. You would help me a lot by sharing this guide to the Big 5 in Africa on your social media or pinning it on Pinterest for later use. Want to keep up to date with my travels? . If you are inspired to go on a safari to Africa, you can find all of my writing about Africa and its countries in my Africa Travel Guide.

Brief history of South Africa and why it has three capital cities Tracing the historical tapestry of South Africa reveals a complex narrative of migration, colonization, struggle, and rebirth. This story is not only about the diverse peoples and cultures that have shaped the nation but also about its unique political landscape, epitomized by its having three capital cities: Cape Town, Pretoria, and Bloemfontein, with the Constitutional Court in Johannesburg. This arrangement, a testament to the country’s multifaceted history, serves as a symbol of its ongoing quest for unity and balance. In the article below, World History Edu delves into the brief history of South Africa and the rationale behind its three capital cities. Early History The history of South Africa begins long before the arrival of Europeans, with its indigenous peoples—the San and Khoikhoi (collectively Khoisan), Zulus, Xhosas, and various other groups—each with their distinct cultures and societies. The first significant European contact came in 1652 when the Dutch East India Company established a supply station at what is now Cape Town, marking the beginning of European colonization. Colonial Era Over the centuries, the Cape Colony expanded, displacing the indigenous Khoisan and later, through the Great Trek in the 1830s, encountering and often clashing with other African groups. The discovery of diamonds in 1867 and gold in 1886 drew British interest, leading to the Anglo-Zulu War and the Anglo-Boer Wars, reflecting the tension between the British Empire and the Afrikaner (Dutch-descended) settlers, known as Boers. Union of South Africa The British victory in the SecondAnglo-Boer War ended with the Treaty of Vereeniging in 1902, leading to the formation of the Union of South Africa in 1910. This union merged the Cape Colony, Natal, Transvaal, and the Orange Free State . It was a significant moment, symbolizing the unity of English and Afrikaner populations under a single national identity, albeit within a framework that entrenched white minority rule over the majority black population. Apartheid Era The National Party’s electoral victory in 1948 ushered in the era of apartheid, a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination that severely restricted the rights of the majority black inhabitants, while consolidating power within the white minority. Apartheid, meaning “apartness” in Afrikaans, was formalized in 1948, institutionalizing racial segregation and discrimination. Laws defined racial groups and controlled the movement and rights of non-white South Africans. Image: An apartheid sign, written in both Afrikaans and English. Resistance to apartheid was met with harsh repression, symbolized by events such as the Sharpeville Massacre in 1960 and the Soweto Uprising in 1976. International pressure and internal dissent, including from Nelson Mandela ’s African National Congress, eventually led to negotiations to end apartheid. Apartheid in South Africa: Origin and Meaning Did you know…? South Africa stands out in Africa as one of the few countries never to have experienced a coup d’état. This distinction can be attributed to its long history of regular electoral processes, which have been in place for more than a century. The nation’s political stability is also rooted in its foundation, composed of four traditional colonies: Cape Province, Natal, the Orange River Colony, and Transvaal. These regions coalesced to form a unified state, navigating through complex political landscapes without resorting to military takeovers. End of Apartheid and Beyond The release of Nelson Mandela in 1990 marked the beginning of the end for apartheid. Subsequent negotiations led to the first multiracial elections in 1994, which were won by the African National Congress, making Mandela the country’s first black president. South Africa embarked on a path of reconciliation and reconstruction, addressing the inequalities and divisions of the past. Nelson Mandela’s role in the fight against apartheid in South Africa The apartheid regime began to crumble in the late 1980s under internal and international pressure. Image: A photo of Alan Paton, a staunch South African anti-apartheid activist. Why Three Capitals? At the formation of the Union of South Africa in 1910, there was significant debate over the location of the capital. Each region had its own preferred city, reflective of its historical, political, and economic importance. Pretoria – Chosen as the administrative capital, it was significant to the Boers and housed the Union Buildings, the official seat of the South African government and the office of the president. Cape Town – Became the legislative capital, hosting the Parliament of South Africa. Its historical significance as the initial point of European settlement in South Africa made it a logical choice. Bloemfontein – Selected as the judicial capital, it was central and had historical importance to the Afrikaner people. The Supreme Court of Appeal is located here. This arrangement was a strategic move to appease various factions within South Africa by distributing power and acknowledging the country’s multifaceted identity. It must also be noted that South Africa’s unique arrangement of having three capital cities is recognized by the United Nations. Following the transition to a non-racial democracy in 1994, discussions emerged about consolidating governmental functions in Pretoria or establishing a new capital, akin to Washington D.C. or Brasilia, to symbolize a break from colonial and apartheid pasts. Proposals by some ANC (African National Congress) leaders to build a new capital aimed to shed the remnants of oppression and start anew. However, the idea of a single or new capital faced resistance due to the desire to maintain the established balance and recognition of the symbolic and practical importance of each capital. Moreover, the government faced pressing challenges, such as improving infrastructure, education, health, and sanitation, which took precedence over the monumental task of relocating the capital. By distributing the main branches of government across different cities, South Africa aimed to promote unity and prevent any single region from dominating the country’s political landscape. Johannesburg: South Africa’s Economic Heartbeat The Constitutional Court’s placement in Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest and economically most powerful city, in the post-apartheid era, added a fourth dimension to the country’s governance landscape. Image: The city of Johannesburg. While not a capital city, Johannesburg’s significance cannot be overlooked. It is the economic powerhouse of South Africa, home to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and major international companies. The Constitutional Court, South Africa’s highest court on constitutional matters, is also located here, underscoring the city’s importance despite it not being a capital. Did you know…? Bloemfontein, established as the capital of the Orange Free State in 1854, was selected as the judicial capital due to its central location, which symbolically and practically positioned it as the heart of the country’s legal system. The city’s name, meaning “fountain of flowers” in Dutch, reflects its pleasant aesthetic and central role. Pretoria’s history as a center for foreign embassies, governmental departments, and as the site where the peace treaty ending the First Boer War was signed, underscored its importance. Its proximity to Johannesburg, South Africa’s economic hub, further solidified its status as a key city in the nation’s governance. Cape Town’s role as the legislative capital is rooted in its deep historical significance. As a crucial stopover on the spice trade route from the 15th century and later as a way-station established by the Dutch East India Company in the 1650s, Cape Town has been at the forefront of South Africa’s history. Serving as the capital of the British Cape Province since 1840, its selection maintained continuity with its long-standing administrative role. Historical Place In South Africa District Six Museum Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa The District Six Museum is dedicated to the history of District Six, an area destroyed during the Apartheid. Peta Stamper About District Six Museum The District Six Museum in Cape Town, South Africa is a museum which serves as a memorial to and celebration of District Six, immersing visitors in what was a thriving community destroyed during the Apartheid. Today, the District Six Museum offers guided tours of District Six (often with ex-residents) but note these must be booked in advance. Other exhibitions are located at the District Six Museum Homecoming Centre; specifically sports exhibitions on local and international football, focusing on apartheid and its effects on the sport and the lives of the people that played it. District Six Museum history The District Six Foundation was established in 1989 and shortly after joined by the museum in 1994. Together, the institutions formed a memorial to the forced movement of around 60,000 inhabitants of varying backgrounds during South Africa’s Apartheid in the 1960s. The museum itself had been an old Methodist church. The area of District Six was originally populated by freed enslaved people after abolition in 1833, and made up a tenth of Cape Town’s population. The neighbourhood was a community of former slaves, artisans, merchants as well as immigrants and Malay people brought by the Dutch East India Company . As part of the apartheid movement, however, Cape Town declared the district a ‘whites only’ area in 1966, and demolition began soon afterwards. By 1982, over 60,000 people had been forcibly relocated to the bleak Cape Flats area, around 25 kilometres away. District Six Museum today Today, you can walk the museum floor covered by a large map of the district and accompanied by hand-written notes from former inhabitants about where they used to live. The museum’s collections also features old traffic signs, exhibits that explain historical events and explore the lives of families living in the area that was demolished. Additionally, the District Six Museum offers programmes to help develop the district: the museum is dedicated to constructing new housing, environmental planning as well as supporting cultural activities such as music and literature. Getting to the District Six Museum If using public transport around Cape Town, then buses 103, 104 and 111 all stop at Lower Buitenkant just a minute’s walk from the District Six Museum. The 102 and 113 buses stop along Darling Street nearby. For those driving, the museum is located near the waterfront just off the motorways 1 and 2 at exits 3 and 2. Apartheid Museum Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa The Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg tells the story of South Africa’s apartheid regime and how it eventually fell. Antara Bate About Apartheid Museum The Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg chronicles the history of apartheid in South Africa and the struggle for human rights which ended this regime of racial segregation. Apartheid Museum history From 1948, when the National Party came to power, until 1994 South Africa had a series of racially discriminatory laws which oppressed certain races, particularly anybody of non-white descent. People were categorised according to their race and those who were not white were treated as second class citizens. This was the period known as the Apartheid. The Apartheid Museum opened in 2001 and is acknowledged as the pre-eminent museum in the world dealing with 20th century South Africa, at the heart of which is the apartheid story. The Apartheid Museum, the first of its kind, illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid. An architectural consortium, comprising several leading architectural firms, conceptualised the design of the building on a seven-hectare stand. The exhibits have been assembled and organised by a multi-disciplinary team of curators, filmmakers, historians and designers. They include provocative film footage, photographs, text panels and artefacts illustrating the events and human stories. The museum is registered as a Public Benefit Company with an independent board of trustees. Apartheid Museum today Through its twenty-two exhibition areas, comprising original artefacts, information panels and multimedia presentations including films, the Apartheid Museum provides an in-depth insight into life under the apartheid regime. It also looks at the gradual campaign against the apartheid and the struggle for equal rights led by Nelson Mandela, the country’s eventual president. The exhibits include permanent exhibits, temporary exhibits and a specific Mandela exhibit dedicated to the influential figure. The sheer volume of information can make it an overwhelming experience; particularly distressing is a small chamber in which hang 131 nooses, representative of the 131 government opponents who were executed under antiterrorism laws. Getting to the Apartheid Museum The museum is located 8km south of the city centre, just off the M1 freeway. The site is less than half an hour away from central Johannesburg by bus. Robben Island Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa Dutch for ‘seal island’, Robben Island is one of the world’s most famous prisons and is best known as the home to not one but three former South African presidents, Kgalema Motlanthe, Jacob Zuma and for 18 of his 27 years of incarceration, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. About Robben Island Robben Island, off the coast of Cape Town in South Africa was a notorious prison, best known for its internment of political prisoners during South African apartheid. Its most famous prisoner – prisoner 466/64 – was Nelson Mandela, the anti-apartheid activist who would later become the country’s president. History of Robben Island Robben Island was used as a prison as far back as the 17th century, when the Dutch settled on the mainland. Since then, it has been used as a World War Two military base to protect the city of Cape Town (resulting in the construction of artillery batteries, fortifications, and an airstrip) and a 19th century hospital for the seriously ill, such as patients with leprosy. However, whatever its other uses, Robben Island was used as a prison in one measure or another until the 20th century. Even in its time as a hospital Robben Island was prison-like, its isolation ensuring that diseases could not be spread to the mainland. Furthermore, prisoners were kept here even whilst it housed the hospital. From 1961, the South African government used Robben Island as a prison, housing many political prisoners. In all, Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for almost 27 years, many of them at Robben Island, together with many other anti-apartheid activists. Robben Island’s prison closed in 1996. Robben Island today Today, Robben Island is a UNESCO World Heritage historic site and a museum. A visit to Robben Island is by way of a standardised 3.5 hour guided tour (time includes two 30min ferry rides). In addition to touring the maximum security prison buildings, the tour includes a 45 minute guided bus ride around the island and interaction with a former Robben Island prisoner. There is also a small penguin colony on the island. A visit to Robben Island provides a fascinating insight into the island’s history and that of South Africa. It is worth noting however that tours can get fairly crowded, so book ahead. There are also exhibits at the Nelson Mandela Gateway museum, worth seeing, especially if you can’t make it to the Island. Getting to Robben Island Located 7.2 miles from the mainland (8.2 miles from Cape Town), the only way to get to Robben Island is by ferry. This departs from Nelson Mandela Gateway, Clock Tower Precinct at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town – visitors disembark and re-embark at Murray’s Bay Harbour situated on the east coast of the Island. The ferry is included in the price of the ticket. Constitution Hill About Perched above Johannesburg, Constitution Hill offers a captivating glimpse into South Africa's past. This former prison complex is now home to the Number Four museum, the Women's Gaol museum, and the Old Fort museum. Once called The Fort, it gained notoriety for its harsh treatment of political prisoners and common criminals. Notable figures like Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi were once held here. Exploring this site provides a thought-provoking experience that sheds light on the country's history. Mentioned on articles The story of the tumultuous history of South Africa and its remarkable transition to democracy can be told nowhere, as it is at Constitution Hill. Constitutional hill is the birthplace of the Constitutional Court of South Africa-the nation’s highest court in constitutional affairs and a National Heritage of the Johannesburg CBD. Once South African leaders of the political activists, Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi included, had been detained in an environment of poverty and violence, the site became a place of unity and democracy, a home for the Women’s Gaol, the Number Four Museum and the Old Fort Museum. Constitution Hill, a once notorious prison under the Apartheid regime, is now the location of the South Africa’s Constitutional Court. With the prison complex still intact, you will be able to learn more about the lives of political prisoners and South Africa’s turbulent history in a visual and engaging way. You will be able to enter the Constitutional Court (if there aren’t any formal proceedings underway), soak up the atmosphere and marvel at the impressive artworks and artefacts contributed by famous artists and activists. Attractions such as the Apartheid Museum, Gold Reef City and Constitution Hill offer snapshots into these important Jo'burg attributes, while other sites like Nelson Mandela Square and the Mandela House remind locals and visitors about the monumental impact Mandela had on the city. However, Johannesburg doesn't just focus on the past. Since apartheid, the city has evolved into a vibrant urban center, thanks in part to its trendy fashion boutiques, hip music, bohemian art and array of international cuisine. Overlooking the city of Johannesburg, Constitution Hill is a former prison, which provides fascinating insight into South Africa's history. At the site, you can explore provocative exhibits at the Number Four museum, the Women's Gaol museum, and the Old Fort museum. Together, the precinct was once known as The Fort, and it forged a reputation for its brutal treatment of political prisoners, Rissik Street Post Office (1897) About Rissik Street Post Office (1897) was once the tallest building in the city, symbolizing institutional power. Today, it stands as a charred remnant of its former grandeur. After being abandoned by postal services in 1996, there were attempts to sell it to a Malaysian hotel developer for R35-million, but the deal collapsed. This historic landmark holds great significance in Johannesburg's history and heritage. Highlighted reviews Mentioned on articles When the post office was built it was the tallest building in the city and an imposing marker of institutional power. It now stands as a burnt shell of it’s former self. Two years after the already poorly maintained building was deserted by postal services in 1996 it was almost sold for R35-million to a Malaysian hotel developer but the deal fell through. Dutch architect Sytze Wierda played a massive role in shaping both Pretoria and Johannesburg as the appointed designer and engineer under president Paul Kruger. His most notable work is the Rissik Street Post Office. The building as it is today is not the original since most of it burned down during a massive fire in 2009. If for any reason none appear click here for some troubleshooting tips. If you would like to post a comment and need assistance click here. Irrelevant and inappropriate comments will be removed by the moderator. The Rissik Street Post Office, built in 1897 (and declared a national monument in 1978), remains a fine example of Victorian architectural finesse. Hillbrow Tower About Hillbrow Tower, the tallest structure in Johannesburg standing at 269 meters, is owned by Telkom and serves as a microwave tower. It offers panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. Menu and popular items Garden Mentioned on articles The Hillbrow Tower is a tall tower located in the suburb of Hillbrow in Johannesburg, South Africa. At 269 m, it has been the tallest structure and tower in Africa for 40 years, and it was also the tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere until 1978, when surpassed by the 270m Mount Isa Chimney in Queensland, Australia. Construction of the tower began in June 1968 and was completed three years later, in April 1971. Hillbrow Tower is a 269m stunning tower that was known to be South Africa’s tallest structure and tower for 40 years. This was also ranked as the first Grey area of South Africa where blacks and whites could live together. Hillbrow Tower is also considered to be one of Johannesburg’s two iconic towers that are used to identify the Johannesburg skyline and many famous events also took place here in 2012 and 2013. The Hillbrow Tower is the highest structure in Johannesburg, and is probably the city's most recognisable landmark. The Hillbrow Tower was previously known as the JG Strijdom Tower. It was built over three years, between June 1968 and April 1971, and is 269m high. This is the highest structure of Johannesburg, 269 metres, and is owned by Telkom and is used as a microwave tower. Big Hole Complex During a visit to the Big Hole in Kimberley, South Africa you will not only see the largest man made hole in the world but also the largest diamond display in the world. Various displays will introduce you to the world of diamond mining and all aspects of diamonds as well as the history of diamonds in South Africa. On show is also the Old Town witch will give you an idea of what Kimberley looked like more than 100 years ago. We have various shops on the site where you could buy curios as well as diamonds and jewellery. Also available is a coffee shop and bar to quench your thirst and hunger. We are fully wheelchair friendly. Open every day of the year from 08:00 to 17:00 Guided tours on offer. The Honoured Dead Memorial he Honoured Dead Memorial is a provincial heritage site in Kimberley in the Northern Cape province of South Africa. It is situated at the meeting point of five roads, and commemorates those who died defending the city during the 124 day Siege of Kimberley in the Anglo-Boer War of 1899-1902. In 1986, it was described in the Government Gazette as Cecil John Rhodes commissioned Sir Herbert Baker (Baker & Masey Architects – Herbert Baker & Francis Edward Masey) to design a memorial…which commemorates those who fell during the Kimberley Siege. Rhodes sent Baker to Greece to study ancient memorials – the Nereid Monument at Xanthus greatly influenced his design. The monument is built of sandstone quarried in the Matopo Hills in Zimbabwe and is the tomb of 27 soldiers. It features an inscription that Rhodes specifically commissioned Rudyard Kipling to write. The Long Cecil gun that was designed and manufactured by George Frederick Labram, who died on 9 February 1900, in the workshops of De Beers during the siege is mounted on its stylobate (facing the Free State). It is surrounded by shells from the Boer Long Tom. The memorial was dedicated on 28 November 1904. It was vandalised in 2010 when brass fittings were broken off parts of the gun. Nationales Frauendenkmal The National Women's Monument[1] (Afrikaans : Nasionale Vrouemonument) in Bloemfontein , South Africa , is a monument commemorating the roughly 27,000 Boers who died in British concentration camps during the Second Boer War . The Monument is a Provincial Heritage Site[1] in the Free State . The monument was designed by a Pretoria architect, Frans Soff, and the sculpting was done by Anton van Wouw . It consists of an obelisk about 35m in height and low, semi-circular walls on two sides. A central bronze group, sketched by English activist Emily Hobhouse and depicting her own experience of 15 May 1901, is of two sorrowing women and a dying child in the Springfontein camp. The monument was unveiled on 16 December 1913, attended by about 20,000 South Africans. Thirteen years later, Emily Hobhouse's ashes were ensconced at the foot of the monument. Also beside the monument are the graves of Christiaan de Wet , Rev. John Daniel Kestell, President of the Orange Free State Martinus Steyn , and his wife. Historical Landmarks to Visit in South Africa Boulders Beach Boulders Beach, near Cape Town, is famous for its colony of adorable African penguins. It is a fun place to visit because you can see these cute birds up close as they waddle and swim. The beach is named after the large granite boulders that protect it from big waves. This special spot combines nature and history, making it a must-see for everyone visiting South Africa. Cradle of Humankind Just next to Johannesburg is the Cradle of Humankind, which remains an important place to study ancient humans. These huge sites contain a great number of limestone caves, which hold old human bones. You can catch really cool tours there about how humans have changed over time. Montecasino Montecasino is located in Johannesburg, which looks like an old Italian village. There is fun to be found there, with things like theatres, shops, and even a bird park. Although Montecasino is not ancient, it brings one a taste of history through its beautiful architecture and cobblestone streets. It is a place to have the best exploration, a lot of fun, and learn a bit about Italian culture in South Africa. Voortrekker Monument The Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria honours the pioneers who left the Cape Colony during the Great Trek. This huge granite building is surrounded by a circular wall with pictures showing their history. The monument also offers amazing views of the city and nearby areas. Castle of Good Hope The Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town is the oldest colonial building in South Africa. The Dutch East India Company built it in the 17th century as a supply station for ships travelling to the East. Today, it has military and historical exhibits, and visitors can explore its impressive architecture and history. Isandlwana Battlefield The Isandlwana Battlefield in KwaZulu-Natal is where one of the most important battles in South African history took place. In 1879, Zulu warriors defeated British forces in a surprising victory. Guided tours of the battlefield tell the story of this historic event and its impact. Nelson Mandela Capture Site As the name suggests, this famous site marked the history of Nelson Mandela’s arrest in 1962. You will find it near Howick in KwaZulu-Natal. The site has an iconic sculpture of Mandela and a historic museum where the story of his life and legacy is narrated. It’s a powerful reminder of the struggle of this amazing leader against apartheid and a journey towards freedom. Union Buildings The Union Buildings in Pretoria are where the South African government and the President’s office are located. Designed by Sir Herbert Baker, these famous buildings are surrounded by beautiful gardens and offer amazing views of the city. Nelson Mandela was inaugurated here as South Africa’s first black president in 1994. Freedom Park Freedom Park in Pretoria shows the spirit of South Africa’s fight for freedom. The park has a memorial, museum, and garden to honour those who gave their lives for the country’s freedom. Visitors can think about the nation’s history and appreciate the progress made. Tips When Visiting Historical Sites Plan Ahead: Check opening times and consider purchasing tickets online to avoid long lines. Guided Tours: Join guided tours with experts for cool stories and facts. Pack Snacks and Water: Historical sites can be big, so stay hydrated and energized. Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be walking a lot, so comfy shoes are a must! Respect the Site: Follow the rules, don’t touch displays, and keep the area clean. Take Photos: Capture moments, but be considerate of places where taking photos is prohibited. Bring a Notebook: Jot down cool facts and what you have learned to share with others. Ask Questions: Don’t be shy. Asking questions can make your visit more interesting! Conclusion South Africa’s historical landmarks offer a profound journey through time, from ancient human origins to modern struggles for freedom. Each site, from Boulders Beach to Freedom Park, tells a unique story that has shaped the nation. Whether marvelling at the Cradle of Humankind or reflecting at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, these landmarks provide an enriching experience for history enthusiasts and curious travellers, offering deep insights into South Africa’s rich and diverse heritage. So, pack your bag with a guide of Travel bacpack and embark on an unforgettable journey through South Africa’s storied past. Absolute Best Places to Visit in South Africa ( & Tips) If you are reading this because you searched for the best places to visit in South Africa, then it probably means that you already know that South Africa is one of the most remarkable countries in the world and that you are considering a trip there. Go for it! South Africa is one of the most beautiful destinations you’ll ever visit! South Africa is so special and unique that it’s often called The World in One Country. And so it is! S-A is like a perfect mix of the very best of the entire world in one place. At the same time, it’s like no other place on Earth… In this article, you can find a list of the very best places to see in South Africa. 17 incredible destinations in South Africa that are worth a trip from the other side of the world. Find out! Disclosure: This article is sponsored by South African Tourism. It’s not a secret that South Africa is our absolute favorite country in the world, so we are really excited to be working with them to inspire you to discover this incredible country. All opinions and enthusiasm about South Africa are, of course, our own. We fell in love with South Africa the first time we visited it many years ago and I’m sure you’ll feel the same way too. It’s a place that captures your heart forever. Camps Bay and Twelve Apostles Mountain Range near Cape Town Below, you can find the list of the most amazing places you should visit in South Africa. This is in no way a complete list, but it should give you a good idea of what to expect and where to go when visiting for the first time. It’s the list of the very best things to do and places to see in South Africa. I ranked this list by putting my own favorites on top. So if you are limited in time, I suggest that you start with the top of the list and work your way down. At the bottom of this article, you can also find the map indicating all the main tourist attractions in South Africa mentioned in this post. Find out! TIP: If you are not sure how to plan your trip, please check our South Africa 2 week itinerary that covers most of the must-see places in South Africa. Please note that it’s a very complete itinerary, but it doesn’t leave much extra time to explore deeper. If you want to visit every place from this list, you’ll need at least 3 weeks and it will be rushed. If you want to see all the best places in South Africa mentioned in this article AND have some time to explore somewhat deeper, you’ll probably need at least a month… These are the best places to visit in South Africa: Cape Town If there is one place you absolutely have to see in South Africa, it’s Cape Town. It was the oldest European establishment in South Africa (1652) and is therefore often referred to as the Mother City. It’s difficult to describe in just a few words what Cape Town is all about. You really have to experience it in order to be able to appreciate the mingle of African and European cultures, a mix of tradition and modern, and the unique blend of city life and nature… If South Africa is the world in one country, then Cape Town is the world in one city. Absolutely not to be missed when visiting South Africa! Here are some of the main places you have to see in Cape Town: Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, Table Mountain, Signal Hill & Lion’s Head, Robben Island, Bo-Kaap area, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Two Oceans Aquarium, and also the city center with its local markets, shops, restaurants, and museums. TIP: If the gondola to the top of Table Mountain is open, go there first. It often gets closed due to high winds, so don’t leave it for the last day. Cape Town is an absolute must-see in South Africa Cape Peninsula Together with Cape Town, Cape Peninsula is one of the most impressive regions of South Africa. This is one of those places that you really don’t want to miss! The absolute highlights of the Cape Peninsula include Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point and the stunning 12 Apostles coastline from Camps Bay to Hout Bay and further south along Chapman’s Peak Drive. Not to be missed is Simon’s Town with Boulder’s Beach penguin colony (yes, you can see wild penguins in South Africa!) and also an ocean walkway from Muizenberg to Kalk Bay via St. James beach is really nice. Groot Constantia wine region in Cape Peninsula has spectacular scenery and some of the best wines in South Africa. Also, in Hout Bay you can take a boat to see a seal colony – it’s called Duiker Island, but most people just refer to it as Hout Bay Seal Island. This is a very popular tourist attraction, so you may want to book in advance. For a more unique experience, you can even go snorkeling with the seals. TIP: One day is hardly enough to see the highlights of Cape Peninsula. So if you can, try to spend at least a few days in this area. I recommend at least a week for Cape Town and Cape Peninsula, with 3-4 days being an absolute minimum. Cape Peninsula is one of the most beautiful places in the world The Garden Route Another absolutely amazing region, the Garden Route is one of those places you really have to see in South Africa as well. This +-200km stretch between Mossel Bay and Stormsrivier is one of the most scenic routes in the world, but you have to take the time in order to truly appreciate it. You could drive the Garden Route in just half a day, but you won’t see much just by sitting in the car. So ideally you take at least a couple of days to explore this area. Some of the nicest places along the Garden Route are Storms River and Tsitsikamma National Park, Robberg Nature Reserve, Plettenberg Bay, the whole area around Knysna (don’t miss the Heads and the Featherbed Private Nature Reserve!), Wilderness, and the beautiful coastline along the entire route. Oudtshoorn, famous for its ostrich farms and Cango Caves, is a bit out of the way from the rest, but it’s also considered as part of the Garden Route. Well worth a visit. TIP: If you are traveling with kids or if you just love wildlife, don’t miss Monkeyland and Birds of Eden (both just next to each other). Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve is a great place for a family-friendly safari along the Garden Route and Knysna Elephant Park is one of the best ethical places to interact with elephants in South Africa. Tsitsikamma National Park along the Garden Route Blyde Canyon & Panorama Route Blyde River Canyon is one of the most beautiful natural landmarks of South Africa. It’s also one of the largest canyons in the world. Due to its proximity to several main entrances of Kruger National Park, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve and the whole Panorama Route make a very popular day trip in the area. Together with Kruger NP, Blyde River Canyon is one of the most popular tourist attractions in northern South Africa. Start your day with breakfast at the famous Harrie’s Pancakes in Graskop. Then head north to the Pinnacle, God’s Window, and Wonder View. Further highlights of the Panorama Route include Lisbon Falls and Berlin Falls, also Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and Lowveld viewpoint. But the most impressive of them all is the Three Rondavels viewpoint. The scenery here is simply spectacular! Three Rondavels was one of the first places we visited just after arrival in South Africa and that image stayed with us forever. It was here that we fell in love with this amazingly diverse country and realized that it has so much more to offer than we ever imagined… Don’t miss if you are visiting Kruger NP and have a day to spare! If you have more time, you can also consider a visit to the Echo Caves or a small museum-town called Pilgrim’s Rest. Blyde River Canyon along the Panorama Route Hermanus Hermanus is my husband’s favorite place in South Africa, one we always wish we had stayed longer at… The town itself isn’t that special, but its coastline is second to none! Grab a picnic and explore the beautiful coastal walking path. The bay near Hermanus is known as the best place to see whales and dolphins in South Africa and it definitely lives up to its reputation! You can take a whale watching boat tour and get really close to these majestic animals, but you can usually also see them from ashore. Both experiences are very different and each special in their own way. I really recommend both – taking the boat tour and also walking the coastal route in Hermanus and watching whales and dolphins from the shore. Please note that whales are not always around. The best time to see whales in Hermanus is between June and December, but some years they arrive earlier or leave later, so you just never know. We have been on many whale-watching tours all over the world, but nowhere did we see so many whales from so close by as in Hermanus. There were tens of whales just meters away from our boat… We also saw hundreds of dolphins while walking along the coast. It sure is one of the best places to go whale – and dolphin-watching in the world. TIP: Nearby Gansbaai is also a beautiful place with a stunning coastline and a good chance to see the whales. It’s not as well known and therefore much less visited than Hermanus, but it’s a perfect place to visit for those who have more time in the area and looking to discover some off-beat hidden gems. Hermanus coastline – can you spot the dolphins? South Africa Wine Region: Stellenbosch and Franschhoek South Africa has become world-famous for its wines and the best region to see the wineries and taste some wines is the beautiful area between Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek. This wine region is just a short drive from Cape Town and is therefore really easy to visit, even if you only have limited time in South Africa. Stellenbosch and Paarl are bigger towns and I’m not sure if they are worth a visit, but the nearby wineries and the surrounding scenery is a must. We loved the quaint little Franschhoek town with its white buildings, hilly landscapes, and a very cozy atmosphere. Such a beautiful region – a place you have to see in South Africa! TIP: Don’t drink and drive! If you are staying in Cape Town, you can visit the wine region with an organized day tour. Here is one of the best-rated and most complete wine region tours from Cape Town that I was able to find. Franschhoek – Stellenbosch wine region Agulhas – Southernmost Tip Of Africa Cape Agulhas, the Southernmost place in Africa, is so far from every other landmark in South Africa and main tourist routes that it doesn’t get the attention it deserves. But what a beautiful and unique place it is! Standing at this point where two oceans meet you truly feel like you’ve reached the end of the world… The best way to visit Cape Agulhas is by making a stop there on your way from Cape Town to the Garden Route (or vice versa). We once did it in a day, just stopping there when driving from Knysna to Cape Town, but it was a really long drive. TIP: I suggest that you break the drive and either stay in Cape Agulhas or in the area around Hermanus or Gansbaai for one night. Cape Agulhas, the place where Indian Ocean meets the Atlantic Ocean Drakensberg Another wonderful region a bit off the beaten tourist path in South Africa is the Drakensberg mountains. The Dragon Mountain is a +-200km mountain range between the Kingdom of Lesotho and KwaZulu Natal province in South Africa, a few hours drive from Durban. The region is known for its incredible vistas, countless waterfalls, mountain streams, rock pools, caves, and tranquil scenery pretty much undisturbed by human development. The Drakensberg is the highest mountain range in South Africa and if you visit here in the winter (July) as we did, be prepared for the freezing cold temperatures at night. Theoretically, you could visit the Drakensberg region just for a day, but ideally, you spend at least a couple of days here. There is a wide range of outdoor activities available, such as hiking or golf to mention just a few… TIP: If you stay close to the Underberg area (we stayed at this hotel), you can pop over the border and visit Lesotho for a day (day tours are available too). Drakensberg mountain range Addo Elephant National Park If you are looking for a malaria-free family-friendly safari experience in Africa, Addo Elephant National Park is one of the very best places to do that. South Africa’s third-largest National Park is located in the southern part of the country, close to Port Elizabeth and just a few hours drive from the Garden Route. As the name suggests, Addo Elephant NP is a perfect place to see wild elephants. This park is home to over 600 elephants and they are all around. Many other African animals live here as well and if you are really lucky, you may even get to spot The Big 5… TIP: You can easily explore the park on a self-drive safari. But – as always – a guided open-jeep safari tour will give you a very different experience. If you come here for a few days and have your own car, I suggest you do both – visit the park on your own but also book at least one safari ride. Elephants in Addo Elephant National Park iSimangaliso Wetland Park Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, iSimangaliso Wetland Park has a lot to more to offer than it looks at first sight. It’s not that widely known and definitely not one of the main tourist attractions in South Africa, but it’s well worth a trip. iSimangaliso Wetland Park has it all: beautiful scenery, unique landscapes, white-sand beaches, snorkeling, diving, and lots of wildlife. You can expect to see rhino, zebra, buffalo, troop baboons, wildebeest, and even elephants, to name just a few… One of the main reasons tourists visit this area is to see hippos in the wild. iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a paradise for water-loving animals and is, therefore, one of the best places to see hippos and crocodiles in South Africa. TIP: You can visit the park by car, but if you really want to get close to the hippos and the crocodiles in a safe way, it’s best to book St. Lucia estuary boat tour. The boat tour takes just two hours, so you can spend the rest of the time self-driving and exploring the park. The safest way to see hippos is from a boat Pilanesberg National Park Just over 2 hours drive from Johannesburg, Pilanesberg National Park is probably one of the easiest and best-accessible places for a wildlife safari in South Africa. Pilanesberg Game Reserve is set in an extinct volcanic crater, where the soil is rich with grasslands, perfect for wildlife. A man-made lake, Mankwe Dam, is used as a drinking waterhole – a perfect place to see African animals. Wildlife here includes zebras, lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and many other species. Because the park is rather small, it’s quite easy to find the animals, even if you come here just for a few hours. TIP: You can visit Pilanesberg National Park as a day trip from Johannesburg, but if you have some time to spare, stay a few days. If you like places like Las Vegas in the US, don’t miss the nearby Sun City with entertainment for young and old. From luxury resorts and casinos, waterparks and golfing, to outdoor activities, wildlife viewing, and even hot air balloon safari – this area truly has it all. Can you imagine going on a hot-air balloon safari?! Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park One can never have too many safari experiences in Africa, right? So if you are visiting St.Lucia/Durban area, then I really recommend a day trip to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. This park is not as well known as Kruger and the other National Parks mentioned above, but it’s just as beautiful and offers amazing wildlife viewing. Africa’s Big 5 live here and, of course, many other animals. TIP: You can visit this park on a self-drive safari or take a guided safari tour from Durban. If you want to make the best of your short time, you can also opt for a tour that combines Hluhluwe and iSimangaliso Wetlands, mentioned above. Rhinos in Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park West Coast National Park Just an hour drive north of Cape Town, West Coast National Park is the locals’ favorite, so if you come in a warm season, expect it to be busy. This park has beautiful beaches, stunning coastlines, scenic hiking trails, wildlife, and lots of wildflowers. Springtime (August – September) is the best time to see the flowers and the park might be even busier than usual. West Coast National Park is considered a real jewel. It’s not a must-see in South Africa if you are short on time, but if you are staying in Cape Town and have a day to spare, definitely check it out! TIP: There aren’t many facilities here; it’s all about nature. So if you come for a day, make sure to bring some food and plenty of water. Postberg Flower Reserve in West Coast National Park in spring Durban Durban is considered one of the cities that you should see in South Africa. We found that there were better ways to spend our time in South Africa than visiting its cities… so we didn’t stay in Durban longer than necessary. Just in case you wonder, Cape Town is a whole other story, one city you have to see. Nevertheless, if you are traveling in this area, you shouldn’t miss Durban. One of the best things to do here is go to the beach and stroll the Golden Mile, visit UShaka Marine World or Durban Botanic Gardens. Durban is also a good base for a day trip to the earlier mentioned Hluhluwe-iMfolozi NP and iSimangaliso Wetland Park, and also to the Drakensberg mountains. A really interesting thing to do in Durban is also this Shakaland and Zulu culture day trip . TIP: If you are short on time, fly from Durban to Port Elizabeth or Cape Town – it will save you lots of driving. Durban UShaka Pier Johannesburg The largest city in South Africa, Johannesburg’s history goes back to the 19th century. It’s hard to believe that this bustling city with a population of 1 million started as a gold-mining settlement. If you want to learn about South Africa’s long part to democracy, then don’t miss Soweto township (go with a guide! ) which was once home to Nelson Mandela and also Desmond Tutu. Must-see in Johannesburg is the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill, a former prison complex. Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and tens of thousands of others were imprisoned here at some point in South Africa’s turbulent history… Johannesburg skyline Namaqua National Park & Namaqualand Namaqualand and Namaqua National Park, close to the Namibian border, are so far from all the other tourist attractions in South Africa that you’ll hardly ever see it mentioned as one of the best places to visit in the country. It’s actually more of a hidden gem of South Africa. Come spring and the dusty valleys are transformed into a magical wildflower wonderland. The whole area is covered in colorful flower carpet, attracting local visitors and international tourists alike. If you are visiting South Africa in August-September and feel like getting off the beaten path, you may want to include this unique region in your itinerary. Namaqua National Park in spring Best places to visit in South Africa South Africa Travel FAQ Here are some of the popular questions our readers ask about visiting South Africa: When is the best time to visit South Africa? South Africa is a year-round destination and every season has something to offer. The best time to see wildlife in Kruger National Park is the dry season between May and October. Whereas the best time to visit Cape Town and the Garden Route is between September – November and from March to May. What is the most beautiful place in South Africa? South Africa is huge and there are so many beautiful places to see. But if you have to choose just one area to visit, we recommend Cape Town and Cape Peninsula. Is South Africa safe for tourists? South Africa is not the safest place to visit in the world and the crime rate is quite high. That being said, if you are cautious, aware of your surroundings, and do not take unnecessary risks, crime against tourists is really not that common. We visited South Africa several times, also with kids, and we never experienced any problems. Is South Africa expensive? No, South Africa is not an expensive destination. The biggest cost or the trip is the flight to get there. Accommodation, food, and activities are quite cheap in South Africa. But – as everywhere in the world – a lot depends on the choices you make and mostly on the accommodations that you choose. How much time do you need in South Africa? 2 weeks is the minimum time if you want to see the most beautiful places of South Africa. If you have about 10 days, spend 3 days in Kruger NP and fly to the south of the country for the rest of the trip. If you have 1 week or less, it’s best to concentrate on just one area – either Kruger NP and surroundings or Cape Peninsula and the Garden Route. TIP: When planning a trip to South Africa, make sure to also check our South Africa itinerary. It contains most of the highlights of South Africa from this list and shows you how to see all the best places in just two weeks. Check it out – it will help you plan a trip of a lifetime! And if you are traveling with a family, check out this guide for more info on what to expect and where to go when visiting South Africa with kids. BACK TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE