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David Rattray was a respected tourism personality and an Anglo-Zulu war expert. He was murdered at his home in KwaZulu Natal on the 26th of January 2007. He moved to his family’s farm in 1989 with wife, Nicky, to start Fugitives’ Drift Lodge, from where they guided a constant stream of visitors around the battlefields of Isandhlwana and Rorke’s Drift.
The motive for the murder is still unknown. According to sources, six armed men entered the house. One wore a balaclava and held up Rattray’s receptionist, demanding money. Another yelled “Where is David?†One of the men shot him while the others, including the gang leader, waited outside. He was however ordered to go back and make sure Rattray was dead as he had only fired one shot. The attackers then fled. Rattray suffered shots to the chest, hand and shoulder and died instantly. His family is convinced his murder was an assassination. Nothing was taken from their home.
Rattray was instrumental in putting the province’s battlefields on the international tourism map. He was born in Johannesburg in 1958. He completed his schooling at St Alban’s College in Pretoria, and studied entomology at the University of Natal, before managing the Mala Mala Game Reserve.
As a child he grew up learning Zulu from his best friend and their playground was the farm at Rorke’s Drift. Here began his fascination as he was enriched with the lore of this fabulous region. His exposure to Zulu oral tradition and his studies of his excellent library left him uniquely equipped for his vocation, as a raconteur, and he has entertained many audiences in South Africa and abroad. His talks enthralled and captivated people from all walks of life, from princes to school children, and had given such a very positive new perspective on South Africa.
He was good friends with the British Prince Charles as well as Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini.
A much loved and respected individual, David Rattray’s death would not only be a shock to South Africans, but send ripples across the seas to the many people he touched there also. May his family find solace!
First National Bank, one of South Africa’s top banks, had planned a R20million advertising campaign in an attempt to influence the South African government. This campaign would have involved a call on the public to petition President Thabo Mbeki, in order for him to make crime his top priority.
However, FNB ditched the plan, and in doing so have prompted suggestions that the bank was persuaded to drop the anti-crime scheme.
Paul Harris, the Chief Executive of FirstRand, the company which owns First National Bank, says that after much debate, FNB decided to pull the anti crime campaign.
Whether the bank had come under pressure from government or other business sectors is not known, although many have openly distanced themselves from First National Bank’s anti-crime moves. FNB holds a number of government and local government banking accounts.
But according to Business Day, one prominent CEO, Johann Rupert, then wrote a letter to Business Leadership SA, expressing his support for the FNB anti-crime plan.
“To speak up about things that are patently wrong in a society, is not disloyal – it is the moral right and duty of any citizen. It can be called “loyal dissent”.
“The aim of the FNB campaign is not to criticise government, but to give the citizens of our country a voice”, he reportedly said. In recent weeks, there have been passionate debates in South Africa about the high crime levels.
The murder of the historian, David Rattray, has drawn world wide attention to the crime problem in South Africa. Mr Rattray was shot dead by intruders at his Fugitives’ Drift Lodge in KwaZulu-Natal on the 24th January 2007. A member of the gang has just been sentenced to 25 years in prison, although he could have received a heftier sentence had he not turned state witness.
In January, President Mbeki highlighted the fight against crime stating “During the course of 2007, we need to make every possible effort decisively to tackle this challenge. In a united front against crime”, he said at an African National Congress rally in Witbank.
These shocking crime figures from the SA Police Service in 2005 might make a few tourists think twice about coming to SA: there were 18,545 murders; 54,926 rapes and 2,320 kidnappings, and it is said that these figures are worsening each year.
Mr Mbeki however stated that crime in South Africa was “not out of control”.
Mr Mbeki is to deliver his annual State of the Nation address in parliament in Cape Town on Friday………….. Should be interesting?
South Africa is a dream destination for golf enthusiasts and boasts some of the finest courses in the world. Virtually every town in South Africa has its own golf course and altogether there are literally hundreds of golf clubs in South Africa and more than 500 unique courses, with the number growing due to strong demand. Although it is said South Africa is golfing’s best kept secret, its popularity is increasing. Many courses register growing visitor numbers from overseas. Many of these courses are of superior quality, excellently equipped and situated in beautiful scenery.
Many tours and holiday packages include a round of golf as part of the trip, or even as the main focus of the entire tour. These packages promise to make the golfer’s trip to South Africa an absolutely unforgettable one.
South Africa offers an excellent sunny climate, staggering choice of top class courses and wide open spaces which makes it one of the top golfing nations in the world. South Africa has consistently produced world-class players, such as Gary Player, Ernie Els, Retief Goosen and the rising talent, Trevor Immelman.
From the challenge of a coastal lynx course to courses where wild animals roam freely, the wide variety and challengers of South Africa’s golf courses are astounding. The Western Cape is probably where you will find the most international golfing visitors, and the Garden Route in particular has many excellent courses to get you swinging. Fancourt, in the town of George, is home to South African world champion golfer, Ernie Els, also known as “Big Easyâ€. But the most famous golf course in South Africa is probably the Gary Player Country Club at Sun City, which is host of the annual Nedbank Gold Challenge. Other South African courses like the Houghton Country Club feature on the European PGA Tour as well the local Sunshine Tour and the South African Open.
Many new housing developments recognise the popularity and real estate value of golf courses in South Africa, and plan the housing around beautiful courses. Just one example is Erinvale, in the Western Cape town of Somerset West, which has hosted several international tournaments. Indeed the profile golf in South Africa enjoys is growing and these developments go a long way in making the game more accessible. Renting accommodation in these developments is great for golfing holidays in South Africa, where you can enjoy easy access to the course and the club restaurant and bar.
The best time of year to visit South Africa on a golfing holiday would be in the summer months between November and March, although golfing is popular all year!
Considered one of the top destinations on the continent for an African safari, South Africa is one of the most diverse and beautiful countries in the world, which is represented by its Rainbow Flag and nickname the Rainbow Nation. Truly a world within one country! The spectacular and varied land and its friendly people never fail to captivate those who embark on a South African safari holiday.
South Africa is larger than France and Spain combined! It stretches from the Southern most tip of Africa to the Limpopo River bordering with Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Within South Africa are some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes; canyons, wilderness, beaches, rivers, and cities just to mention but a few. South Africa enjoys a temperate and pleasant climate, with warm sunny days most of the year. The country enjoys one of the world’s highest average daily hours of sunshine at 8, 5. Summers are hot and winters are generally mild and dry. No wonder South African safari holidays are so popular amongst visitors from around the world.
South Africa has picturesque wine-farming towns in the Garden Route, dense subtropical coast in KwaZulu Natal, arid semi-desert in the little Karoo and dramatic mountains in the Drakensberg. Along with all this is the Kruger National Park, Africa’s premier safari reserve. The Kruger Park, however, is but one of the many South African safari parks you can enjoy. Let South Africa’s excellent infrastructure, stunning natural scenery and fascinating history give you the travel experience of a lifetime!
There are many South African safari tours and other safari options available in South Africa. Here we mention but a few:
South African Flying Safari – this is ideal for those who want to go on a safari in style! Spoil yourself, pamper your partner or pop the big question at Lion Sands Ivory Lodge, with enormous rooms overlooking the Sabi River, offering you every luxury you can imagine!
Fly-in Cultural Kruger Safari – on this safari you can enjoy the luxury of a charter flight to Kruger National Park, where traditional cuisine, culture and luxury in 6 beautifully furnished huts at an earthy Tsonga-styled lodge, Hoyo Hoyo, awaits you.
Luxury Garden Route Self-Drive – this is a relaxing safari which you can take at your own pace. Enjoy the Garden Route by taking the scenic route from Cape Town to Hermanus, where you can watch whales in season and relax all year round. Drive up to Oudtshoorn to see the Cango Caves and ostriches. Round your trip off at Plettenberg Bay with its beautiful beaches and pristine forests.
Classic Safari Experience – three days of game viewing and luxury at the lodge of your choice, featuring superb accommodation, open vehicle game drives accompanied by an experienced ranger and tracker, and personalised service from start to finish.
Stellenbosch is the capital of the Cape Winelands and was the second town to be founded in South Africa in 1685, making it the second oldest town after Cape Town. A stay in a Stellenbosch hotel will give you time to take in the beauty of this historic South African town.
Lined with shady oaks and beautiful gabled, white-washed buildings the streets of Stellenbosch still have small irrigation channels on either side of the older roads. In the past, these were used to water gardens, as each householder has a time slot in which to divert the town’s irrigation into their plot. The town has a wonderful mixture of architectural styles from bygone era – beautiful Cape Dutch thatched cottages, Gregorian style double-storey houses ad ornate Victorian homes can be found along the town’s oak-lined streets. Stellenbosch is a window into South Africa’s history.
The town is very cultural and somewhat venerable, while also displaying a young and vibrant air. You will find some interesting museums and many of the buildings, including some of the hotels and restaurants, are national monuments and deserve a second look.
The town is famous as the home of the University of Stellenbosch, founded in March 1866. Not only does Stellenbosch University sport South Africa’s most beautiful campus, but the university has shaped some of the country’s great sporting heroes, including over 150 rugby players (Springboks), and other great personalities not only in sport.
There is good mountain biking just outside the town, and there are golf courses aplenty. But of course the main attraction to this town is the wine. Stellenbosh is home to some of the best wines produced in South Africa. There are over 200 estates that offer wine tastings in Stellenbosch. The estates are impressive and ornate, with grand manor houses and beautiful out grounds. Be sure to allow yourself enough time to explore this area. Some of the wine farms have become multi-purpose resorts with theatres, restaurants, equestrian centres and much much more! The most pleasurable way to spend a day would be to select three or four estates in a day, have lunch at one, do a cellar tour at another, visit the manor house of another and just drink at the rest. Of course, there are so many things to do you will need so much more than just one day. Stellenbosch is close to Cape Town so it can be visited as a day trip, or you could do a day trip to Cape Town or the Overberg from Stellenbosch. The nearest beach is at Strand, and just further on is Bikini Beach, which has been awarded international Blue Flag status.
However, as I mentioned, one day won’t be enough so why not find accommodation at some of the wonderful luxury cottages, guesthouses or hotels in around Stellenbosch. They provide excellent bases from which to embark on your wine tasting adventures. These accommodations include the grand Lanzerac Manor, the scenic Summerwood Guesthouse and the Cape Dutch style Village at Spier.
You can enjoy tastings, joining a cellar tour, stocking up on your personal cellar and so much more in this beautiful town of Stellenbosch, South Africa’s second oldest town, and still one of the most beautiful!
Pretoria is the administrative capital of South Africa. It is situated in the northern part of Gauteng Province, South Africa and is one of the country’s three capital cities, serving as the administrative capital. Pretoria is contained in the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality as one of several constituent former administrations and sometimes referred to as Tshwane. But it may soon be officially renamed as Tshwane, although this is currently a controversial matter.
The grand buildings of Pretoria, which include many foreign embassies, give the city a dignified presence. Although close to Johannesburg, Pretoria has a totally different feel to the commercial capital. Avenues lined with mauve-flowered jacaranda trees are wide enough to allow a team of oxen pulling a cart to turn in them. The city’s nickname is “Jacaranda City†(or Jakaranda Stad in Afrikaans) because of the trees that blossom the beautiful purplish- blue flowers.
The oxen wagons belonged to the large numbers of Voortrekkers who arrived in Pretoria in the 1850s. Sculptures and monuments attest to Afrikaner history, and great care has been taken to preserve the fine architecture in the city centres, such as Church Square.
Pretoria’s main street, Church Street, is the longest urban street in South Africa and one of the longest straight streets in the world. Pretoria is also a host city for the South Africa 2010 Soccer World Cup.
Overlooking the whole of the city from a hilltop are the magnificent Union Buildings (designed by Sir Herbert Baker and built in golden stone with Italian tiled roofs), a Romanesque amphitheatre and African sculptures. Progress has brought high-tech shopping centres, museums, art galleries and multi-culinary restaurants.
The city is home to the University of Pretoria, the largest residential university in the country, as well as the Tshwane University of Technology, and the largest distance education university, the University of South Africa, better known as UNISA. You will also find the South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in this city.
The city has an abundance of open spaces with parks, bird sanctuaries, nature reserves and a zoo. The initial full designation of the city was Pretoria Philadelphia (‘Pretoria of brotherly love’).
The Cullinan Diamond (the largest gem diamond ever found) was discovered in the town of Cullinan near Pretoria at the Premier Mine on January 26, 1905.
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Apartheid literally translates as “apartness†from Afrikaans. Apartheid in South Africa was a system of racial segregation that was introduced and enforced from 1948, but thankfully Aparteidcame to an end in South Africa in 1994.
The history of Aparteid in South Africa needs to be understood in the context of racial interaction prior to the introduction of the official apartheid policies. Racial segregation and the dominance of whites had been traditionally accepted, even prior to the introduction of Apartheid in South Africa in 1948, but after the general election of that year, Daniel F. Malan officially included the policy of apatheid in South Africa’s Afrikaner Nationalist party platform, bringing his party to power for the first time. Although most white acquiesced in the policy, there was bitter and sometimes bloody dissension over the degree and stringency of its implementation.
Under apartheid, people were legally classified into a racial group – the main ones being White, Black, Indian and Coloured – and were geographically, and forcibly, separated from each other on the basis of the legal classification. The purpose of apartheid was separation of the races, not only of whites from nonwhites, but also of nonwhites from each other, and, among the Africans (called Bantu in South Africa), of one group from another. In addition to the Africans, who represent about 75% of the total population, those regarded as nonwhites include those people known in the country as Coloured (people of mixed black, Malayan, and white descent) and Asian (mainly of Indian ancestry) populations.
The Group Areas Act of 1950 established residential and business sectors in urban areas for each “race†and strengthened the existing “pass†laws, which required nonwhites to carry identification papers. Other laws forbade most social contacts between those of European descent and others, authorised segregated public facilities established educational standards, restricted each group to certain types of jobs, curtailed non-white labour unions, denied non-white participation in the national government, and established various black African “homelandsâ€, partly self-governing units that were nevertheless politically and economically dependent on South Africa.
The Black majority, in particular, legally became citizens of particular “homelands†that were nominally sovereign nations but operated more akin to United States Indian Reservations and Australian/Canadian Aboriginal Reserves. In reality however, a majority of Black South Africans never resided in these “homelandsâ€. In practise, this prevented non-white people – even if actually resident in white South Africa – from having a vote or influence, restricting their rights to faraway homelands that they may never have visited. Education, medical care, and other public services were sometimes claimed to be separate but equal, but those available to non-white people were generally inferior.
The end of apartheid in South Africa started in 1993 when a draft constitution was published, which guaranteed freedom of speech and religion, access to adequate housing and numerous other benefits, and explicitly prohibiting discrimination on almost any ground. Midnight on 26-27 April 1994 the old flag, which represented an all white nation, was lowered. The old national anthem was sung, followed by the raising of the “rainbow flag†and the singing of the other co-official anthem. Since then the day is celebrated as a public holiday in South Africa known as Freedom Day. In post Apartheid South Africa there has been a remarkable amount of forgiveness and political debate hardly ever leads to violence any more. Nevertheless, poverty is still a problem and many people tend to see current problems as a result of Apartheid in South Africa. The Apartheid era in South Africa, and the country’s peace process is a very interesting political subject often discussed and used for reference around the world, even 15 years after Apartheid ended.
Going on a South African vacation? Looking for ways to make the most of your time in South Africa? Looking for recommended accommodation for your stay? The Explore South Africa website offers a wide range of general information on South Africa, as well as guides to specific areas. You will find tips on getting the most from your holiday, from people who live in South Africa, and know the best the attractions and wonderful areas to visit in this fantastic country.
Situated on Africa’s southern tip, is enclosed by the Atlantic Ocean on the west and by the Indian Ocean on the south and east.
Neighbouring countries are Namibia in the northwest, Zimbabwe and Botswana in the north, and Mozambique and Swaziland in the northeast. The kingdom of Lesotho forms an enclave within the southeast part of South Africa. The southernmost point of Africa is Cape Agulhas, located in the Western Cape Province about 161 km southeast of the Cape of Good Hope.
 After the British apprehended the Cape of Good Hope region in 1806, many of the Dutch settlers – the Boers – travelled north to find their own areas of land. The discovery of diamonds in 1867 and gold in 1886 brought great wealth to the area and immigration to the areas greatly increased. The Boers resisted British advances, but were defeated in the Boer War from 1899-1902. The consequential Union of South Africa operated under a policy of apartheid – the divided development of the different races. In the 1990s apartheid was abolished and the country became black majority ruled. Scars of the apartheid can still be experienced in many excellent museums throughout the country.
Today South Africa is home to approximately 44,344,136 people although the actual number could be much higher or lower. The approximate life expectancy is a very low at 43.27 years. There is an approximate 86% literacy rate. The country’s landmass is approximately 1,219,912 square kilometres and has some 2798 kilometres of coastline. The lowest level of elevation is by the Atlantic Ocean at sea level and the highest point is Njesuthi at 3,408 metres above sea level. Natural resources which are found in South Africa are gold, chromium, antimony, coal, iron ore, manganese, nickel, phosphates, tin, uranium, gem diamonds, platinum, copper, vanadium, salt and natural gas.
Whether you are going for 2 weeks or 2 months, there is no shortage of places to go and things to see. South Africa truly is a country that has something for everyone; and with approximately 275,971 km of highways you should have no problem getting around. You can do anything from exploring the Winelands of the Western Cape, swimming in the glorious beaches of KwaZulu Natal or game viewing at the famous Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga, a truly wonderful time will be had by everyone, young and old!
Beautiful fauna and dramatic scenery is found throughout South Africa, sandy beaches to arid bushveld and tropical wetlands to dramatic mountain ranges. World Heritage sites are found throughout South Africa and each one has something different to offer its’ visitors. Throughout the year in South Africa there are many events and festivals which can provide a fun day out, music and arts festivals, garden and flower shows, food and wine festivals and agricultural events are
common. Outdoor activities are also popular in this sport fanatics country,
South Africans have excelled internationally at golf, swimming, tennis and rugby to name but a few. Everything from horse riding, shark diving, 4×4 driving and cycling are available to tourist to enjoy.
You can also travel and enjoyed on any budget, among other nations surveyed by Business Traveller and the Economist, South Africa is one of the least expensive places in the world to visit, for business or pleasure.
South Africa is a constitutional government with a three-tier system of government and an independent judiciary. The national, provincial and local levels of government all have legislative and executive authority in their own spheres, and are defined in the Constitution as “distinctive, interdependent and interrelatedâ€.
Operating at both national and provincial levels are advisory bodies drawn from South Africa’s traditional leaders. It is a stated intention in the Constitution that the country be run on a system of co-operative governance.
South Africa is a federal parliamentary representative democratic republic, wherein the President of South Africa, elected by Parliament (situated in Cape Town), is the head of government, and of a pluriform multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the two chambers of Parliament, the Council of Province and the National Assembly. The Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature.
The current president of the Republic of South Africa is Thabo Mbeki. The president leads the Cabinet and may not serve more than two five-year terms in office. The Cabinet consists of the President (Thabo Mbeki), the Deputy President (Phumzile Mlambo-Nqcuka) and 25 ministers. The President appoints the Deputy President and Ministers, assigns their powers and functions, and may dismiss them. All but two ministers must be selected from among the members of the National Assembly. The members of Cabinet are accountable individually and collectively to Parliament. Deputy Ministers are also appointed by the President from among the members of the National Assembly.
The government is undertaken by three inter-connected arms of government:
Legislature: The National Assembly and the National Council of Province
Executive: The President, who is both Head of State and Head of Government
Judiciary: The Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court of Appeal, and the High Court
All bodies of the South African government are subject to the rule of the constitution, which is the supreme law in South Africa.
South Africa’s first democratic elections for national and provincial government were held in April 1994. The African National Congress (ANC) became the ruling party and Nelson Mandela, former Robben Island prisoner, became President. The percentage poll was 86%.
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There is a wealth of information to be found on the internet concerning the AIDS (Acquired immune deficiency syndrome) epidemic, yet still it remains a global health emergency. The HIV/AIDS pandemic has weakened the nation of South Africa, which holds the highest HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) prevalence rates on the planet – over 20% of the population aged between 15 and 49 is HIV positive! The continent of Africa has been hit harder than any other region of the world by the HIV/AIDS virus. More than 17 million Africans have died from AIDS and another 25 million are infected with the HIV virus, approximately 1, 9 million of whom are children.
By the end of 2005 there were 5,5 million people living with HIV in South Africa, and almost 1000 AIDS deaths occurring daily, according to UNAIDS estimates. There have been a number of factors blamed for the rapid rise in HIV prevalence in South Africa. Particularly the debate has raged about whether the Government’s response to the epidemic has been sufficient.
Statistics show that every day in Africa:
• HIV/AIDS kills 6600 people
• 8800 people are infected with the HIV virus
• 1400 newborn babies are infected during childbirth or by their mother’s milk
And although there are preventative measures which can be taken, the rate of HIV/AIDS deaths is not decreasing. And as before mentioned, this may be the government’s response to the epidemic.
Studies and surveys have shown that anti-retroviral drugs can make a difference in patients living with HIV/AIDS. Unfortunately there are individuals in the government who do not agree with this, and would rather recommend a healthy diet as prevention and cure for AIDS. Of course a healthy diet and healthy lifestyle is essential but the drugs may be the difference between life and death.
Awareness campaigns have been initiated all over the country but activists are dismayed at statements from political heads such as Jacob Zuma, who claimed that taking a shower after having sex with an HIV-positive person will reduce your risk of contracting the disease. Zuma was accused of raping a woman, and although he was found not-guilty, he did admit to having consensual sex with the woman despite being fully aware that she was HIV-positive. He claimed that he did not believe the disease was easily contracted between men and women, and that he did take a shower afterwards to reduce his risk of contracting the disease. This ignorance displayed by the man who was once head of the National AIDS council was shocking to all anti-AIDS activists.
Then there was the health minister, Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, who famously urged people to eat beetroot and garlic to fight off the illness. Again, a healthy lifestyle and good diet can only be beneficial but is certainly no substitute for anti-retroviral medication. Of course these statements of hers further angered anti-AIDS activists, as well as the revered South African cleric Desmond Tutu.
Even the president, Thabo Mbeki, has said that he does not believe HIV causes AIDS, and that he believes anti-retroviral drugs are harmful rather than helpful.
With government stance in this condition how can the country be made aware of the dangers of this disease and how to prevent and cure it? South Africa needs the resources to fight this epidemic so that there are no more orphans who suffer with AIDS, or who have been left behind after their parents have died from the disease.
AIDS has been around for more than 20 years, and needs to be controlled. Solutions need to be concluded. South Africans need to be made aware of the dangers and provided with the correct medication so that HIV/AIDS can be completely eradicated.
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