Best of South africa vol 4

Best of South Africa
Publisher Paul Robinson
Sales Director Giá Bischofberger
General Manager Graham Cooper
Editor Jassy Mackenzie
Sales Team Allana Smith, Cherlagne van Wyk,
Emma Nyschens, Steve Evans and Katya Pappalardo
Creative Direction Peter Batistich, www.deepfried.co.za
Printing Paarl Print
ISBN # 978-0-620-39819-0
Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in The Best of South Africa Vol. 4. Neither Best of South Africa nor
O2O Media cc take any responsibility for errors or omissions.
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Welcome to Volume Four
of ‘Best of South Africa’
“Best of South Africa” is a celebration of the crème that our country
has to offer, a tangible reminder and visual celebration of what makes
South Africa great, a country people truly fall in love with - locals and
international visitors alike.
In spite of the world economic downturn, South Africa remains
resilient showing continued growth. Our sincere thanks must go to the
wonderful participants showcased in our fourth edition; representing
the “Best of” in their respective fields. We profile these individuals,
companies and organizations with much pride and celebrate their
success which in turn helps us all to promote and showcase South
Africa to our dedicated partners and clients across the world and at
home.
The continued growth and sustainability of South Africa is largely
thanks to the patriotic nature in all our blood, which enjoys an
unbreakable optimism ensuring this nation succeeds against any odds.
We are extremely proud to play a part in promoting our country and
will continue to do so.
Success is a Choice!

ChapterS
Mall Destinations
Chapter6
126-141
Luxury Lifestyles
Fashion
Chapter7
142-155
Chapter4
Décor, Design and Interiors
Chapter8
156-175102-109
Arts and Culture
Dining and Nightlife
Chapter5
110-125
Travel, Tours and Leisure
Chapter3
92-101
Chapter2
80-91
Hotels, Lodges and Resorts
Chapter1
57-79

Logistics and Supply Chain
Property and Real Estate
Chapter15
266-279
Chapter14
Building and Architecture
Chapter13
240-253
254-265
Conferencing, Exhibitions and Marketing
Chapter12
226-239
Corporate Profiles
Finance and Investment
Chapter11
218-225
Chapter10
Health Care, Beauty and Wellness
Chapter9
176-193
194-217
Setting up in South Africa
Chapter16
280-289

South African Overview
South Africa is best described as a world in one country. Its breathtaking scenery includes soaring
mountains and stark deserts, golden beaches and vast game reserves where the Big Five roam in
natural bushveld. South Africa is a rewarding destination for the tourist and business traveler alike.
It is a land of opportunity and promise! Today different cultures and races live in harmony, weaving
a colourful tapestry in the busy urban streets and quiet rural landscapes. It offers the visitor world-
class infrastructure, transport and accommodation, a hot and sunny climate, a variety of indoor and
outdoor activities, as well as the famous warmth of our South African welcome.

Capital city
Pretoria (official); Bloemfontein (judicial) and
Cape Town (legislative).
Area
1, 219, 090 km²
Government
Constitutional multi-party, three-tier
(local, provincial, national) democracy.
Government consists of national,
provincial and local spheres. The powers
of the legislature, executive and courts are
separate.
Population
44,8 million
Time Zone
GMT +2 hours
Official languages
Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, isiXhosa,
isiZulu, Sesotho sa Leboa, Sesotho,
Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda and Xitsonga.
Religion
Almost 80% of South Africa’s population
is Christian. Other religious groups include
Hindus, Muslims and Jews. A minority of
South Africa’s population regard themselves
as traditionalists or of no specific religious
affiliation.
Currency
Rand (R). 100 cents equals one Rand. Coins
come in denominations of 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c,
R1, R2 and R5, and notes in denominations of
R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200.
Country Dialing Code
+27
People
South Africa’s people classify themselves as
follows:
• 79% - Black
• 9.6% - White
• 8.9% - Coloured
• 2.5% - Indian / Asian
The population consists of the following
groups:
• Nguni (the Zulu, Xhosa, Ndebele and
Swazi)
• Sotho-Tswana (including the Southern,
Northern and Western Sotho [Tswana])
• Tsonga
• Venda
• Afrikaners
• English-speakers
• Coloureds
• Indians
• Immigrants from the rest of Africa, Europe
and Asia
• Some members of the Khoi and the San.
Public transport
South Africa’s transport infrastructure
– airlines, railroads, roads, luxury touring
buses (coaches) and motorcars (driven on
the left hand side of the road) – is such that
tourists can travel comfortably and quickly
from their port of entry to any part of the
country. A number of international airlines,
including South African Airways, operate
regular scheduled flights to and from South
Africa. Several domestic airlines operate in
the country.
There are also mainline trains to all
parts of South Africa. Cars are readily
available for hire at the airports – this is
the option preferred by visitors, as it is the
only flexible form of transport. South Africa
also offers conventional metered taxis

SouthAfricanOverview
Telecommunications
South Africa boasts a well-developed
communications infrastructure, with
extensive landline phone networks and four
mobile phone service providers with far-
reaching coverage. Mobile phones can be
rented from the airport. Public telephones are
either coin- or card-operated. Internet cafés
can be found in even the smallest towns, and
the postal service offers the usual letter and
parcel services as well as secure mail, freight
and courier services.
Embassies
Most countries are represented in South
Africa by embassies. Please refer to the
telephone directory or Yellow Pages for up-
to-date details.
Medical facilities
Medical facilities in cities and larger towns
are world-class but, in rural areas, the
clinics and hospitals deal with primary
health needs and therefore do not offer the
range of medical care provided by the large
metropolitan hospitals. Trained medical
caregivers are deployed round the country,
so help is never far away.
Internet
An estimated 5.1 million South Africans had
access to the Internet by the end of 2006.
Today, Internet access is a standard feature
at most hotels and many shopping centres,
Internet cafes can be found in even the
smallest town, and with the mobile service
providers also offering wireless internet
facilities, people can now go online in the
most remote locations.
Postal Services
The South African Post Office offers a
but, apart from those that can be hired
from the airports, these must generally be
summonsed by telephone.
Accommodation
The tourist accommodation industry in South
Africa provides a wide spectrum, from formal
hotels to informal holiday flats and cottages,
game lodges and reserves, guesthouses,
youth hostels and bed-and-breakfast
establishments.
Climate
Although South Africa’s climate varies
considerably across its various regions
and environments, temperatures remain
comfortable throughout the year. Climate can
be described as mostly semi-arid, subtropical
along the east coast, with sunny days and
cool nights.
Average temperatures in ºC
Summer Winter
Cape Town 20 12.6
Durban 24 17
Johannesburg 21.5 11.1
Pretoria 23.4 12.9
Banks and foreign exchange
South Africa’s financial institutions are
world-class, with no shortage of banks,
bureau de change and automatic tellers.
The banks generally open from 9am to
3.30pm Mondays through Fridays, and
8.30am to 11am on Saturdays. Banks at the
airports adjust their hours to accommodate
international flights.
Credit cards and cash
All major credit cards can be used in South
Africa. In some small towns, you may need to
use cash.

variety of facilities from letter and parcel
delivery to post box rental as well as an
overnight courier service. The privately
owned company Postnet offers a host of
services, from internet to courier services,
as well as the photocopying and binding of
documents and a packaging, postage and
courier service.
The Media
Radio
The airwaves are abuzz in South Africa.
Radio, which plays a large role in the
media industry is flourishing. South Africa’s
independent public broadcaster, the SABC,
has a national radio network comprising
15 stations broadcasting in 11 languages,
which collectively reach an average daily
adult audience of 19 million. A number of
private radio stations have also been granted
licences. These radio stations cater for a
wide variety of languages, cultures and niche
markets.
Television
South Africa has by far the largest television
audience in Africa, with more than four
million licensed television households.
The SABC’s national television network
comprises three full-spectrum free-to-air
channels and one satellite pay-TV channel
aimed at audiences in Africa. Combined,
the free-to-air sound broadcasting stations
broadcast in 11 languages and reach a
daily adult audience of almost 18 million.
M-Net became South Africa’s first private
subscription television service when it
launched in 1986. Today, it broadcasts
its array of general entertainment and
niche channels to more than 1.3 million
subscribers in more than 50 countries
across the African continent and Indian
Ocean islands.
In October 1998, the country’s first
privately owned free-to-air television channel,
e-tv started operations.
MultiChoice Africa was the first African
company on the continent to offer digital
satellite broadcasting. Operations include
subscriber-management services and digital
satellite television platforms broadcasting 55
video and 48 audio channels, 24-hours a day.
Print
South Africa has always had a courageous
and opinionated press, and the country’s
turbulent history has contributed to the
formation of a surprisingly news-hungry
society. The country has 20 daily and 13
weekly newspapers, most in English. About
14.5-million South Africans buy the urban
dailies, while community newspapers have a
circulation of 5.5-million. There is also a range
of general and specialised news websites.
The magazine industry is fiercely competitive,
with new titles appearing constantly.
South Africa’s constitution safeguards
freedom of the media, freedom to receive
or impart information or ideas, freedom of
artistic creativity, academic freedom and
freedom of scientific research. Reporters
Without Borders ranks the country’s press
as the 26th most free in the world, ahead
of the United Kingdom, Greece, Italy, Spain
and Australia. South Africa’s press is the
freest in Africa, and more free than any
press in South America, Asia, the Middle
East and Australasia.
Doing Business in South Africa
The South African economy remains on a
high economic growth range, emphasising
the economic turnaround that has been

Best of South Africa10
achieved over the past 10 years. It remains in
good health despite the global slowdown in
consumer spending, with the latest Nedbank
capital expenditure report showing that 80
new investments, to the value of R336.1-
billion, were announced for the first half of
2008. These include a massive expansion
project by Eskom, South Africa’s electricity
provider, as well as 64 new private sector
projects, mostly in the finance and real estate
sector and the manufacturing sector.
Tourism
South Africa’s scenic beauty, sunny climate,
cultural diversity and reputation for delivering
value for money have made it one of the
world’s fastest growing leisure and business
travel destinations. Tourism in South Africa
has emerged as a leading economic growth
sector. It is now one of the largest contributors
to GDP, and offers significant employment
and enterprise development opportunities.
International travel to South Africa has
boomed in the last decade. In 1994, the year
of South Africa’s first democratic elections,
only 3.9 million foreign visitors arrived in the
country. By 2004, the numbers of international
arrivals had rocketed to 6.7 million. In 2007 a
total of 9.07 million foreigners visited South
Africa. This 8.3% increase over 2006 meant
that the country broke its annual tourist
arrivals record for the third year running.
South Africa’s conference industry has
moved up to 31st place in the International
Congress and Convention Association’s
latest top 40 list of leading destinations in
the world, released in May 2007. The country
offers more than 1,000 world-class business
and conference venues of varying sizes. The
business tourism industry generates billions of
rand in turnover, and has created hundreds of
thousands of jobs.
World Heritage Sites
South Africa boasts seven World Heritage
sites including Robben Island, the Greater
St Lucia Wetland Park, uKhahlamba-
Drakensberg Park, Mapungubwe, Sterkfontein
Cradle of Humankind, the Cape Floral
Kingdom and the Vredefort Dome.
Sport
South Africans have more than made their
mark in international sport. The country’s
most recent achievements include winning
the 2007 Rugby World Cup, and being
the sixth-highest medal-winning nation at
the Beijing Paralympics. South Africa has
hosted a number of international sporting
events since 1994. The most recent events
include the Women’s World Cup of Golf
from 2005 to 2008, the Women’s World Cup
of Cricket 2005, the Paralympic Swimming
Championships from 2005 to 2008, and the
World Twenty20 Championships in 2007.
The biggest event on the horizon is the
FIFA Soccer World Cup in 2010, which is
expected to attract some 400,000 visitors to
South Africa, and is the first Soccer World
Cup to be held in Africa.
Arts and Culture
The Department of Arts and Culture is
the custodian of South Africa’s diverse
cultural, artistic and linguistic heritage. It
is directly responsible for several public
entities including museums, art galleries, the
National Archives and six playhouses. The
National Arts Festival, held annually in July
in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, is one of
the largest and most diverse arts gatherings

Best of South Africa 11
in Africa. Other major festivals are held in
Oudtshoorn, Johannesburg, Durban, Cape
Town, Potchefstroom and Bloemfontein.
South African theatre is internationally
acclaimed, and many locally produced shows
have travelled overseas to high acclaim.
Johannesburg’s celebrated Market Theatre
has built its reputation on local content
productions. There is a growing trend towards
the establishment of smaller theatres.
South Africa has the most developed music
recording industry on the continent, and has
been home to some of the industry’s most
memorable voices. The country is the 25th-
largest market for recorded music, with local
music accounting for a third of all the music
bought by South Africans.
Classical music is becoming ever more
popular in South Africa, with philharmonic
orchestras established in the major cities.
There are a number of training and upliftment
programmes in place to make classical music
available to previously disadvantaged people,
and the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra has
undertaken an extensive programme to
develop all aspects of youth music.
South Africa has a range of art galleries
showcasing collections of indigenous,
historical and contemporary works. The
crafts industry employs more than 1.2 million
people, with products being widely exported.
The film and video sector generates around
R518 million a year. South Africa offers
foreign producers world-class film facilitation,
logistics, facilities, talent and administration
management services.
South Africa has a rich literary heritage,
with two Nobel prizewinners for literature
- Nadine Gordimer and J.M. Coetzee. Not
surprisingly, South Africans are great readers,
and there are excellent libraries in almost
every city and town, as well as on many of the
country’s university campuses. More than 300
of the approximately 1,000 museums in Africa
can be found in South Africa, ensuring the
preservation of artifacts and collections that
are important to all South Africans.
National Anthem
The national anthem is a combined version
of Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika (God Bless Africa)
and Die Stem (The Call of South Africa).
National Flag
The new South African flag first flew on
10 May 1994, the day Nelson Mandela
became president. It is a powerful symbol
of unity and progress, and is famous for
being the only six-coloured national flag in
the world.
National Symbols
• National animal: Springbok
• National bird: Blue Crane
• National fish: Galjoen
• National flower: King Protea
• National tree: Real Yellowwood
Minerals and Mining
South Africa’s mineral wealth is staggering.
Some of the country’s most important
minerals are:
• Gold - the unique Witwatersrand Basin
yields some 96% of South Africa’s gold
output
• Diamonds - the country is among the
world’s top producers
• Titanium - heavy mineral sand
occurrences containing titanium minerals
are found along the coasts
• Manganese - enormous reserves of
manganese are found in the sedimentary
rocks of the Transvaal Supergroup
• Platinum-group metals (PGMs) and
chrome - more than half of the world’s
reserves occur in the Bushveld Complex
in Mpumalanga, Limpopo and North West
• Vast coal and anthracite beds occur in the
Karoo Basin in Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-
Natal and Limpopo
• Copper phosphate, titanium, iron,
vermiculite and zirconium are found in
the Phalaborwa Igneous Complex in
Limpopo
Environment
South Africa has taken several concrete steps
to implement the United Nations’ Agenda 21
on sustainable development. This includes
reforming environmental policies, ratifying
international agreements, and participating
in many global and regional sustainable
development initiatives.
South Africa enjoys the third-highest level of
biodiversity in the world. Some remarkable
aspects of the abundance of life in this
country include:
• Over 3,700 endemic marine species
• Some 18,000 vascular plant species, 80%
of which occur nowhere else
• More plant species exist in the Cape
Peninsula National Park than in the whole
of the British Isles
• South Africa has 5.8% of the world’s
mammal species, 8% of bird species and
4.6% of reptile species
• In terms of the mammal, bird, reptile and
amphibian species, South Africa is the 24th
richest country in the world and the fifth
richest in Africa
• One third of the world’s succulent species
are found in South Africa
• South Africa is ranked first in the world
for its floral kingdom. The Cape Floral
Kingdom, a World Heritage site, boasts the
highest recorded species diversity for any
similar-sized temperate or tropical region in
the world
Statistics and information in
this article courtesy of:
www.gcis.gov.za
www.safrica.info
www.southafrica.net

The 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising
Committee South Africa and the South African
government are satisfied that all preparations
for the tournament are on track to deliver on
the country’s promise to host the best FIFA
World Cup ever.
2010 FIFA World Cup presents a golden
opportunity to showcase Africa to the world,
to illustrate that the African Renaissance is
upon us and Africa’s time has come. The
South African government is totally committed
to host a tournament that will astound billions
around the world.
OC Chief Executive Danny Jordaan confirmed,
“We are running within time and within budget
and we are confident that the event will be
a success. There is a shared vision and
commitment by all South Africans that this
World Cup must work”.
“As a collective, we have to say to the world
that we are confident of our abilities to host a
successful World Cup. We are calling on South
Africans in their thousands to support their
host cities’ events and to fly the flag for their
country. After all, this is your World Cup!”
South Africa has become a massive
SA more than ready for 2010
“What I have seen, assurances and guarantees that I have been given makes me a
happy man today, and I am convinced that SA will organise a great world cup.”
Sepp Blatter – FIFA president
15 September 2008, Mayor of Cape Town
Helen Zille, Western Cape Premier Lynn
Brown, Former South African President FW De
Klerk, FIFA President Sepp Blatter, and FIFA
Ambassador Tokyo Sexwale and CEO of the
LOC Dr. Danny Jordaan thank the builders at
the stadium. Sepp Blatter visits Greenpoint
Stadium, 2010 FIFA World Cup, Cape Town,
Western Cape, South Africa.
2010WorldCupSoccer
©Pic:ChrisRicco/Backpagepix

construction site as stadiums are nearing
completion, road and rail infrastructure is
being developed, airports upgraded and cities
renewed. These developments are enforced
by the need for the government to accelerate
service delivery and to create world-class
infrastructure not only for the many visitors
expected in 2010, but also for the long-term
benefit of all South Africans.
Hosting the 2010 Soccer World Cup is
the biggest single project undertaken by
the government since independence and
their commitment is clearly illustrated in
their allocation of R9 billion for transport
and supporting infrastructure and a further
R8,4 billion for stadiums construction and
upgrades.
The 2010 FIFA World Cup is also about
building the country in ways that go beyond
merely improving infrastructure. To this end,
the government’s 2010-related activities
also include sports development, volunteer
training, youth training and arts and culture
activities to assist South Africans to be
excellent 2010 hosts.
Africa’s time has come! Africa is ready! www.2010saloc.com

Solutions for better mobility in
Gauteng’s cities and towns
Only a combination of solutions can be successful

Gautrain is a form of public transport that
is integrated with taxis, trains, planes and
busses. Public transport comprises any
transport system in which passengers
do not travel in their own vehicles - in
other words, any system that transports
members of the general public.
Public transport has several benefits:
• costs less to the community,
• needs less urban space,
• is less energy-intensive,
• pollutes less,
• is the safest mode,
• improves accessibility to jobs, and
• offers mobility for all.
Public transport also offers many
solutions to daily commuters faced with
traffic congestion and the high cost of
maintaining a private car.
Problem: Traffic congestion causes
a loss in productivity and high petrol
consumption
Traffic congestion is increasingly eroding our
quality of life. Congestion costs the country at
least R1 billion per year in lost time, accidents
and medical expenses.
Solution: Public transport costs less to
the community
Commuters who rely on public transport are
shielded against constant increases in the
petrol price. As a transport mode, Gautrain
will not be affected by fluctuations in the
petrol price.
An independent Cost Benefit Analysis
specialist also indicated that:
• Gautrain will save 585 000 vehicle km
per day.

• Total accident cost savings will be R475
million p.a.
• Gautrain will save R3 845 million per year
in vehicle operating costs by the year 2030
(2003 Rand values).
• Gautrain will save R7 114 million p.a.
in time costs for passengers travelling
between Johannesburg and Tshwane by
2030 (2003 Rand value).
Problem: Not everybody has access to
transport
The Department of Transport is working
to improve and expand infrastructure and,
through subsidies, to reduce the costs of
public transport.
By the end of October 2006, the
Minister of Transport, Mr Jeff Radebe,
announced that the 2010 Transport
Action Agenda had been developed
and that the World Cup Public Transport
Infrastructure and Systems Fund had
allocated the first round of funding to
municipalities.

www.gautrain.co.za
Government has set aside R3,8 billion for
public transport infrastructure for the 2010
Fifa Soccer World Cup. These funds are
meant to leverage other funds available to
develop public-transport infrastructure.
The following allocations were approved:
• R1,6 billion for capital-expenditure projects
for 2010
• R200 million for intelligent transport
systems
• R700 million for new and improved bus and
taxi infrastructure
• R144 million for new intermodal
interchanges and facilities
An additional R5 billion a year is needed to
address the decline in service levels and to
implement government’s transport strategy
to achieve a sustainable rapid mass public-
transport system over the next 10 to 15 years.
Gautrain is an integrated transport solution
consisting of train and bus feeder services
to transport passengers up to 15 kilometres
from stations. Utilising smart cards, Gautrain
passengers will use just one ticket for parking,
the train trip and busses. Commuters using
their cars can park safely at the stations with
ample parking being constructed.
As a public transport mode, Gautrain
will provide fast, safe and reliable access
to transport.
Solution: Integrated public transport
enables commuters to use a combination
of busses, trains and taxis to reach their
destinations
Problem: More people rely on cars for
transport in metropolitan cities
Cities are becoming more populated than
ever before. Relying on private cars as the
major form of transport, traffic congestion is
spiralling out of control.
National Association of Automobile
Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa)
figures showed that a total of 56 341 new
vehicles were sold in March 2006, up 29,1%
from March 2005. As a result of the record
sales, Naamsa revised its growth projections
for 2006 from 10% to between 15% and 20%.
There are 300 000 cars in the
Johannesburg-Tshwane traffic corridors
per day. It will increase by 7% per year.
In Johannesburg alone, there are 3.2-
million people.
Solution: Cities become welcoming and
dynamic when freed from congestion
It is estimated that Gautrain will reduce the
traffic congestion between Johannesburg
and Tshwane by 20%. Access to integrated
public transport will provide the only
sustainable solution as more people want to
live in the city.
Gautrain brings global solutions in public
transport to Gauteng.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Nobel Peace Prize winner Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Mpilo Tutu is a hero to
South Africans, and a man whose name is well-loved and respected around the world.
He is credited with coining the famous term “rainbow nation”, which has become a
catchphrase for the multicultural diversity of South Africa’s people.
SouthAfricanIcon
PaulinoMenezes/WorldCouncilofChurches

Tutu was born in Klerksdorp in 1931. His
father was a teacher, his mother a domestic
worker, and he was raised in an atmosphere
of tolerance and understanding where, he
says, he “never learned to hate”.
After studying at St. Peters Theological
College in Johannesburg, he was ordained as
an Anglican parish priest in 1961, and spent
the next few years in England, obtaining a
Bachelor of Divinity and a Masters in Theology
at Kings College, London. He returned to
South Africa to teach theology and serve
as a chaplain at the University of Fort Hare.
He lectured at the University of Botswana
in Lesotho, and traveled to London again to
serve as an assistant director for the World
Council of Churches.
In 1975, Tutu was appointed the Dean of
St. Mary’s Cathedral in Johannesburg. In 1976
he was consecrated Bishop of Lesotho, and
in 1978 he was appointed as the first black
general secretary of the South African Council
of Churches.
In 1984, Tutu was awarded the Nobel
Peace Prize in recognition of “the courage and
heroism shown by South Africans in their use
of peaceful methods in the struggle against
apartheid.”
In 1985, Tutu became Johannesburg’s
first black Anglican bishop, and in 1986 the
first black archbishop of Cape Town. He
was elected as president of the All Africa
Conference of Churches in 1987, and a year
later, was made chancellor of the University of
the Western Cape.
Today, Tutu holds over 100 honorary
doctorates from universities around the world.
He was awarded the International Gandhi
Peace Prize on 31 January 2007 by the
government of India. This prize is considered
to be India’s highest international honour.
Former South African president Nelson
Mandela says of Tutu, “Sometimes strident,
often tender, never afraid and seldom without
humour, Desmond Tutu’s voice will always be
the voice of the voiceless.”

Paralympians
One of the things about the Paralympics is that they seem to embody sport
at its purest. There is a sense of community about the participants that
transcends the normal competitiveness.
It seems almost boastful to gloat over the
30 medals – 21 gold, 3 silver and 6 bronze
– Team South Africa won at the Beijing
Paralympic Games. And yet, there isn’t a
medal in that haul that was not received
with pride, and a remarkable sense of
achievement.
South Africa placed 6th on the medal
table, just behind Australia, but it’s the
countries lower on the table which make
that placing so significant, showing what
can be done when resources are used
imaginatively and efficiently: Canada placed
7th, Russia 8th, Germany and France 11th
and 12th, with Japan placing 17th.
Those are all resource-rich countries,
with structures to allow their disabled
people to achieve greatness in all spheres.
Natalie du Toit smiles as she stands on the podium with her gold medal after finishing first in the 100m Butterfly
S9 final race and setting a new world record during Day 1 of the Swimming Finals at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic
Games held in Beijing, China. Photo by Getty Images / Gallo Images
And yet, Team South Africa took what they
had been given and turned it into something
quite remarkable.
The performances by two people who
are amongst the biggest names in sports in
the world underline how good the team is.
Natalie du Toit and Oscar Pistorius won
8 gold medals between them, which was
enough for a small-sized country to place.
The golden pair would have placed South
Africa 16th on the medal table on their own.
But, it was the unfamiliar names among
the medal winners which gave birth to a
new set of heroes for the South African
public to admire: Chief among them was
Hilton Langenhoven, who won 3 gold’s to
match the feat of Pistorius. Langenhoven,
who is partially sighted, set a world record
in the pentathlon, a Paralympic record in the
long jump, and a season’s best in the 200m
on his way to his trio of medals, which
made for perhaps the best achievement of
the games.
Then there was Philippa Johnson: In
Hong Kong, away from the support of
the rest of the team, won 2 gold’s in the
equestrian individual championship test, as
well as the individual freestyle test.
There was also Fanie van der Merwe,
who won gold in the 100m and 200m
in the T34 category for cerebral palsied
athletes. He cramped up over the final 10m
of the 200m, but held on and held off the
opposition to set a new world record.
All these performances were punctuated
by acts of heroism, great and small: There

was the extraordinary tie in Shireen Sapiro’s
100m backstroke, when she set a world
record together with a swimmer from New
Zealand; there was Ernst van Dyk’s 4th in
his hand cycling time trial, followed by his
glittering gold in the road race; as well as
Charl Bouwer’s ever so elegant world record
in the 400m freestyle which promised so
much more; Once again Fanie Lombard,
winning his 11th and 12th Paralympic
medals at the age of 39; there was also
Tadhg Slattery’s bronze in his 100m
breaststroke.
And, then there was Natalie. There were
other Paralympians who won five gold
medals, but not for the second Paralympics
in a row. And they’re unlikely to do it for a
third time. But Natalie probably will.
Further Information:
www.southafrica.info
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Philippa Johnson of Republic of South Africa with horse Benedict competes in the Paralympic Equestrian
Individual Freestyle Test - Grade IV event at Hong Kong Olympic Equestrian Venue in Hong Kong, China.
Photo by Getty Images / Gallo Images
Hilton Langenhoven of South Africa wins Gold in the
200m T12 Athletics event at the National Stadium
during day 10 of the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games
held in Beijing, China. Photo by Getty / Gallo Images
Gold Medallist Oscar Pistotius during the Paralympic
Medallist Sponsor Tour held in Johannesburg, South
Africa. Photo by Lefty Shivambu / Gallo Images

South African Women of the Year
Ms Janet Buckland - Shoprite Checkers/
SABC 2 Woman of the Year 2008
South Africa’s premier accolade for
achievement by women went to Ms Janet
Buckland who was named the Shoprite
Checkers/SABC2 Woman of the Year 2008,
at a dazzling event in celebration of the
women of South Africa, held in Cape Town
on 31 July 2008.
Ms Buckland has been responsible for
the initiation and creation of a significant
number of very successful arts and culture
projects in the Eastern Cape. She combined
her understanding of the value of the arts
and particularly theatre in the lives of all
South Africans with her skills as a performer,
director, fund raiser and administrator to
direct these projects over a number of years
in the province.
The most notable project is UBOM! the
Eastern Cape Drama Company, which
was the first full time professional drama
company in the province.
Since its start almost six years ago
Ubom! has reached audiences totaling
more than 178 000. It has also provided 36
full time contracts for actors to work in the
Eastern Cape. Ms Buckland is raising the
funds to sustain it.
While illustrating three very unique South African women, we at Best of South Africa
would like to acknowledge and warmly congratulate all the nominees and winners of this
prestigious award as we celebrate your success, now and in the future.

Ms Connie Mbowane - Former recipient of
the Shoprite Checkers/SABC 2 Woman of
the Year Award - 2003
Connie Mbowane, a Sebokeng teacher
who also won in the education category,
has selflessly dedicated 35 years of her
life to teaching and has been principal of
the Montsusi primary school in Sebokeng
since 1980. The school is located in a
poverty-stricken area, where most of
the parents are unemployed, as well as
catering to street children and orphans.
Through the years, she has continuously
hosted up to three schools in her single
building by juggling the hours that learners
and teachers from the different institutions
could spend there.
Taking care of up to 500 hungry children
each day in a single school building,
Connie mobilised the unemployed men
and women in the community to establish
a vegetable garden, as part of her Botho
ke Botle (Humanity is Beauty) plan, today
it not only feeds the children, but also
yields financial returns for the school and
the community.
She has excelled in looking after her
school and the broader community’s
interests. Not long ago, she orchestrated
the building of a bridge over the road in
Ms Thabang Molefi - Shoprite Checkers/
SABC 2 Woman of the Year 2008 - Business
Entrepreneurs Category
Ms Thabang Molefi is qualified as an Ethno
medical practitioner and beauty therapist
who with the little savings she had at the time
opened the first health spa in Soweto in 2002.
Today she owns the Roots Healthcare Centre
business with a multi-million turnover and
branches in three South African provinces and
a neighbouring country.
Her pioneering health centres introduced
affordable health care to black communities
through the use of the different but effective
technique of iridology for diagnosis and herbs
as prescribed medicine. It also offers a beauty
and detoxing service for the first time in these
areas, all contributing to a healthy and a “feel
good about yourself”- lifestyle in previously
disadvantaged communities.
Since the success of her first centre she
has grown her business considerably to
establish another seven health care centres
in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State
and a mobile unit visiting communities in
rural and remote areas in the rest of the
country. She has created 41 jobs for women
in these communities and developed some to
managerial positions to run the health centres.
Ms Molefi has also outsourced services such
as accounting, laundry and security to local
business. It is her intention to branch out into
franchising creating more business and job
opportunities.
front of her school for the children and
parents to pass over – a near miracle in
her cash-strapped community. On top of
this, she secured work on the construction
of the bridge for 14 of her community’s
jobless, unskilled workers through the
Department of Labour.
Connie has also raised funds to set up
a borehole on her school grounds to better
irrigate the vegetable gardens and she has
started talks with the education department
to acquire more ground in the area to
augment the food project. Here, she has
put her HIV/AIDS training to good use by
encouraging sufferers to work in the garden
and grow healthy food to improve their diet.
Since winning the Award, and with
her well-known motto “you have to keep
on keeping on”, Connie has become
a sought-after motivational speaker in
the private and public sectors and has
received accolades from the Department
of Education for her good work recognised
through the Award.
As from March 2007, Connie has
been appointed as the CEO of the
Professional Educators Union’s National
Offices. She says it will give her more
exposure and “a chance to touch
more people. I will still be attached to
Montsusi Primary School projects.”

Robben Island
This bleak, cold and windy island, just five hundred hectares in size
and 11 kilometres away from Table Bay harbour, has a history as dark
and stormy as the ocean surrounding it.
Famous today for being the place where
former South African president Nelson
Mandela was incarcerated for over 20
years as a political prisoner, the island was
discovered by European sailors in 1488 when
Bartolomeu Dias reached Cape Town’s Table
Tourism
PhotocourtesySATourism
Bay. The name “Robben Island” derives from
the Dutch words “Robbe Eiland”, meaning
seal island. Birds, seals and penguins were
its only inhabitants, and as a result sailors
regularly plundered the shores for fresh seal
meat and penguin eggs.
For centuries, Robben Island did not even
have its own fresh water supply – in the 1960s
a water pipeline was finally installed from
Cape Town. Its inhospitable environment and
isolation led to it being used at various times
from the 17th century onwards as a prison,

a military base, a quarantine station, a home
for the mentally ill, and from 1836 to 1931, a
leper colony. It was a place where society’s
outcasts were banished.
The island was also used as a refreshment
station for passing ships to stock up on fresh
produce. However, the treacherous seas
and rocky reefs surrounding it meant that
many ships met their end here, most notably
a Dutch ship in the 1600’s carrying a cargo
of gold coins worth tens of millions of rand
today. Occasionally a coin washes up on
shore, but the bulk of the cargo is still lost at
sea, effectively guarded by the crashing surf
and lethally sharp rocks. The 18-metre tall
lighthouse, whose flashing light can be seen
up to 25 kilometres away, warns passing
vessels of this peril.

Many of the buildings and other features
that can be seen on the island today date
back to World War II, when the island was
fortified and bunkers and big guns installed
there as part of Cape Town’s defences.
In 1959 Robben Island became a
maximum-security prison, and during the
next thirty years, over 3,000 men were
imprisoned there. The prison eventually
became an informal “university behind
bars” with prisoners tutoring themselves as
well as their warders.
The old apartheid regime originally
intended to silence political prisoners by
incarcerating them here, but this had the
opposite effect, and the island became
a focal point for international resistance
to the apartheid regime. In 1991 the
remaining political prisoners were released,
in 1996 the common-law prisoners were
transferred away, and in 1997 the prison
became a museum, to be named a World
Heritage site two years later. Today,
thanks to the indomitable spirit of Nelson
Mandela and others, the island has come
to symbolise the triumph of the human
spirit over adversity, and the power of
forgiveness.
Other famous prisoners include former
activist and poet Dennis Brutus, Amos
Masondo, Mosiuoa Lekota, Govan Mbeki,
the father of former President Thabo
Mbeki; Joe Seremane, Robert Sobukwe,
Tokyo Sexwale, ANC struggle hero Walter
Sisulu; as well as Jacob Zuma.
Tours to Robben Island take place
PhotocourtesySATourism

For more information go to
www.robben-island.org.za
E-mail: ebookings@robben-island.org.za
throughout the day, weather permitting.
Visitors depart by ferry from the
Clocktower, Nelson Mandela Gateway, at
the VA Waterfront. The three and a half
hour tour includes the trip across Table
Bay, and a 45-minute guided bus tour
across the island where visitors can view
the beautiful Muslim shrine or kramat,
where Muslim political prisoners would pay
homage before leaving the island.
Other highlights include the leper
graveyard, a church designed by Sir
Herbert Baker, the island’s small village,
and the old quarries. Wildlife can be
spotted along the shipwreck-strewn coast.
The final stop is the maximum-security
prison where Nelson Mandela’s old cell can
be viewed. The tour guides are all former
political prisoners, who were once inmates
of Robben Island themselves.
PhotocourtesySATourismPhotocourtesySATourism

Table Mountain
Since the first person laid eyes on Table Mountain, it has
exerted its powerful and charismatic pull, enchanting and
drawing any and all that fall under its spell.
The flat top of the mountain is often
covered by clouds or mist spilling over the
top to form the “table cloth” appearance.
Over 16 million people have taken the
trip to the top of Table Mountain since the
cableway was commissioned 75 years
ago. It has since become a landmark of
both Cape Town and of South Africa itself.
Situated at the south-western tip of
Africa, the Table Mountain National Park
encompasses the incredibly scenic Table
Mountain chain stretching from Signal Hill
in the north to Cape Point in the south and
the seas and coastline of the peninsula.
The narrow finger of land with its beautiful
valleys, bays and beaches is surrounded by
the waters of the Atlantic Ocean in the west
and the warmer waters of False Bay and has
within its boundaries two world-renowned
landmarks - majestic Table Mountain and the
legendary Cape of Good Hope.
The Park is recognised globally for its
extraordinarily rich, diverse and unique
fauna and flora - with rugged cliffs,
steep slopes and sandy flats - is a truly
remarkable natural, scenic, historical,
cultural and recreational asset both locally
and internationally. Nowhere else in the
Tourism

world does an area of such spectacular
beauty and such rich bio-diversity exist
almost entirely within a metropolitan area
- the thriving and cosmopolitan city of
Cape Town.
The main feature of Table Mountain
is a level plateau approximately three
kilometres from side to side, surrounded
by steep cliffs. The plateau, flanked by
Devil’s Peak to the east and by Lion’s
Head to the west, forms a dramatic
backdrop to Cape Town and its Table Bay
harbour, and together with Signal Hill form
the natural amphitheatre of the City Bowl.
The main vegetation of the mountain
is the unique and rich Cape fynbos,
which forms part of the Cape Floral
Region protected areas. These protected
areas are a World Heritage Site, and an
estimated 2,200 species of plants are
found on the mountain alone. Amongst
these species are many kinds of proteas.
Remnant patches of indigenous forest
persist in a few of the wetter ravines but
not on the more exposed face above the
city, where conditions are too dry and
harsh for forests. The mountain has also
suffered serious invasions of alien plants
for well over a century, with perhaps the
worst invader being the cluster pine.
Considerable efforts have been made to
eliminate these alien plants.
The most common animal on the
mountain is the dassie, or rock hyrax.
They especially cluster around the upper
cable station, near areas where tourists
may discard or supply food. There are
also porcupines, mongooses, snakes and
tortoises found here.
The cablecar takes passengers from
the lower cable station on Tafelberg
Road to the plateau at the top of the
mountain. The upper cable station offers
views overlooking Cape Town, Table Bay
and Robben Island to the north, and the
Atlantic seaboard to the west and south.
Hiking on Table Mountain is popular
amongst locals and tourists alike, and a
number of trails of varying difficulty are
available. Because of the steep cliffs
around the summit, direct ascents from
the city side are limited. Platteklip Gorge, a
prominent gorge up the centre of the main
table, is a popular and straightforward
direct ascent to the summit.
A must for any first time visitor to the
Mother City.

Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site
Welcome to Maropeng and the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site.
Maropeng means “returning to the place of origin” in Setswana, the main
indigenous language in this area of South Africa.
As you approach the entrance of the Visitors
Centre you will discover many interesting
facts about our past illustrated on rocks. Ask
a guide about this display area as the original
fossils on display change regularly.
The development of Maropeng was based
on the theme of discovery and this is echoed
firmly through the exhibition itself - from the
beginnings of the world, through the history of
humankind, right into the future.
Tours of the famous Sterkfontein Caves at
Maropeng, which start above ground and then
take visitors deep into the caves, run every
half hour, seven days a week.
Within the caves, scientists have
discovered many hominid and other animal
fossils, dating back more than four million
years, to the birth of humanity. The most
important and most famous of these fossils
are “Mrs Ples”, a 2.1-million-year-old
Australopithecus skull, and “Little Foot”, an
almost complete Australopithecus skeleton
that is more than 3-million years old.
The 24-bed Maropeng Hotel, with
breathtaking views of the Witwatersberg and
Magaliesberg ranges, is the epitome of luxury.
Opened in mid-2006, the boutique hotel is a
five-minute walk from Maropeng.
The Maropeng Hotel is ideal for a
romantic getaway, for executives seeking
a convenient conference venue with
accommodation not too far out of town,
for local visitors wanting a short escape
to refresh their souls, or for international
tourists wanting to see some of the best
tourist attractions South Africa has to offer.
Tel: +27 14 577 9000
www.maropeng.co.za
The Cradle of Humankind is an easy drive of
about an hour from Johannesburg or Pretoria.
Our ancestors have lived in this area for
more than three million years. By visiting us,
you are coming to the birthplace of humanity.
Welcome home!
The Maropeng Visitor Centre is an exciting,
world-class exhibition, focusing on the
development of humans and our ancestors
over the past few million years.
Early humans and their ancestors came
to the Maropeng area to use the local rocks
for tool-making as they pursued a hunter-
gatherer way of life. The technology of these
tools suggests they were made sometime
between 1.0 and 0.5 million years ago during
the Earlier Stone Age, prior to the appearance
of modern Homo sapiens.
Tourism

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South African Wildlife
South Africa has a rich and varied abundance of wildlife. It is one of the
country’s greatest natural resources, and one of the main reasons why
millions of overseas visitors travel to this country each year.

The sight of a solitary elephant enjoying
an evening mud bath, or a pride of lions
feasting on their kill, is a thrilling and
unforgettable experience. While most
visitors hope to view the famous Big Five
- lion, elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros and
leopard, South Africa’s bushveld is home to
over 300 species of mammals, 850 species
of birds, over 100 types of reptiles and a
multitude of insects.
Herds of antelope have always been
a quintessential part of the South African
landscape. The animals range in size from
the tiny duiker to the large kudu, and vary in
looks from the big-headed, bovine-looking
wildebeest to the superbly handsome sable
antelope. A wealth of other wildlife prevails
in all shapes and sizes, from the tall giraffe
to the gorgeously appealing little bushbabies
and vervet monkeys. Meerkats, famous for
their habit of standing tall on their hind legs,
are among the cutest animals that a visitor is
likely to spot in the bush, and the ant-eating
aardvark and the termite-eating aardwolf are
also fascinating.
South Africa has an amazing variety
of bird life, many of which are resident or
migrant birds from other parts of Africa, Asia,
the Arctic and Antarctic, and Europe. The
country’s waters are home to a wide variety
of freshwater and saltwater fish, and in the
oceans the biggest mammal in the world can
be seen - the blue whale.
Today, South Africa contains more than
20 national parks spread throughout the
country, and almost as many regional parks
and private game reserves. The two biggest
are the famous Kruger National Park in
Mpumalanga, covering almost 2 million
hectares, and the Kgalagdi Transfrontier
Park on the Botswana border in the Northern
Cape, which covers more than three and a
half million hectares in total. The Big Five
can be viewed in both these reserves, as
well as in the Pilanesberg and Madikwe
Reserves in the North West Province,
the Hluhluwe Umfolozi National Park in
KwaZulu-Natal, and many other smaller
parks and private game reserves.
Established in 1898, the Kruger National
Park is the flagship of South African parks.
The diversity of the animal life it contains,
as well as the environmental management
policies that protect the animals, are
unmatched elsewhere in the country. It
boasts very high numbers of the Big Five,
34 species of amphibians, 114 reptiles,
147 mammals and over 500 species of
bird, including the “Big 6” of the bird world
- saddle-billed stork, kori bustard, martial
eagle, lappet-faced vulture, Pel’s fishing-owl
and ground hornbill.
In the Kruger National Park, the rare wild
dog can also be seen. These are one of the
most endangered mammals in Africa. They
roam over vast territories, with a single pack
requiring several hundred square kilometres
in order to survive.
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier National
Park features sparse vegetation and a
high concentration of animals in the dry
riverbeds of the Auob and Nossob Rivers. It
is an outstanding area for mammal viewing,
and visitors have an excellent chance of

seeing predators including the leopard,
brown and spotted hyena, black-maned lion
and cheetah.
The beautiful blue crane, South Africa’s
national bird, occurs almost exclusively in
this country. It can be viewed in a number
of game reserves including the Agulhas
National Park, on the southernmost tip
of Africa in the Western Cape, where the
distinctively black-feathered and red-beaked
African black oystercatcher can also be
seen.
In Swellendam, Western Cape, the
Bontebok National Park is named after
the richly coloured bontebok, one of South
Africa’s most attractive species of antelope.
This animal has a deep purple-red coat with
an iridescent sheen, a white blaze on the
face, a white tail and angular horns.
The Tsitsikamma National Park in the
Eastern Cape - the “place of much water” -
is an area of impressive natural beauty, and
one of the largest marine protected areas
in the world. The humpback dolphin, bottle
nose dolphin, Risso dolphin, pygmy sperm
whale, humpbacked whale and killer whale
live in these waters, with the southern right
whale breeding in the area.
The most famous reserve in the Eastern
Cape is the Addo Elephant Park. Home
to more than 450 elephants, some of the
most spectacular elephant viewing in the
world can be enjoyed here. The reserve has
a rich diversity of other wildlife including the
“Big 7” - the Big Five plus whales and great
white sharks.
The Mountain Zebra National Park
west of Cradock in the Eastern Cape
is a sanctuary for the endangered
Cape Mountain zebra. These zebras
are distinguished by their orange facial
colouration, and they have narrower
stripes than the more common Burchell’s
zebra found on the plains. The park also
contains the uniquely beautiful caracal.
One of the heaviest and fastest of the small
cats, the caracal’s characteristically long,
black, tufted ears makes it easy to spot.
Namaqualand’s landscape explodes in a
riot of colour each year as the wild flowers
endemic to this region bloom in springtime.

crocodile, the second largest species of
crocodile in the world.
The iSimangaliso Wetland Park on the
Zululand coast, previously known as the St.
Lucia Wetland Park, is a World Heritage Site
that contains an amazing variety of habitats
from forests and mangroves to beaches and
coral reefs. Here, an unrivalled diversity of
plants, birds and animals abound. A special
attraction of this park is the leatherback and
loggerhead turtles that nest on the beaches
at night during summer. In the waters, the
Nile crocodile and the hippopotamus occur
in large numbers.
The massive Ukhahlamba Drakensberg
National Park, another World Heritage
Site, protects many endemic and globally
The Namaqua National Park contains
the richest bulb flora of any arid region
worldwide. It is also the home of the world’s
smallest tortoise, the Namaqua Speckled
Padloper, which measures 8 to 10 cm in
length when fully grown. This park is also
a good place to spot the klipspringer. This
miniature antelope, reaching just 60 cm
at the shoulder, is easy to recognise by
its thick, distinctively patterned “salt and
pepper” coat. It is ideally adapted to its
surroundings, and moves about as easily as
a mountain goat on the tips of its rounded
hooves, allowing it to negotiate the rockiest
terrain with ease.
In the Maluti Mountains of the North-
Eastern Free State, the Golden Gate
Highlands National Park is named for the
brilliant shades of gold that occur when the
sun shines on the park’s sandstone cliffs.
In this typical highlands habitat, the black
wildebeest, eland, blesbok, oribi, springbok
and Burchell’s zebra thrive. The park is a
haven for birders. Here, two rare species, the
bearded vulture and the southern bald ibis,
breed in the ledges of the cliffs.
The Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve
in KwaZulu-Natal is the oldest game
park in Africa and the only national park
in KwaZulu-Natal where all the Big Five
occur. It became famous for its white rhino
conservation, and today, both black and
white rhino can be found here. The wealth
of species in this park includes the Nile

threatened species. Its spectacular peaks,
caves, grasslands and gorges contain
leopard, black-backed jackal, caracal,
serval, clawless and spotted neck otter,
as well as troops of chacma baboons and
colonies of rock hyrax. Over 300 species of
birds live in this area including the wattled
crane, orange breasted rockjumper and
yellow breasted pipit.
The best times for game viewing are at
dusk and dawn when the animals and birds
are most active. It is often easier to see the
animals during the winter months, when
the grass is low and the vegetation loses its
leaves. In almost all of South Africa except
the Southern Cape area, winters are dry, so
the animals have to visit the watering holes
to drink, as there is no other water in the
area. Many of the reserves have hides near
the watering holes for this purpose.
Although wildlife is traditionally viewed
from the comfort of a vehicle, in some game
reserves, notably the Kruger National Park,
it is possible to take guided walking trails, as
well as game viewing safaris on horseback
being offered at various reserves.
For further Information:
www.southafrica.info
www.sanparks.org

Past, Present and Future
With a diversity of influences from its multicultural roots, South African
music today is a melting pot of rhythms and sounds that has seen
many talented artists rise to local and international fame.
SouthAfricanMusic
OurWorldPoster

During the Dutch colonial era of the 1600s,
indigenous tribesmen and slaves created
their own version of Western musical
instruments and rhythms. The Khoi-Khoi
people developed the ramkie, a guitar with
three or four strings, and the mamokhorong,
a single-string violin. Slave orchestras played
to audiences, while travelling musicians
entertained at big functions. These travelling
minstrel shows continued through the
centuries, and this tradition is still seen at the
great carnival held annually in Cape Town.
Missionaries played an important part
in the early development of South African
music. Composers like John Knox Bokwe
wrote hymns that had their musical roots
in traditional Xhosa harmonies. In 1897,
Enoch Sontonga, who was a teacher
at the time, composed the hymn Nkosi
Sikelel’iAfrika - God Bless Africa. This
song was later adopted by the liberation
movement and became the national anthem
for the new democratic South Africa.
Gospel music has been a bestseller in
South Africa ever since the original gospel
sounds evolved into the isicathamiya musical
genre, where choir music was combined with
traditional vocals and harmonies. One of the
earliest hits was “Mbube” a song by Solomon
Linda and the Evening Birds that sold over
100,000 copies in South Africa during the
1940s. This adaptation of a traditional Zulu
melody has been reworked many times, most
famously as “Wimoweh” by Pete Seeger,
HughMasekela

Lira2from5sm

and the classic favourite, “The Lion Sleeps
Tonight”. In the 1960s Joseph Shabalala’s
sweet soprano voice propelled isicathamiya
group Ladysmith Black Mambazo to
fame, with their first album achieving the
first ever gold status by a black artist.
The urbanisation of black South Africans
into mining centres led to the development of
new musical forms. Marabi was a keyboard
music with a blues flavour, usually played on
pedal organs. It was used to draw people
into the illegal shebeens and keep them
dancing all night. This underground music
was frowned upon by the authorities and
seldom recorded, but its lilting melodies
influenced the bigger South African dance
bands of this era. These bands produced
the first generation of professional black
musicians in South Africa - the Jazz Maniacs,
the Merry Blackbirds and the Jazz Revellers.
This marabi-swing style developed over
the years into early mbaqanga, a South
African form of jazz which has had a huge
influence on music in this country.
One of the most famous forms of popular
music during the early years of apartheid was
the pennywhistle or “kwela”. This simple six-
holed flute was played by groups of black
musicians on street corners. Its evocative
notes served not only as entertainment but
also as a warning tune, alerting groups of
people gambling in the townships to the
police presence outside their buildings.
The pennywhistle’s melody has survived
the decades to become a familiar and
traditionally South African sound. Lemmy
Mabaso, who started performing in the
streets at the age of 10, became one of South
Africa’s most famous pennywhistle stars.
In the 1950s, the word “entertainment”
became synonymous with Sophiatown, a
Johannesburg township which became the
epicentre of South Africa’s vibrant musical
culture. Stars such as Miriam Makeba,
Dolly Rathebe, Dorothy Masuka and Letta
Mbulu gained fanatical followings with
their mbaqanga jazz performances. Miriam
Makeba went on to have a highly successful
international career. Some of the country’s
most famous jazz artists were members of
the Sophiatown Jazz Club. These included
Dollar Brand, a brilliant musician who
became known as Abdullah Ibrahim after
his conversion to Islam, Kippie Moeketsi,
Jonas Gwangwa and the legendary Hugh
Masekela. Many of these stars subsequently
left the country to develop their careers
elsewhere during the increasingly repressive
years of the apartheid regime. One jazz
artist who remained in South Africa
and became one of the country’s most
innovative musicians was Philip Tabane.
Sophiatown was also famous for its high
numbers of wealthy, large-living gangsters.
In the township’s lawless domain, the
more adventurous and liberal white people
mingled with the black residents, enjoying
the nightlife and the exchange of cultures. In
1960 Sophiatown was razed to the ground
by the white Nationalist government, and
its residents moved elsewhere. But the
government could not destroy the cross-
cultural influences that had been formed,
and which continued to inspire musicians
of all races. It was kept alive by bands
such as the African Jazz Pioneers during
the years of severe repression, and has
influenced 80s bands like Sakhile and
Bayete, as well as contributing to the sounds
of “world music” bands like Tananas.
One of the most successful white South
African bands in the 1960s was the pop
group Four Jacks and a Jill, who toured
widely throughout the 60s and 70s. Despite
the light, mainstream music they played, they
still managed to have a song banned by the
South African Broadcasting Corporation, and
were the target of protests by conservative
South Africans who compared pop music
to devil worship. The conservatives soon
Freshlyground2masifunde

found worse things to complain about with
the advent of Freedom’s Children, an acid-
rock band modelled on the Grateful Dead.
After the 1976 riots, the rebellion
against apartheid saw a vibrant, youthful
counterculture rise, and music became an
integral part of this. Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse,
originally a member of the band Harari, went
on to become a superstar in the 80s. Punk
rock bands like the Radio Rats, Corporal
Punishment, Wild Youth, the Asylum Kids
and Dog Detachment created new, rebellious
sounds and drew huge followings. They were
followed by bands like The Softees, The
Aeroplanes and Bright Blue. James Phillips
of Corporal Punishment also produced an
album of Afrikaans songs under the name
Bernoldus Niemand, influencing an entire
genre of alternative Afrikaans music. Stars
like The Gereformeerde Blues Band and
Koos Kombuis continued this following.
The Bob Marley concert celebrating
Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980 saw
reggae rise to prominence all over Africa.
Lucky Dube, who was tragically murdered in
2007, was the first major South African reggae
artist to reach superstar status, and the first
black artist in this country to be played on
white radio stations. His lyrics tackled a
range of subjects including social problems,
racial inequalities and his love for God.
A new musical era dawned when Johnny
Clegg, a sociologist who had done extensive
research on Zulu music and dance, teamed
up with Sipho Mchunu to form the group
Juluka. This blend of traditional Zulu
sounds with white pop and folk music was
a challenge to the racial boundaries that
the apartheid regime was attempting to
sustain. Bands such as eVoid, Via Afrika and
Mango Groove followed in his footsteps.
Clegg was known overseas as “the white
Zulu”. Juluka and his subsequent band
Savuka both enjoyed incredible success.
During the 80s, a new craze swept the
townships. “Bubblegum” music was light,
lively dance pop influenced by American disco
and by the legacy of mbaqanga. Groups like
The Soul Brothers had massive hits, and the
great township dance divas like Brenda Fassie
and Yvonna Chaka Chaka rose to legendary
fame. Fassie was one of South Africa’s most
controversial stars, and her death in 2004
was preceded by a decade of high living
PrimeCircle
SouthAfricanMusic

that made the lifestyle of the Rolling Stones
look sober and straitlaced by comparison.
In the 1990s a new genre took the music
world by storm. Kwaito, dance music based
on house beats but with a slower, more
African rhythm, stole the hearts of young
black South Africans. Stars with minimalist
names like Mdu, Arthur, Chiskop, Zola, and
most famously Mandoza became legends.
Mandoza sings in English, Afrikaans, Zulu
and Xhosa, giving him universal appeal.
Groups like Bongo Maffin, Boom Shaka,
TKZee and Abashante developed massive
followings thanks to their high-energy
performances and streetwise, visual style.
Gospel continued to be popular, with Rebecca
Malope one of the biggest stars. Another
great gospel performer is Debrah Fraser,
who sings in all South African languages.
Meanwhile, bands like the Springbok
Nude Girls blazed a trail towards harder,
guitar-driven music with their blend of
punk, reggae and metal. This band has
since reformed as the Nude Girls, while
former lead singer Arno Carstens is
pursuing a star-studded solo career. The
highly successful Christian rock group Tree
formed, and was later renamed Tree 63.
Today, South African music enjoys an
incredible diversity of sounds. Afrikaans
music is stronger than ever, with artists like
Steve Hofmeyr, Kurt Darren and Nadine
bringing a new fresh sound to this genre.
With her unique style which combines jazz,
pop and traditional music, Xhosa singer
Simphiwe Dana has been hailed as “the
new Miriam Makeba”. Shwi Nomtakhala
is a duo that has become one of the most
influential new acts on the music scene
today. Other rising stars include jazz
sensation Lira, and the hip-hop group Jozi.
Cape Town in particular has become
a birthing ground for new talent, most
notably Freshlyground, winners of the
MTV Artist of the Year 2006. This band
exploded onto the music scene in 2002,
and has seen a meteoric rise to fame.
Freshlyground is made up of individuals
from all cultures, who blend Afro beats,
funk, dance, classical influences and jazz to
produce their quintessentially South African
sounds. Wonderboom is a rock band that
has been on the music scene for many
successful years. Their stage presence is
extraordinary, and they are one of South
Africa’s iconic entertainment groups.
South African rock band Prime Circle
was formed in December 2001. From
humble beginnings in Witbank, band
members Ross Learmonth, Marco Gomes,
Dirk Bisschoff and Neil Breytenbach shot to
fame as one of the top rock bands in South
Africa. Prime Circle have performed at
virtually every major festival in South Africa,
including the renowned 46664 concerts.
In 2006 they played alongside other iconic
bands such as Metallica and Simple Plan
at the Coca-Cola Colab events in Pretoria,
Durban and Cape Town, and in 2008 at the
My Coke Fest.
The Parlotones are recognised as one
of the bastions of South African indie
rock. Currently successful in the UK and
Europe, they are poised to launch in the
Far East. Syd Kitchen is a guitarist, singer,
songwriter and published poet whose
sounds have been an integral part of South
African music since the 70s. This eclectic,
free spirited artist performs at festivals
and clubs throughout South Africa, and
has released several albums so far.
One of the most exciting new alternative
bands on the scene is Seether, who started
out as a group called Saron Gas, but
changed their name after a massive record
deal and relocation to the United States. This
post-grunge, hard rock band has achieved
number one status on the US charts, and
has won a South African Music Award.
Vusi Mahlasela is a guiding star in
South African music. A writer, poet,
political activist and renowned performer,
he sings a hybrid of folk, world, blues
and soul. His music soothes the scars of
apartheid and promises a better future.
Classical music has always had a
following in this country, and the best-
known classical band is the award-winning
Soweto String Quartet, made up of three
brothers and their childhood friend. As
boys in the 1960s, they were taunted by
the township locals for playing what were
regarded as Eurocentric instruments. Today,
they are famous for their beautiful music
that combines classical and African sounds.
We look forward to what the future of
South African Music has to offer.
JohnnyClegg©RealSA

The Battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal
The Battlefields Route is not a journey, it is an enriching experience
taking visitors back to a period which played an enormous part in
shaping the history of South Africa.
Tourism

The Battlefields
The “Great Trek” commencing out of the Cape
Colony into the northern and eastern areas of
South Africa began in the early 1800’s, with
the Voortrekkers preparing to cross waterless
deserts and suffer the ravages of the tsetse fly
and mosquito to find their promised land.
To those who had travelled north and
then east, the view of the rolling hills of
KwaZulu-Natal from the heights of the
Drakensberg was milk and honey to
their eyes.
However, these areas were already
inhabited and resulted in many of
the historic battles between the
Voortrekkers, the British and the Zulus
which today, maps out the official
Battlefields Route where 14 historical
PhotocourtesyFugitivesDriftLodgeandGuesthouse
Talana museum at the battlefield where the first Anglo Boer battle took place
War memorial at Spioenkop
PhotocourtesyFugitivesDriftLodgeandGuesthouse

PhotocourtesyIsandlwanaLodge
towns, many national monuments and
museums, and over 50 battlefields can
be explored.
Most of the battles were concentrated in an
immense battleground that stretches from the
Drakensburg Mountains, north to Volksrust
and east to Zululand, covering plains of great
natural beauty that offer much more than just
famous battle sites to the visitor. It is difficult
to comprehend that this scenic and now
peaceful land once rang with the sounds of
fierce fighting.
The rugged magnificence of the terrain
is dotted with reminders of its violent
past, including memorials on the field of
Isandlwana, where the Zulu army destroyed
over 1000 British soldiers, gravestones at Fort
Pearson and the monument at Spioenkop,
one of the most violent battles of the Anglo-
Boer War.

Rorkesdriftclouds.PhotocourtesyFugitivesDriftLodgeandGuesthouse
For more information go to:
www.battlefields.kzn.org.za
For guided battlefield tours go to:
www.fugitivesdrift.com and
www.isandlwana.co.za
photographs that tell the story of the siege
and its accompanying battles.
Many monuments and well-preserved
artifacts provide an ideal backdrop to an area
where re-enactments of the Colonial-era wars
between British troops and Zulu warriors allow
visitors to experience the bloody dramas with
almost frightening reality.
Isandlwana Lodge overlooks historic Mount
Isandlwana and some of the most spectacular
scenery in Zululand. Flagship tours of
Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift are vividly
related by resident historian Rob Gerrard,
author and Fellow of the Royal Geographical
Society.
The site of the infamous Battle of Blood River
between the Voortrekkers and Zulus is home
to the Ncome Heritage Site, monuments
and museums on both sides of the river,
commemorating the Voortrekkers and the
Zulus who died so courageously here. The
Ncome Monument and museum complex
is dedicated to the Zulu warriors, while the
Blood River monument and museum on the
opposite bank features a life-size replica of
the Voortrekker wagon laager.
The site of the Battle of Rorke’s Drift
between the British and the Zulus is much
unchanged, with stone walls built to shield the
British troops still virtually intact. The Battle
Museum tells the story of this most famous
siege of the Anglo-Zulu war.
The Ladysmith Siege museum contains a
collection of artefacts, documents, firearms
and uniforms, as well as some excellent

South Africa’s
Calendar of Events
JANUARY
Dusi
Take to the waters with the legendary
Hansa Powerade “Dusi” canoe
marathon that runs from Camps Drift
near Pietermaritzburg, through two river
systems, the Umsindusi and the Umgeni,
to finish three days later near Durban.
www.dusi.org.za
www.canoesa.org.za
JB Met
Kenilworth racecourse in the Western Cape
is home to the JB Met, an event where
the speed and courage of the top-class
thoroughbreds that gallop to the finish line, is
combined with dazzling extremes of glamour
and fashion.
www.jbmet.co.za
The Women’s World Cup of Golf
Held at Sun City, has been proudly hosted by
South Africa since its inception. This world
championship tournament attracts huge
audiences and offers substantial prize money.
www.womensworldcupofgolf.com
The Ironman 70.3 triathlon series
Popular with athletes and great training events
for the full distance events, the Spec-Savers
Ironman is held in Buffalo City (East London).
It includes a 1.9 km sea swim, a 90 km cycle
and a 21.1 km run.
www.ironman703.co.za
FEBRUARY
The Subaru Sabi Classic
mountain bike race
Venue for this breathtakingly beautiful event
is the rolling hills of Mpumalanga, where the
splendour of the scenery contrasts with the
tough and unforgiving nature of the course.
www.subarusabieclassic.co.za
Halfway Telkom Midmar Mile
Hailed as the world’s largest open water
swimming event, the Halfway Telkom
Midmar Mile is a mile-long swim held in
Midmar Dam in the lush surroundings of
the Natal Midlands. The event attracts a
field of over 19,000 competitors.
www.midmarmile.co.za
MARCH
Audi Joburg Fashion Week
Fashionistas will delight in this sparkling
new event on the fashion calendar. Audi
Joburg Fashion Week is where South
Africa’s top designers showcase their
winter collections. The show takes place
in Sandton.
www.joburgfashionweek.co.za
The Cape Argus Pick ’n Pay Cycle Tour
Individually timed cycle race attracting
a field of over 35,000 cyclists from
all five continents. A grueling 108-
kilometre race.
www.cycletour.co.za

APRIL
Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunsfees
A popular Afrikaans arts festival held in
Oudsthoorn in the Karoo. The large numbers
of visitors who attend each year arrive to
celebrate the arts in all their glory.
www.kknk.co.za
Two Oceans Marathon
The marathon is run over a picturesque 56
km route which winds through the Cape,
over Chapmans Peak, through Hout Bay and
Constantia Nek.
www.twooceansmarathon.org.za
The Cape Town International Jazz Festival
Attracts 32,000 music lovers from all over
South Africa and abroad. It is held at the
International Convention Centre.
www.capetownjazzfest.com
Ironman Triathlon
The punishing Ironman Triathlon, held in the
beautiful surrounds of Nelson Mandela Bay,
includes a 3.8 km swim, a 180 km cycle and
a 42.2 km run that tests the endurance of
athletes to their limits.
www.ironmansouthafrica.com
The Swazi Xtreme adventure race
This offers contestants an unsurpassed
adventure racing experience over Swaziland’s
most grueling terrain including forests, remote
gorges, abandoned mines, underground
tunnels, and exhilarating mountain-bike trails.
Website: www.ar.co.za/sx
MAY
South African Music Awards
The Sun City Superbowl is host to the South
African Music Awards. Now in its 14th year,
this event is the country’s premier awards
ceremony for musicians, celebrating those
who have excelled in the many facets of the
music industry.
www.samusicawards.co.za
Comrades Marathon
With over 80 years of history, the Comrades
Marathon is one of the world’s most famous
ultra-marathons, run over an 89.3 km route
through rolling countryside between Durban
and Pietermaritzburg.
www.comrades.com
JUNE
Durban Fashion Week
A vibrant international fashion platform for top
South African designers to showcase their
collections and for young and emerging South
African design talent.
www.durbanfashionweek.co.za
JULY
Vodacom July
The Vodacom July is Africa’s most famous
horse race. Held at Greyville racecourse in
Kwazulu-Natal on the first Saturday in July
each year, “July fever” grips the nation for
months beforehand.
www.vodacomdurbanjuly.co.za
Loerie Awards
2008 was the 30th Anniversary of The Loerie
Awards, a celebration of creative excellence in
brand communication.
www.theloerieawards.co.za
Durban International Film Festival
The festival presents a selection of the best
that cinema has to offer, from South Africa,

Africa and around the world.
Website: www.ukzn.ac.za/cca/Durban_
International_Film_Festival.htm
Grahamstown National Arts Festival
For ten glorious days, the Grahamstown
National Arts Festival is held at the
university town of Grahamstown in
the Eastern Cape. Here, South African
music, dance, theatre, street theatre,
film, a craft fair and art exhibitions can
be enjoyed.
www.nafest.co.za
AUGUST
The BMW International
Played against visiting international
teams, this is highlight of the South
African polo calendar. The first test
is played at Shongweni in Kwazulu-
Natal, and the second test at Inanda in
Johannesburg.
www.sapolo.org.za
Sanlam SA Fashion Week
August sees two major fashion events taking
place. Sanlam SA Fashion Week has a
decade of successful history behind it, and
offers designers, industry workers and fashion
followers the most varied and glamorous
programme in the country.
www.sanlamsafashionweek.co.za
Cape Town Fashion Week
Has become a powerful champion of South
African fashion and celebrates Cape Town’s
long heritage as the centre of South Africa’s
fashion industry.
www.capetownfashionweek.com
SEPTEMBER
Darling Wild Flowers Show
The beautiful town of Darling in the Cape
has hosted a wildflower show almost every
year since 1917. The Wildflower Society,
organisers of the show, aim to promote the
conservation of flowers in the region and
display this natural wealth for visitors to enjoy.
www.darlingwildflowers.co.za
Hermanus Whale Festival
The festival, the only Enviro-Arts festival in
South Africa, is held annually to celebrate
the return of the Southern Right whales to
the waters of Walker Bay, our magnificent
environment and the arrival of spring!
Stellenbosch Festival
The festival is dominated by classical
music, but there is some light relief in the
form of weekend street festivals and some
deliberately whacky street theatre. If you
get tired of the music, there’s always the
wine to taste.
www.stellenboschtourism.co.za
Nederburg Arts Festival
There’s more to culture than performance
and painting. The 10-day Nederburg Arts
Festival also celebrates the glorious natural
environment of Knysna with various eco-
CalendarofEvents

outings, demonstrations of flower arranging
and floral art and, last but not least, good
food and wine.
www.nederburg.co.za/artsfestival
Arts Alive International Festival
Held at the Newtown Cultural Precinct,
is just one of the projects attempting to
revitalise the central part of Johannesburg.
www.artsalive.co.za
Johannesburg Biennale
This somewhat controversial exhibition of
cutting-edge visual arts is one of the most
Afrocentric events in South Africa. It is held
biennially, in uneven years, although its
future is uncertain.
www.johanesburg.org.za
Natal Witness Hilton Drama Festival
This pleasantly sleepy town near
Pietermaritzburg is a surprising place to
see some of the finest drama in South
Africa. The organisers scour the Standard
Bank Festival and return with the very
best. It’s certainly a lot less hectic than
Grahamstown.
Website: www.natalwitness.co.za
OCTOBER
Avis South African Derby
The Derby sees the elite of South
Africa’s show jumping talent competing
against each other at the Horse Society
showground’s in Kyalami. Website: www.
ghsinfo.co.za or
www.avis.co.za
Currie Cup
Of all the rugby matches played in South
Africa, the Currie Cup is the most sought-
after trophy for local teams. The competition
dates back as far as 1889, and the iconic
gold trophy that is awarded to the winning
team today, was first presented in 1892.
Website: www.sarfu.org.za
NOVEMBER
94.7 Highveld Cycle Challenge
Sponsored by 94.7 Highveld Stereo and Pick
‘n Pay, Gauteng’s premier cycle race has been
getting Joburg residents onto their bikes for
more than 10 successful years. Over 30,000
cyclists take part in the race, which is 94.7
kilometres in length.
Website: www.cyclechallenge.co.za
DECEMBER
Nedbank Golf Challenge
Played on the challenging Sun City course,
the Nedbank Golf Challenge attracts a star-
studded field of competitors from around
the world. With a total prize pool of more
than $4 million up for grabs, competition is
always fierce.
Website: www.nedbankgolfchallenge.com

The role of EXSA is to serve the
exhibition and events industry in South
Africa. Their core strategy is to actively
grow and develop the exhibition and
events industry within Southern Africa.
This is achieved through promoting the
unique benefits offered by exhibitions
and events, and raising the profile of
their members which include venues,
organisers and suppliers.
JANUARY
MPH - Live Motoring Theatre -
Johannesburg
29 January - 1 February 2009
The Coca-Cola Dome, Johannesburg
www.mphshow.co.za
FEBRUARY
Investing in African Mining – Mining Indaba
9-12 February 2009
Cape Town International Convention Centre
www.miningindaba.com
Beeld Holiday Show - Holidaymakers Expo
- Johannesburg
13-15 February 2009
Gallagher Estate, Johannesburg
www.holidayshow.co.za
Homemakers Expo - Johannesburg
19-22 February 2009
www.homemakersonline.co.za
The Woman Fashion Show - Johannesburg
20-22 February 2009
www.thewomanshow.com
Meetings Africa - Johannesburg
25-27 February 2009
Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg
www.meetingsafrica.co.za
Design Indaba Expo 2009 – Cape Town
27 February - 1 March 2009
www.designindaba.com
MARCH
Megamedia Expo - Johannesburg
4-5 March 2009
Sandton Convention Centre,
Johannesburg
www.cadek.co.za/megamedia
Hobby-X - Johannesburg
5-8 March 2009
The Coca-Cola Dome,
Johannesburg
www.hobby-x.co.za
Bridal Africa - Johannesburg
7-8 March 2009
www.nichepro.co.za
Working World Extravaganza
Careers Exhibition - Port Elizabeth
11-14 March 2009
Feather Market Centre,
Port Elizabeth
www.inkanyezi.co.za
Calendar of Exhibitions
The Exhibition and Event Association of Southern Africa, EXSA,
was founded in 1980 as a non-profit organisation representing
Venues, Organisers, Exhibition Designers, Stand Builders, Service
Companies and Associate organisations.

Opportunities Australia Expo -
Johannesburg
14-15 March 2009
www.expoaustralia.com
Hostex - Johannesburg
15-18 March 2009
www.hostex.co.za
Decorex Durban - Durban
19-22 March 2009
International Convention Centre, Durban
www.decorex.co.za
Rand Easter Show - Johannesburg
20 March – 5 April 2009
Johannesburg Expo Centre, NASREC
www.randshow.co.za
Homemakers Expo - Garden Route
26-29 March 2009
Outeniqua Transport Museum, George
Gardenex Green Living Fair -
Johannesburg
27-29 March 2009
www.gardenex.co.za
Digital Life Expo - Johannesburg
27-29 March 2009
www.digitallife.co.za/expo
APRIL
International Franchise Expo
2-4 April 2009
www.kagisoexpo.co.za
The Wedding Expo -
Johannesburg
4-5 April 2009
www.wedding-expo.co.za
Sustainability through Resource
Conservation and Recycling
4-5 April 2009
Vineyard Hotel, Cape Town
www.min-eng.com/srcr09/
World Holiday Travel Fair -
Johannesburg
17-19 April 2009
www.worldtravelfair.co.za
Decorex - Cape Town
24-27 April 2009
Cape Town International
Convention Centre
www.decorex.co.za
SA Cheese Festival -
Franschhoek
24-27 April 2009
Bien Donne Farm, Franschhoek
www.cheesefestival.co.za
MAY
Megamedia Expo - Johannesburg
5-6 May 2009
Convention Centre
www.cadek.co.za/megamedia
Tourism Indaba 2009 - Durban
9-12 May 2009
International Convention Centre,
Durban and Durban Exhibition Centre
www.indaba-southafrica.co.za
The Baby Expo - Johannesburg
14-17 May 2009
www.joburgbabyexpo.co.za
Nelson Mandela Bay Business Week -
Port Elizabeth
18-22 May 2009
Feather Market Centre, Port Elizabeth
www.inkanyezi.co.za
JUNE
Financial Planning Institute Expo -
Johannesburg
1-3 June 2009
Emperors Palace, Johannesburg
www.nichepro.co.za
Lab Africa - Johannesburg
2-4 June 2009
www.labafricaonline.co.za
KZN Industrial Technologies -
Durban
2-5 June 2009
Durban Exhibition Centre, Durban
www.exsa.co.za
SA Property Owners’ Exhibition -
Durban
3-5 June 2009
www.sapoaconvention.co.za
Pretoria Homemakers Expo -
Pretoria
4-7 June 2009
Tshwane Events Centre,
Pretoria Show Grounds
Markex - Johannesburg
9-11 June 2009
Johannesburg
www.markex.co.za
Petrotex, Chemtex, Water,
Pumps, Valves and Pipes Africa -
Johannesburg
9-11 June 2009
www.fairconsultants.com
Gauteng Outdoor Adventure and
Travel Experience - Johannesburg
15-17 June 2009
www.outdoorexpo.co.za

CalendarofExhibitions Mediatech Africa -
Johannesburg
16-18 June 2009
Johannesburg
www.exsa.co.za
The Woman Show -
Johannesburg
26-28 June 2009
www.seshowandevents.co.za
JULY
Securex - Johannesburg
1-3 July 2009
Johannesburg
www.exsa.co.za
Mine-Tech International
8-10 July 2009
www.minetechexpo.com
National Boat Show – Durban
17-19 July 2009
Wilson’s Marina, Durban
www.nationalboatshow.co.za
Mediatech Africa -
Johannesburg
23-25 July 2009
www.mediatech.co.za
Homemakers Expo - Vaal Triangle
30 July - 2 August 2009
Emerald Casino Resort,
Vanderbijlpark
AUGUST
Hardex - Johannesburg
2-4 August 2009
www.exsa.co.za
Decorex - Johannesburg
6-10 August 2009
www.decorex.co.za
Durban International Fair -
Durban
7-16 August 2009
www.itf.co.za
Human Resources Development
Expo - Johannesburg
12-14 August 2009
Johannesburg
www.hrde.co.za
National Boat Show -
Johannesburg
14-16 August 2009
International Statistical Institute Expo -
Durban
16-22 August 2009
and Durban Exhibition Centre
www.nichepro.co.za
Markex - Durban
18-20 August 2009
www.markexkzn.co.za
Pretoria Show - Pretoria
26 August - 6 September 2009
Tshwane Events Centre,
Pretoria Show Grounds
www.pretoriashow.co.za
The Baby Expo - Durban
28-30 August 2009
www.durbanbabyexp.co.za
SEPTEMBER
Homemakers Expo - Cape Town
3-6 September 2009
Convention Centre
Healthy Living - Johannesburg
4-6 September 2009
Fountain Court, Sandton City
www.fairconsultants.com
The Wedding Expo - Johannesburg
5-6 September 2009
www.wedding-expo.co.za
Eskom Small Business Expo -
Johannesburg
11-13 September 2009
www.eskomsmmeexpo.co.za
Hardex - Johannesburg
12-14 September 2009
www.hardex.co.za
OCTOBER
Cape Town Outdoor Adventure and Travel
Experience - Cape Town
2-4 October 2009
Bien Donne Farm Franschhoek
www.outdoorexpo.co.za
National Boat Show – Durban
3-5 October 2009
Homemakers Expo - Durban
8-11 October 2009
Propak Africa - Johannesburg
20–23 October 2009
www.propak.co.za
Cape Town International Fair - Cape Town
23 October - 1 November 2009
Goodhope Centre, Cape Town
www.itf.co.za
Manufacturing and Technology
International - Johannesburg
27-30 October 2009
www.mtiexpo.co.za
NOVEMBER
The Baby Expo - Cape Town
6-8 November 2009
www.capetownbabyexpo.co.za
For more information contact EXSA:
Tel: +27 11 805 7272
www.exsa.co.za

Chapter 1
Hotels, Lodges and Resorts

JOHANNESBURG SANDTON TOWERS
“In hospitality, the chief thing is goodwill.”
Greek proverb

InterContinental Johannesburg
Sandton Towers
The hotel of choice for discerning travellers
JOHANNESBURG SANDTON TOWERS

Tel: +27 11 780 5555
Email: joburg@ICSandtonTowers.com
www.intercontinental.com/johannesburg
The hotel is linked to two of South Africa’s
exclusive shopping malls, Sandton City
and Nelson Mandela Square. It is also
right next to the spectacular Sandton
Convention Centre, one of the largest
convention centres in the country, which
can accommodate up to 10 000 delegates
at any one time. Sandton is known as
the economic hub of South Africa and
many major corporations, including the
Johannesburg Stock Exchange, are
located here.
With an international reputation
for excellence, guests staying at the
InterContinental Johannesburg Sandton
Towers, on either business or leisure, can
enjoy accommodation in a class of its
own, from the exclusive Club Floor, with
its 24-hour private butler service to the
penthouse suite, which offers the ultimate
in luxury and elegance.
The contemporary Atrium Restaurant and
Bar, which received an award of Excellence
from Diners Club 2006, is the only 5-star hotel
in Johannesburg to qualify for this recognition,
and has the celebrated Executive Chef
Berno du Plessis at its helm. Superior facilities
include a well appointed Fitness Centre,
swimming pool set in a secluded position,
amongst a magnificent cycad collection,
exclusive boardroom, Business Centre, Spa at
Sandton Sun and a host of superb facilities.
Whether guests are drawn to timeless
Africa with its unique spirit of culture,
scenery and people, it is the passion of this
hotel’s staff to deliver top-class service that
sets it apart from other 5-star hotels, and
makes this hotel, the hotel of choice for
discerning travellers.

due to open in March 2009. This gem caters
specifically to the demand for large groups
and creates a new standard of modern,
contemporary convenience and functionality.
It will have a spacious ground floor reception
area for large group check-ins, a business
centre, boardroom, pool area and restaurant,
increasing the Resort’s.
The opulent Emperors Palace casino is
the finest in Gauteng, and is renowned for
service excellence. For the discerning player,
the Jewel of the Empire is the intimate and
sophisticated high limit Palace Court Privé,
featuring the Salon Privé tables gaming area
and the Slots Privé gaming area.
Emperors Palace Hotel, Casino
and Convention Resort
The world of the Emperors lives on in a place where no
expense or detail has been spared in the pursuit of pleasure,
where the best of entertainment is brought to the people and
exotic foods are prepared every day.
Emperors Palace Hotel, Casino and
Convention Resort, conveniently
situated next to the O.R. Tambo Airport,
Johannesburg, combines timeless,
classical elegance and sheer excitement.
The resort offers a unique experience with
luxurious accommodation and relaxation
facilities, a magnificent casino with
unparalleled gaming enjoyment, the finest
in dining and entertainment, a unique retail
concourse, a children’s paradise with an
indoor entertainment centre, multi-faceted
conference facilities and impeccable service.
The Peermont D’oreale Grande, a
magnificent 5-star hotel of elegance where
luxury beckons at every turn. This ultra
luxurious hotel features 196 beautifully
designed and impeccable appointed
guest rooms and suites that are fitted with
state-of-the-art facilities and surround
you with the utmost elegance and regal
comfort. The hotel’s comfort is not only in
its furnishings, but also in the impeccable
levels of service which anticipate individual
needs and wishes.
Emperors Palace has a further two hotels,
the deluxe 3-star Peermont Mondior and
existing 3-star Peermont Metcourt Laurel,
and another new 3-star select services 248-
key Peermont Metcourt hotel is officially

executive boardroom meeting, a trade show
or a banquet, our venues, facilities and
attention to personal service sets us apart.
Recent Awards:
• World Travel Awards 2008:
Africa’s Leading Casino Resort
• World Quality Gold Crown Award 2007:
D’oreale Grande
• PMR Diamond Award 2007:
Best Executive Hotel – D’oreale Grande
• PMR Diamond Award 2007:
Best Casino – Emperors Palace
Experience a variety of outstanding cuisine
and dazzling entertainment. The superbly
appointed Theatre of Marcellus hosts world-
class dance extravaganzas, musicals and
shows, while the Odeon Showbar offers a
glittering cabaret revue as the main highlight,
while comedy, jazz and screened major
sporting events are also regular features.
When it comes to wining and dining,
Emperors Palace offers the ultimate gourmet
experience and Octavia’s Sensorium is
a haven where the physical, the mental
and the spiritual are equally cared for. For
conference and exhibition planners, there
is only one place to meet. Whether it’s an
For further information, please contact
Emperors Palace: +27 11 928 1000
for hotel bookings contact
Central Reservations on 0860 777 900
or +27 11 557 0777
email: reservations@peermont.com
or go to www.peermont.com to book online.

rooms, three junior suites, one Presidential
suite and a paraplegic room, all featuring
panoramic views over the golf course or
pool terrace. Décor and furnishings are of
the highest quality, and allow the elegance
of the Victorian-American theming to
continue right into the room, down to the
very last detail.
The Graceland Country Club features
a Gary Player designed, 18-hole
championship inland links-style golf course
which features a mixture of significant
elevation changes, water hazards,
Graceland Hotel, Casino
and Country Club
Discover Graceland and experience the
charm of grand old southern style
Graceland, an astonishing mansion built in
tribute style to the grand old age of Colonial
southern America, is located in Secunda,
Mpumalanga, approximately 1½ hours from
Johannesburg and Pretoria.
Graceland presents absolute
entertainment for the whole family,
conferencing, superb relaxation and
recreation experiences. A visit to Graceland
will certainly be a memorable experience
steeped in nostalgia of the grand old age.
The graceful 4-star Peermont Walmont
hotel offers 62 standard rooms, 31 family

the delightful Buffalo Bill’s Showbar
– reminiscent of the Wild West Saloons of
old and a movie theatre.
Graceland also features a convention
centre with state-of-the-art facilities
perfect for banquets, product launches,
conferences, seminars, weddings, team-
building and other special events.
undulating greens, rolling fairways and
strategically placed bunkering.
The Augusta Lounge reflects the tradition
and splendour of famour American golf clubs
and the Palm Terrace Snack Bar and Halfway
House overlooking the pool terrace will ensure
that you enjoy the ultimate golfing experience.
Wine and dine southern-style at the
elegant Blue Bayou serving á la carte
meals inspired by the many flavours of
the world while the American Café serves
a choice of light meals. Entertainment
includes the spectacular Graceland Casino,
For further information, please contact
Graceland: +27 17 620 1000
for hotel bookings contact
Central Reservations on 0860 777 900
or +27 (0)11 557 0777
email: reservations@peermont.com
or go to www.peermont.com to book online.

Luxury Defined -
Sheraton Pretoria Hotel
Pretoria – Often called the Jacaranda City after the
magnificent lilac trees which line its streets – is undoubtedly
one of the world’s most attractive capitals.
The décor throughout is warm and inviting,
featuring soft cream-coloured furnishings
and rich Italian marble. All the rooms are air-
conditioned and feature thoughtfully designed
working areas.
The Business Centre features a fully
equipped office, two meeting rooms
and a boardroom. Naturally, internet
and e-mail facilities are available, along
with secretarial services and all the
equipment you’d likely need. The Well-
being Center on the first floor offers
professional skin and body care and has
Perfectly situated with sweeping views
across the lawns of the magnificent Union
Buildings – seat of government in the
nation’s administrative capital city – the
Sheraton Pretoria is within the immediate
vicinity of more than 100 embassies,
as well as the Reserve Bank and most
government ministries.
The hotel offers 175 luxurious rooms,
including 36 Club Rooms on the restricted-
access sixth and seventh floors of this
magnificent hotel, 13 Deluxe Rooms, 6
Diplomatic Suites and one Presidential Suite.

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