South Africa in a nutshell
Information for
visitors
By LL, LL, and SV
Last update: 10/02/2015
Content
Content ................................................................................................................................................... 2
The People .............................................................................................................................................. 3
Languages ............................................................................................................................................... 3
Education ................................................................................................................................................ 3
Currency and payments .......................................................................................................................... 4
Health ...................................................................................................................................................... 4
Safety ...................................................................................................................................................... 4
Electricity................................................................................................................................................. 5
Telephone and internet .......................................................................................................................... 5
Dress code ............................................................................................................................................... 5
Politics and history .................................................................................................................................. 6
Travel documents ................................................................................................................................... 6
Food, Restaurants ................................................................................................................................... 6
Places to visit........................................................................................................................................... 6
Sesotho and Xhosa for beginners ........................................................................................................... 7
Important contact numbers .................................................................................................................... 7
More questions? ..................................................................................................................................... 7
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The People
(from: http://www.southafrica.info/about/facts.htm#population)
South Africa is a nation of diversity, with 51.77-million people and a variety of cultures, languages and
religious beliefs.
Africans are in the majority at 41 000 938, making up 79.2% of the total population. The coloured
population is estimated at 4 615 401 (8.9%), the white population at 4 586 838 (8.9%), and the
Indian/Asian population at 1 286 930 (2.5%). In the census carried out in 2011, 280 454 (0.5%) South
Africans classified themselves as "other". Females make up just over half (51.3%) of the population,
and males 48.7%.
Languages
(from: http://www.southafrica.info/about/facts.htm#population)
South Africa is a multilingual country. The country's democratic Constitution, which came into effect
on 4 February 1997, recognises 11 official languages, to which it guarantees equal status. These are:
 Afrikaans
 English
 isiNdebele
 isiXhosa
 isiZulu
 Sesotho sa Leboa
 Sesotho
 Setswana
 siSwati
 Tshivenda
 Xitsonga
According to Census 2011, isiZulu is the most common home language is, spoken by nearly a quarter
of the population. It is followed by isiXhosa at 17.6%, Afrikaans at 13.3%, Sepedi at 9.4%, and
Setswana and English each at 8.2%. Sesotho is the mother tongue of 7.9% of South Africans, while
the remaining four official languages are spoken at home by less than 5% of the population each.
Most South Africans speak English, which is fairly ubiquitous in official and commercial public life. The
country's other lingua franca is isiZulu.
Afrikaans and Dutch are related language. Be aware of the fact that many people in South Africa
understand Afrikaans, and therefore might understand remarks made in Dutch. However, do not take
for granted that people will understand all when addressing people in Dutch. It is good practice to
speak English.
Education
(from: http://www.southafrica.info/about/facts.htm#population)
At about 7% of gross domestic product (GDP) and 20% of total state expenditure, South Africa has
one of the highest rates of public investment in education in the world.
School life spans 13 years or grades, from grade 0, otherwise known as grade R or "reception year",
through to grade 12 or "matric" – the year of matriculation. Under the South African Schools Act of
1996, education is compulsory for all South Africans from the age of seven (grade 1) to age 15, or the
completion of grade 9. Compulsory education is called General Education and Training (GET) and
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exists of Foundation phase (grade R-3), Intermediate Phase (grade 4-6) and Senior Phase (grade 79). VVOB’s programme focuses on Foundation Phase and Intermediate Phase.
South Africa has two national ministries for education, the Department of Basic Education (DBE),
mostly in charge of policy making for Grade 1 to 12, and the Department of Higher Education and
training. Implementation and direct support of schools is done by the fairly independent provincial
Departments of Educations. VVOB partners both with DBE and the Free State DoE. VVOB’s third
partner is the South African Council for Educators.
Currency and payments
The local currency is the South African Rand. Current rate (10/2/2015): 1 € = 13.1369 ZAR. Check at
http://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/.
Almost any goods can be purchased with a credit card (Mastercard or Visa). If you rather use cash,
this can be withdrawn from the ATM. Use the maestro function on your bank card as it is slightly
cheaper than Visa. Do not forget to inform your bank in advance to allow transactions in South Africa.
This function is standard blocked in Belgium (Europe) to avoid fraud and theft.
Take into account that most people in restaurants, filling stations, parking guards, etc. expect a tip for
their services. In a restaurant a tip of 10% of the total amount should be added to the total bill. This tip
adds to the rather minimal salary of waiters.
Health
Most regions of South Africa are malaria free. However, when you plan a visit to the low veld (Kruger
national Park) it is better to start malaria prophylaxis. Using DEET products, covering your skin after
dusk and sleeping under a mosquito net are as important as taking the anti-malaria drugs.
After walking in bush or veld, it is important to be cautious of ticks. Tick bite fever is unpleasant and
could have long lasting effects.
17.9% of the population between 15 and 49 is HIV positive. HIV is mostly transmitted via heterosexual
intercourse. The use of a condom is crucial. You cannot get HIV infected via normal social contacts.
Shaking hands, kissing on the cheek, sitting on a toilet, mosquito bites. Touching skin or tears, ….do
not lead to infection. Be careful with touching people who are bleeding, especially when you are
wounded yourself.
No vaccinations are compulsory upon arrival in South Africa. However, when travelling from Yellow
fever countries, you will need a proof of vaccination.
http://www.doh.gov.za/docs/policy/2011/draft_yellowfever.pdf
South Africa has a well-established and functioning private health care system. Make sure you have
proof of travel insurance and insist on being taken to a private hospital.
Safety
South Africa is politically stable. However, inequity is extreme. This leads to criminality. It is important
to be aware of your safety at all times. Do not leave personal belongings unattended. Do not show off
expensive items. Some rules:
 Keep the car centrally locked.
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Place handbags on the car floor rather than the seat, or better even, in the boot. Do not open
the boot, showing the valuables packed there, after parking and before leaving the car.
Make sure you know where you are and where you want to go, especially after dark.
Do not walk or cycle after dark.
Do not give hitch hikers a lift. Don’t stop to assist people in a car crash. Call the authorities.
Don’t take a lift from strangers.
Keep doors closed and locked.
Cars drive at the left hand side. Be careful when crossing the road. Cars don’t stop for
pedestrians.
In case of emergency, call Emergency services on 084 124 or the Police on 10111.
Electricity
Voltage is the same as in Europe (220V). The South African
plugs (having three round pins) and sockets are quite
unique. You will not find adaptors in Europe. However, since
many equipment and appliances in South Africa are sold with
the European plug, you will find adaptors in most guest
houses. Most stores have them available.
Unplug your appliances during power outages.
In case of load shedding (extended black-outs) or power cuts
during thunder storms it can be handy to have a torch or
candles.
Telephone and internet
Your cell phone is easily usable in SA. It might be cost effective to buy a local SIM card. In the airport
you can do this upon showing a passport. Elsewhere, and much cheaper, you need to provide proof
of residence. Most VVOB staff use Vodacom as provider. Other providers are Cell C, MTN and
Telkom mobile.
Internet access is easy. Either via WIFI in B&B and VVOB offices or via 3G. VVOB can assist with
providing you with a 3G dongle (USB stick) which can be plugged into your laptop. If you have a
laptop lock, it might be good to bring it along.
Dress code
It can be very cold during South African winter, especially in the Free State. Day temperatures can be
moderate and nice (18C) but during the night the temperatures can drop well below zero (JulyAugust). Since most houses are not insulated and have no central heating system, it can be really
cold inside.
As from September the temperatures gradually rise, towards the hottest months December and
January when day temperatures are above 30 degrees.
Although most South Africans like to dress informally, it might be good to adjust a bit to local style.
Teachers and other educational staff are mostly dressed formally. T-shirts, jeans and shorts are not
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acceptable during working time. Out of respect it is good to adjust to this. Dress codes obviously
depend on the context. Mostly, customs are a bit more formal in more rural areas.
Politics and history
South Africa’s history is rather complex. It hugely influences today’s politics. It is good to be aware of
South Africa’s history to understand do’s and don’ts. It is good to listen in conversations rather than
pose strong opinions. As in most countries, the situation is not as black and white as it sometimes
looks.
Some good reads:
 In Dutch: De gids over Zuid-Afrika van Landenreeks NOVIB/11.11.11 geeft een goede
inleiding tot Zuid-Afrika
 In Dutch: ‘Verhalen van een vervelling. Zuid-Afrika zwart op wit.’ door Bart Pennewaert, een
Belgische diplomaat die in 2002 naar Zuid-Afrika trok om er te werken bij de Belgische
ambassade. Een recensie over dit boek is te lezen op
www.cuttingedge.be/boekenstrips/verhalen-van-een-vervelling-zuid-afrika-zwart-op-wit
 http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/southafrica
 http://www.southafrica.net/za/en/landing/visitor-home
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa
 http://www.gov.za/
Travel documents
You will need an International passport which is 6 months valid after returning.
Visa: Coming from most European countries, including Belgium, you don’t need a visa for South
Africa when you stay less than 3 months.
Food, Restaurants
South Africa has a wide variety of options for the hungry. There are many franchises, from take away
and fast food to more cosy options.
Meat is a very important ingredient in South African dishes. Most restaurants offer vegetarian options.
Places to visit
Pretoria:
 Union buildings
 Freedom park
 Zoo
 Botanical gardens
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
Fountains nature reserve
…
Bloemfontein:
 Naval Hill
 Women’s memorial
 Botanical gardens
 …
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Sesotho and Xhosa for beginners
The lingua franca in the Free State is Sesotho:
Dumela, le kae: Hello, how are you?
Ke teng: Fine
Tsamaya hantle: Good bye (Go well) (when the speaker is staying)
Sala hantle: Good bye (Stay well) (when the speaker is going)
Ke a leboha: Thank you
Xhosa:
Molo, unjani?: hello, how are you?
Ndi philile: Fine
Hamba kahle: Good bye (Go well) (when the speaker is staying)
Sala kahle: Good bye (Stay well) (when the speaker is going)
Enkosi: Thank you
Important contact numbers
1. Hospitals
 10177 (Ambulance)
 Bloemfontein: Medi Clinic +27 51 404 6666, emergency: +27 51 404 6225 / 6
 Pretoria: Little Company of Mary: +27 12 424 3600
2. Doctors
 Bloemfontein: +27 51 441509 Dr Ilse Fourie (Medi clinic)
 Pretoria: +27 12 346 3083, Chantal van Uytvanghe (Little company of Mary hospital)
3. Police
 10111/112
 Bloemfontein: +27 51 507-6000
 Pretoria: +27 12 358 7095/6
4. Taxis
 Bloemfontein : Bloemtaxis +27 51 433 7092, 0723499738
 Pretoria : Rixi Taxi +27 86 100 7494
5. VVOB Staff
 Bloemfontein : Lieve Leroy +27(0)723561052
 Pretoria : Wilfried Theunis +27(0)713997660
6. For accommodations anywhere in SA:
 http://www.wheretostay.co.za/
More questions?
Don’t hesitate to contact us:
Lieve Leroy: ++27/723561052, [email protected]
Letshego Litelu: ++27763809208, [email protected]
Stefaan Vande Walle: ++27767266113; [email protected]
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