Post on 28-Mar-2016
description
Regina Gräff & Derryn Campbell
Livingin
Moving Working Enjoying Life
BASICS RELoCAtIonPRovInCES
Co n t E n t S
overview50
Western Cape 52
Eastern Cape58
northern Cape64
Gauteng70
Free State76
north West82
KwaZulu-natal88
Limpopo94
Mpumalanga100
Facts12Why South AfricaTimelineConstitutionNational AnthemNational SymbolsPublic Holidays
People24Ethnic GroupsIndigenous CulturesImmigrantsLanguagesReligionGovernment
Country36GeographyClimateWorld Heritage SitesFlora & FaunaWildlifeResources
Before You Go108 Living StandardsLiving ExpensesCrime & SafetyCommunicationMediaResources
Moving120 OverviewConsiderationsCosts & InsuranceImmigrationImport MattersResources
Culture Shock132 SymptomsStagesGreetings & GesturesCustoms & EtiquetteExpat SpousesResources
Economy182 StatisticsMoney MattersBankingInvestingInsuranceResources
Working196 PermitsDoing BusinessTaxationRetirementHelp at HomeResources
Education208 School MattersExpat ChildrenSpecial NeedsTertiary EducationOutside SchoolResources
Housing146 Housing marketRenting & BuyingAgentsUtilitiesHousing TermsResources
Health158 HealthcareHealth TipsSpecial NeedsDiseasesWhere to get HelpResources
transport168 Driving & LicencesGetting a CarSafety on the RoadAir, Bus & TrainResources
Food222 SpecialitiesMeals & DrinksMelting PotEating OutToursResources
Shopping236 OverviewAverage PricesShopping A-ZArts & CraftsShopping TipsResources out & About248 Art & CultureEntertainmentSportExploringFestivalsResources
Helpful Hints260 Embassies & MissionsBusiness RelationsConferences & ExhibitionsDialling Codes Conversion ChartsMeasurementsSchools ListingUniversities & CollegesAssociations & ClubsSlang WordsUseful WordsMoving ChecklistTime ZonesTowns & DistancesMapBibliographyImprint DetailsAcknowledgementsIndexEmergency Numbers
DAY-to-DAY WoRK AnD StuDY LEISuRE AnnExuRE
FACtS
South Africa is one of the most diverse, most fascinating and most popular destinations in the world. People from all over choose to settle in this awesome country, which is rich in spectacular scenery, natural wonders, economic opportunities and, above all, home to a multicultural, diverse and passionate people. 'South Africa is a country in which one can expect the unexpected. An inspiration for all' Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary-General, remarked about the southernmost country on the African continent. According to many surveys, South Africa is named among the world’s leading holiday and expat destinations due to its great variety of attractions. The country is blessed with a sunny and, in most parts, comfortable climate. So it is no wonder that it has attracted many foreigners through the centuries and is a top tourism, business and expat destination. The stunningly beautiful landscape, richness in natural resources, steady economic growth and hospitality of the people offer plenty of possibilities to those who want to experience life in South Africa and settle here, even if only for a little while. While travellers and visitors praise the country for its high quality and value-for-money services and its award-winning accomodation options, expats also value highly the good education, housing and healthcare options on offer. According to the 2012 HSBC Expat Explorer survey, the major cities in South Africa, Johannesburg and Cape Town, are among the most liveable cities in the world and the country is rated ninth best in the world for expat experiences.
South Africa is known to extend a hearty welcome and friendly atmosphere to all its visitors. Cape Town, Africa’s leading beach destination and one of National Geographic’s ‘places of a lifetime’ was recently named as the best city in the world to visit. There are, however, many other great places to stay and live. They are are less known but not less beautiful.
Republic of South Africa (RSA)
Country Code: SA (or ZA: Dutch/Afrikaans)
English, Afrikaans, isiZulu, isiXhosa, isiNdebele, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga
Pretoria (administrative), Cape Town (legislative), Bloemfontein (judicative)
Population 51.8 million
Time Zone: GMT +2 hours
S A B A S I C S | F A C t S
Capital CitiesLanguagesname General
Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho, Swaziland
Date of Full Democracy: 27 April 1994Government: Constitutional Democracy
Internet Country Code: .zaInternational Dialling Code: +27
1 Rand = 100 CentsNotes: R200, R100, R50, R20, R10
People from all over the world come to the country to work and live here. They come as volunteers or on special permits to gain new insights and experience. ‘Swallows’, retired visitors mainly from Europe, flee the cold winter temperatures in the northern hemisphere and visit the country every summer for several months at a time. Many have invested in the country and consider South Africa their ‘home away from home’. Most of them find a new perspective on life when they experience the discrepancies in lifestyles beween various population groups, which are still stark.
Background knowledge, common sense and taking some special precautions are advised when living in South Africa and especially when planning to venture off the beaten track. The first chapter in this book will give you some background into the land, its culture and its inhabitants so you will settle in more easily. Knowing the most important facts about the country and its people will help to create a better understanding of how and why things are done in South Africa. Now enjoy your journey and make the best of your stay.
1 3
PoliticalBorders Connect Currency
Why South Africa?
Attractive schooling facilities
Rich scenery and pleasant climate
Excellent work/life balance
Healthy food and diet options
First-class private healthcare
Prime housing options
(Source: HSBC Expat Explorer, 2012)
Easy integration into communities
Blyde River Canyon, also called Motlatse River Canyon, is the largest green canyon in the world. The 60 km long canyon has a unique lush subtropical vegetation and is also one of the biggest canyons in the world. The panarama route leads past the awe-inspiring views from God's Window and many of the picturesque towns.
Coal mining is extensively done in the highveld surrounding eMalahleni, which is the biggest coal producing region in Africa. Mpumalanga is the third biggest coal producing region in the world: 83% of the country’s coal is sourced from the province.
Delicious fruits such as mangoes, papayas, litchis, guavas and avocados thrive in the mild subtropical climate of the region. Another provincial specialty is macademia nuts, and more than 2 million macademia trees grow in the province. Approximately 95% of the nuts are exported to the USA and Europe.
1
2
3
4
5
6 7
8
9
SWAZILAnD
MoZAMBIQuE
FREE StAtE
GAutEnG
LIMPoPo
n4
n11n2
Barberton
MalelaneeMalahleni
Standerton
Piet Retief/Mkhondo
ErmeloSecunda
Sabie
nelspruit/Mbombela
P R O V I N C E S | M P u M A L A n G A
6
1
Kruger national Park
KWAZuLu-nAtAL
Pilgrim’s RestThis living historic village was established in 1873 during the first gold rush. Mining operations in the area continued until 1971. Today the well-preserved Victorian village is a popular tourist attraction.
ndebele ArtworkThe traditional colourful murals and beadwork of the Ndebele people can be admired at the Kghodwana Cultural Village near eMalahleni and the Botshabelo open-air museum near Middelburg.
1 0 3
5 Sudwala CavesThese caves are the world’s oldest, formed more than 240 million years ago. They show unique dripstone formations. The dolomite chamber is used as an amphitheatre for concerts.
6
Barberton RocksThe caves around this historic mining town are renowned for their numerous ancient San rock paintings. The rocks around Barberton are about three billion years old and some of the oldest in the world.
7
MkhondoThe city formerly called Piet Retief is situated halfway between Johannesburg and Durban and is one of the major centres of South Africa’s wood-based industry. Surrounding villages are proof of the German settlements from the late 19th century.
8
Lake ChrissieThe area around Lake Chrissie is known as ‘The Lake District of South Africa’. The pans surrounding the country’s largest natural freshwater lake attract many flamingo and water bird species.
2
DullstroomOften referred to as a mecca for trout fishing, the dam offers a vast variety of nature activities for the whole family.
9
Kruger ParkSome private concessions with exclusive traversing rights are set in the national park. These and some prestigious private reserves along the park offer a true safari setting.
4
Sun risesPlace where
the
South Africa is rated as a ‘medium human development’ country according to the Human Development Index, which measures the achievements of a country with regard to a long life (health), access to knowledge (education) and standard of living (income). The country ranks 123rd out of 187 countries, Botswana ranks 118th; Namibia ranks 120th; South Africa also ranks 8th out of all African countries and thus higher than all other Sub-Saharan states in the statistics. These statistics refer to the overall standard across the population and there are huge discrepancies in the standard of living between the population groups.
For foreigners in general, South Africa offers a high standard of living. The country ranks high on many indices comparing the liveability of cities and countries for expatriates. The many opportunities for leading an outdoor lifestyle while enjoying a comfortable climate throughout the year and the hospitality of the people influence this quality of life. The quality of living is rated slightly higher in Cape Town (ranked at 88) than in Johannesburg (ranked at 94) out of 214 major cities rated in the Mercer Survey 2012.
The 2012 expat survey by HSBC shows South Africa ranking 9th in overall expat experience and 14th regarding disposable income. With regard to experience and economics, both influencing the perception of quality of lifestyle, South Africa ranks 13th, which is higher than Canada, Australia, Spain or the United Kingdom, which ranks only 29th out of 30 participating countries worldwide. Cape Town and Johannesburg are among the world's top 100 cities to live.
L Iv InG S t A n D A R D S
(Source: Mercer Survey, 2012)
Singapore 6
toronto 61
Cape town 179
Paris 37
Johannesburg 154
Cost of Living RankingRanking out of 214 cities
(Where 1 is the most expensive)
new York 33
Buenos Aires 121
London 25
new Delhi 113
Karachi 214
Sydney 11
Bangkok 81
tunis 209
tokyo 1
Auckland 56
Portland/oregon 178
R E L O C AT I O N | B E F o R E Y o u G o
Neslon Mandela Bridge, Johannesburg
For a long time South African cities were classed among the least expensive in the world for expat living. With a weakening rand against the US dollar, living expenses in Johannesburg and Cape Town have risen, but the country is still considered one of the least expensive in the world. In the Mercer Survey 2012, Johannesburg ranks 154th and Cape Town 179th out of 214 major cities in terms of cost of living.
Rising electricity prices, fuel costs and escalating food prices impact on lifestyle. Local purchasing power is considered to be higher in Johannesburg than in Cape Town, and thus when planning a move to Cape Town, expats are advised to take this into account in negotiating contracts.
General living expenses, including groceries, electricity and water, for a family of four will amount to around R10 000 per month in 2013. Food costs alone range from R5 000 and upwards depending on your diet and lifestyle.
Expenses for single expats or young couples will vary as they usually lead a different lifestyle, while general expenses for students are considered to be relatively low. Student expenses will usually amount to around R10 000 per month, including the rent of a room in a shared flat, transport, food, books and general living costs, but excluding course fees.
Families with children might need to budget for school fees. Although education costs for private schools are considered high in South Africa, they are still much lower than fees for equally prestigious schools overseas. You will need to consider fees for private schools from R30 000 per annum upwards. Healthcare costs are reasonable, but you have to make sure that private care is included in your health insurance plan.
Housing costs range widely, depending on locality. Renting a three-bedroom house costs between R10 000 and R20 000 per month. Additional costs for utilities will be around R2 500 for a family of four.
Petrol costs will factor highly in your general expenses as you will use your vehicle for daily commutes, shopping trips and transport for the children. Organised transport by the company or educational institution is rarely offered and public transport is usually not an option. Petrol prices are lower than in Europe but generally higher than in the USA and many other countries.
To calculate your own expenses, the cost of living calculators that are available online, such as xpatulator, expatistan or numbeo, offer various levels of information regarding cost of living for South Africa.
Average Costs
Food Items
General Household Items
Entertainment
other Costs
1 loaf of toast bread2 l of milk 250 g ground coffee500 g salted butter1 kg free-range chicken100 g bar of chocolate1 kg rice6 cans of Coke
R10R20R45R35R60R15R16R40
Dinner for four with wine Monthly gym membershipFast-food mealCinema ticketTheatre ticket
R800R500R50R50R200
2 kg dog food2 kg washing powder 9 rolls toilet paper 2-ply250 ml shower gel750 ml all-purpose cleaner
R55R60R45R30R15
Taxi per kmBroadband Internet monthlyLadies haircut and blowdryManicureDry cleaning of trousers
R12R500R200R150R70
L Iv InG ExPEnS ES
1 1 1
An Offer to Purchase is legally binding in South Africa. It is however, possible to sign an Offer to Purchase with a ’subject to‘clause. A five-day cooling-off period that allows any buyer to effectively cancel an Offer to Purchase was introduced in 2011 with the new Consumer Protection Act. At a later stage, an offer can be withdrawn within 90 days only if the buyer is not able to get the finances sorted out during this time. Gazumping, done in many parts of the world, is illegal.
offer to PurchaseInterest Rates
Mortgage interest rates in South Africa are higher than in many other countries. Nevertheless, in 2012 the South African interest rates were at a 30-year all time low! Fixed interest rates can be negotiated but expect the rate to be higher.
occupational Rental
The Offer to Purchase agreement allows for a clause regarding occupational rental, which should be checked thoroughly. This clause details the payment of rent to the seller if the buyer takes occupation of the house prior to the transfer date or to the buyer if occupation takes place after the transfer date.
It is not customary to have a property survey done but this can be arranged with the assistance of the estate agent or a property lawyer. You will require a transferring attorney, to address the transfer of the property, who is usually appointed by the seller. The bank may appoint a different bond attorney to attend to the registration of the mortgage bond. Registration of transfer usually takes around 8 –12 weeks.
Conveyancing
Remember that in order to recoup your initial outlay you will need to factor into the resale price the agent’s commission and the initial transfer duty that was paid at the time of purchase. The proceeds of the sale of property in South Africa can be freely transferred out of South Africa by temporary residents. Foreign nationals with temporary residency are allowed to expatriate earnings accumulated during the stay or any capital introduced without limitations apart from the capital gains tax that may be due.
Resale
Capital gains tax, which applies to both South Africans and non-residents, is a tax on the profit made when property that is not considered a primary residence is sold. Excluded, in most cases, are gains from the sale of your primary residence, if the property is smaller than two hectares and if the profit is less than R2.5 million. It is calculated at 25% of the profit to be added to the income of the taxpayer and is paid in the year the sale is made.
Capital Gains tax
Compliance The seller will be required to supply beetle (entomologist), plumbing, electrical and a rates clearance certificate. In some instances a gas certificate or a homeowners' association letter are also required.
D AY - T O - D AY | H o u S I n G
tipsPurchasingfor
a House
Land Restitution ActThe Land Restitution Act of 1994 is a land reform programme, which was started after 1994 to redress injustice and inequality in land ownership. The former apartheid legislation expropriated land from the black and coloured population, affecting 87% of the previously disadvantaged population. The land reform programme is based on a 'willing buyer, willing seller' concept, whereby the government buys land from land-owners to redistribute to the people who were displaced through the Natives Land Act of 1913. The programme is progressing slower than anticipated. This reform process, however, applies to rural development and farmland, and is unlikely to affect your property investment. The conveyancing attorney will assist in providing the necessary assurances in this regard.
Consumer Protection Act (CPA)The Consumer Protection Act of 2011 states that any material defects that are not disclosed in a purchase agreement can be used to either cancel the mandate or Offer to Purchase or to be used to claim for damages in the form of a refund for repairs. This recently revised act increases the rights of the consumer with several new regulations. These include: a cooling-off period, improved rights for receiving quality service from any service providers, disclosure of the price of goods and services, protection against false, misleading or deceptive representations. The new act also limits lease agreements to a maximum of 24 months, and the tenant is required to give 40 to 80 days advance notice if he does not intend to renew the lease. The CPA does not apply in certain instances like when you purchase a property from a private seller as opposed to an agent.
Green BuildingsAs is common practice all over the world, awareness around green living is growing in South Africa and green building practices are increasingly being adopted. Consciousness about the environment is increasing in local households with various recycling initiatives, and alternative power generation is gaining support. Several initiatives are already funded by the government to introduce energy efficient and energy conserving methods to homeowners. Subsidised electric solar panels on low income housing and incentives on solar water heating systems are being taken up by more and more South Africans. Sustainable living projects are taking place but are still in the early development stages. Commercial wind farms produce 'green electricity', which is available to householders in some regions. Users have to register to purchase Green Electricity Certificates.
Electricity BlackoutsIn the recent years, Eskom has been criticised for rationing, or so-called load shedding, of the power supply during high demand periods for electricity. These outages have occasionally occurred during scheduled maintenance works and peak usage periods. Blackouts are not a frequent event, and can be usually be managed by the private household. Shopping centres and companies often have back-up generators that start up during power cuts. South Africans are regularly reminded by alert messages on radio and television during high usage times to conserve electricity.
I n t H E n E W S
(Source: Various Central Bank Rates, 2014)
1 5 5
South Africa 9% Australia 6% USA 3.5%
MortgageBase Rate
China14.4%
China11.8%
Germany10.1%
Germany5.7%
USA7.4%
USA8.3%
Japan4.6%
Japan6.0%
India5.0%
India4.2%
Machinery and EquipmentChemicals
Scientific Instruments Petroleum Products
Foodstuffs
ImportSteel and IronMotor VehiclesAgricultural ProductsGold, Platinum and Mineral ProductsPrecious Stones
Export
Central Bank Rates
(Source: Global Rates, 2014)
GDPPer Capita (in US$)
(Source: World Bank, 2013)
USA 49 965EU 36 551Brazil 11 340World Average 10 171South Africa 7 508China 6 091India 1 489
GDP GrowthSouth Africa (Annual in %)
(Source: World Bank, Real GDP Growth, 2013)
2007
5.5
2008
3.6
2010
3.1
2011
3.5
2012
2.5
2009
-1.5
In 2010, South Africa joined BRICS, the alliance of emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. These countries, home to 40% of the world’s population, are considered to be in a similar state of economic development. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the BRICS countries will account for 61% of global growth within the next three years.
W O R K A N D S T U D Y | E C o n o M Y
BRICS
0.25%
USA0.25%
EU
5.5%
South Africa
6.0%
China
8.25%
Russia
8.0%
India
10.5%
Brazil
(Source: CIA World Fact Book, 2014)
Largest Industries
(Source: Statistics SA, 2013)
22.4% Finance
16.8% General Government Services
16% Wholesale
12.6% Manufacturing Industry
While the major cities are hubs of economic activity, the rural areas lag behind in growth and development. A high poverty rate and lack of economic empowerment are the main issues to be dealt with by the government. A wide economic gap is evident between the population groups, with one third of the population still living below the poverty line. Almost half of the country’s disposable household income is shared by 10% of the population.
national Income Distribution of
(Source: Statistics SA, 2009)
The government provides social grants to roughly one third of the population.
The government also provides free public health facilities, schooling, housing, water and electricity in poor communities. Child
support grants are paid for 10.7 million people and the old age pension is paid to 2.7 million pensioners. Disability grants are
provided to 1.2 million South Africans.
Social Grants
Youth Unemployment
(Source: World Bank, 2014)
Economic Gap
(Source: Statistics SA, 2013)
The inflation rate in the last three years has fluctuated between 4% and
6%, which is in line with the average inflation rate for the emerging market
countries. Inflation has come down significantly since the end of apartheid where it ranged between 10% and 20%
between 1974 and 1992.
Inflation
53%
Spain 52%
SA 30%
Ireland21%
UK16%
USA8%
Germany
1 8 5
(Source: Global Rates, 2013)
Global
1.5%
2.0%
2.5%
5.3%
5.9%
6.5%
11.5%
USAUK
ChinaSouth Africa
BrazilRussiaIndia
Inflation Comparison
20022003200420052006200720082009201020112012
9.2%
5.8%
1.4%
3.4%
4.7%
7.1%
11.5%
7.2%
4.3%
5.0%
5.6%
Average Annual Inflation
The poorest,
earn less than 28% 60% of population
The richest,
earn more than 68%20% of population
Homework Help
After-care facilities and supervised homework centres are available at most schools for a monthly fee, especially in the junior primary years. Private homework support centres are rare and mainly located in the more affluent suburbs. There are, however, tutors for private lessons as well as independent after-school programmes such as MasterMaths or the Kumon study centres. Enquire with your school for further details.
Extramural Activities
Schools usually offer a comprehensive after- school schedule of sports and cultural activities as well as various outreach and leadership opportunities for pupils. Depending on the school, the fees for these facilities may be included in the annual school fee or will be charged as additional costs. Popular school sports such as swimming, hockey, netball, soccer, cricket and rugby are often included in school fees, but tuition for activities such as golf, judo, karate, ballet or music is usually charged over and above school fees.
American-style summer camps are gaining popularity with families in South Africa. Various providers such as Kings Camps, Kidz Get Wild and Sugar Bay offer camps and activities during the school holidays in the cities or at holiday venues around the country. The duration and fees for these camps vary. These camps as well as various workshops, drama classes or sport clinics offer a good opportunity for socialising between local children and other international children.
Summer Camps
There are several excellent boarding schools in South Africa and many South African families send their children to boarding school, particularly for the high school years. Boarding schools are popular with many expatriates as they offer an opportunity to grant some stability and a safe environment for young learners. You should investigate the particular school’s facilities and its environment to match the school to your and your child’s needs. Boarding costs range in the region of R20 000 to R50 000 per year, and are paid over and above the school fees.
Boarding Schools
outsideSchool
W O R K A N D S T U D Y | E D u C A t I o n
General InformationBasic Education: www.education.gov.zaHigher Education: www.dhet.gov.zaPortal: www.thutong.doe.gov.zawww.equaleducation.org.zawww.studysa.co.za
School Directorieswww.isasa.orgwww.saschools.co.zawww.schoolguide.co.zawww.schools4sa.co.za
Independent SchoolsAbbotts Colleges: www.abbotts.co.za Cambridge Education: www.ace-sa.co.zaCurro Schools: www.curro.co.zaCrawford: www.crawfordschools.co.zaIB World Schools: www.ibo.orgIEB Schools: www.ieb.co.zaIES Schools: www.iesedu.orgMontessori: www.samontessori.org.zaMuslim Schools: www.ams-sa.orgReddam House: www.reddamhouse.org.zaWaldorf Schools: www.waldorf.org.za
Language SchoolsAlliance Francaise: www.alliance.org.zaBritish Council: www.britishcouncil.org.zaEduSA: www.edusouthafrica.comEurolingua Institute: www.eurolingua.comGoethe Institut: www.goethe.deSocieta Dante Aligheri: www.ladante.org
Home schoolingwww.educatesa.co.zawww.south-african-homeschool-curriculum.comwww.tuisskolers.org
Learners with Special needswww.napsa.org.zawww.included.org.zawww.mensa.orgwww.radfordhouse.co.za
Career options and Study Facilitieswww.careerplanet.co.zawww.mydreamcourse.co.za
tertiary EducationHigher Education (HESA): www.hesa.org.zaHigher Education (IIE): www.iie.ac.zaMBA programmes: www.mba.co.zaBusiness Schools: www.aabschools.comUniversity of South Africa: www.unisa.ac.zaVarsity College: www.varsitycollege.co.za
International Study Abroadwww.studyabroad.comwww.aifsabroad.comwww.studiesabroad.com
Summer Campswww.kgw.co.zawww.kingscamps.orgwww.sugarbay.co.za
R E S o u R C E S
Recommended Reading
Independent Education Magazine: www.ieducation.co.za
Child Magazine: www.childmag.co.za
Kokot, Shirley (1999) Help our Child is Gifted. Radford House
Van de Ruit, John (2005) Spud. Penguin
‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’
~ Nelson Mandela
2 1 9
L E I S U R E | F o o D
Kingklip: White regional game fish
Snoek: A regional game fish with white oily flesh and a distinctive taste, which is frequently smoked and is popular as a pâté
tuna: This fish species is caught mainly between May and September and served seared. Tinned tuna is also popular
Smoked trout: Locally farmed Rainbow Trout either braaied or as a pâté
Squid: Eaten as ‘calamari steaks’ or sliced into ‘calamari rings’
The West Coast rock lobster is called crayfish or kreef and is available between November and March along the coastline from Namibia to the Eastern Cape. Licences to catch this protected species can be purchased at local post offices
Crayfish
Seafood
Boerewors and Pap: Farmer’s sausage made with ground beef, spices and herbs served with mieliepap (stiff cornmeal porridge also called putu) is an old-time favourite
Pot bread: Also called potbrood, this bread is baked over a fire in a cast-iron pot often with mielies or beer as ingredients
Potjiekos: This traditional meat stew is cooked for several hours in a three-legged cast-iron pot, called a potjie, over an open fire
Sosaties: Marinated meat grilled on skewers like satays, often called kebabs. Usually made with chicken and beef
Mielie (or Mealie): The South African term for corn on the cob
The South African equivalent of a barbeque is a braai, where you will usually find beef, lamb or chicken and even fish. National Braai Day is celebrated on Heritage Day, a public holiday on 24 September.
Braai
on the Braai
Between Meals
Droëwors: Dried strips of thin boerewors made with beef or game meat
Samoosas: Traditional South Asian and Indian fried triangular pastry parcels stuffed with a spicy meat or veggie filling
Chips: When South Africans refer to chips they are referring to either a packet of snack crisps or hot fried potato strips, otherwise known as French fries or pommes frites
Sarmi: Local slang for a sandwich
A popular snack speciality made of salted and spiced dried meat, similar to beef jerky. Biltong can be bought in most supermarkets, at farmers’ markets and special biltong stalls in shopping centres
Biltong
2 2 5
take-awayMeals
Gatsby: A bread roll filled with steak or Cape Malay curry and lots of spicy sauce and soggy chips
Slap Chips: Hot but soft and sloppy potato chips, often drenched in sauce or vinegar
Breyani: This spicy dish, also called biryani, is made with rice, lentils and a unique spice mixture forming a base for meat, vegetables or fish
Taste a bunny chow when in Durban. This uniquely South African meal is served in many street outlets and consists of a hollowed-out bread loaf filled with delicious hot spicy Indian curry
Bunny Chow
Dinner time
Bredie: A soup or stew made with vegetables and meat
venison: Venison is flavourful and very low fat game meat. South Africans refer to the meat from buck such as impala, kudu, eland, gemsbok, springbok, blesbok or from warthog as venison
Morogo: Wild spinach braised together with onions and often mixed with mieliepap
ostrich: A healthy red meat, which is popular due to its low cholesterol but high protein content
This classic Cape Malay dish is baked with ground lamb or beef, raisins, turmeric, curry powder and an egg custard topping. It is usually served with yellow rice
Bobotie
Malva Pudding: An apricot flavoured sponge pudding with sweet syrup served warm, often with custard
Rusk: A sweet or plain biscuit bread, sliced thick and baked until hard, dry and crisp, which is dunked in coffee before eating
vetkoek: Fried dough, similar to donuts, eaten with syrup or a savoury filling
Koeksisters: This popular Afrikaner treat is made by plaiting dough strips together and soaking them in syrup
Don Pedro: An after-dinner drink of cream and vanilla icecream mixed with marula liquor or whisky
A sweet milk tart sprinkled with cinnamon, similar to a custard tart, with a thin pastry base
Melkterttreats
FavouritesLocal
LoGISt ICS CoMPA nIES Cou R IER SERv ICES
Local Directory Enquiries: 1023International Enquiries: 10903 080 Free Call numbers, completely free of charge0860 Share Call numbers, caller pays for the local call0861 Maxi Call numbers, the caller pays flat rate
tE LKoM tELEPHonE SERv ICE
AustraliaAustriaBotswanaChinaCuba France Germany India Italy
+61+42
+267+86+53+33+49+91+39
Mozambique Netherlands New Zealand Switzerland Turkey UAE UK USA Zimbabwe
+258+31+64+41+90
+971+44
+1+263
DIALL InG CoD ES
The exit code for calls out of South Africa is 00.The country code for South Africa is +27
Other country codes:
For more numbers please refer to the International Calling Guide on www.howtocallabroad.com
A N N E X U R E
DB Schenkerwww.schenker.co.za
DAL Deutsche Africa-Linien www.dal.biz
DHLwww.dhl.co.za
Kuehne + Nagel www.kn-portal.com
Imperialwww.imperiallogistics.co.za
Röhlig-Grindrodwww.rohlig.com
SDV Geis Logisticswww.sdv-geis.com
South African Express Linewww.sael.com
UTIwww.gouti.com
WorldNetwww.worldnetlogistics.com
Aramexwww.aramex.co.za
DHLwww.dhl.co.za
Fastwaywww.fastway.co.za
Federal Expresswww.fedex.com
Globeflightwww.globeflight.co.za
RAMwww.ramgroup.co.za
Speed Serviceswww.speedservices.co.za
TNT Expresswww.tnt.com
UPSwww.ups.com
Worldcourier www.worldcourier.com
Con vERS Ion CH A Rt S
South Africa uses metric measurements. Below are the most common conversions if you are used to measurements in imperial units or US volumes.
Measurements
3436384042444648
EU
464850525456
EU
3738394142434445
EU
36373839404142
EU
40414243444546
EU
68
101214161820
US
363840424446
US
SSMLL
XLXL
XXL
US
3.54.55.56.578
8.5
US
7.58
8.59
10.511.512.5
US
Clothing Women
Jackets Men
Shirts Men Collar Sizes
Shoes Women
Shoes Men
810121416182022
SA/UK
363840424446
SA/UK
14.515
15.516
16.517
17.518
SA/UK
34567
7.58
SA/UK
6789101112
SA/UK
Temperature
ºF
1049586776859504132
ºC
4035302520151050
Oven Temperatures
Gas
12345678
ºC
140150165177190200220230
ºF
275300325350375400 425450
Imperial
1 stone1 pound
1 pint1 ounce1 gallon
1 foot1 yard1 mile
Metric
6.35 kg454 g568 ml28 g4.546 litre0.3 m0.9 m1.6 km
US Units
1 US liquid gallon1 quart
1 pint1 cup
1 fluid ounce1 tablespoon
Metric
3.785 litre946 ml473 ml240 ml30 ml15 ml
Paper Sizes
mm
841 x 1189594 x 841420 x 594297 x 420210 x 297148 x 210
Inches
33.1 x 46.823.4 x 33.116.5 x 23.411.7 x 16.5 8.3 x 11.7
5.8 x 8.3
Size
A0A1A2A3A4A5
2 6 9