<Culture and Heritage>
South Africa is known for its ethnic and cultural diversity. Therefore, there is no single culture of South Africa.
The South African black majority still has a substantial number of rural inhabitants who lead largely impoverished lives. It is among these people, however, that cultural traditions survive most strongly; as blacks have become increasingly urbanized and Westernized, aspects of traditional culture have declined. Urban blacks usually speak English or Afrikaans in addition to their native tongue. There are smaller but still significant groups of speakers of Khoisan languages who are not included in the eleven official languages, but are one of the eight other officially recognized languages. There are small groups of speakers of endangered languages, most of which are from the Khoi-San family, that receive no official status; however, some groups within South Africa are attempting to promote their use and revival.
Members of middle class, who are predominantly white but whose ranks include growing numbers of black, colored and Indian people, have lifestyles similar in many respects to that of people found in Western Europe, North America and Australasia. Members of the middle class often study and work abroad for greater exposure to the markets of the world.
~ From the Wikipedia of Culture of South Africa
<The Ndebele Traditions>
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| Courtesy of South Africa Tourism |
Ndebele traditions are notable for the color their women bring to both mural art and their dress, which is accessorized by brass rings around the neck, arms and legs. Ndebele beliefs are based on ancestral worship, which involves a continual dialogue between the living and their ancestors.
A Ndebele village is often defined by its artwork, which is done by the women. White, pinks, reds and blues adorn the walls both inside and outside. In this way, a woman designates her territory while using art as a form of inspiration for everyday life.
Women also express their status in Ndebele culture in the way they adorn and ornament themselves. Ornate beadwork, blankets and other trinkets are used, becoming more elaborate after marriage. Favored jewels are the brass rings that are placed on her neck, arms and legs, which can often weigh up to 20 kilograms.
As in many African communities, Ndebele beliefs are based on ancestral spirits. The worship of those long gone is a decidedly intricate ritual, with the living and dead sharing a bond through which the ancestors provide valuable service to those who are alive. Ceremonies and rituals are performed to allow the people to call upon the spirits and seek guidance and counsel.
~ From South Africa Tourism
<Architect and Art>
The architecture of South Africa mirrors the vast ethnic and cultural diversity of the country and its historical colonial period. In addition, influences from other, distant, countries, have contributed to the variety of the South African architectural landscape.
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| Castle of Good Hope, the oldest colonial building in South Africa ~Courtesy of Wikipedia |
Herbert Baker, among the country's most influential architects, designed the Union Buildings in Pretoria. Other buildings of note include the Rhodes memorial and St George's Cathedral in Cape Town, and St John's College in Johannesburg.
Cape Dutch architecture was prominent in the early days (17th century) of the Cape Colony, and the name derives from the fact that the initial settlers of the Cape were primarily Dutch. The style has roots in mediaeval Holland, Germany, France and Indonesia. Houses in this style have a distinctive and recognizable design, with a prominent feature being the grand, ornately rounded gables, reminiscent of features in townhouses of Amsterdam built in the Dutch style.
The oldest art objects in the world were discovered in a South African cave. Dating from 75,000 years ago, these small drilled snail shells could have no other function than to have been strung on a string as a necklace. South Africa was one of the cradles of the human species. One of the defining characteristics of our species is the making of art (from Latin 'ars' meaning worked or formed from basic material).
~ From Wikipedia of Culture of South Africa
<Food and Wine>
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| Courtesy of Wikipedia |
South African cuisine is heavily meat-based and has spawned the distinctively South African social gathering known as a braai, or barbecue. Braai is widely popular, especially with whites, and includes meat, especially boerewors or spicy sausages, and mielies (maize) or Mielie-meal, often as a porridge, or pearl millet, a staple food of black South Africans. Pastries such like koeksisters and desserts like melktert (milk tart) are also universally popular. Vegetarianism is becoming widely accepted.
South Africa has developed into a major wine producer, with some of the best vineyards lying in valleys around Stellenbosch, Franschoek, Paarl and Barrydale. South African wine has a history dating back to 1659, and at one time Constantia was considered one of the greatest wines in the world. Access to international markets has unleashed a burst of new energy and new investment. Production is concentrated around Cape Town, with major vineyard and production centres at Paarl, Stellenbosch and Worcester.
~ From Wikipedia of Culture of South Africa
<Sports and Entertainment>
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| FIFA World Cup ~ Courtesy of South Africa Tourism |
South Africa's most popular sports are soccer, rugby and cricket. Other sports with significant support are swimming, athletics, golf, boxing, tennis and netball. Although soccer commands the greatest following among the youth, other sports like basketball, surfing and skateboarding are increasingly popular.
~ From Wikipedia of Culture of South Africa
South Africa definitely does not lack in entertainment opportunities. You will find that entertainment fills every aspect of South African life and that is reflected by the diverse culture, age groups and taste.
Entertainment in South Africa - Maybe a Zulu cultural experience South Africa has no shortage of theatres, live music venues, bioscopes (cinemas), nightclubs, and drive-in cinemas (in those places where the weather permits).
Grahamstown for example is both a leading cultural and academic center and home to Rhodes University, one of South Africa's top tertiary institutions. Every year, thousands of people travel to Grahamstown for the annual Standard Bank Arts Festival.
Cape Town also has a number of excellent theatres and art cinemas, including the Nico Theatre Centre in DF Malan Street. The Nico is the performing arts center in Cape Town. It has an opera house, arena theatre, a coffee shop, and undercover parking. Another good bet for great entertainment is the Baxter Theatre.
The Labia Theatre in Orange Street specializes in the screening of art and festival films.
Maynardville Open Air Theatre has Shakespeare season in January and ballet season in March, while the Three Arts Theatre, in Main Road, Plumstead has regular rock and pop concerts. For the more discerning listener, the City Hall has symphonic concerts.
Johannesburg - Endless oppertunities for South Africa entertainment Johannesburg has more than its fair share of theatres and live music venues, the most prominent are the Alhambra Theatre, the Market Theatre (Newton Cultural Centre), and the Civic Theatre Complex. Other attractions include the Johannesburg Library's Africana Collection and the 'living museum' of Gold Reef City. Pretoria is the home of the State Theatre.
The center of Durban’s cultural life is the Natal Playhouse, the City Hall also serves as a cultural venue for choral and symphonic concerts.
The Sand du Plessis theatre complex is in Bloemfontein in Markgraff Street. It is a main attraction, not only for the shows and concerts there, but also for the décor and art works displayed in the foyers.
Gambling
Until recently, gambling was prohibited in South Africa. However, betting on horses has been legal forever and is a very popular pastime. Since the law on gambling has been lifted, many small gambling halls have opened, but be careful because not all of these places have proper licenses, so make double sure that you are not caught in a raid in the middle of your holiday. Rather go to the larger casinos, such as Sun City and the Carousel.
~From drakensberg-tourism
