South Africa Blog

Soweto is an urban area in the City of Johannesburg, South Africa. Its name is an English syllabic abbreviation, short for South Western Townships. However, some feel it came from the relocating residents asking “So Where To”. Soweto is well known for its past history of struggle and uprisings.

The history of the black townships that would later form Soweto was propelled by the increasing eviction of black Africans by city and state authorities. Black Africans had been drawn to work on the gold mines that sprang up after 1886. From the start they were accommodated in separate areas on the outskirts of Johannesburg. The economic development of Soweto was severely shortened by the apartheid state, which provided very limited infrastructure and prevented residents from creating their own businesses. Roads remained unpaved, and many residents had to share one tap between four houses. Soweto was meant to exist only as a dormitory town for black Africans who worked in white houses, factories, and industries. More…

Loggerhead nestings have reached record levels in South Africa, which is great news for the endangered marine turtle.

Article from SA – The Good News.

“We’re thrilled to announce that over the 2005/6 season we recorded over 2000 Loggerhead nestings in the project area. This is the highest number recorded in 43 years,” says Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife manager, Richard Penn Sawers, who is also the project leader of the WWF/Green Trust Turtle Monitoring and Community Development Project.

Photograph: Loggerhead turtle returning to the sea after nesting.

South Africa has the world’s longest running programme for the monitoring of two of the world’s largest sea turtles – the Leatherback and the Loggerhead. It was initiated 43 years ago along the northern KwaZulu-Natal and southern Mozambique coastline. During the breeding season, which lasts from October to March, monitors cover the 56km project area every morning and every evening to ensure the safety of these marine animals … Click here to read the full article:
http://www.sagoodnews.co.za/search/environment/632870.htm

The Barberton Daisy was discovered in 1884 in Barberton (Mpumalanga) by Robert Jameson, after whom it is named: Gerbera Jamesonii. Since then it has been propogated by mainly Dutch breeders – they created many varieties: colors, number of petals and size were mixed and matched into the wonderful flowers you can buy today at florists worldwide.

The Gerbera Association was established in 2002 with the following goals:
1) Conservation of Gerbera species (several local ‘varieties’ are endangered)
2) Education
3) Protection (breeders from all over the world need the genes of the original plants, which they try to smuggle out of the country)
4) Awareness: South Africa doesn’t benefit at all from the global popularity of the Gerbera – local growers have to import seeds… More…

The annual Henley High School Regatta and Cricket Challenge will once again take place on Sunday 11th March 2007 at Fraser Park in Hearn Rd. Henley on Klip, Gauteng. This exciting event is one of the highlights in Henley’s calendar and attracts participants from outside the village. Last year a group of brave sailors floated a bakkie and finished the race with it, took it out of the water and drove off. There is no limits to the creativeness of what can be built, as long as it floats!

Last year a cricket challenge went out from Henley High’s senior pupils and parents to the rest of the Village members, the format was a limited over’s game, and to the surprise of everyone the Village got a bit of a lesson on how to play the wonderful game of cricket. This year the lines have been drawn, the pitch is looking great, and there will be a bit of a revenge game. Some would say that the pitch has been prepared to suit the Village team, but it does not frighten the boys from Henley high.

The stakes are high this year as a floating trophy will be presented to the winning team so that there can be no dispute in years to come as to who won and on what year!

The format for the Raft Race be as follows:
School Challenge: Pupils from the school will be building and entering a raft (the emphasis will be on creativity rather than speed) the idea is to have some real snazzy water craft. The school will challenge other schools in the Midvaal area. The different School teams will provide their own Cheerleader girls.

Corporate Challenge: Any company can enter a raft or rafts, they can advertise on the rafts and host a hospitality tent, if they so wish, for their staff or customers.

Village Challenge: This category is for all Henley residents and businesses.

Procession: All rafts will assemble on Sunday morning at Fraser Park for judging and then form a procession through the village in order to show off their craft to the village. They will proceed to the starting line in Dinsdale Rd and hopefully the rafts will finish at the Scouts Hall.

Cricket Challenge:
After the race there will be a Bring N Braai at Fraser Park. The parents of Henley High & Prep will then challenge the rest of the village in a limited overs Cricket match in the afternoon. Food and drinks will be available for sale and the village crafters will also be marketing their wares.

There will be no entry fee for participant or craft stalls. The schools tuck shop will sell refreshments and Prego rolls. If any other parties are interested in having food stalls they will have to enter a raft in order to have a stall.

This unique event promises to be a lot fun. There is no other like it in Gauteng.
So get the kids and friends together and start building that awesome raft NOW!!

For more information contact Steve, Igmar or Joe on the following numbers:
Joe: 083 542 3753
Igmar: 083 417 4294
Steve: 083 324 9354
Visit the website at: http://www.henleyhighregatta.co.za/

Photomarathon: an event, characterized by great length and concentrated effort and typically lasting 12 to 24 hours, where participants obtain a series of photographs on predefined subjects.

The PhotographySA.com photomarathon 2007 :: Johannesburg will happen on Saturday the 24th of February 2007, from 8am to 8pm in and around Fordsburg and Newtown.

A bit more detail please…
During a period of 12 hours, you will make 12 pictures. But, don’t worry, you won’t be alone. You’ll meet the other participants both on the road and at the different checkpoints in the area. At each checkpoint, you will get a new set of themes to find pictures with.
At the end of the event, you’ll hand over your pictures and a jury select both the best series and the best individual images. And if that isn’t enough, your pictures will also be exhibited.

Who can participate?
Everyone and anyone. You don’t need any special expertise to join up, it’s all about creativity.

Digital or analogue?
We’ll have seperate categories for digital and analogue photographers. All you need is a camera (and a roll if film, of you’re shooting analogue).

Where is it?
Find your way to The Bag Factory, in Fordsburg, Johannesburg. It’s right next to Oriental Plaza. After that, you’ll be directed to two more venues in the area, where you’ll meet your fellow photographers and recieve a new set of themes. Meanwhile, The Bag Factory will remain open and someone -will- be there for moral support.

Related Pages:
Visit PhotographySA.com
Details and Registration
Gauteng Accommodation

The Pilanesberg National Park is the fourth largest in South Africa. This malaria-free park is perched on the eroded vestiges of an alkaline volcanic crater – one of only three such craters in the world. Game viewing in the Pilanesberg is superb and there are excellent Game Lodges within the reserve. The lodges range from 4 to 5 star and cater for either small, intimate groups (couples) with the emphasis on personal service, luxury and a unique game viewing experience. (Tshukudu Game Lodge). Or for larger groups there is KwaMaritane or Bakubung Bush Lodge.

Video of Giraffe taken at Tshukudu in the Pilanesberg.

Tshukudu Lodge, “Place of the Rhino” in the Pilanesberg, offers 6 newly refurbished luxury cottages and 2 newly refurbished standard cabins nestled on an isolated rocky outcrop in the heart of a 55 000 hectare, malaria free, wildlife paradise. One of the highlights in the rooms at Tshukudu for any couple looking for a romantic beak is the in-room large volume bath with magnifcent views over the waterhole – watch the wildlife walk by as you sip champagne in the bath … (see photo below), very romantic and a really unique experience.

A game drive or walk is a must. The rangers at Tshukudu share their intimate knowledge of the animals with you and make every effort to ensure that you get to see as much of the wildlife as possible, including the Big 5. When you just want to take it easy, view the game as it visits the waterhole from the privacy of your own balcony or from the comfort of the Nest area. Or just relax in the sun around the sheltered rock pool ….

Related Pages:
Tshukudu Lodge
Pilanesberg Hotels & Lodges
South Africa Wildlife

If you are planning to take your “Valentine” for a romantic break have a look at some of these fine special offers available throughout February. All specially selected as they offer a romantic ambience, packages range from budget to super luxurious – whatever your style you are sure to find a perfect romantic getaway.

» Grand Kruger Lodge: Marloth Park, Mpumalanga: Special offer valid to April. The perfect base from which to explore the pride of South Africa, the Kruger National Park …
View offer | Visit Grand Kruger Lodge

» Barberton Manor Guest House: Barberton, Mpumalanga: “Relax and discover gold!” a weekend getaway with tour where you can pan for gold after an exclusive 4-course dinner …
View offer | Visit Barberton Manor

» Thunzi Bush Lodge: Port Elizabeth: A perfect destination to spend Valentines with the one you love. Special Valentine’s package valid to end Feb …
View offer | Visit Thunzi Bush Lodge

» Seagetaway: Simonstown, Cape Town: Special rates for the Summer Season. The special rate is R 580.00 for the cottage per night …
View offer | Visit Seagetaway

» Nguni River Lodge: Greater Addo, Eastern Cape: A spectacular, eclectic experience at special rates includes luxury accommodation, car hire, meals, game activities …
View offer | Visit Nguni River Lodge

» Whispering Whale: Cape West Coast: Romantic getaway in Feb and March (20% off). Sea views from all units … watch the waves crash while …
View offer | Visit Whispering Whale

» Nedile Game Lodge: Welgevonden, Limpopo: Only R1250 for the fully inclusive package at this 5 star game lodge in the malaria free Waterberg …
View offer | Visit Nedile Game Lodge

» Zwahili Game Lodge: Modimollie, Limpopo: Let us spoil you with a private dinner, sparkling wine, bubble bath and romantic turndown …
View offer | Visit Zwahili Game Lodge

Related Links:
Special accommodation offers
South Africa Accommodation

High on any visitor’s list of things to do in Cape Town, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is over 528 hectares of some of the world’s most beautiful gardens that lie literally at the feet of the eastern slopes of Table Mountain.

Capetonians have a decided advantage if they’re botanical society members, as they’re free to come and go at will. Sneaking in just as the crowds begin to leave for a quiet evening stroll in this magic kingdom of diverse fynbos flora and natural forest becomes a weekly or even daily joy.

Photographs: Photos courtesy of South African Tourism
Left: King Protea – Right: Pincushion

Catching a glimpse of the large bird population, the Egyptian geese and the resident meercats as well as strolling through the cultivated garden, which displays collections of South African plants, particularly those from the winter rainfall parts of the country, is just part of why one comes here. There’s a water-wise garden, a fragrance garden, which in the heat of a summer’s day is overwhelming, a garden that explains the medicinal uses of South African plants and the Dell – one of the oldest parts of the garden featuring tree ferns and shade loving plants.

Themed walks are also available, and for those who find walking rather daunting, there are golf carts with local guides who whisk you around to see all the important bits without having to swelter in the heat. And Skeleton Gorge/Nursery Ravine caters for the avid hiker.

During summer, from December to March, there is a series of musical sunset concerts held on the lawns that are extremely popular. Opposite Kirstenbosh a craft market is held at the stone cottages on the last Sunday of every month, except during the heart of winter, and there are several restaurants, a shop and a nursery.

Related Links:
More about Kirstenbosch Gardens
Cape Town Attractions
Cape Town Accommodation