summer in south africa essay

Unlock The Magic Of A South African Summer – An English Essay

A South African summer is a magical time. The days are long and lazy, the weather is warm and sunny, and the evenings are cool and perfect for spending time with family and friends.

One of the best things about summer is the food. Fresh fruit and vegetables are in abundance, and there are so many delicious recipes to try. From salads and BBQs to braais and potjies, there is something for everyone. And of course, no South African summer is complete without a few cold beers or glasses of wine.

So, if you’re looking for a summer that is

The Magic Of A South African Summer English Essay

The magic of a South African summer is something that cannot be put into words. From the beauty of the bushveld to the rolling hills of the Cape Winelands, the country is a stunning visual feast of natural beauty. The warmth of the sun, the sound of the birds singing, and the sound of the ocean crashing against the shore all combine to make a truly mesmerizing experience. During the summer months, the days are long and the nights are filled with stars, making it the perfect time to relax and watch the sunset over the horizon. The vibrant colors of the flora and fauna, the lush green grass, and the abundance of wildlife are a reminder of the joys of living in one of the most unique places on earth. A South African summer is a special time of the year, and one that will be treasured for a lifetime.

The Culture: Discussion of the culture and traditions that define the South African summer.

The summertime in South Africa is a season of vibrant culture and tradition. It’s a time of joyous celebration, of feasting and family reunions, and of revelling in the beauty of the African continent. From the rolling hills of the Kruger National Park to the bustling streets of Johannesburg, South Africa’s summertime is full of unique cultural experiences and traditions that make it truly magical.

The celebration of the summertime in South Africa starts with the Zulu Reed Dance Festival. This traditional ceremony is held each year in August, when thousands of Zulu women aged 16 and above come together to perform traditional dances and songs in honour of the Zulu King. It’s a time of reverence, celebration and unity, with the festival taking place in the heat of the summer sun.

Another unique feature of the South African summertime is the Umhlanga or Reed Dance Ceremony. This is performed each year in August by the Zulu people, who come together from far and wide to celebrate the new harvest and the coming of the new year. The women of the tribe wear traditional clothing and carry reeds to perform traditional dances and songs in honour of the Zulu King. The festival is a vibrant display of South African culture and tradition, with the whole event coming alive with the sound of singing, music and laughter.

Finally, no South African summertime would be complete without a visit to the beach. South Africa has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world , and they offer a great opportunity to relax and have fun. Whether it’s beach cricket, surfing, or simply soaking up the sun, the South African coastline offers a wealth of activities to enjoy during the summer months.

The Wildlife: Description of the vast and diverse wildlife that is native to South Africa.

Ah, the magical and captivating beauty of a South African summer! With its lush landscapes, diverse wildlife, and endless sunshine, it’s no wonder that so many people flock to the rainbow nation to experience the joys of life in the southern hemisphere. From the stunning beauty of the Cape Floral Kingdom to the vastness of the Kalahari Desert, South Africa is an absolute haven for nature lovers.

The wildlife of South Africa is one of the country’s most treasured natural resources. With its unique biodiversity, South Africa is home to a wide variety of wildlife species – from the big five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo) to the smallest of birds and insects. The big cats of South Africa , such as lions and cheetahs, are some of the most iconic and beloved of these creatures, as well as the majestic African elephants that roam the grasslands and savannahs.

South Africa is also home to some of the most distinct and diverse bird species in the world. From the brightly coloured Lilac-breasted Roller to the soaring Fish Eagle, there is something to delight bird watchers of all ages. And if you’re looking for something a little different, then why not take a trip to the coast and explore the many species of seabirds, such as gannets, albatross, and cormorants.

Whether you’re looking to explore the wildlife of South Africa on land or in the sea, the country offers a wealth of experiences for the intrepid explorer. From the majestic wildlife of Kruger National Park to the stunning beauty of the Cape Town coastline , South Africa is an absolute must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the magic of a South African summer.

The Landscape: Explanation of the stunning landscapes and sceneries South Africa has to offer.

Ah, the magical beauty of a South African summer! From the stunning mountain peaks of the Drakensberg to the rolling hills of the Eastern Cape, South Africa offers a wealth of breathtaking landscapes and sceneries that never cease to amaze. From the majestic Karoo to the lush beauty of the Garden Route, South Africa is a land of incredible diversity.

The Drakensberg Mountains, also known as the ‘Mountains of the Dragon’, are a spectacular sight. With soaring peaks, deep valleys, and stunning waterfalls, the Drakensberg is a hiker’s paradise. On a clear day, the views from the top are simply breathtaking.

The Eastern Cape is a stunning province with rolling hills, wooded valleys, and pristine beaches. Here, one can explore the rugged coastline and sandy beaches, or take a leisurely drive through the rolling hills. The Eastern Cape is a great place to experience the beauty of South Africa’s diverse wildlife .

The Karoo is a vast semi-desert region of South Africa . With its rugged terrain and sparse vegetation, the Karoo is an exotic landscape that is unmatched in its beauty and tranquility. The Karoo is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life, making it a haven for nature lovers.

The Garden Route is a lush coastal strip along the south-western coast of South Africa . Perfect for a road trip , the Garden Route is dotted with stunning vistas and unspoiled beaches. With its picturesque villages and scenery, the Garden Route is a great place to explore and relax.

South Africa is home to a wealth of stunning landscapes and sceneries. From the majestic Drakensberg Mountains to the lush beauty of the Garden Route, South Africa is a land of breathtaking beauty . Whether you are looking for an adventure or simply a tranquil escape, South Africa has something to offer everyone. So, why not come and experience the magic of a South African summer for yourself?

The Magic Of A South African Summer is a wonderful experience that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. The warm, sunny weather, the stunning scenery , and the friendly people make this a great place to visit. The only downside is that it is a bit hot and humid, but that is a small price to pay for the wonderful experience that is a South African summer.

Austin Finnan

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Southern Africa’s summer has been wetter than normal: here’s why

Postdoctoral Fellow Climatology, University of the Free State

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Sarah Roffe works for the Geography Department at the University of the Free State. She receives funding from the National Research Foundation of South Africa.

University of the Free State provides funding as a partner of The Conversation AFRICA.

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March marks the end of southern Africa’s 2021/2022 summer wet-season . Since its onset in October, most summer rainfall zone regions have experienced wetter than normal conditions.

Wetter conditions are positive for southern Africa’s rainfed agricultural activities and water reservoirs. But excessive rainfall has caused widespread flooding . This is in addition to flooding caused by tropical storm Ana , which made landfall in late January. And there is more to come: flooding will likely occur when tropical cyclone Batsirai – currently affecting the southern Indian Ocean – makes landfall.

These unusually wet conditions are the result of a weak La Niña event since December 2021 . This weather pattern typically brings above-average summer rainfall across southern Africa.

A La Niña event is one of three phases of a climate cycle called the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) . The others are the El Niño and Neutral phases. These phases influence global atmospheric circulation and consequently global rainfall and temperature patterns. So the El Niño-Southern Oscillation is one of Earth’s most important climate phenomena.

What causes the La Niña event

The El Niño-Southern Oscillation is a naturally recurring phenomenon in which the ocean and the climate are related to each other. Every two to seven years, there are shifts in the temperature of the surface water of the tropical Pacific Ocean. There are also changes in the region’s east-to-west trade winds.

The Neutral phase, representing “normal” conditions, occurs almost half of the time. Sea surface temperatures are near-average and steady trade winds blow. The trade winds cause warm water to pile up in the western Pacific, while cool waters are drawn up from the bottom of the ocean to the eastern Pacific surface. Warm, moist air rises in the western Pacific, while in the eastern Pacific cool, dry air descends. This cycle of moving air is called the Walker Circulation . It pushes air over the equatorial Indian and Atlantic Oceans – which is one reason why the El Niño-Southern Oscillation makes an impact far away from the equatorial Pacific.

La Niña phases are basically enhanced Neutral phases. Trade winds blow harder, causing an expanded western Pacific warm pool and a more intense eastern and central Pacific cool pool. This causes a stronger sea surface temperature gradient which intensifies Walker Circulation.

El Niño phases are almost the direct opposite of La Niña phases. Trade winds weaken, or even reverse in direction, allowing warm waters to drift to the central and eastern Pacific. This eventually breaks down Walker Circulation.

The degree to which tropical Pacific Ocean waters deviate from average temperature determines the strength of La Niña or El Niño phases. That in turn determines their impact on global climate.

Influence on southern Africa’s weather

El Niño-Southern Oscillation phases have a regionally unique, although generally predictable influence on weather. For instance, while southern African summers typically have more frequent and heavier rainfall during La Niña events, southern USA regions usually experience the opposite conditions.

The current La Niña is the second event in two years. Impacts for this La Niña event are similar to last year, when southern African summer rainfall zone regions experienced a generally wetter and cooler than normal wet-season. This is the typical impact of a La Niña event. El Niño events typically have the opposite effects.

El Niño-Southern Oscillation phases influence the number of typical summer weather systems and where they form. That in turn influences rainfall and temperature patterns. Wetter and cooler conditions occur during La Niña phases because tropical temperate troughs – large rain-producing cloud bands – form more frequently and are located more eastward. Tropical lows – storms similar to very weak tropical cyclones – form more frequently and further south. Conversely, high-pressure systems – which promote hot, dry conditions – have reduced intensity and are located further south. The opposite occurs during El Niño phases.

Future outlook

El Niño-Southern Oscillation forecasts suggest the current weak La Niña should migrate to a Neutral phase during April-June . Southern Africa’s summer rainfall regions will likely continue experiencing wetter than normal conditions and additional flooding might occur.

Farmers, water managers and people generally should closely monitor daily weather forecasts and weather alerts issued by the meteorological bureau’s such as the South African Weather Service .

Looking beyond the current summer wet-season, it’s important to highlight the difference between climate variability and climate change. Southern Africa’s current above-average rainfall is a climate variability signal – a short-term fluctuation in average wet-season conditions. It will not necessarily cause an increase in the long-term wet-season rainfall average. Rather, the outlook under human-induced climate change suggests that southern Africa’s summer wet-seasons will likely become drier and shorter, but individual rainfall events may intensify .

Wet-season drought events may intensify and happen more often . These changes will have implications for long-term crop yield and surface water supply. Adaptation strategies need to account for this. Climate variability signals will, however, induce short-term implications, and to prepare for these seasonal forecasts need to be monitored.

Climate change will also likely have an impact on how El Niño-Southern Oscillation cycles behave and influence global climate. It’s not entirely clear exactly how the cycles will change. Some research suggests that El Niño and La Niña cycles may intensify, causing more intense impacts on global rainfall and temperature. El Niño-Southern Oscillation cycle changes are also expected to intensify current impacts on southern African summer wet-season periods.

• Agriculture
• Climate change
• Weather forecasting
• Extreme weather
• Tropical storms
• Indian Ocean
• Tropical cyclones
• Southern Africa
• El Niño Southern Oscillation

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10 Reasons Why You Should Visit South Africa this Summer

Visit South Africa this Summer ~ South Africa hots up between October and February.

On the highveld the heat of summer South Africa comes alive with afternoon thunderstorms that leave the earth rank with a smell uniquely African.

By contrast, down in the Western Cape summer is when it’s least likely to rain, when the Winelands are at their best , and when the Atlantic is at its warmest because the heat of the sun and sand have left you gasping.

On the lowveld it’s when most antelope species have their babies, when the bushveld is at its most lush and when afternoon siestas are a necessity to counteract the soaring temperatures.

But these are not the only reasons why you visit South Africa this Summer.

Here are 10 reasons to visit South Africa this summer …

The slopes of table mountain.

Early light in Cape Town means you can find yourself climbing to the top of Table Mountain as early as 5 am, when the day is still, and the clouds less likely to converge on the table in an effortless tablecloth.

The long summer days are practically European in nature in Cape Town, but you’ll want to make the top long before the sun heats up as it can become scorching, and the climb is tough for those who aren’t regular hikers.

There are many routes to the top. The fastest, but most steep, is Plattekloof Gorge. Go with a guide.

Summer Music Festivals

Summer South Africa is the time to be out of doors and its music festivals are a highlight, although some of them fall just outside of official summer. We list the best three:

Rocking the Daisies – usually in early October, Rocking the Daisies is a three-day multi-sensory experience named after the flowers of the Namaqualand.

Held just outside the little town of Darling (about an hour’s drive from Cape Town) the festival offers a diverse line-up of entertainment to kickstart summer.

Up the Creek Music Festival – live music comes with comedy and riverside fun on the banks of the Breede River in February every year – 4 days, 50+ bands, one lilo! Get together and celebrate summer with another 3 000 people just outside Swellendam .

Ultra Music Festival is an annual outdoor electronic music festival event (named after Depeche Mode’s album, Ultra ) that happens in Cape Town either at the Cape Town Stadium or The Ostrich Ranch, and Johannesburg at the Nasrec Expo centre (the original was in Miami, Florida and there are others just like it around the world) in early March.

The Lighthouse route

There’s no official lighthouse route but summer is the best time of year to visit these 10 lighthouses on more treacherous parts of the coastline between Paternoster , on the West Coast, and Durban on South Africa’s east coast.

It includes lighthouses at Port Edward, Port Alfred , Port Elizabeth and Gansbaai.

Rock Climbing in the Craggy Cederberg

Another fabulous reason to Visit South Africa this Summer is the Cederberg . It’s quite usual to see hardened rock climbers, their odd mattresses on their backs, heading from the car park just inside the Cederberg Wilderness, less than three hours from the traffic jams of Cape Town.

The Cederberg, most notable for its rooibos tea production, is now considered of the world’s top 10 destinations for bouldering (no ropes or mattresses and fairly close to the ground).

Rocklands is a 20 square kilometre area full of boulders and rocks perfect for the sport. And climbers stay on farms, campsites and in guest houses close by.

Surfing off the coast of the Eastern Cape

With names similar only for their use of the word ‘bay’ – Stillbay Victoria Bay, Jeffreys Bay and Cape St Francis – the Eastern Cape’s warm waters, balmy summer South Africa days make for superb surfing.

If you include the Wild Coast – Haga Haga , Morgan’s Bay and Mdumbe (which, according to some, rivals JBay) then you can spend weeks driving and surfing in these parts.

The old-growth forests of the Garden Route

The Garden Route with its sumptuous vegetation wins hands down when it comes to natural beauty in summer South Africa.

The combination of the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma indigenous forests with their unique blend of Cape Fynbos and Temperate Forest are awash with hiking trails and routes.

A perfect reason to Visit South Africa this Summer.

Overnight hikes in the caves of the Drakensberg

The Drakensberg is a huge expanse of mountain roughly three hours northwest of Durban. It’s so vast that it’s divided into two main parts – the Midlands and the high Drakensberg.

It’s not only incredibly beautiful, but it’s also best explored on foot down the craggy ravines and up the soaring peaks.

Multi-day hikes are best and you will sleep either in a cave or in a hiking tent on a mountain. The caves are great for shelter and incredible views.

You can plan your own hike (book accommodation here ), join a hiking club or hire a guide.

Viewing loggerhead & leatherback turtles

Between November and March the loggerhead and leatherback turtles come to South Africa’s northeast shores in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park .

The perfect reason to Visit South Africa this Summer – Hatchlings emerge roughly 70 days later and these you can see too, if you plan your trip around summer.

Tours at iSimangaliso (nov to mar), hatchlings emerge after 70 days (jan to mar).

Driving two of the world’s most dramatic coastal roads

Chapman’s Peak links Cape Town’s Hout Bay to Noordhoek on the Atlantic Ocean. Only 9 km in length its effortlessly undulating curves and bends make it one of the most picturesque drives in the world.

Clarence Drive or Route 44 is yet another spectacular coastal road linking Gordons Bay with Betty’s Bay, an easy day’s drive linking nature reserves, seaside towns, a botanical garden and hiking trails.

Migrant birds

Over one hundred bird species head to South Africa during summer , flying routes across the world that cause one only to marvel at how such tiny creatures can navigate such journeys, sometimes from as far away as the Arctic Circle.

In summer South Africa not only does the list of migrants far exceed expectations, but the breeding plumage of some of the birds just adds to the delight.

There is no one best place for birds. The country is full of nature reserves and areas that best provide viewing, and we can recommend Kruger National Park , iSimangaliso Wetland Park, and Nylsvley Nature Reserve .

Explore South Africa More

• South Africa Attractions
• Things to Do in South Africa

Visit South Africa this Summer …

Further Reading...

Best Places to Stay in the Upper Karoo – South Africa’s Astoundingly Beautiful ‘Outback’

Cosy Stays ~ top destinations for winter escapes with Hot Tubs and Fireplaces

10 Reasons Why People Visit South Africa

Best places to stay on the south coast, south africa’s all-year-round beach destination, escape to these quiet places in south africa, sa-venues.com.

What I did this summer (a Kruger Park essay) – Part 2

In which duncan arrives at the park.

(after a five hour stint on the road,

and about 27 000 mosquitoes,

and one guy with an incredibly large shotgun)

______________________________________________________________________________________________________A lot of safari travelers don't realise, amidst stocking up on Tabard, and rifling through their underwear drawers in search of that elusive pair of khaki briefs (the kind mom said to wear if you ever thought you'd get eaten by lions), is that there's a reason these parks seem so untouched by modern living -

It's because they're out in the middle of nowhere.

After a brief, delightful breakfast at the Outlook Lodge, my group (myself and an older couple from the UK on their honeymoon, the Wards) met up with our ranger, Hulke . Side note: Hulke, if you ever read this, I would like to apologise now for the way I've spelled your first name. I googled and googled , but with no luck whatsoever on your elusive and subtly difficult name.The next quarter of my group's members were introduced to me after we picked them up on the way: Indian-Australian holiday makers, the Kharodia family, down in Africa on a mission to introduce their son, Adam, to the wilds of the Kruger National Park , before taking a round-about trip via ferry, airplane and assorted rental cars, around Cape Town and Port Elizabeth before heading back home. Introductions made, and excited questioning about his job out of the way, our near-complete safari group made our  way down the N12 passage, and onwards to the Kruger...______________________________________________________________________________________________________...and five hours later, the sun coming in through my window had burned my Lilli-white left arm into a red-nose-day-red crispy version of its former glory. Also, we'd arrived!

The Northern Cape around summer time is home to many mosquitoes.  I mean, an absurd number of mozzies. We'd swatted our way throughout the trip, most of us resigned to the reality of a warm, humid climate, in a country where the trade-off is gorgeous scenery, rich history, and the long awaited Skukuza rest camp ! Regardless, we were all thankful for the brief reprieve from the buzzing while we unpacked and wandered around the camp foyer, stretching our city legs on the dusty Skukuza parking lot.

Shown to our rooms,

we were given the low-down on where to report (camp post on the corner), at what time to report (thirty minutes from now roughly - you might want to grab a shower, in the meantime), and where we could get beer and braai materials. Then Hulke left us to our own devices. Skukuza camp , as I would learn over the next few days, is quiet around the beginning of the year. Tourists often abandon their bush soaked ideals of the African holiday for hotels, rental cars and John Dory's dinners out in the bustling city of wherever, and many of the actual South Africans who've spent time out there for the holidays have jobs to get back to in those exact same bustling cities. So, the remainder of the camp's christmas-time guests turned out to be a handful of sunburned Swedish holiday makers, their kids, and random spatterings of last-man-standing South Africans, out for that elusive leopard spotting.The camp was quiet, and extremely beautiful.We left at 15:30 sharp for our afternoon drive with Robin, our official guide for the at-camp portion of our trip. What was our introductory trip into the outlying bushveld of the Skukuza camp area, turned out to be full of surprises. Out in the mid-day sun, we came across a group of four lionesses basking in the bushveld on the side of the road, unperturbed by the small group of land rovers that had gathered directly opposite to talk in hushed tones and point cameras. [[my apologies for the quality of these pictures - my camera did not appreciate the bush lighting]]

The rest of the trip included encounters with local baboons , elephants (actually the first animals we saw on our way out - they're every bit as huge as they look in photos), a brief sighting of the rear-end of a giraffe as it disappeared into the bush, impala every where (Robin called them the Mc Donald's burgers of the bush, you really can't go anywhere without seeing them), some Marabou Stork and Cape Turtle Dove , and one wildebeest , minutes away from our return to camp.Once back at camp, I met up with the remainder of my group - the Riis-Vestergaards, a Danish couple, down in Johannesburg for a few days before Vagn, the husband was set to run a company marathon. They were my immediate neighbours, and I would often seek them out at night while trying to find my way back to my bungalow in the pitch black dark of the bush.After a warm meal at the group's camping area, we all traded stories about the day's events over a bottle of wine. Vagn had been out the day before we arrived and had two riveting encounters during his trip: filming a male elephant grazing in the bush, Vagn and Robin had suddenly been charged by the bull, in a show of aggression that he would chuckle nervously about over the next two days. He had also spotted a leopard making a kill, a sighting many tourists will wait forever to make.Blindly entering my bungalow after dinner, I made my way into the comfortable single bed, shut off the light, and was out before my head hit the pillow.[[Stay tuned for day 3 of my story, following soon]]

OH! The guy with the shotgun I mentioned earlier? Not even in the park, it was a park security guard taking his lunch break at the Total Garage Quick-Stop near middleburg. Seriously, though, this thing looked like an anti-aircraft rifle - what kinds of giant robots are these guys protecting the park from, anyway?

Ok, it wasn't quite this big, but pretty close.

Be sure to check out Part Three of my experience in the Kruger!

https://www.safari.com/travel-blog/853-2/

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Why We Love South African Summer: January in Cape Town From England to Cape Town

Monica Lewis 6 years ago in News

I know you don’t need an excuse to plan a surf trip this winter to escape the UK, but if you’re looking for one, here are 10 reasons to take advantage of the South African Summer…

1. The Weather

Let’s start in true British fashion and talk about the weather. The days are getting shorter, it’s time to say goodbye to fresh autumnal days and unwillingly welcome cold, windy winter. But this doesn’t have to be your routine for the next 4 months. Why not swap things up and chase the endless summer (even if it’s just for a bit)? South African summer runs from November-February, so expect beautifully hot, dry, sunny days. With average highs of 29° it’s too tempting to resist.

Let’s be honest, the waves are what we’re all here for. Due to Cape Town’s unique peninsula, throughout the South African Summer months, south easterly winds create amazing offshore conditions in the crystal blue waters of the Atlantic Coast. Then jump over to False Bay and you’ve got a whole new playground in the Indian Ocean. On the Cape Peninsula alone there are over 30 surf spots and waves for all abilities so everyone can get involved! Check out Wavescape for conditions.

3. Food and Drink

Everyone knows that when you’re on holiday you can eat whatever you like and it doesn’t count. South Africa takes eating and drinking to a whole new level, and for very reasonable prices. Famous for their Braai, a bit like a BBQ but better, you’ll have to experience to understand. Pair this with wine tasting in one of Cape Town’s many vineyards or a beer in the hot sun and you’ve got yourself the perfect evening. Make sure you get yourself to Noordhoek winery for a sundowner on a Thursday. You can thank me later.

4. Wildlife

You have traditional African animals on your doorstep and some unconventional ones too. Head Northeast for two hours and you’ll discover Aquila Private Game Reserve . These 10,000 hectares are home to the Big Five – Rhinos, Elephants, Lions, Leopards and Buffalo which were previously on the brink of extinction due to game hunters. Head to Aquila for a day trip or stay overnight for a whole new experience. Don’t miss the chance to see Zebras at the Cape of Good Hope as well. Now onto the unconventional African dweller, the penguin. Join the party at Boulders Beach and prepare to melt from their cuteness but never really shift the confusion of penguins in Africa.

As previously mentioned, the Cape of Good Hope is a great place to see Zebras, but even without this exotic animal it’s definitely worth going for the incredible views. Hiking up table mountain will take you a good 2 hours but you’ll be blown away by the beauty once you reach the top. Besides, you’ll be so surf-fit that that’s basically a walk in the park. Although, if you’re looking for a more cruisey walk and a beer whilst watching the sunset then head to Lion’s head for a spectacle.

It’s time to chill out again whilst watching some local sport and January is cricket season. At this point you’re either really excited or really not, there’s not really a middle ground when it comes to cricket. If it’s the latter then Newlands cricket ground might just change your mind. Imagine lazy days at a unique stadium with a mountain backdrop supporting the South African cricket team, the Proteas, it’s lush.

Photo credit: Sport 360

If sport isn’t your thing then check out the music scene. It’s not the first thing you think of but Cape Town is a buzzing city with a fix for every genre. From pop to rock, jazz to acoustic. There’s even the opportunity for an open mic night if you fancy it. Our favourite thing to do on a Sunday is head to the Kirstenbosch National Botanical gardens for a Sunday evening session. Set out a picnic in the shade of Table Mountain and enjoy. You’ll wish every day is a summer Sunday in South Africa.

For more music information check out Cape Town tourism

Photo credit: www.capetownetc.com

8. Community Projects

You’re imagining endless fun at this point, so why not give back to the community and share the love? Cape Town is home to some great charities and community projects that you won’t have to look hard to find something that interests you. Whether it’s building, education or teaching surfing, it’s covered. Check out Waves for Change for an insight into just one of the charities working to help the community in Cape Town.

“W4C provides a child-friendly mental health service to at-risk youth living in unstable communities. Through access to safe spaces, caring mentors, and a provision of weekly Surf Therapy sessions, W4C gives children skills to cope with stress, regulate behaviour, build healing relationships, and make positive life choices.”

We’ve skipped ahead a bit though. It’s obvious now that Cape Town has so much to offer, but you also need to get there first. This is where it all gets a little bit sweeter with flight prices. Normally a stress and big expense of your trip, but the beauty of Cape Town is that you can fly there direct from Heathrow or Gatwick in under 12 hours. No longer do you have to sit in an airport on a long layover trying not to look at the food you just can’t afford. Let’s double up on the good news too, it won’t cost you an arm and a leg. It’s cheaper than Indo and there are constant deals too. Check out Jack’s Flight Club – they love a good South Africa flight deal almost as much as we do!

10. The Potential for a Road Trip

You’ve made it here, you’ve experienced the epic lifestyle of Cape Town and your wanderlust cannot be contained. This amazing South African city is the perfect gateway to an epic road trip. Why not join us on an immense 10 week road trip travelling 1000 miles along the coast to Durban, exploring places you couldn’t even dream of and surfing world class surf spots such as Jeffreys Bay. You can even pass your surf instructor and lifeguard training along the way, setting you up for the ‘real world’ of work when you return – but it can hardly be classed as work when it’s living the dream.

How could we not love Cape Town?

Comment with your number one reason why you’d go to Cape Town!

If this sounds like your ideal winter destination then check out our Cape Town Surf Camp and please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

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Top 4 reasons to visit South Africa during summer

South Africa, ever a tourist destination of note, provides one with a true African experience, with its melting pot of dynamic and diverse cultures and traditions to discover, uniquely individual cities and a landscape, wildlife and biosphere second to none.

And although it makes for pleasant and exciting travelling all year round, there’s no question that a South African summer is a glorious thing… Here are some of the top reasons this beautiful country during summertime:

1. Beach Beauties

South Africa has some of the best beaches in the world and although Cape Town and Durban in particular are famed for their beaches, the Eastern Cape and Garden Route regions have some glorious offerings too.

If you want to soak up the sun, try Durban’s South and North Beaches; Cape Town’s delightful Camps Bay, Clifton, Boulders and Llandudno beaches and Elandsbay in the West Coast; Port Elizabeth’s Hobie Beach; Jeffreys Bay’s Dolphin and Paradise Beaches; East London’s Gonubie Beach or the Garden Route’s Victoria Bay, Buffels Bay and Mossel Bay.

And of course, whether you find yourself encountering the Atlantic or Indian Ocean, sunny SA, with its oceans of contrast, is known for its surf and, although surfers brave the waters – even of the icy Atlantic, year-round – summer is the best time to catch a wave.

Surf at Durban’s Dairy beach, New Pier or Cave Rock at the Bluff; Cape Town’s Muizenberg, Kommetjie (Long Beach or the Kom) or if you’re brave enough, the Dungeons of Hout Bay (these produce some of the biggest waves on the African coastline) – or perhaps Jeffreys Bay (or J-Bay, as it’s fondly called) for some super tubing.

2.Game on… in the South African bushveld

Like many African countries, South Africa offers some of the world’s best game watching, with its wealth of long-standing and wonderfully well-loved game reserves, national parks and protected areas, dedicated to wildlife conservation, protection and appreciation.

Of course, everyone will tell you to head to the Kruger National Park – but please don’t forget about some of SA’s other wonderful game reserves.

KwaZulu Natal and the Eastern and Western Capes also have several top game reserves and national parks to visit.

South African National Parks (or SanParks) especially offers a wonderful selection of protected, yet public natural spaces, containing a vast number of wild animals, birds and flora to both educate and enchant you, as you discover more about South Africa.

3. Food, glorious food (and wine)

If you are looking for a food experience of note, then South Africa is your place. With so many different cultures and heritage roots, this country is blessed with the best in terms of local cuisine.

Try Durban for its Indian curries and famous bunny chows; Cape Town for its plethora of restaurants and eateries, serving international and local cuisines alike and for its lovely Cape Malay cooking – and of course, wherever you are in SA, you must enjoy a braai (like a barbeque, only better) with locals or tuck into some juicy shisa nyama (meat freshly prepared on an open street fire, often in township areas).

Other local delicacies include boerewors, samosas, rotis, Smileys and Walkie Talkies… see which best tantalises your taste buds and sets your stomach rumbling.

Of course, a trip to South Africa would not be complete without a visit to the Cape Winelands.

Well-known for its fine wine and beautiful wine estates, the Cape is blessed with the best. Wine-producing regions near or in Cape Town famed for their wine estates include: the Constantia Wine Valley, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl and even Somerset West.

Further abroad, some two to three hours from Cape Town , small towns, found along South Africa’s iconic Route 62, like Ashton and Robertson are well-known for their wine, while if you head to Montagu, you can enjoy some special Muscadel (or Muscat), which is a red and white grape variety and is usually consumed as a sweet dessert wine.

While you’re visiting these wonderful estates, why not buy some take-home wine, explore a manor house and simply spend a day soaking up the stunning surroundings?

4.Natural beauty like no other

South Africa is a country blessed with some wonderful natural beauty and amazing attractions.

In the Cape, make a point of visiting the famous Table Mountain (a ride up in the cable car is a must but you can also hike up!), Oudtshoorn’s Cango Caves (a labyrinth of beautiful underground caves) and Cape Point, which is one of the most fiercely beautiful places you will encounter anywhere in the world.

In KZN, there’s no doubt that the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park and the Midlands (reminiscent of England’s green countryside) are everyone’s top picks. But Oribi Gorge (a spectacular gorge home to more than 300 bird species and one of the world’s biggest bungee swings), Zululand and the Valley of a Thousand Hills are all worth exploring too.

For excellent travel deals, see Drakensberg accommodation  on Afristay.

Then, finally, Mpumalanga province is perhaps one of the most beautiful local regions, and is especially blessed with some awe-inspiring natural attractions. Find accommodation in Mpumalanga .

These include: Blyde River Canyon (the world’s largest green canyon), the Lake District (a grouping of majestic lakes, home to some 20,000 flamingos) and last but not least there’s God’s Window, where one is afforded a truly amazing, panoramic view out across the Lowveld, nearby mountains, rivers and the area’s many waterfalls too.

These are just some of the worthy reasons to visit South Africa during summertime although the favourable exchange rate and glorious, hot weather are always major draw cards too. May your travels to South Africa be safe, wonderful and memorable!

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I went on my first safari trip to South Africa. I won't make these 10 mistakes next time.

• I spent a week on safari in South Africa , visiting three different reserves.
• I found that planning was essential and that I always needed to have my camera ready.
• Next time I'd bring warmer clothing and a buff for dust control.

I spent a week on safari in South Africa, visiting three different reserves.

It was a thrilling adventure I'll never forget, and I got to see incredible creatures such as hyenas, elephants, and lions.

It's no wonder more travelers are looking to weave game reserves into their trips. According to the most recent data collected by the travel agency Go2Africa , interest in beach and safari combo trips was up 20% from 2022 to 2023 alone.

But although the trip was great, it wasn't always easy — and I had a few missteps from the planning phase to the wildlife observation.

Here are mistakes I made on my trip that that everyone should avoid on their first safari .

We booked our trip during a busy part of the year.

I try to avoid traveling during holidays , which often means more crowds. Unfortunately, we ended up booking during Easter break, which was the end of summer in the southern hemisphere.

The lodges were full and busy with lots of kids, and the prices were higher. We still had a great time, but if we'd booked different dates — maybe during a low season — we may have paid less for a more private experience.

The mornings were cold, even in summer.

Our morning game drives started before sunrise in an open-air jeep.

The safari guide was wearing shorts, so I thought I would be comfortable matching that. Wrong! I was so cold on our first ride.

I quickly learned that although it was summer, a beanie and down jacket would've been cozy on the drive.

I missed photo opportunities because my camera wasn't ready.

I knew I wanted to keep my camera out at all times when on a game drive. But after several hours of driving, we were approaching the gate and I tucked my phone away.

That's when we turned a corner and saw a large white rhino facing us in the middle of the road. It was a dramatic moment I captured in my head, but I didn't have time to snap a photo before it darted into the bushes.

Next time, I'd be better prepared for animals that might pop up near the exit.

I had no idea how dusty the roads were going to be.

The safari terrain changed based on where the guide drove each day, and some routes were quite dusty.

After a day of exploring, I felt as if I had dust in my ears, eyes, nose, and mouth. Sunglasses helped shield my eyes, but I wish I'd brought a buff to cover the rest of my face.

Driving between game reserves made me more tired than I'd expected.

Our safari adventure included visits to three different wildlife reserves, and we rented a car to get between them.

On each transition day, we had a morning game drive, then a drive to get to the next reserve, and then an evening game drive there.

That was a lot of sitting, and by the time I got to the evening game drive, I was tired. Next time, I may space my schedule out more.

I made the classic mistake of leaving the car door open when unloading the luggage.

At one point, I walked my bags inside my accommodations, leaving the door open behind me. When I came out, the neighbors were taking photos of a monkey inside my car.

He was quick because, fortunately, I didn't have any food in the car for him to run off with.

Now I know to stay on top of shutting and locking my car doors when at a game reserve.

We got too close to elephants.

Animals can be unpredictable and safaris are not like a zoo. I learned how quickly a situation can change while watching a herd of elephants eating in Kruger National Park.

They started crossing the road in front of my car, and a large one turned to look right at us and started shaking his head. It seemed clearly displeased with our presence.

I flipped the car into reverse faster than you can say "elephant," but it was a scary moment.

Consuming too much liquid can be risky.

Evening safari drives include a stop in the bush around sunset for a "sundowner" beverage. One of the nights, my drink proved to be too much liquid for my bladder.

The problem was that we were following a pride of lions, so there was no chance of hopping off the truck to relieve myself.

I was able to hold it, but next time I'll be more careful with the amount of liquid I consume before and during bush drives.

I was caught off guard by load shedding.

Load shedding is the name for scheduled power outages in South Africa that help prevent the power grid from being overloaded.

Some places have backup generators or solar panels to alleviate power disruptions, but I learned not to expect that to always be the case.

When the power turned off during our trip, I found myself sitting in complete darkness. I scrambled for my phone flashlight, but I could've avoided that panic by plugging in the emergency light that was provided.

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The magic of a South African summer!!!

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Seasons in south africa.

South Africa ( officially the Republic of South Africa or abbreviated to RSA ) has always been one of the most beautiful places on the planet. This is a country where almost no end to the attractions you can see each person, as the variety of landscapes and activities here are limitless.

There are several climatic zones in the Republic of South Africa: deserts, locations with Mediterranean and even subtropical climate. Difference of temperature ranges and humidity levels between those zones is significant. In general seasons in the country are reverse comparing to North Hemisphere.

Summer weather lasts from October to March. At this time temperature is in quite wide between 15 and 35 °C (59-95 °F). Range of temperature at winter (June-August) is equally wide. At night temperature may drop below 0 °C (32 °F) and at noon rise to about 20 °C (68 °F) again depending on location of observation. Spring and autumn last for two months each season.

In South Africa there is no animal that with the onset of cold weather would fall into hibernation. Representatives of the local fauna generally behave the same at any time of the year. The fauna here is quite varied. Can be seen as predatory animals such as jackals, hyenas, leopards and lions and herbivorous elephants, antelopes, zebras and all kinds of monkeys.

Spring in South Africa

Spring weather comes to RSA with the very first days of September. Precipitation decreases and temperature rises. In coldest Cape Town air warms up to 18 °C (64 °F), in Durban to 20 °C (68 °F) and 26 °C (79 °F) in Pretoria. Both Atlantic and Indian oceans are too cold for swimming at this time. October is even warmer. Average temperatures gain several positive degrees and famous jacarandas of Pretoria start to bloom. At November average temperature gain couple more degrees while amount of precipitation decreases. It is wonderful time to travel around the Republic of South Africa.

Amount of precipitation distributed unevenly across territory of the country. In north-western regions there are about 200 mm (7.8”) of annual precipitation. Western regions receive 900 mm (35.4”) and central 400 mm (15.7”).

Climate of the Spring Months

( Pretoria )

Spring Holidays

Here is a list of festivals that are actively celebrated in South Africa:

September, 24 — heritage day.

October, 10 — day Kruger;

Summer in South Africa

At December hot tropical summer comes to the Republic of South Africa. Average daytime temperature is in the range between 26 °C (79 °F) in Cape Town and 28 °C (82 °F) in Pretoria and Durban. The west of the country becomes rainy but showers occur after noon with sunny half of a day before.

Rainy Season (December to February)

Main beach life is concentrated on coasts of Indian Ocean in Province of Natal. Swimming here is available year-round because temperature of water is 24 °C (75 °F) at summer and 20 °C (68 °F) at winter. Those who don’t like winds weather shouldn’t go to Cape Town at summer. “Cape-doctor” wind is usefull but slightly bothering.

Climate of the Summer Months

Summer Holidays

At this time of year accounts for most of the holidays of the countries of South Africa, including:

December, 16 — day of reconciliation; December, 25 — Christmas day; December, 26 — day of goodwill;

January, 1 — New year.

Autumn in South Africa

March is the last hot month of a year like some threshold of autumn. Average daytime temperature is about 25 to 28 °C (77-82 °F). It is still warm enough for swimming at March. At April water cools down but instead hunting season begins especially on baboons (to control population and protect antelopes). Also at April temperature drops by couple of degrees and occasional fogs are occurring.

At May climatic autumn comes to RSA. This month bring showers, heavy clouds and yellow on branches of trees. It is time to harvest corn, cotton and sugarcane. Temperature in Cape Town barely reaches 19 °C (66 °F) while Johannesburg and Pretoria are warmer with 22 °C (72 °F).

Climate of the Autumn Months

Autumn Holidays

Before you top South African festivals, which are celebrated in the autumn:

March, 21 — the day of protection of consumer rights; March, 29 — Holy Friday; March, 31 — Easter.

April, 1 — family day; April, 6 — founder's day; April, 27 — independence day;

May, 1 — labour day; May, 24 — Empire day; May, 31 — Republic day.

Winter in South Africa

June, July, August in RSA is the time of winter in the Southern Hemisphere. Weather is quite unpredictable and strongly depends on location. For instance in Cape Town average temperature is about 17 °C (63 °F) while in Durban is around 21 °C (72 °F) while they are almost on the same latitude. East coasts of RSA are warmer than west by average of 6 °C  in Celsius (≈11 °F on the Fahrenheit scale ) due to influence of warm Agulhas current and cold Benguela current respectively. Very rarely in various parts of South Africa you can see a small short-term snowfall. This is usually a slightly cool and dry season..

Dry Season (June to August)

Visit to the country at the middle of summer is unique opportunity to see whales. At this time they are approaching shore close enough for spectating with bare eyes. Unique experience attracts lots of tourists. August is the last month of winter and it is good to visit the blooming Kalahari Desert.

Climate of the Winter Months

Winter Holidays

Before you top South African holidays celebrated in winter:

June, 16 — youth day; June, 26 — day of struggle for freedom in South Africa;

July, 10 — family day. August, 9 — national women's day.

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Summer olympics 2024: 10 of the most stylish uniforms from the paris games.

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Torch bearer Matthias Dandois, French Bicycle rider, poses for a photo with the Olympic Torch at ... [+] Place du Trocadero.

Paris has always been the fashion capital of the world, the birthplace of classic trends and designer powerhouses. This year, however, the City of Light is captivating fashion critics for a different reason—the 2024 Summer Olympic Games , taking place from July 26, 2024 to August 11, 2024. This Friday, the Opening Ceremony will once again become a global runway of cultures . From the intricate details that pay homage to cultural heritage and artisanship to the innovative materials that promise both comfort and sustainability, each country's Olympic uniform is an opportunity to put itself on the global fashion map.

Here are 10 countries with the opening ceremony Olympic uniforms that have best managed to balance style, traditional national symbols and colors, sportswear trends and high fashion.

Chinese Taipei

Following the success of his designs for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Justin Chou, founder of avant-garde streetwear brand JUST IN XX, is back in 2024 as the official outfitter for team Chinese Taipei, an official Olympic name for Taiwan. The tailored two-piece suits to be worn by the athletes during the Olympic opening ceremony blends sustainability with the crafts of local artisans.

Chinese Taipei Olympic Opening Ceremony Uniforms

Chou turned the artwork “Mountain Range of Taiwan” by Taiwanese artist Paul Chiang into a beautiful printed fabric for the suits, the blue waves representing the natural beauty of Taiwan’s landscape. Adorning the Olympic opening ceremony looks are lapel pins crafted by flower-weaving artisan Lin Pei-Ying, made up of the Taiwan’s national flowers, the plum and the canola blossoms, serving as a traditional token of good luck for the athletes. Meanwhile, the belt and shoe uppers were made by Artisan Yan Yu-Ying with banana fiber woven fabric, an ancient textile tradition used in Taiwan. Chou also worked with a typography designer Kokia Lin to create a print that through an optical illusion transforms the words “Chinese Taipei” into the words “Cheer On.”

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According to the “world’s most ruthless fashion critic” —the social media—this year’s best dressed Olympic team is Mongolia. Label Michel & Amazonka, led by designers Michel Choigaalaa and Amazonka Choigaalaa, caused a stir online when they unveiled the opening ceremony looks on Instagram earlier this month, with fans flooding the comment section with words of praise. “Absolutely stunning. Team Mongolia gets the gold for most incredible uniforms,” wrote one user.

Team Mongolia Olympic Opening Ceremony Costumes by Michel & Amazonka

The viral uniforms pay homage to Mongolian culture, with silhouettes inspired by the traditional Mongolian deel, a calf-length tunic. The ivory ensemble features cuffed, billowing sleeves, a pleated skirt, and an embroidered vest, offset by pops of collar in the collar, cuffs and vest. Further nods to Mongolian national symbols can be found in the intricate gold stitching of the vest, showcasing the moon, the sun, and the Gua-Maral, a mythical deer from traditional folklore. According to Michel & Amazonka, each individual uniform took dozens of hours to make–which isn’t surprising given the intricate level of detail.

Haiti’s vibrant uniforms were created by Haitian-Italian designer Stella Jean to celebrate Haiti's culture and artisanship while sending a message of hope and renewal in a time marked by the country's political instability.

Haiti Official Olympics Opening Ceremony by designer Stella Jean

Jean incorporated the work of local artist Philippe Dodard into the skirt and trousers of the uniform—a bold, colorful print from a painting called “Passage.” For the women, the skirt will be paired with a woven chambray shirt, reflecting the country’s traditional blue-cotton spinning techniques, as well as a belted, sleeveless blazer made from recycled materials. Meanwhile, the men will sport field jackets inspired by the traditional Haitian Guayabera shirt, bearing the Haitian Olympic Emblem.

“I believe that these athletes have already won the most important medal by their very own presence in Paris. The winning category: human sustainability,” said Jean.

Athleisure giant Lululemon are the masterminds behind Canada’s chic uniforms, blending style and functionality. The brand teamed up with 14 Olympic and Paralympic athletes to ensure the kits meet the needs of the athletes set to compete. And it’s clear designers have listened; every look has a functional purpose to enhance athletic performance. The four-way stretch fabric fosters freedom of movement, while customizable drawcords allow a perfect fit. New pocket shapes and placements provide accessible storage, while SenseKnit technology and sweat-wicking material provide thermal comfort.

Paralympic uniforms by Lululemon for Team Canada

That doesn’t mean the brand compromised on style. The red-and-white jacquard bomber jackets are emblazoned with traditional Canadian maple-leaf motifs, reminiscent of edgy street-style pieces you’d spot on a runway. The jackets can be paired with shorts or sweatpants in the same print.

Canada will once again shine at the Olympic opening ceremony as one of the best dressed teams.

When you think of sports, fashion and Americana, only one name comes to mind: Ralph Lauren. This year marks the ninth time in a row that the brand is the official outfitter for Team USA.

Team USA is outfitted by Ralph Lauren for the 9th time. Made in the USA, but created with ... [+] sustainability in mind, using recycled polyester and Oregon-grown Responsible Standard wool from Shaniko Wool Company.

The preppy looks are quintessentially American and a classic Ralph Lauren: navy blazers with red and white trimming, striped Oxford shirts, and light-wash denim jeans. And naturally, each blazer features the iconic Olympic logo. Made in the USA, but created with sustainability in mind, using recycled polyester and Oregon-grown Responsible Standard wool from Shaniko Wool Company. “Ralph Lauren has once again created designs that not only capture the essence of American style but also embody the spirit and pride of Team USA,” said Sarah Hirshland, U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee CEO.

Sierra Leone

Adidas in collaboration with the London-based fashion label Labrum produced the official Olympic team kit for Sierra Leone. The collection features elements that pay homage to country’s cultural heritage, including windbreakers adorned with a distinctive white and blue print inspired by cowrie shells. Used in commerce as currency before, there unique shells now are often worn as the symbol prestige across many African countries.

adidas has teamed up with London-based label LABRUM to present the official team kit of the National ... [+] Olympic Committee of Sierra Leone, ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games this summer.

Labrum's founder, Foday Dumbuya, has recently received the esteemed Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design, and with this collection, Labrum and Adidas have created a unified and vibrant visual identity for the Sierra Leone team, one that honors Dumbuya's roots and celebrates the beauty of Sierra Leone culture.

The host country of the Summer Olympic Games in Paris will be making a grand entrance, donning custom-tailored tuxedos designed by luxury brand Berluti. “Berluti has brought together the savoir-faire and experience of its artisans to ensure that the French athletes look their very best,” reads an official statement.

Custom-tailored tuxedos for the Opening Ceremony designed by luxury brand Berluti for Team France

Both men and women will sport midnight-blue wool tuxedos with lapels in shades of blue and red, key colors of the French flag. Suit pockets and scarves were created from fabric scraps to prevent waste, while the white shirts were made from cotton-silk blend for luxury and comfort. The expert craftsmanship of each tuxedo underscores the elegance typically associated with French fashion.

Great Britain

British brand Ben Sherman is returning for the third consecutive year to dress Team Great Britain. The opening ceremony uniform consists of a white bomber jacket with navy sleeves and a floral design embroidered on the back. Made up of the rose, thistle, daffodil, and shamrock, the design represents the four nations that make up the United Kingdom, symbolizing their unity and national pride.

British brand Ben Sherman is returning for the third consecutive year to dress Team Great Britain ... [+] for the Paris Games Opening Ceremony

The jacket will be paired with a knitted polo featuring a geometric read-and-blue pattern, crafted from an organic cotton blend, as well as oxford trousers with a Union Flag waistband. With a contemporary yet timeless uniform design Team Great Britain will be a stellar team both on and off the Olympic ceremony stage.

The Netherlands

Slouchy, orange tracksuits might be an unexpected choice for the Olympic Opening Ceremony costumes, but Amsterdam-based brand The New Originals gave us a modern nod to the centuries-old Dutch royal color from House of Orange.

Amsterdam-based brand The New Originals designed Dutch Breakteam's Opening Ceremony uniforms.

The opening ceremony uniform for the Dutch Breaking (break dance) Team is both relaxed and impeccably tailored, featuring white piping detailing and a stiff collar. The tracksuits also come in white and navy, featuring orange piping detailing, a small but powerful homage to the country’s flag. “Ever since we’ve started, our mission was to make ‘performance clothing for creatives,’” wrote the brand on Instagram. They also stated that each tracksuit is unique, slightly altered to fit the distinct styles of each break dancer.

Australia’s heritage is front and center in the opening ceremony uniforms designed by Sportscraft. Made up of a green blazer with gold buttons, plus green-and-gold ombre skirts for the women and khaki shorts for the men, the country’s national colors are on full display—representing Australia’s beaches, crops, and forests. As a sweet tribute to previous victors, the names of 301 Australian Olympic champions are featured in the lining of each blazer.

Australia’s heritage is front and center in the opening ceremony uniforms designed by Sportscraft.

Sportscraft also incorporated Indigenous artwork into the looks. The scarf is printed with the work “Walking Together” by Olympic boxer Paul Fleming, while the pocket square features the work “Ngalmun Danalaig” by artist David Bosun.

Where To watch The Summer Olympic Games In Paris Online Or On TV:

Three cheers for fashion , as we prepare to watch the Opening Ceremony for the Summer Olympic Games in Paris this Friday, July 26, 2024. Let us know in the comments which country’s national Olympic uniform stood out the most for you.

TOPSHOT - The campaign's official logo of the Paris bid to host the 2024 Olympic Games is seen on ... [+] the Arc de Triomphe in Paris on February 9, 2016. AFP PHOTO / LIONEL BONAVENTURE (Photo by LIONEL BONAVENTURE / AFP) (Photo credit should read LIONEL BONAVENTURE/AFP via Getty Images)

• Peacock will livestream every event of the Paris 2024 Olympics, including the opening and closing ceremonies.
• NBC and Telemundo will broadcast sole of the most popular Olympic competitions from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET each day. With additional sports airing on the CNBC, USA Network, E!, and Golf Channel.

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Team USA Basketball Showcase highlights: USA escapes upset vs. South Sudan

Team USA men's basketball may have thought Saturday's showcase against South Sudan was going to be relatively easy work, but had to stage a major comeback in its penultimate warm-up before the 2024 Paris Olympic Games .

Team USA trailed by as many as 16 points, but stormed back with a massive third quarter to claim a 101-100 win over a South Sudan team that fielded just one current NBA player.

LeBron James ended up leading Team USA with 23 points, sparking the comeback by sparking some emotion and finishing off multiple plays with statement dunks. Anthony Davis chipped in with a double-double off the bench, putting up 15 points and adding 11 rebounds.

Still, the story of the game might have been on the losing side. South Sudan got a triple-double out of Carlik Jones, whose stat line included 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. Former Philadelphia 76ers draft pick Marial Shayok led all scorers with 25 points, going 6-for-12 from three-point range.

It was a much tougher game than expected, especially after Team USA's pre-Olympic showcase schedule hadn't included many close calls. Coach Steve Kerr's team posted an 86-72 win over Canada last week before holding off Australia late Monday to win 98-92 . Most recently, Team USA rolled to a 105-79 win over a Serbia team featuring three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić.

South Sudan used Saturday's game to serve notice that they're capable of worrying any team at these Olympics, and these two teams will meet again in Group C in just under two weeks.

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Team USA vs. South Sudan highlights

SHOWTIME FOR BRON! 🔥👑 pic.twitter.com/SljochSbDC — FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 20, 2024

Everything going South Sudan's way in the first half 🇸🇸💪 pic.twitter.com/itLaWnpNt2 — FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 20, 2024

Omot on the putback for South Sudan!! 🇸🇸😤 pic.twitter.com/s5NkksDasC — FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 20, 2024

HOLIDAY HUSTLE ➡️ LEBRON AND ONE HAMMER 🔥 pic.twitter.com/VdKWghn7Y3 — FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 20, 2024

The #USABMNT survives! 🇺🇸 What a fight put up by South Sudan 🇸🇸👏 pic.twitter.com/hCad5aXRj1 — FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 20, 2024

When does Team USA play next?

Team USA will get one more exhibition game in before the 2024 Paris Olympics get underway. The U.S. will play Germany in London on Monday, July 22, with tip-off set for 3 p.m. ET.

Final score: Team USA 101, South Sudan 100

South Sudan gets multiple bites at the rim, but Team USA — thanks in part to a key block from Anthony Edwards amid the chaos — somehow survives, hanging on for a one-point win.

Oddsmakers listed Team USA as a 40-plus point favorite before tip-off, but South Sudan put in an incredible effort, particularly in an outstanding first half.

Powerful drive from LeBron, Team USA takes lead back

It's going down to the wire here, with LeBron James driving along the baseline to put Team USA back up by one.

That's a huge play from LeBron, but now the U.S. has to come up with a stop. South Sudan will inbound with eight seconds to go.

South Sudan leads Team USA late

Patience from South Sudan ends with another basket, and after Anthony Davis' dunk attempt won't fall, the game is suddenly up for grabs.

JT Thor missed a three moments ago, but with LeBron James in his face nails a triple from the corner. South Sudan is up 100-99 with 20 seconds to play in what has become a real thriller.

JT THOR FOR THE LEAD WITH 20 SECONDS TO GO!! 🚨🇸🇸 pic.twitter.com/ED1BsKgrkR — FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 20, 2024

Pace slowing as USA looks to close this game out

With a seven-point lead now, the U.S. is focusing on defense. Three straight stops and some patience have kept South Sudan from sparking a comeback attempt.

However, just as it looks like Team USA might break the century mark, a miss and a quick outlet from South Sudan finds Marial Shayok for his sixth three-ball of the game.

With 90 seconds to play, it's 99-95 USA.

Anthony Davis keeps USA ahead

The LA Lakers star comes up with a big bucket, and Team USA maintains what is a narrow lead.

Jayson Tatum and Carlik Jones trade baskets, and it's 95-92 with just 3:30 to play. South Sudan isn't going away here.

Carlik Jones triple-double confirmed

Carlik Jones wasted no time making sure he gets that triple-double with a nice drive and layup. That gives him 11 points on the night, to go with 10 rebounds and 10 assists.

The Fox broadcast team is talking up his prospects for a return to the NBA, and it's not hard to see why.

11, 10, and 10 for the Triple-Double 🔥 Have a night, Carlik Jones! 🇸🇸 pic.twitter.com/oYZkIyCH5A — FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 20, 2024

Triple-double watch for South Sudan's Carlik Jones

Carlik Jones has a double-double already, with 10 assists and 10 rebounds. With nine points, the South Sudanese-American (who has just 12 career NBA games spread across three seasons) would have a triple-double against Team USA.

With 6:45 to go, it's 90-84 USA.

81-76 USA, who closes third quarter on 16-0 run

Devin Booker's long-range three is followed up by a Steph Curry shot from nearly out of bounds, and Team USA has its first lead since the first quarter.

Suddenly it's all USA, as Shayok finally misses. LeBron James finishes the quarter off with a dish to Joel Embiid, whose layup at the buzzer means the U.S. suddenly has a five-point lead.

A wild third quarter saw Team USA score a whopping 37 points. That's a statement after a sloppy, disinterested first half.

Curry with the DEEEEP three to give USA the lead!! 🔥 #USABMNT pic.twitter.com/jPQ3ufCY6U — FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 20, 2024

And-1 after a huge dunk from LeBron

Jrue Holiday's hustle along the sideline keeps a play alive, and LeBron takes advantage, throwing down a huge dunk despite being fouled.

LeBron flexes, hits the free throw, and suddenly it's 76-71.

THE SAVE. THE SLAM. OH MY. 🤯😱 🇺🇸 #USABMNT x 📺 @FoxSports pic.twitter.com/vGNDUQhY8H — USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 20, 2024

Shayok can't miss for South Sudan

USA is getting improved effort for sure, but turnovers and transition defense remain issues. South Sudan is taking advantage, with Marial Shayok hitting his fifth three-pointer of the night after yet another Carlik Jones assist.

Despite Team USA stepping it up, with three to go in the third quarter the "Bright Stars" lead by 11.

Shayok knocks down his 4th triple of the night! 💦🇸🇸 pic.twitter.com/N9vVAf5alC — FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 20, 2024

ANOTHER ONE! 🔥 Make it 5 triples for Shayok 🇸🇸 pic.twitter.com/mWWNwNRQx3 — FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 20, 2024

Team USA chipping away

Team USA had to improve coming out of the locker room, and so far whatever changes were made are working. A 14-4 run in the first 3:45 of this half has turned what was a 14-point deficit into a two-possession game after Bam Adebayo knocks down two free throws.

South Sudan still cooking

Former Baylor Bear Omot cleans up a rebound with a huge dunk on Davis for 11 points on the night.

Team USA gets defensive to start

Anthony Edwards's block on the perimeter turns into an and-one for Tatum on the other side of the floor. Team USA chipping away at this sizable deficit.

Team USA has new look to start the second half

Anthony Edwards, Derrick White, Jayson Tatum, Bam Adebayo and Anthony Davis start the second half with a fresh look to kick things off.

Halftime: South Sudan 58, Team USA 44

An upset is brewing in London, with Team USA looking sluggish and shooting poorly. South Sudan is creating openings to attack in transition, forcing turnovers, and shooting with confidence. This scoreline is no accident.

LeBron James leads the U.S. with 12 points on 5-for-8 shooting. However, the 39-year-old superstar also has a game-high four turnovers, underlining one of Team USA's several issues in this first half.

South Sudan guard Carlik Jones is the star of the show, with 13 points and 6 assists (including more than one bucket scored by driving right at James).

Team USA is shooting 1-for-12 from three. South Sudan is has seven three for 50% from beyond the arc.

Team USA may have finally woken up

South Sudan has been playing with more energy and precision, but two straight stops on defense have been followed by a LeBron James drive and a Jrue Holiday layup after Devin Booker forced a turnover.

Even with those points, Team USA trails by 11 with a minute to go in the half.

South Sudan up 13 midway through the second

Things have slowed down here after a long review of an out-of-bounds call is followed by a timeout on the floor.

South Sudan is shooting over 57% from the floor, including a gaudy 6-for-13 from three-point range. The U.S., meanwhile, has hit from three just once, and is 10-for-20 inside the arc. It boils down to Team USA getting more low-quality looks, while South Sudan is creating open shots by pushing the tempo in transition.

Team USA goes back to its starters

Steve Kerr has seen enough, bringing his starting five back into the game. That group came out with a lead, but South Sudan is now up by a stunning 15 after Steph Curry misses three-pointers on either side of a USA turnover.

You're reading that right: it's 43-28 South Sudan.

South Sudan makes it 6-for-11 from three

South Sudan is shooting the lights out, with Nuni Omot's three from a full step back from the arc hitting their sixth three-pointer of the day.

It's 36-28 South Sudan as Team USA misses its next three shots to boot.

South Sudan is cookin'! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ta8UDLwKYo — FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 20, 2024

Who is Khaman Maluach?

Maluach is a 7-1, 250-pound center who comes by way of the NBA Academy Africa. Domestic fans will see a lot more of him as he has committed to Duke.

He comes in highly touted according to 247Sports and is heralded as the No. 4-ranked player and the No. 1-ranked center in the class. 

Team USA trails South Sudan after first quarter

Despite coming out hot, Team USA has fallen behind South Sudan by two, 26-24.

South Sudan has been pretty sharp from three-point range, while USA has settled for some contested shots that didn't fall.

South Sudan extends lead despite Adebayo dunk

Bam Adebayo is wide open after USA forces a turnover, and goes up for a powerful dunk.

However, South Sudan replies with a three right away, and with a minute to go in the first quarter, the United States trails 23-19.

Bam throws it down! 💥 pic.twitter.com/8f0d09uHeN — FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 20, 2024

New lineup for Team USA

Bam Adebayo, Anthony Davis, Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, and Jayson Tatum have all checked in for coach Steve Kerr, who made a line change.

However, South Sudan's last few minutes have been good, and a dunk from 17-year-old Khaman Maluach makes it 18-16 in his side's favor.

Gabriel helps South Sudan at both ends

Former NBA power forward Wenyen Gabriel just made plays at both ends, draining a three before drawing a foul through some quick defensive footwork.

Marial Shayok drains a three shortly thereafter, and South Sudan is down by two...until Steph Curry nails a characteristic off-balance three.

USA off to a fast start

Team USA is wasting no time taking charge of this exhibition. It's 10-2 within the first three minutes, with the U.S. finishing multiple possessions off with statement dunks.

That includes one from LeBron James in transition.

USA vs. South Sudan: Time, TV, streaming and how to watch

• Date:  Saturday, July 20
• Time:  3 p.m. ET
• Location:  The O2 Arena, London
• Streaming:  Fox Sports app; fuboTV ; YouTube TV

HOW TO WATCH: Catch Team USA in the Basketball Showcase with a Fubo subscription

Paris 2024 Olympics Men's 5x5 basketball groups

• South Sudan
• Puerto Rico

Remaining USA Basketball Showcase schedule

• July 22:  USA vs. Germany, 3 p.m. ET, Fox, London

Team USA men's basketball roster

• Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat
• Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns
• Steph Curry, Golden State Warriors
• Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers
• Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns
• Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
• Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
• Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers
• Jrue Holiday, Boston Celtics
• LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
• Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
• Derrick White, Boston Celtics

South Sudan men's basketball roster

• Junior Madu, Tasmania JackJumpers
• Nuni Omot, Taichung Suns
• Carlik Jones, Partizan Mozzart Bet
• Khaman Maluach, AS Douanes
• Kuany Kuany, Keilor Thunder
• Marial Shayok, Shandong Hi-Speed Kirin
• Deng Acuoth, Knox Raiders
• Majok Deng, Tasmania JackJumpers
• Peter Jok, Cholet Basket
• Koch Bar, Horsens IC
• Wenyen Gabriel, Maccabi Tel Aviv
• Sunday Dech, Adelaide 36ers

When are the Paris 2024 Olympics?

The 2024 Paris Olympics start on July 24 and run through August 11.

How can I watch the 2024 Paris Olympics?

TV: Games broadcast across NBC, USA Network, E!, Telemundo, CNBC

Streaming: Peacock , NBCOlympics.com 

USA Basketball Showcase locations

The final two USA Basketball Showcase exhibition games will take place at The O2 Arena in London, United Kingdom. The arena will also welcome the women's national team on July 23 for an exhibition game against Germany.

Team USA players to know

The star-studded U.S. squad is essentially an NBA all-star team, and includes a trio (Jrue Holiday, Jayson Tatum, and Derrick White) from the championship-winning Boston Celtics.

Veterans like LeBron James and Steph Curry seem locked in as starters for head coach Steve Kerr, while Tatum made this past season's All-NBA First Team. Center Anthony Davis, forward Kevin Durant, and guard Anthony Edwards all made the Second Team, and each has the ability to take over any game they're in.

Joel Embiid, despite some worries over his conditioning, may end up being critical, as he's the lone seven-footer on the roster for an Olympic games that may be all about dominating in the paint.

South Sudan players to know

Even in Bol Bol's absence, who cited personal reasons for withdrawing from the South Sudan roster on Friday, a win over Great Britain in London underlines that there are still some strong players ready to play for head coach Royal Ivey (who moonlights as an assistant coach for the Houston Rockets).

Guard Carlik Jones and small forward Marial Shayok starred in that win over Team GB, with Shayok leading South Sudan with 27 points thanks in part to going 4-for-6 from three-point range. Jones chipped in 13 points and a game-best eight assists.

Nebraska-born JT Thor didn't participate in that warm-up game, but with Bol's withdrawal, the Phoenix Suns power forward is South Sudan's lone player on an NBA roster.

Team USA 2024 Paris Olympic Games schedule

The schedule is according to  NBCOlympics.com  and is subject to change.

Group Stage

• July 28:  USA vs. Serbia at 11:15 a.m. ET on NBC
• July 31:  USA vs. South Sudan at 3 p.m. ET on USA Network
• Aug. 3:  USA vs. Puerto Rico at 11:15 a.m. ET on NBC

Quarterfinals

• Aug. 6:  TBD vs. TBD
• Aug. 8:  TBD vs. TBD

Gold/Bronze Medal games

• Aug. 10:  TBD vs. TBD

USA women's basketball Olympics schedule

On the women's side, action begins on July 29 with an exhibition taking place on July 23.

• July 23 - United States vs. Germany: 3 p.m. ET on FS1 (exhibition)
• July 29 - Women's Group Phase, Group C: United States vs. Japan:  1 p.m. ET on USA Network, Peacock and NBCOlympics.com.
• August 1 - Women's Group Phase, Group C: Belgium vs. United States:  3 p.m. ET on USA Network, Peacock and NBCOlympics.com.
• August 4 - Women's Group Phase, Group C: Germany vs. United States:  11:15 a.m. ET on USA Network, Peacock and NBCOlympics.com.
• August 7 - Women's Quarterfinals:  Games start between 5 a.m. ET - 3:30 p.m. ET on Peacock and NBCOlympics.com.
• August 9 - Women's Semifinal:  11:30 p.m. ET or 3 p.m. on NBC, Peacock and NBCOlympics.com.
• August 11 - Women's Bronze Medal Game:  5:30 a.m. ET on USA Network, Peacock and NBCOlympics.com.
• August 11 - Women's Gold Medal Game:  9:30 a.m. ET on NBC, Peacock and NBCOlympics.com.

How many medals does Team USA basketball have?

The men's Olympic basketball team has 19 medals, including 16 gold medals. The most recent coming in the 2020 Olympic Games.

Team USA starting lineup

#USABMNT Starting Five vs 🇸🇸 🇺🇸 Steph Curry 🇺🇸 Devin Booker 🇺🇸 Jrue Holiday 🇺🇸 LeBron James 🇺🇸 Joel Embiid 📺 @FOXSports pic.twitter.com/lUl9BHOo3r — USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 20, 2024

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.

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Sun-soaked coasts

Durban's endless summer.

T T hey don’t call Durban “South Africa’s playground” for nothing, so dig your toes in the sand, take a dip in the sea and enjoy your time in this great city. The weather is gorgeous all-year round, which is why we can brag about Durban’s coastline, even during the winter months! Durban welcomes visitors to a relaxed, outdoor lifestyle where braais, seafood and curry restaurants, clubs and friendly accommodation establishments provide everything an out-of-towner could wish for while on holiday.

T T he Beaches

Durban’s beaches lie along a stretch of golden sand, known as the Golden Mile. From Blue Lagoon's fishing spot to the sunken Vetch's Pier, a host of flat, sandy beaches invite you to set down an umbrella and towel, and while away hours in the sun.

With its warm water, awesome waves and seemingly endless stretches of sandy beaches, you'll soon understand why Durbs is everyone's favourite seaside playground. Premier beaches in Durban include body-boarding hotspot North Beach and swimmers' delight South Beach, while Bay of Plenty and Dairy Beach are top surfing breaks. Swimming takes place at all of these beaches, closer inshore.

The LEARN 2 SURF Durban surf school is based at Addington Beach, just north of uShaka Marine World.

T T he Activities

About 15 minutes' north of Durban, Umhlanga Rocks beach is lined with luxury hotels and apartments. This is a fun spot with a permanent holiday vibe. Umhlanga's village is full of restaurants, sidewalk cafes, pubs and clubs. If you’re after a quieter spot, Umhlanga's Bronze Beach is more secluded, while Umdloti, Salt Rock and Zinkwazi, further north, are more family friendly.

With a long, paved promenade, the Golden Mile offers joggers, cyclists, dog owners, surfers, body boarders and walkers the opportunity to enjoy early-morning and late-afternoon exercise. Visitors cannot miss Durban’s striking Moses Mabhida Stadium, host venue to top-notch sporting events, Segway tours, a city-viewing SkyCar and bungee swing.

uShaka Marine World

Closer to the harbour, uShaka Marine World, a world-class water park, aquarium (with fish, dolphins, seals, penguins and others) and restaurant and shopping complex overlooks the ocean and offers hours of entertainment for the whole family.

CONTACT: +27 31 328 8000 / [email protected]

Durban Tourism Tel: +27 31 322 4164 Email:  [email protected]

Florida Road

Feel the electric street vibe and unique, historic architecture on Florida Road as you explore a range of restaurants, galleries, boutiques, studios and bars. Florida Road has definitely earned its reputation as one of the city's trendiest streets, where people gather to shop, eat, drink, meet and enjoy Durban’s seemingly endless summer.

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A Summer in South Africa: Reflections and Research on Race, Schools, and Humanity

This colloquium explored issues of race through the reflections and ethnographic notes taken during Barry’s two-month trip to Cape Town, South Africa. These reflections on race draw on literature that discuss the “white/non-white” binary and various tenets of critical race theory. In addition, Barry’s pictures, videos, and notes document the changes in his racial framework that occurred from the beginning to the end of the trip, offering a critique of traditional liberalism. This colloquium also discussed the merits of community-centered and student-focused schools in the United States using an international context.

Related Papers

Education as Change

Crispin Hemson

In the World Yearbook of Education 2023: Racialization and Educational Inequality in Global Perspective. Edited By Janelle Scott and Monisha Bajaj, published November 7, 2022, by Routledge. ISBN 9781032148434. Chapter 11, pp 189-203.

ENVER MOTALA

This chapter begins with an overview of the genesis and history of racialization in education in South Africa before discussing contemporary forms of "race" and class stratification in education. The chapter argues that present-day educational segregation in post-apartheid South Africa must be examined with reference to the history of racial capitalism and to contemporary socioeconomic and political disadvantage and patterns of inequality in society. The chapter asserts that racism in education does not constitute an autonomous form of oppression but is inextricably linked to power relations and reproduced in conjunction with class, gender, and other inequalities. Education is embedded in social class relations and largely reflects and reinforces the inequalities in a racial capitalist society. The chapter also documents resistance in South African education by focusing on the "Fees Must Fall" protests by university students.

Edmund ' T E D ' Hamann

As much as there are reasons for optimism as one thinks about changes in South Africa, Africa, and the United States in relation to the transcendence of racial differentiation and hierarchy, this book is a reminder of how both harrowing and incomplete that journey is. This book, a crucial addition from the Global South to the scholarship on immigrant students\u27 schooling, depicts how salient and fraught racial identity, both asserted and ascribed, continues to be for the negotiation of school in South Africa. Immigrant students are loathed and marginalized for their accents and \u27foreign\u27 ways, and yet they are also stereotyped and viewed jealously as more serious and committed students than their native-born Black peers

King Ndebele

Sharlene Swartz

Beginning in early 2000, the South African Department of Education (DoE) embarked on a Values in Education initiative, which has subsequently been renamed Race and Values in Education (RVIE). Broadly stated, the aim of the initiative is to articulate common values which should be central to the new curriculum and the educational experience of all South African children, youth and educators. The initiative was largely participatory and attempted to gain wide spread support and participation from various sectors of society. Much of the criticism of the process has centred around the theoretical construction of the term values, the dangers of nation-building in a global society, and the lack of consultation with educators. These criticisms were addressed through responses to the initial report (Values in Education) by the public, a conference in January 2000 (Saamtrek) and a final report issued in August 2001 (Manifesto). In this paper I will describe the process which lead to the creation of a directorate in the national department of education (Race and Values in Education) in South Africa and highlight the importance of citizenship education in a nascent democracy such as South Africa. I will then provide a critique of the process, the outcomes to date and future plans of the DoE, and finally I will articulate some of the inherent areas of challenge for the implementation of citizenship education and its intersect with both moral and religious education.

Derek Catsam

In both South Africa and the United States South, education stands and has stood historically as a vital cultural and economic center for its people. In both cases school integration has proved to be profoundly contentious. Certainly much of the Civil Rights Movement in the U.S. was centered on integrating schools from the elementary school playground to the university campus.

crain soudien

dzunisani sydney

Clarence George III

"Social cohesion is our primary objective; through learning about the cultures of other nations, we can discover the common roots of humanity and break down social barriers to achieve a powerful and unified identity," (Dr. Mathole Motshekga, Chair, Kara Heritage Institute and School, Pretoria, South Africa). I am a first-year doctoral student in African American and African Studies with a concentration in African Studies at Michigan State University. I recently earned a Master’s Degree in Ethnic Studies with an African American Studies minor at San Francisco State University in California.

Journal of Social Issues

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Essay On The Magic Of South African Summer

South Africa is known for its intense summers. These summers are notorious for their scorching temperatures and unrelenting sun. But that doesn’t mean that the country can’t boast some amazing natural attractions in the warmer months.

Table of Contents

Throughout the summer, take a break from the heat and check out one of these top five southern African attractions:

1. cape town.

This illustrious city is home to some of the world’s most beautiful architecture, as well as world-renowned beaches. Spend your summer weekends exploring Victorian gardens or strolling along the picturesque shoreline of Table Bay.

2. Kruger National Park 

Home to some of the continent’s largest game reserves, Kruger National Park is a paradise for nature lovers of all levels of experience. If you have time, consider packing your camping gear and spending a night under the stars on one of the park’s many waterholes.

A jewel of wine country located in the heart of South Africa’s Western Cape, Paarl is renowned for its soaring wineries and gracious lifestyle. Sample classic red wines while savoring mouth-watering cuisine at one of Paarl’s many award

The South African Summer

The South African summer is a time for fun, relaxation, and friends. The weather is perfect for enjoying the outdoors, and there are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. From cultural events to festivals, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the summertime.

The best way to experience the South African summer is by spending time with friends. There are plenty of events and activities that can be enjoyed together, from barbecues to swimming pools. Some of the most popular places to spend a summer day include Cape Town’s Camps Bay, Hermanus’s Cliffs edge, and Knysna’s beaches.

South Africa has a wide variety of cultural events waiting to be explored during the summer months. From classical music concerts to theatre performances, there is always something new to experience. Some of the most popular culture events in Cape Town include the Table Mountain Festival and Franschhoek Fete Parade.

If you want to escape the heat, there are plenty of amusement parks open throughout the summer in Cape Town and Johannesburg. Thrill seekers will love Johannesburg’s Wild Coast amusement park while those looking for a more family-friendly experience may prefer Knopperswater waterpark in Cape Town or Lions Park in Durban.

The Weather in South Africa

South Africa has two seasons, summer and winter. The summer season typically lasts from December to February, while the winter season lasts from March to June. South Africa experiences a variety of weather conditions throughout the year. In the lowlands in the north, it is hot and dry all year round. In contrast, on the southern tip of Africa, near Cape Town, it can be quite cold all year round and rainy. The most extreme weather conditions in South Africa occur during thunderstorms and cyclones.

The Weather Channel offers useful information about weather conditions in various parts of South Africa at their website (www.weatherchannel.com). This website includes forecasts for each province as well as detailed information on temperature ranges, precipitation levels, wind speeds and direction, humidity levels and more.

The Best Places to Visit in the South African Summer

South Africa is known for its stunningly beautiful landscapes, but there’s so much more to see in the summertime. From vineyards and wineries to beaches and coral reefs, here are five of the best places to visit in the summer:

1) Cape Town

One of South Africa’s most popular destinations, Cape Town offers a wealth of attractions, including world-renowned beaches like Muizenberg and Clifton Beach. The city has plenty of nightlife options as well, making it a great place to spend a summer evening.

2) Hermanus

This small town on the Atlantic coast is home to some of South Africa’s most picturesque beaches, such as Sedgefield and Oyster Bay. It also has an interesting history dating back to 1836 when it was proclaimed a British colony.

3) Stellenbosch

A charming wine-producing town near Cape Town, Stellenbosch is home to some attractive wineries and lovely gardens. The town is also known for its lively arts scene and its annual festivals – be sure to check out one this summer!

4) Malmesbury

Known for its dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters, Malmesbury is another popular coastal town in the Western Cape province. It’s also home to several restaurants and hotels that offer stunning views of Table Mountain.

Standing at 1,600 metres (5,

What to Pack for a South African Summer Vacation

Summertime in South Africa is the perfect time to visit the country’s many attractions. From safari experiences to relaxing beach vacations, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the sunshine and relax after a long winter.

When packing for your trip, remember that summer temperatures can vary widely from city to city, so be prepared for everything from torrential downpours to scorching heat. Here are some essential items you’ll want to pack:

• Sunscreen and hats: Both UV radiation and hot weather can be harmful, so it’s important to use sunscreen and bring a hat if you’re going out during peak hours.

• A bathing suit: While most beaches in South Africa are public, some have designated areas for nudity or private swimming. Make sure you know the rules before hitting the water!

• Sunglasses: Even on cloudy days, bright sunlight can cause damage to your eyesight. Bring sunglasses with you wherever you go.

• Insect repellent: The African summer is full of insects! Bring along insect repellent- not only will it keep you safe from biting bugs, but also from pesky mosquitoes that can carry diseases such as malaria.

• A portable phone charger: This isn’t just a precaution- phones run out of juice quickly in hot weather, making it difficult to stay connected while on vacation. Pack a portable charger so you don’t have to waste time looking for an electrical outlet

How to Enjoy a South African Summer Vacation

South Africa is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. The coasts are lined with sandy beaches, while inland areas boast stunning mountains and valleys. The best way to enjoy a summer vacation in South Africa is by taking a few different trips – you’ll be able to see so much more than if you just stick to one spot. Here are some tips for enjoying your South African summer vacation:

1. Rent an RV or campervan: This is the perfect way to explore all of the great areas around Cape Town and Johannesburg. You can stop wherever you like, and there’s no need to worry about finding accommodation on the road – just pull over when you want to sleep!

2. Go hiking: Hiking through gorgeous landscapes is a great way to spend a day outdoors. There are lots of trails throughout South Africa that will take you up into the mountains or down into the valleys below.

3. Take a boat trip: Cruising downriver on aboat is another fantastic way to experience South Africa’s stunning countryside. You can stop at any point for swimming, fishing, or just enjoying the peacefulness of nature.

4. Visit a vineyard: If wine isn’t your thing, don’t worry – there are also plenty of other things to do in vineyards around South Africa, such as hiking, biking, birdwatching, and tasting some delicious local wines!

South Africa has some of the best weather on the planet, and it doesn’t matter what time of year it is. If you’re looking for a weekend getaway with your loved ones, or if you just want to escape from the cold winter months, then look no further than South Africa – this country has something for everyone! Whether you’re in search of an amazing beachfront property or a farm that will let you experience the real African culture, there’s sure to be something that meets your needs and desires. From Cape Town to Pretoria and everywhere in between, there’s no stopping the summer love!

Why Kids Need Lazy Summer Days

A personal perspective: make time for possibility and self-discovery this summer..

Posted July 23, 2024 | Reviewed by Devon Frye

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• I remember the long, slow days of my childhood summers—no technology, just our imaginations.
• Many kids today are living highly scheduled lives. They don't have time to slow down and find themselves.
• Do-nothing time without devices leaves space for creativity, possibility, and regeneration.
• Summer is an opportunity to develop the self-regulation and self-discovery that can lead to a fulfilling life.

My childhood summers were endless days of sunshine and rain and inventing activities with my siblings and the other kids on the block. Sometimes we attended sports or crafts activities at the neighborhood school. For a couple of weeks, my parents would rent a cottage on a nearby lake, where we swam and explored and made villages on the beach with stones and bits of driftwood. But otherwise, for July and August, we were on our own to figure out how to spend the day.

I’d do some reading every day, and once in a while, we’d devise a commercial enterprise (a lemonade stand, or maybe a fair for kids with a fortune-telling booth, games of chance, and games requiring some skill) that required attention to the mathematics of money, but otherwise, nobody ever suggested anything remotely academic. There was lots of purposeful activity, though, and lots of time for daydreaming.

Those hours and hours of do-nothing time—long before today’s technology options—gave us a chance to think about who we were, what we liked doing, what each of us did well, and what we wanted to learn more about. We acquired all kinds of useful skills along the way, including resourcefulness, emotion regulation , leadership , collaborative problem-solving, conflict resolution, planning, group dynamics, and more. It might sound paradoxical, but we learned to work hard in inventing meaningful play activities.

Once we were old enough to get jobs—around 13 or 14, when we could get under-the-table jobs at market stalls—we spent most of the summer working, but before that, our summer days were mostly ours to fill. My five siblings and I ended up creating diverse careers (actor/writer, politician, clothing designer, property developer, yoga teacher, and psychologist) that reflected our individuality, in ways that each of us has found fulfilling. I’m pretty sure those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer had something to do with that.

Device-free do-nothing time—in the context of warmth, stimulation, and social support—is good for our brains in a whole lot of ways. The restful neural processing involved in daydreaming is good for children’s brains, necessary for self-discovery and self-actualization, and for consolidating their learning. In a life that’s normally filled with academic, social, and physical schedules and challenges, your child needs unprogrammed do-nothing times to replenish their spirit and find their creative wellsprings.

Unscheduled free play supports your child in developing the skills that will matter most in the course of their lives — emotion regulation, persistence, and self-discipline. Summer’s a great time for creative regeneration, and can be a springboard to an academic year, and a lifetime, of learning, achievement, and fulfillment.

“Why Your Brain Needs More Downtime,” by Ferris Jabr

“ The Art and Science of Doing Nothing ,” by Susan Weinschenk

Dona Matthews, Ph.D. , is a developmental psychologist and the author of four books about children, adolescents and education.

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8.3 Biomes (ESG9X)

In this section learners will focus on summarising the importance of terrestrial and aquatic biomes of Southern Africa. They will study how climate, soil and vegetation influence the organisms found in each. The location of the different biomes in South Africa will also be introduced.

The biosphere is divided up into a number of biomes . Biomes are regions with similar climate and geography. The key factors determining climate are average annual precipitation (rainfall) and temperature. These factors, in turn, depend on the geography of the region, such as the latitude and altitude of the region, and mountainous barriers. The specific conditions of biomes determine the plant and animal life found within them. The communities of plants, animals and soil organisms in a particular biome are collectively referred to as an ecosystem . Biomes can be aquatic or terrestrial .

Aquatic biomes (ESG9Y)

Water covers a major portion of the Earth's surface, so aquatic biomes contain a rich diversity of plants and animals. Aquatic biomes are divided into two main groups depending on the amount of salt present in the water: freshwater and marine biomes.

1. Freshwater

Freshwater biomes are defined by their low salt concentration, which is usually less than \(\text{1}\%\). Examples include: ponds, lakes, streams, rivers and wetlands.

2. Marine biomes

Marine bodies are salty, having approximately 35 grams of dissolved salt per litre of water (\(\text{3,5}\%\)). Marine biomes are divided into oceans, coral reefs and estuaries. The vegetation of the marine biomes consists of the different types of algae, which is one of the major sources of oxygen in the world. Green algae also play a role in the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Oceans : are very large marine bodies that dominate the Earth's surface and hold the largest ecosystems. The open ocean or sea covers nearly three-quarters of the earth's surface and contains a rich diversity of living organisms. Examples of animals in the ocean biome include whales, sharks, octopuses, perlemoen, crabs and crayfish. Figure 8.2 shows a typical ocean ecosystem.

Figure 8.2: Ocean ecosystem.

Coral reefs : are found in the warm, clear, shallow waters of tropical oceans around islands or along continental coastlines. Coral reefs are mostly formed underwater from calcium carbonate produced by living coral. Reefs provide food and shelter for other organisms and protect shorelines from erosion. South Africa has only one coral reef in the subtropical ocean waters north of Lake St. Lucia in northern KwaZulu Natal. Figure 8.3 shows a typical coral reef system.

Figure 8.3: Coral reef.

Estuaries : are partially enclosed areas of fresh water and silt from streams or rivers, which mix with salty ocean water. Estuaries represent a transition from land to sea and from freshwater to saltwater. Estuaries are biologically very productive areas and provide homes for a wide variety of plants, birds and animals. Figure 8.4 shows an example of an estuary system.

Figure 8.4: Knysna Estuary.

Marine biomes of South Africa

South Africa's long coastline stretches for over 3000 kilometres, from Namibia in the West to Mozambique in the East. There are a few key features to note about South Africa's coastline and marine biomes. South Africa's coastline is rugged, as rocky shores are exposed to high wave energy and the coastline generally experiences high wind for most of the year. There are up to 343 estuaries found along the coast, two thirds of which are found on East Coast between Cape Padrone in the Eastern Cape Province and Mtunzini in KwaZulu-Natal. The Eastern coastline receives the highest rainfall, mostly during summer.

South Africa's East Coast has relatively warm waters (20-25 degrees C), the West Coast receives colder Atlantic waters (9-14 degrees C), and the South Coast experiences intermediate water temperatures (16-21 degrees C). The cold Benguela Upwelling System on the South-West coast supports large numbers of marine animals. The warm Agulhas current off the East Coast has a smaller quantity of fish but a greater diversity of species. Abundant opportunities exist for tourism, recreation, food, export and associated economic development.

Terrestrial biomes (ESG9Z)

Terrestrial biomes occur on land and can be of many types. Examples include: thicket, tundra, forest, grassland and desert. Terrestrial biomes are usually classified based on the dominant vegetation, climate or geographic location. The location and characteristics of the various biomes is mostly influenced by climatic conditions such as rainfall and temperature.

South African Biomes (ESGB2)

The most recent classification of the terrestrial biomes in South Africa divides the region into the following eight biomes:

• Succulent Karoo

The biome regions in South Africa are mapped in Figure 8.5 .

Figure 8.5: Biomes of South Africa.

1. Grassland Biome

Location : grasslands are found on the Highveld.

Climate : they typically have summer rainfall of 400 mm to 2000 mm. Winters are cold, and frost can occur.

Soil and geography : in grasslands, the soil is red/yellow/grey or red/black clay. Grassland soil has rich fertile upper layers.

Flora : vegetation is mainly grass, but trees can grow on the hills and along river beds.

Fauna : many types of grass-eating herbivores can be found in this habitat, such as black wildebeest, blesbok and eland. Rodents are also common in grasslands which makes this biome an ideal hunting ground for birds of prey. The diverse plant species also support many plant-eating insects such as butterflies, grasshoppers, crickets and ants.

Figure 8.6: Grasslands are regions where the vegetation is dominated by grasses.

Figure 8.7: Grasslands are regions where the vegetation is dominated by grasses.

Burning of grassland

Compare and analyse the advantages and disadvantages of burning grassland.

Instructions

Using these resources, tabulate the advantages and disadvantages of burning grassland.

• Remember to cite your references correctly.

Activity: Burning of grassland

Below are a couple of advantages and disadvantages related to the burning of grassland. However, learners may also come up with different examples, and as long as they can cite their source, their answers should be accepted.

2. Savannah biome

Location : the Savannah biome is the largest biome in Southern Africa. It is found mainly in the western parts of Limpopo, the northern parts of the Northern Cape and Free State, the North West Province and KwaZulu Natal.

Climate : summers are hot and wet and the winters are cool with little or no rain. Frost occurs in winter.

Soil and geography : the soil consists of red/black clay or red/ yellow/ grey soil and is often sandy.

Flora : this biome is also known as the bushveld, where grasses are mainly found and regular fires prevent the trees from dominating. Herbaceous plants and woody plants can be found in different areas. Plants are able to withstand fire.

Fauna : big game species such as kudu and Springbok, lion, buffalo and elephant are found in the Savannah Biome. This is also a malaria-prone area.

Figure 8.8: Savannah biome.

Figure 8.9: Savannah biome.

3. Succulent Karoo biome

Location : the Succulent Karoo biome can be found along the west coast of the Northern Cape Province and the northern parts of the Western Cape Province.

Climate : this biome is hot in summer and cold in winter and the rainfall in this area is very low. Fog is common, and frost is seldom severe enough to cause damage.

Soil and geography : lime-rich, weakly developed soils, rocks and sand that is easily eroded.

Flora : forty percent of plant species found here are endemic to this biome. The Namaqualand region of this biome is famous for its colourful wild flowers. Succulent plants are able to live through dry seasons by using water stored in their leaves or stems.

Fauna : insects are common and the plants provide grazing for sheep and goats.

The word 'Karoo' comes from the Khoi word Karusa , which means dry, barren, thirstland. Karoo is an apt description for this arid region.

4. Nama Karoo

Location : the Nama Karoo is the second largest biome in South Africa. It forms the major part of the Northern Cape Province and the Free State.

Climate : it is regarded as a semi-desert area receiving very little rain. The summers are very hot and the winters are very cold and frost often occurs.

Soil and geography : soil occurring on rocks is weakly developed. The area is also characterised by sands and rocky and red clay, making erosion occur easily.

Flora : it is characterised by grassy dwarf shrub land.

Fauna : the flora provides good grazing for sheep and goats.

Figure 8.10: Nama Karoo found in the Northern Cape province.

5. Forest Biome

Trees are not only producers, but as a result of their size they also create a habitat for other species. The leaf cover of trees provides shelter for animals, while the bark and fissures in the trees also provide a habitat for insects. The leaf cover also creates a shady environment in which shade-loving, low-growing plants can flourish.

Location : the forest biome in South Africa occurs in patches, in areas such as Knysna of the Western Cape as well as KwaZulu Natal, the Eastern Cape, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

Climate : some of these forests experience rain only in winter, while others get rainfall throughout the year.

Soil and geography : forests range in altitude from sea level to above 2000 metres, soil is drained and virtually all soil types are present.

Flora : forests are dominated by trees of which the Yellowwood is the largest. There are many herbaceous and bulbous plants that also occur.

Fauna : numerous insect species, birds ans small mammals such as bushpig, bushbuck and monkeys. The canopy is a perfect habitat for birds such as the Knysna Loeries, pigeons and eagle.

Figure 8.11: Forest biome.

Figure 8.12: Knysna Forest.

When leaves or fruit fall from the trees and collect at the feet of the trees, another series of organisms can appear. By breaking down organic material, decomposers such as microorganisms return the organic nutrients to the soil. Humus is formed in this way. Humus is dead organic material. Other creatures that live off decayed organic material, namely the detritivores, also promote this process of decomposition by breaking up dead plant matter into its component nutrients.

Poster project to illustrate the role players in a forest ecosystem

Bring pictures of animals, trees and other plants to class.

• The teacher will divide the class into groups.

Each group will prepare a poster to illustrate the mutual dependence of the trees, other plants and animals.

• Each group must present their poster to the rest of the class.

Answer the following questions / follow the instructions arising from the class discussion:

Supposing the tree on your poster was to fall over.

Which organisms would die?

Which organisms would move away?

Which organisms would increase in number?

Describe the role played by trees in an ecosystem.

Ecologically speaking, why is it bad practice to rake up leaves under trees?

Name three more examples where humans harm ecosystems.

Identify components of the ecosystem, including each trophic level. Represent this in the form of a diagram.

Project: Create a poster to illustrate the key role-players in a Forest Ecosystem

The answers to the questions will depend on the poster the learners have done. Each poster should have different answers to the questions.

If the tree falls:

The following organisms would die:

• Probably the tree itself, if it was still alive.
• Also young birds in nests in the tree.
• Anything on which the tree falls.

The following organisms would move away:

• Adult birds that were nesting or sleeping in the tree.
• Any animals that used the tree as a food source or habitat.
• Animals in the immediate vicinity of the tree (for a short while, anyway).

The following organisms would increase in number:

• Fungi and bacteria that would decompose the fallen tree.
• Ants and termites, that may use the dead tree as food source.
• Probably mosses and lichens that may grow on the surface of the tree.
• Smaller green plants in the area, as they would now get more sunlight.

The role played by trees in an ecosystem:

• Play a role in the gas balance of the atmosphere (remove \(\text{CO}_{2}\) and produce \(\text{O}_{2}\)).
• Form a habitat for many animals, e.g. squirrels, insects and birds.
• Many trees form fruits that act as a food source for animals, while leaves are eaten by herbivores. Nectar is eaten by bats, birds and insects.
• Provide shade and shelter against hail, sleet, snow and rain.
• Prevent soil erosion by holding back soil when it rains
• Thick stands of mangrove trees prevent much of the damage caused by tsunamis.
• They provide a screen against harsh winds
• Fallen leaves decompose to form compost, enriching the soil.
• Trees absorb much water and reduce surface runoff, allowing soil water sources to replenish slowly.
• There are several other learner-dependent answers.

Leaves should be left to decompose slowly, releasing nutrients into the soil. This provides fertiliser to enrich the soil with humus and recycles nutrients in nature.

Examples where humans harm ecosystems:

• Uncontrolled burning / accidental damage to ecosystems.
• Deliberate burning as a form of deforestation.
• Pollution in all its forms, including litter.
• Noise due to people, machines and vehicles unsettles animals.
• Planting invasive alien plants / not removing them from ecosystems destroys the natural species balance of an area.
• Monoculture removes biodiversity, e.g. on farms / golf estates

Learner dependent answer. This may be shown as a food pyramid.

The Fynbos contains approximately \(\text{75}\%\) of South Africa's rare and threatened plants.

Location : fynbos is the natural shrub found in the Western Cape of South Africa.

Climate : characterised by cold, wet winters and hot, dry summers (Mediterranean climate conditions).

Soil and geography : poor, acid and coarse-grained soil.

Flora : fynbos is widely known for its widespread biodiversity. Important plant types found in the fynbos include proteas, 'silver trees' and 'pincushions'. Plants growing here do not lose their leaves. Proteas have striking flowers. It has the highest fynbos variety in the world, with over 9000 species of fynbos found here.

Fauna : fynbos is home to many bird species, insects and small mammals.

Figure 8.13: Mountain Fynbos found in Western Cape.

The flora of the fynbos has a high degree of endemism . This is the ecological state of being specific to a geographic location such as an island, country or in this case, a defined biome such as the fynbos.

Fire is a necessary stage in the life-cycle of nearly all fynbos plants, and is common during the dry summer months. Many of the seeds germinate only after the intense heat of a fire. As proteas 'prepare' for the fire, they retain their seeds on the bush for at least a year, a habit known as serotiny .

The lowlands of the fynbos have been developed for agriculture and wine farming. Due to this, various species of fynbos have been threatened. For this reason, the fynbos region must be protected and preserved. It is a major tourist destination.

Discovering fynbos in South Africa

The astonishing richness and diversity of the Western Cape's natural resources is matched only by the resourcefulness and diversity of its many people. Historical patterns of unsustainable use of resources have led to the Cape Floristic Region (CFR) being listed as one of the world's threatened bioregions, and the scars are deeply etched in the land and its people.

Western Cape residents are exploring new and sustainable ways to value and benefit from these globally important assets.

South Africa's Cape Floristic region is legendary, and the unique nature of the fynbos biome has been celebrated by biologists, conservationists, development experts, and ecologist worldwide.

(Adapted from speech by Tasneem Essop the Western Cape Provincial Minister for Environment, Planning and Economic Development)

Write an essay on the fynbos biome and discuss the following aspects:

• What is the meaning of the term “fynbos”?
• Identify features of families/ indicator species that make up this vegetation type.
• Describe its ecological role in the environment.
• Describe the environmental impacts of destroying this type of vegetation.
• Describe the economical importance of fynbos for the people of the Western Cape.
• Describe management strategies involved in protecting it.

Your essay may be written or typed . Marks will be awarded for originality and own interpretation. Include a bibliography of three of more resources. No marks will be awarded for plagiarism.

Project: Learners to write an essay on the fynbos using the source information provided

Write an essay on the 'Fynbos' biome and discuss the following aspects.

Essay may be written or typed . Marks will be awarded for originality and own interpretation. Include a bibliography of three of more resources.

The exact content of such an essay cannot be specified and is up to the individual teacher. The following may serve as a guideline only:

Fynbos Biome

Fynbos is the natural shrubland or heathland vegetation occurring in a small belt of the Western Cape of South Africa, in coastal and mountainous areas with a Mediterranean climate. The soil is acidic and nutrient-poor, while the climate is marked by cold wet winters and hot dry summers. It is the smallest of the world's six floral kingdoms.

Indicator Species

Small, fine-leafed, low-growing and tough evergreen plants. Fynbos includes legumes and bulbous plants (like Watsonia spp. and chincherinchees), but the three main indicator groups are Ericas, Restios and Proteas .

Restios Restios are reed or rush-like plants. They are found in dense stands in areas of poor drainage. Being hardy, they are not grazed, but locals harvest them for thatching.

Ecological role

This biome can’t support large animals due to lack of enough nitrogen, but the area has many smaller animals like baboons, klipspringers, grysbok, dassies, mongooses and mice. Many endemic sunbirds are found here, also highly endangered butterfly species, like those whose larvae actually eat ants and live inside the ant colonies. The geometric tortoise, the world’s second rarest tortoise, is found only here, as well as several endangered frog species.

Biological impact of destruction

Again, possible answers vary widely. They should mention the loss of biodiversity, the threat to our natural heritage, possible cures for disease in plants that have not yet been studied scientifically, the loss of ecotourism and the jobs / income associated with this, the fact that extinction is forever and cannot be reversed, etc.

Economic impacts of this area for people

• Products such as rooibos tea and honeybush tea are grown here.
• Buchu plants provide oil for medicines and perfume.
• Many fynbos flowers are exported in fresh / dry form, as they last so long.
• Area provides recreational and relaxation opportunities.
• Huge numbers of research opportunities exist in the fynbos area.
• The natural beauty of the area cannot be overemphasised.
• There are several others – accept anything relevant.

Management strategy and Protection

• Removal of alien plants like pine trees, prickly pears, Australian blue gums and Acacia species.
• No developments like roads / power lines may happen here without approval.
• No agriculture will be allowed.
• No picking of flowers or removal of any plant parts.
• Encourage ecotourism to generate income and create jobs.
• Discourage the sale of curios, like shells of geometric tortoises for key rings.
• Several other relevant points may be accepted.

Below is a list of other miscellaneous facts that students may choose to include in their essays:

• Fynbos, meaning "fine bush", is a unique and strikingly beautiful group of flora endemic to a small section of the Western Cape of South Africa.
• Fynbos grows in a 100-to-200-km-wide coastal belt stretching from Clanwilliam on the West coast to Port Elizabeth on the Southeast coast. It forms part of the Cape floral kingdom, where it accounts for half of the surface area and \(\text{80}\%\) of the plant varieties.
• The fynbos in the western regions is richer and more varied than in the eastern regions of South Africa.
• Of the world's six floral kingdoms, this is the smallest and richest per area unit. The diversity of fynbos plants is extremely high, with over 9000 species of plants occurring in the area, around 6200 of which are endemic, i.e. they do not grow anywhere else in the world.
• Soil is made of rock and sandstone.
• Fire is required for seed germination and is also important to clear accumulated growth.
• Ants are important for seed dispersal and birds assist in pollination.
• Other animals found in the fynbos biome are the cape golden mole, geometric tortoise and ostrich.

No marks should be awarded for plagiarism.

Location : the thicket biome occurs along the coasts of KwaZulu Natal and the Eastern Cape.

Climate : thickets develop in areas where the rainfall is fairly high; however, there may be dry periods that prevent the vegetation from developing into forests.

Soil and geography : most thickets occur in river valleys.

Flora : the vegetation of this biome includes short trees, low intertwining shrubs and vines. There are no distinct layers of trees and shrubs, with many large open spaces found in the thicket biome. Thickets in the Eastern Cape are comprised of dense impenetrable vegetation dominated by spiny, often succulent trees and shrubs.

Fauna : examples of fauna found in thicket include kudu, monkey, bushbuck and elephant.

8. Desert Biome

Location : the Desert Biome is found largely in the Namib Desert along the coast of Namibia. The transition regions between deserts and grasslands are sometimes called semi-arid deserts.

Climate : deserts are dry areas where evaporation usually exceeds precipitation. Rainfall is low, less than 25 centimetres per year, and can be highly variable and seasonal. The low humidity results in temperature extremes between day and night. Deserts can be hot or cold. Hot deserts (e.g. the Namib and Kalahari) are very hot in the summer and have relatively high temperatures throughout the year and have seasonal rainfall. This combination of low rainfall and high temperatures keeps the air very dry, increasing its evaporating power.

Soil and geography : the soil consists mostly of sand, gravel or rocks.

Flora : deserts have relatively little vegetation.

Fauna : many insects and reptiles (lizards and snakes) occur in the desert biome.

Figure 8.15: Kalahari desert.

Did you know that most of the animals in the desert can live without water for a long time? They have adapted in many ways to do this. For instance, they can store water internally, take water out of their prey, or peck at succulents and suck out the water stored inside them.

Biomes Advertisement

Getting to know the biomes of South Africa.

• reference books

Study some advertisements for ideas.

You work for an Advertising Agency that is bidding for the account of a top travel agency. The bid includes designing a full page advert (A4) for the Getaway Magazine. Presentation, appeal and accuracy will therefore be of top priority.

The travel agency has specified that they would like the following to be included in the ad, which is geared towards people looking for a different and fascinating holiday in a specific biome :

• A region in the biome of your choice, including cities and/or towns worth a visit
• Climate (of interest to tourists)
• Well-known geographical features in the region
• Mention of some interesting wildlife (i.e. birds, animals, plants) that may be seen
• The name of the travel agency, with contact information

This is an optional activity that teachers may include if they want to. Assessment will be based on the fulfilment of the criteria given and may require the assistance of a member of the Language and /or Art department of the school, to ensure that the adverts are assessed for scientific accuracy, as well as artistic appeal and visual impact. It is recommended that a rubric be drawn up to guide assessment, such as the example given below. The teacher just ticks the relevant box and allocates the mark above that column:

Rubric to asses the biome poster

Total out of 25 marks:

Biome Poster

The following activity is to be done in groups of four

Brainstorm a suitable set of criteria for assessment for poster and verbal report

Select one biome from the list given and do the following:

Use suitable references to obtain as much information as possible on the plants and animals found in your selected biome.

Make notes about the climate, landscape, flora and fauna, stating how some of these are adapted to their environment.

Design an attractive poster to illustrate the landscape as well as the dominant plants and animals that make up a food chain.

Display your poster on the classroom wall and each person of the group is to give a verbal presentation on an aspect of the biome you studied.

Biome Project

It is suggested that a rubric similar to the above be drawn up for assessment of the project. Such rubrics go a long way in standardising the assessment for different projects and they ensure that learners are given adequate feedback about what was correct / wrong about their project.

All teachers who have learners in this grade should come together and have a brainstorming session themselves, deciding on what the criteria are they will assess and what aspects will be taken into account within each criterion. The more clearly the criteria and sub-topics are defined in the beginning, the better. This cannot be over-emphasised.

It should be made clear to learners that group work DOES NOT involve one or two members doing all the work and others sitting back as spectators. ALL of them have to get involved and make a contribution to the project. The teacher may ask that they allocate specific tasks, e.g.

ALL: Decide on which biome to select and compile the food chain at the end.

Person 1: Collect pictures and information on plants of the area.

Person 2: Collect pictures and information on animals of the area.

Person 3: Collect pictures and information on climate and landscape.

Person 4: Design the poster and put it together.

ALL: Each member gives a verbal report on one aspect of this biome (max 1-2 minutes each).

Global climate summary for June 2024

• Temperatures were above average over much of the globe with Africa, Asia and South America having their warmest June on record.
• Sea surface temperatures were record warm for the 15th consecutive month.
• Northern Hemisphere snow cover extent and global sea ice extent were both below average. 
• Global tropical cyclone activity was below average, with only two named storms. 

June temperature

June 2024 was the warmest June on record for the globe in NOAA's 175-year record. The June global surface temperature was 1.22°C (2.20°F) above the 20th-century average of 15.5°C (59.9°F). This is 0.15°C (0.27°F) warmer than the previous June record set last year, and the 13th consecutive month of record-high global temperatures. This ties with May 2015-May 2016 for the longest record warm global temperature streak in the modern record (since 1980). June 2024 marked the 48th consecutive June with global temperatures, at least nominally, above the 20th-century average.

There have been 13 consecutive months of record-hot global temperatures, spanning from June 2023 through June 2024, which ties for the longest streak in modern record. Each month of record global temperatures, compared to the 1991-2020 average, is shown in sequence. Places that were warmer than average are red; places that were cooler than average are blue. Image by NOAA Climate.gov, based on data from NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information.

Global land-only June temperature also was warmest on record at 1.75°C (3.15°F) above average. The ocean-only temperature also ranked warmest on record for June at 0.98°C (1.76°F) above average, 0.05°C (0.09°F) warmer than the previous record warm June last year, and the 15th-consecutive monthly ocean record high. These record temperatures occurred under ENSO-neutral conditions. According to  NOAA's Climate Prediction Center , ENSO-neutral conditions are present and La Niña is favored to develop during July-September (65% chance) and persist into the Northern Hemisphere winter 2024-25 (85% chance during November-January).

Interactive graph showing global temperature each June from 1850-2024 compared to the 20th-century average. Use your cursor and hover over a specific year or bar to examine individual years more closely. Warmer-than-average years are red; cooler-than-average years are blue. Image by NOAA Climate.gov, based on data from NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, created with Datawrapper .

Record-warm June temperatures covered large parts of Africa, parts of southern Europe, Southeast Asia, and much of the northern two-thirds of South America. Anomalous warmth also covered large parts of North America, with the exception of central and western Canada. During June 2024, 14.5% of the world's surface had a record-high June temperature, exceeding the previous June record set in 2023 by 7.4%. Across the global land, 13.8% of its surface had a record-high June temperature. Meanwhile, 0.3% of the global land and ocean surface experienced a record-cold June temperature.

The  record-warm June temperatures  which were a continuation of record warmth throughout the  first half of the year  in large parts of South America contributed to early and expansive drying of the Pantanal, the world's largest tropical wetlands. This led to  a record start to the fire season , with more than 2500 wildfires reported in the Pantanal in June, the most ever for the month since records began in 1998, and  more than six times  the number in the same month of 2020, which was the most active fire year on record for the Pantanal.

In other parts of the world, monthly temperature anomalies exceeding +2°C to 3°C covered areas including large parts of eastern Europe, North Africa, northern Argentina, and large parts of central and western Asia. In Greece, an early-season heat wave with multi-day temperature exceedances of 38ºC (100ºF) occurred in many places. The extreme heat led to the  reported deaths of several tourists  and forced the closure of some tourist sites during the hottest periods.

June temperatures more than 3°C above average also covered much of western Antarctica. Conversely, temperatures below the 1991—2020 mean occurred in most of Greenland, southern South America, northwestern Russia, eastern Asia, eastern Australia, and much of eastern Antarctica.

Temperatures in June 2024 compared to the 1991-2020 average. Places that were warmer than average are red; places that were cooler than average are blue. Image by NOAA Climate.gov, based on data from NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information.

Over the global oceans record-warm June temperatures covered large parts of the equatorial Atlantic and the  Caribbean , where Hurricane Beryl became the first Category 4 hurricane observed in the Atlantic Ocean during the month of June. Record-warm sea surface temperatures also occurred in parts of the equatorial western Pacific, the southeast Pacific, and the Indian Ocean. Across the global ocean, 14.8% of its surface had a record-high temperature for the month. Only 0.2% of the global ocean was record cold in June. Widespread areas of below-average June sea surface temperatures were largely confined to the southeastern Pacific.

In the Northern Hemisphere, June 2024 ranked warmest on record at 1.56°C (2.81°F) above average, 0.32°C (0.58°F) warmer than the previous June record of 2023. The Northern Hemisphere land temperature and ocean temperature also each ranked warmest on record for the month. The Southern Hemisphere experienced its second warmest June on record at 0.88°C (1.58°F) above average, 0.02°C (0.04°F) cooler than 2023. The Southern Hemisphere land temperature for June was third warmest while June's ocean temperature was second warmest on record.

June precipitation from land-based stations

June was drier-than-average in areas that included most of the western United States and Alaska, large parts of the far eastern United States, an area stretching from northern Africa to southeastern Europe, the United Kingdom, large parts of eastern Russia, northeastern China, and parts of southern and eastern Australia. Areas that were wetter-than-average in June included parts of southern Japan, areas of eastern Europe, much of western Australia, large parts of the central United States, and southeast China, where in  Guangdong Province  heavy rainstorms caused loss of homes, roadways and bridges, damage to crops and dozens of reported deaths and missing persons.

Percent of normal precipitation for global land-based stations in June 2024 compared to a base line of 1961 to 1990.  Places that received more precipitation than average are colored green; places that received less precipitation than average are colored brown. Gray areas represent missing data. Image by NOAA Climate.gov, based on data from NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information.

For information on 2024's year-to-date temperature ranking, notable climate events, and separate statistics for Earth's land and ocean areas see the full June 2024 monthly report from NOAA NCEI . 

Satellite summary of global precipitation patterns

• A La Niña-like pattern across the tropical Pacific is weakly evident despite near-neutral temperatures in the Nino 3.4 Index region. The pattern correlation is tending toward La Niña characteristics.
• Early Asian Monsoon rains accompanied by floods/landslides in South Asia and southern China.
• Atlantic tropical cyclone season starts, while eastern Pacific season remains dormant.
• Central America through Caribbean rainfall feature relates to floods, including in Miami.

Difference from average precipitation around the world in June 2024 compared to the 1979-2020 average. Places that received more precipitation than average are colored blue; places that received less precipitation than average are colored brown. Map by NOAA Climate.gov, based on data provided by the Global Precipitation Climatology Project (University of Maryland).

The seasonal progression of global precipitation features continues as always this month with a vibrant start to the Summer Asian Monsoon, but also a continued transition from the El Niño of a few months ago toward a possible near future La Niña , but also a record-warmest June globally. How does all this affect the global precipitation totals and distribution this June?

Some anomaly features in the deep tropics show resemblance to a typical La Niña pattern , despite the Niño 3.4 SST [sea surface temperature] Index being about neutral for the month, and even a little positive (toward El Niño) at the end of June. For example, most of the Pacific along the equator has negative rainfall anomalies [ anomaly means "difference from long-term average"], typical of La Niña, with mainly positive anomalies across the Maritime Continent and surrounding waters—also La Niña-like. A rain-induced landslide in Indonesia struck a village with 200 dead.

Central and South America also appear La Niña-like, with excess rain along to the north and dry conditions to the south, amplifying the long-term drought in that zone. In other areas of the tropics the ENSO-related patterns are very weak or non-existent. The correlation of this June’s anomaly patterns with ENSO climatological composites has moved a little towards La Niña, with a slightly positive correlation.

June brought a relatively early beginning to the monsoon rainfall over South Asia, with excess rainfall over India, Nepal, Bangladesh and southern China, with accompanying flooding and landslides, with drought further north in China. Australia and tropical Africa have mixed anomaly patterns.

The lack of rain in southern Brazil has resulted in rare fires in the normally moist Pantanal wetlands. Farther north a strong positive anomaly is seen stretching from Central America through the Caribbean, Cuba and even extreme South Florida and out into the Atlantic resulting in floods in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador with 30 deaths, and flooding in Miami.

The eastern U.S. was covered by mean dry conditions edging toward drought. The same was true for the U.S. west coast with hot and dry conditions there helping to initiate fires. In between, the North American monsoon started in late June, helping to alleviate the drought in western Mexico and providing a relatively wet sliver up through Arizona, Utah and southwest Colorado.

Tropical Storm (TS) Alberto, the first Atlantic storm of the year, developed off the Texas/Mexico coast in mid-month and drenched the coastal areas there. Hurricane Beryl developed in mid-Atlantic and approached the Caribbean before the end of the month and hit Texas in very early July. The eastern Pacific remained without storms in June.

Much of western and central Europe, except the U.K., had an excess of rainfall this month, with flooding occurring in southern Germany and Switzerland. Over southeast Europe and into the Mideast dry conditions prevailed, and combined with excessive heat, resulted in many deaths during religious festivities in Saudi Arabia.

Even though our earth-atmosphere system is coming out of the recent El Niño and is currently neutral and probably transitioning into La Niña, the temperature this past month was a record high for June due [at least in part] to global warming, and the global precipitation anomaly dropped a bit from last few months, but was still a near-record high. [Reminder: This statistic is for the satellite record compiled by the Global Precipitation Climatology Project.]

The high global total is being driven by both ocean and land, but that this month the land total is especially large. This higher anomaly over land is typical of La Niña conditions, so perhaps this distribution is indicative of the system move in that direction. The interplay between the surface temperature and global precipitation numbers (and global patterns) in the coming months will be interesting.

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Using survey data from the World Bank’s Global Findex Database and a pseudo panel we investigate two pertinent issues pertaining to financial inclusion in South Africa. First, we consider the factors driving the likelihood of accessing financial services in South Africa. Second, we investigate the impact of banking sector competition on financial inclusion in South Africa – essentially testing the information and market power hypotheses. Household head characteristics such as age, education and income are found to positively influence the likelihood of being financially included. Considering the relationship between financial inclusion and banking sector competition, evidence supports the information hypothesis rather than the market power hypothesis. That is, lower bank competition facilitates the formation of longer-lasting relationships between banks and their clients, which incentivises banks to invest in information generation and monitoring in previously unserved markets, thereby expanding financial inclusion.

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Descriptive Essay: My Country South Africa

South Africa is a country situated on the most southern tip of Africa cradled by the icy Atlantic Ocean on the west and the warm Indian Ocean on the south and east. The southernmost tip jutting out into the ocean is called Cape Aghulhas (Cape of Needles) and separates these two great oceans. To the north are Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe. South Africa encircles the independent kingdoms of Swaziland and Lesotho.

The 11 official languages are Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tonga, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu. The three most spoken first languages are Zulu (22.7%), Xhosa (16%) and Afrikaans (13.5%). English is the language of commerce and science and is the first language of 9.6% South Africans. There are also semi-official and unofficial languages.

The unofficial languages of the Khoikhoi and San are in grave danger of extinction. They are the aboriginal peoples of South Africa and are physically distinct with an ancient culture founded on hunter-gatherer societies.

The country is made up of nine provinces Western Cape, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, North West, Limpopo, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumulanga and Free State. The main cities are Durban (coastal Kwazulu-Natal), Johannesburg (inland Gauteng), Cape Town (coastal Western Cape) and Pretoria (inland northern Gauteng).

Population and Size

South Africa takes up four percent of Africa’s landmass i.e. 1 221 040 square kilometers making it three times bigger than Texas and five times bigger than Britain. This area is populated by about 52 million people.

Our first peoples were the San and Khoikhoi established for thousands of years before the arrival of the Bantu-speaking tribes who were established hundreds of years before the Europeans. The Europeans were sent by the Dutch East India Company and arrived at the Cape in 1652 to build a fort and start a garden for ships on the eastern trading route. Eventually, this route also brought slaves to the Cape until slaves were freed in 1833.

The Afrikaans speaking Boers, descended mainly from Europeans, trekked north and east to establish the Boer republics of Orange Free State and Transvaal. They did not want to be under British rule. After diamonds were discovered in 1867, and gold in 1876, a war broke out between Boers and British. In 1902, the Boers were defeated and in 1910 South Africa became a Union of 2 British and 2 Boer colonies.

The ANC was founded in 1912 but in 1936 black South Africans were expunged from the voter rolls. In 1950, more than 1 million black South Africans were forced from cities to rural areas and poverty.

In 1961, South Africa became a republic under the white supremacist Nationalists and the country was gradually weakened by internal black opposition and international boycotts. In 1990, this led to de Klerk releasing Mandela from 27 years in prison. In a 1992 referendum, white South Africans voted to support de Klerk’s negotiations and in 1994 the ANC won the first democratic election and Mandela became president on 10 May.

My country has experienced a tragic history but today, all South Africans strive equally for a better future and to maintain democratic values e.g. the country is united in preventing current President Zuma from restricting freedom of speech. Our biggest challenge is reducing poverty but this is possible due to tourism, mineral wealth and Johannesburg being the thriving power-house of business on the African continent.

http://www.edusouthafrica.com/south-africa.html http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0107983.html http://www.factmonster.com/country/profiles/south-africa.html http://www.southafrica.info/about/history/521109.htm#.UzKlhqiSzxI

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Essay on Summer Season for Students and Children

500+ words essay on summer season.

Essay on Summer Season – Summer season is the hottest season of the year. In this season the temperature became so high that water starts to evaporate very quickly. But this is the most entertaining season for kids who enjoy it to the fullest because their school gets off in the summer season. Usually, summers last for mid or later March to June but they can expend up to the first week of July due to a delay of monsoon.

Facts about the Summer Season

The season occurs when the earth tilts towards the sun and a vice versa phenomenon for winter. In the southern hemisphere, December to February are the summer months. The day becomes warmers and nights become cooler. Besides, the day is longer and nights are shorter.

This season, we get a lot of variety of fruits and vegetables . And this is the season in which farmers prepare their land for cultivation. The sky becomes clearer as there are no clouds to give shade. And the sun shines bright.

Effects of Summer Season

Summer is hot for many reasons these include some natural factors and some manmade factors. These factors also cause many changes in climate conditions . Although the season is quite dry the kids love it.

Moreover, too much hotness is very bad for certain things and results in many problems. One problem that it causes in human which is very common is dehydration. It not only causes weakness and dizziness but also can lead to death. So, to keep the body hydrated we need to drink plenty of water.

Small ponds, rivers, and wells dry up in this season. The groundwater level declines and in some areas conditions like drought occurs.

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Who Enjoys Summer?

Although anyone can enjoy the summers the way they like the Children loves it the most. They love it because they have a long summer vacation ahead of them which they enjoy fully.

Besides, they can do whatever they want, be whomever they want, and spend their day playing and traveling with family. Most of the children visit their grandparents in summer or go to a hill station in a cold place to enjoy with family. For them, it’s the most relaxing time when they do not have to do any homework on a daily basis.

Moreover, they do all kinds of fun and naughty things they could. In this time they become the king of their dreamland.

Effects on Life

Whether humans, animals or birds all become very irritated of the season. The summer season causes them to stay indoors. And it makes condition pretty harsh to go out. During the day temperature rises to a level which causes difficulty.

What’s Good about Summer Season?

There are many good things about summer that includes the king of fruits and everyone’s favorite ‘Mango’. Apart from that, there is a large variety of fruits and vegetables in the market.

To conclude, we can say that the summer season is not as bad as it looks. It is just like any other season. We can also enjoy summer like any other season by finding the right ways like kids. Moreover, the season is rich in a variety of fruits and vegetables especially the mango.

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Justice & Memory: South Africa’s Constitutional Court

In a society such as South Africa in which the past has been deeply unjust, and in which the law and judges have been central to that injustice, establishing a shared conception of justice is particularly hard. There are four important strands of history and memory that affect the conception of justice in democratic, post-apartheid South Africa. Two of these, the role of law in the implementation of apartheid, and the grant of amnesty to perpetrators of gross human rights violations, are strands of memory that tend to undermine the establishment of a shared expectation of justice through law. Two others, the deeprooted cultural practice of justice in traditional southern African communities, and the use of law in the struggle against apartheid, support an expectation of justice in our new order. Lawyers and judges striving to establish a just new order must be mindful of these strands of memory that speak to the relationship between law and justice.

KATE O'REGAN, a Foreign Honorary Member of the American Academy since 2009, served as a Judge of the Constitutional Court of South Africa from 1994 through 2009, when her fifteen-year term ended.

The new Constitutional Court building is built on a hill in Johannesburg. 1  It stands on the site of four notorious prisons. The first and oldest is the Fort, originally built, as its name suggests, as a fort by President Paul Kruger in the years immediately before the Anglo-Boer War, or what in Afrikaans is called the Second Freedom War, to defend the city of Johannesburg. Not long after the war, as is the way with many forts, it became a prison. Mahatma Gandhi and then, some decades later, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela were both imprisoned there. Around the Fort, three other prisons sprang up: the women’s jail to the west, and to the north, the native jail and the awaiting trial prison. Three of the four prisons still stand on the hill: brick-and-mortar memorials of the role that law has played in South Africa’s history.

The fourth, the awaiting trial block, was demolished to make way for the new court building. Its bricks, however, were preserved, and have been used throughout the court building, most notably in the courtroom itself, where packed into a dry stone curving wall they serve as a reminder both of the prison .  .  .

• 1 The first section of this essay is adapted from an address given by the author at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg on April 2, 2009. That address was entitled “For Life and Action: Justice, Reconciliation, and the Work of Memory.” The text of that address was published in the South African legal magazine Without Prejudice in the same year.