FAMOUS PEOPLE Nelson Mandela (1918-) - You don't get more famous than Mandiba (that's what they

call him in South Africa). Nelson Mandela is the Father of the Nation, revered as a God. Mandela was the first black president and the first democratically elected president of South Africa in 1994. Words can't praise him enough. Absolute hero... Desmond Tutu (1931-) - Desmond Tutu rose to fame during the 1980s as an opponent of apartheid. He became the first black South African Archbishop of Cape Town and is one of the most recognised figures in religion worldwide. Tutu received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 and the Gandhi Peace Prize in 2005. He has done loads to promote world peace, hence the mention.

Charlize Theron (1975-) - A Hollywood starlet. She's famous for 'The Devil's Advocate' and 'The Cider House Rules', and won critical acclaim and countless awards for her wacky portrayal of a serial killer in 'Monster', becoming the first South African to win an Academy Award. Good looking too... Jan van Riebeeck (1619-1667) - OK, so this guy is Dutch, not South African, but he makes the list as he was the founder of Cape Town, which makes him pretty famous. Van Riebeeck was an explorer and originally 'discovered' South Africa in 1652. It was the foundation of Cape Town that started an influx of Dutch settlers to South Africa. I guess you could say he founded the Dutch South Africa.

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, was an English writer, poet, philologist, and university professor, best known as the author of the classic high fantasy works The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion. He was born in Bloemnfontein in South Africa.
Dave Matthews (1967-) - He is in a good band . A very good band. They call themselves 'The Dave Matthews Band', which isn't a very original name. They are their own particular brand of 'travel rock' and definitely worth a listen. The Big-Bang Club (1990-1994) - A group of four photographers who tried to change peoples perceptions of South Africa and to raise awareness of the horrors of the apartheid through photography. The four photographers were Kevin Carter, Greg Marinovich, Ken Oosterbroek, and Joao Silva, two of whom won the Pulitzer Prize. A film is now being made about them - keep an eye-out. Sid James (1913-1976) - Sid James was one of those old school comedians/actors/jack of all trades. He made his name as Tony Hancock's co-star in 'Hancocks Half Hour' but will always be remembered for his work on Carry On films. He was known for his 'dirty laugh'. He was also known for being a dirty man too.

Kagischo Dikgacoi, who is universal South African football player.

South African Airways is the main national airline of South Africa and has its base at OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) near Johannesburg and at Cape Town International Airport (CPT) near Cape Town.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The Cradle of Humankind, [4], near Johannesburg is a must see for anyone interested in where it all started.A large collection of caves rich in hominid and advanced ape fossils. Robben Island just off the coast from Cape Town where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for many years. The Cape Floral Region in the Western Cape iSimangaliso Wetland Park, [5] Mapungubwe Kingdom, [6] in Limpopo Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, [7], for its landscape, biodiversity and rock art. Vredefort Dome, remnants of the largest and oldest meteorite impact crater.

Weather
South Africa's climate is the opposite of the northern hemisphere with summers lasting from November to March and wintertime being from May to September. Wintertime in South Africa is a mostly dry period, with the exception of the Western Cape (including Cape Town) where the climate is frequently described as Mediterranean.

Events and Festivals

World Cup 2010
Africa's first World Cup was universally recognised as a success, despite the home team (or 'Bafana Bafana' as they're known in S.A.) failing to progress past the first round. The South Africa squad were drawn in a tough group with France, Mexico and Uruguay, but managed a respectable record of one win, one draw and one defeat.

Cape Town Minstrel Carnival

The Kaapse Klopse or the Minstrel Carnival is an annual festival held in Cape Town. It begins on New Years Day and continues into January as thousands of people take to the streets dressed as minstrels in bright colours, spinning umbrellas and playing instruments.

Cape Town International Jazz Festival

Despite the fact that the first one was held as recently as 2001, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival has rapidly gained status with recent performers including Courtney Pine, Herbie Hancock and Youssou N'Dour.

Cape Argus Pick 'n Pay Cylce Tour

A huge event in Cape Town, this annual 109 kilometre race follows the coastline along False Bay and then on the Atlantic Sea Board. Held in March, 30,000 participants were expected in the 2009 event.

Pink Loerie Mardi Gras

A week long gay pride celebration with parties, contests, cabaret and drag shows in Knysna.

National Art Festival

Held in Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape, the National Art Festival is [[Africa's largest arts festival held for 10 days in July. This years one is scheduled to kick off on the 2nd of the month.

Vortex Dance Festival

A psychedelic party in the Cape Town area that attracts dedicated ravers young and old.

Soweto Wine Festival

The Soweto Wine Festival is organised by the Cape Wine Academy and attracts over 100 wineries from Cape Town into Soweto on the first weekend in September. This stylish and upmarket event attracts thousands of tourists and Sowetans to taste well over 800 of South Africa's finest wines.