Mini Guide To South Africa

At one time the Republic of South Africa was imprisoned by apartheid. A brave Nelson Mandela changed all that and inspired a nation. This overview will help travelers in this area.

South Africa was strangled by apartheid until 1991, far longer than any other nation on earth. Apartheid means separated or segregated by race. This segregation affected every aspect of daily life, from where one could eat or live to what types of jobs they could work or how much they could earn.

Although the Portuguese were the first to arrive on the South African coast in 1488 it wasn’t until the Dutch East Indian Company arrived in 1652 that the land was settled by whites. The Dutch and Germans that would come to call Africa home took over as the dominant class calling themselves Afrikaners. In 1779 when The British moved in they pushed the Afrikaners northward. This large migration set the stage for a great war as it put them at odds with the local Zulu tribes and warriors. Until the murder of their leader Shaka in 1828 the Zulu won many of the battles they fought. Following Shakas’ death the tide turned in the favor of the Afrikaners.

Large deposits of gold and diamonds were discovered in Africa in 1886 and 1870. The British raced to the new colonies in hopes of great fortune and took over many plots of land from the Afrikaners. Later when they were put in charge of the African union the land was given back.

Apartheid didn’t become law until 1948, but Native Africans suffered greatly anyway. They created a small group in 1912 that later became the African National Congress. Nelson Mandela was more of the leaders and the group was later outlawed as it made waves and upset the white Africans. Mandela was put in jail for 27 years and was released on 11 February 1990. He then eventually became an international figure highlighting the struggles in Africa with apartheid.

The white Africans in charge finally admitted defeat in February 1990. The African National Congress was no longer banned and given full legal and political rights. Mandela was also set free from Jail after 30 years of fighting for his freedom and that of his people. In 1994 he was the countries first black president after the end of apartheid. Mandela has received the notably the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993

Unfortunately this change of power was not without its struggles. After decades of powerlessness and unrest the country has yet to find complete peace. In the early years of the change over many cities suffered extended poverty and lawlessness. It was unsafe for many and crime was the norm. In time peace will abound in land of South Africa.

Today South Africa has a very modern climate and is about 470,462 square miles. Its capital is Johannesburg. Gold, diamonds, Tanzanite and other precious and semi precious gemstones are still being mined there.

There are more than 46 million people living in South Africa today. They are referred to as “South Africans” regardless of color. 79 percent are Native South Africans 9.6 percent are white, 8.9 percent are other, and 2.5 percent are Asian. They speak mostly English and Afrikaans, but many of the local tribes do still speak their own dialect. The average man will live to be 50 and woman 52 much less than most western societies.

Following many centuries of racism and segregation official and otherwise it is understandable that this country has had its share of problems. As time passes however, and wounds heal the region has become more stable. This beautiful land is a prize for all to see and cherish as long as the Native people aren’t forced into a box.