Preface Last Updated: 4/1/2004
2:58 AM
South Africa, a country of stark beauty and diverse cultures,
provides an exciting and dynamic work environment. With the end of
apartheid, South Africa has embarked on a historic effort to build a
multi-racial, sustainable, market-oriented democracy. The success or
failure of this effort will have enormous implications for the rest
of Africa and for the world. Our principal official objectives are
to help South Africa combat HIV/AIDS, to boost antiterrorism
cooperation, to promote regional security and stability, to increase
South Africa's economic growth and bilateral trade with the U.S.,
and to help the country consolidate its democracy. South Africa is a
large country, about twice the size of Texas, with an extensive
interior plateau and a narrow coastal plain. The 2001 census put
South Africa's population at 44.8 million, including non-documented
immigrants. The country has eleven official languages, including
English, Afrikaans, isiZulu, isiXhosa, SeSotho, and SeTswana.
English is widely understood among the better educated, even by
those who do not speak it as a native language. With the most
sophisticated economy on the continent, South Africa has a highly
developed financial and physical infrastructure. Much of the
country's wealth originally came from gold and diamond mines, but
today South Africa exports a wide variety of manufactured products.
Despite South Africa's economic growth and initial steps at
restructuring, significant inequities persist along racial lines in
the distribution of wealth, job opportunities, and provision of
services. These disparities reflect the previous South African
government's policy of apartheid - a system of legally mandated
racial segregation favoring the white community. Although the
present government has dismantled the legal basis for such racial
discrimination, apartheid's legacy of widespread poverty, especially
among the majority black population, will take many years to
overcome. Besides a challenging work environment, South Africa
offers a host of unique leisure experiences. The vineyards of the
Cape, wildlife of Kruger National Park, and beaches of KwaZulu-Natal
province are just some of the country's many tourist attractions.
The combination of South Africa's physical beauty and its evolving
society will make every employee's stay rewarding, whether the Post
is to the Embassy in Pretoria or to the Consulates General in Cape
Town, Johannesburg, or Durban. Above all, employees and their
families will encounter interesting social, political, and economic
issues and interact with vibrant cultures.
The Host Country
Area, Geography, and Climate Last Updated: 4/1/2004 2:58 AM
Area, Geography, and Climate South Africa lies at the southern
tip of the African continent. To the west, south and east, South
Africa borders on the Atlantic and Indian Oceans with a coastline of
1,836 miles. To the north, South Africa shares common borders with
Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland. The
independent kingdom of Lesotho is completely enclosed by South
Africa. South Africa has a narrow coastal zone and an extensive
interior plateau with altitudes ranging from 3,000 to 6,000 feet
above sea level. Lacking arterial rivers or lakes of significance,
extensive water conservation and controls are necessary. South
Africa is divided into nine provinces: the Western Cape, Eastern
Cape, Northern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Mpumalanga, Gauteng,
Northwest and Limpopo Provinces. South Africa has a moderate climate
with sunny days and cool nights. The most southerly point has a mean
yearly temperature of 61.8 degrees Fahrenheit, while Johannesburg,
situated at 5,700 above sea level, has an annual mean of 60.8
degrees Fahrenheit. Pretoria, at 4,452 feet above sea level, is
warmer with a mean annual temperature of 63.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
The temperatures can be deceiving because of the very bright and
dangerous high sun during most of the year, especially in the
highveld areas. Both Pretoria and Johannesburg are situated on a
high plateau in Gauteng Province. The surrounding countryside is
characterized by relatively treeless, rolling hills. The
Magaliesberg Mountain Range, more accurately described as a series
of low rising hills, lies 30 miles to the north or northeast. The
large Hartbeespoort Dam is located in this area. The more impressive
Drakensberg Mountains are located 200 miles to the south, where
peaks soar to 11,000 feet in neighboring Lesotho. The pine-studded
Lebombo Mountains form the eastern boundary of the Johannesburg
Consular District in Mpumalanga Province. Scenery in the Free State
is flat, with a few buttes in the eastern part of the province.
Bloemfontein is the provincial capital and the judicial capital of
South Africa. Durban, located on the eastern seaboard of the Indian
Ocean, is the principal city in KwaZulu-Natal province and the
largest seaport in Africa. Its shoreline extends northeast to
southwest along the Indian Ocean. Topographically, the coastal belt
of KwaZulu-Natal rises sharply from the ocean to a fertile central
plateau and then extends to the escarpment of the Drakensberg
Mountains. The Western Cape has the widest range of scenic
attractions, including the Mediterranean-like luxuriance of the Cape
Peninsula, rolling uplands to the east, excellent surfing beaches,
the majestic peaks of the Katberg, the placid lakes of the
Wilderness on the south coast of the picturesque Garden Route, and
the vast, arid distances of the Karoo to the north and east.
Although the country lies close to the Tropic of Capricorn, the high
altitude of the inland areas results in a temperate climate in most
of the country. In the Southern Hemisphere, seasons are opposite
those of the U.S.-summer extends from October to March; winter from
June to September. The rainy season in the Pretoria-Johannesburg
area is during summer, and the temperature seldom rises above 90
degrees F, with cool nights. Winter is dry and cool with daily
temperatures varying from as low as 30 degrees F during the night to
as high as 75 degrees F during the day. Air quality is marginal
throughout the year but is especially poor in Pretoria and
Johannesburg during the dry winter months. Along the coastal area
where Durban and Cape Town are located, heavier rainfall occurs
during winter and spring, causing high humidity. Both cities
experience strong winds - Durban from August through October and
Cape Town throughout the year. The seasons are not pronounced but
blend almost imperceptibly. South Africa's climate is comparable to
that of Central and Southern California. For the most part, trees
and shrubs remain green, with flowers blooming throughout the year.
The highveld, which includes the Pretoria-Johannesburg area, remains
dry and brown throughout much of the year.
Population Last Updated: 4/1/2004 3:01 AM
2001 Census figures put South Africa's population at 44.8
million. This figure includes an estimate of the undocumented
immigrants moving into the country from neighboring African states.
No generally recognized nomenclature has yet taken the place of the
former apartheid categories that were used as an instrument of
racial discrimination. The terms remain and are now used in the
census descriptively, rather than prescriptively as in the past:
"Black Africans" constitute 35.4 million, or 79% of the population;
"Whites" 4.3 million, or 9.6%; "Coloreds" (people of mixed racial
origin) 4 million or 8.9%; "Asians" (including Indians) 1.1 million
or 2.5%. Of the population of European descent, 60% are native
Afrikaans speakers, while the remaining 40% are native English
speakers. Most of the "colored" population lives in the Cape,
whereas most South Africans of Indian origin live in KwaZulu-Natal.
South Africa officially recognizes eleven languages and accords them
equal legal status. In descending order of demographic importance
they are: IsiZulu (7 million), IsiXhosa (6 million), Afrikaans (5
million), Sepedi, English, Setswana, Sesotho, Xitsonga, SiSwati,
Tshivenda and IsiNdebele. While English is spoken by only 9% of
South Africans in the home, it and Afrikaans share the status of
lingua franca among the educated, with isiZulu and isiXhosa spoken
across a wide spectrum as well. English serves as the working
language of the government. The 1898-1902 Anglo-Boer War, as it is
called in South Africa, was a fight for overall political control of
what is now South Africa. The war pitted the "Afrikaners"
(descendants of the Dutch, French Huguenots, and Germans who began
coming to the Western Cape area in the seventeenth century) against
the English who arrived in the nineteenth century. For historical
reasons, the influence of these two groups remains
disproportionately high compared to their demographic
representation. About one-quarter of South Africans belong to one of
the African Independent Churches. These consist mostly of Zionist
and Apostolic churches and also include some Pentecostal offshoots.
Most Afrikaners are members of the Dutch Reformed ("NG") Church,
traditionally a bastion of conservatism. Other religions found in
South Africa include other Protestant denominations, Roman
Catholicism, Orthodox Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, and
Judaism. The system of legally mandated racial segregation, or
"apartheid," was dismantled in the early- and mid-1990s, though
economic and social barriers hinder greater integration. The former
apartheid laws (now repealed) which held the system together
included the Land Acts of 1913 and 1936, which restricted Black
African ownership of land to certain designated homelands; the Group
Areas Act of 1950, which segregated residential neighborhoods by
race; the Population Act of 1950, by which people were racially
classified at birth; and the Suppression of Communism Act of 1950,
which classified opponents of apartheid as communists and empowered
the government to suppress dissent. Since the advent of majority
rule in 1994 and the removal of legal restrictions on the ability of
all South Africans to decide where they want to live, black
migration to the cities has intensified. The influx of new residents
to urban areas adds to the challenge faced by the South African
government to provide basic services to the entire population.
Significant strides have been made in the provision of land, water,
housing, and electricity but much remains to be done. The ANC
government can boast of doubling school enrollment since it took
office in 1994. The national government adopted anti-discrimination
laws in areas such as employment and access to housing. The
government is instituting a program of economic transformation to
bring formerly disadvantaged populations into the economic
mainstream. Nevertheless, unemployment remains high. The official
figures on unemployment hover at 28-30%, while the generally
accepted rate is closer to 40%. Statistics for infant mortality and
life expectancy reveal inequalities. According to 2001 statistics,
infant mortality among white children under one year old is 11 for
every 1000 live births; for Black Africans it is 47 for every 1000
live births. 1996 census statistics portray the disparity in life
expectancy as 65.5 years for Whites, 61.5 for Asians, 58.6 for
Coloreds, and 55.5 for Black Africans. By 2002, overall life
expectancy at birth had fallen to 47.6 years, due to the rising
numbers of premature deaths from AIDS. Another impact of HIV/AIDS is
the increasing number of orphans. A 2001 UN study estimated there
were 662,000 AIDS orphans in South Africa. This number is forecast
to rise as high as 1.7 million by 2010. An estimated 5.3 million
South Africans are HIV positive. A 2002 survey by the Nelson Mandela
Foundation and the Human Sciences Research Council showed 15.6% of
South Africa's population aged 15-49 to be HIV positive. HIV status
also varies significantly among racial groups. The NMF/HSRC study
shows that among the 15-49 year old population, 18.4% of Black
Africans, 6.6% of Coloreds, 6.2% of Whites, and 1.8% of Asians are
HIV positive. There is also a disparity by gender: 17.7% of females
15-49 years of age are HIV positive as opposed to 12.8% of males in
the same age category.
Public Institutions Last Updated: 4/1/2004 3:01 AM
The new Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, signed into
law on December 10, 1996, codifies separation of powers, checks and
balances and a far-reaching Bill of Rights. South Africa is one of
the few countries, which, through a single entrenched law, protects
all universally accepted fundamental rights against government
interference and individual abuse. Socio-economic rights include
housing, health care, access to food and water, social security and
basic education. The Constitution applies to private persons as well
as the State. The Constitutional Court is the highest court in cases
regarding the interpretation, protection and enforcement of the
Constitution. While the Constitutional Court decides on
constitutional matters only, the Supreme Court of Appeal has
jurisdiction to hear and determine an appeal against any decision of
a High Court. The Cabinet consists of the President, the Executive
Deputy-President and 25 Ministers appointed by the President. Any
party with at least five percent of the seats in the National
Assembly may have, if it chooses, one or more Cabinet posts based on
the number of seats it holds. South Africa's Parliament has two
chambers: the National Assembly and the National Council of
Provinces (NCOP). The 400 seats in the National Assembly are
allocated to political parties on the basis of proportional
representation. There are currently 17 parties represented in the
parliament. The ANC has 275 seats, which gives it a two-thirds
majority (and the power to amend the Constitution without support
from other parties). The Democratic Alliance (DA) has 46, the
Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) 31, the New National Party 20, the
African Christian Democratic Party seven and the United Democratic
Movement four. The remaining 17 Assembly seats are divided among 11
additional parties. The National Assembly elected Thabo Mbeki as
President in 1999. Jacob Zuma, also from the ANC, became Deputy
President. On a provincial level the ANC won seven out of the nine
provinces, while the DA-NNP alliance won a majority in the Western
Cape and the IFP received a plurality of the votes in KwaZulu-Natal
(42% vs. ANC's 38%). In 2001, the NNP broke its tie with the
Democratic Alliance and, allied with the ANC, took over the
premiership of the Western Cape. South Africa's third round of
national elections are scheduled for April 14, 2004. The 90-member
National Council of Provinces (NCOP) consists of six permanent and
four special delegates representing each of South Africa's nine
provinces. The NCOP legislates on matters that have an impact on the
provinces and those which pertain to national finances. Permanent
delegates are selected by the provincial legislatures and
apportioned according to the parties' share of the provincial vote.
Special delegates can be substituted at will by the provincial
premier. The ANC controls the voting majority within the NCOP.
Government comprises national, provincial and local levels. Instead
of a clear division of powers, the constitution introduces the
concept of "co-operative governance," whereby each tier of
government must endeavor to resolve any disputes by mediation and
negotiation. South Africa is divided into nine provinces, each with
its own legislature, premier and ministers. The ANC government
successfully stabilized the inflation rate and liberalized exchange
control regulations, but unemployment, low economic growth, a
widening income gap, and housing shortages remain serious problems.
The ANC has had problems maintaining labor support for its "liberal"
Growth, Equity and Redistribution (GEAR) macro-economic framework.
While the IFP remains a powerful force in the province of KwaZulu-Natal,
it has lost substantial support among White and Indian voters,
leaving little formal organization outside of its key support base
of Zulus in the KwaZulu-Natal hinterland. The IFP's dilemma is
whether to continue cooperating with the ANC in the KwaZulu-Natal
and national governments or to keep its distance and act as a
regionally based opposition party. The conservative Afrikaner right
is represented by the Freedom Front Plus (FFP). The FFP was created
in 2003 from the merger of three right-wing parties. These parties
received fewer than 2% vote in 1999. Most Afrikaners now support
either the NNP or the DA. The Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) lost a
large amount of support since 1994 and currently has only two
Members of Parliament. The party has experienced continuing
leadership struggles. One of its strongest members, Patrica DeLille,
left the PAC in 2003 to form the Independent Democrats.
Arts, Science, and Education Last Updated: 4/1/2004 3:07 AM
South African cities have an active cultural life. Each province
has a Performing Arts Council, subsidized by the central government,
whose productions come from both Western and indigenous repertoires.
Johannesburg has several multiracial performing arts centers and an
active local community theater. South Africa is highly developed
scientifically. Its scientists are well educated, and many have
international reputations. The veterinary faculty of the University
of Pretoria at Onderstepport is one of the world's finest. The
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) covers a wide
range of scientific research. The medical profession is highly
developed, and significant progress has been made in experimental
medicine - South Africa was the pioneer in successful heart
transplant surgery. The Medical Research Institute can develop and
produce sophisticated pharmaceuticals.
Commerce and Industry Last Updated: 4/1/2004 3:07 AM
South Africa is a key economic partner for the United States. It
is the United States' second largest trading partner, after Nigeria,
and its largest export market in sub-Saharan Africa. South Africa is
also the site of the largest U.S. foreign direct investment in
sub-Saharan Africa, approximately $3.3 billion at 2002 year-end.
According to the American Chamber of Commerce in South Africa, over
700 U.S. companies have a presence in the country. Eighty-five
percent of U.S. companies use South Africa as a regional or
continental center. The United States is South Africa's largest
export market. Much of the South African formal economy resembles
that of the United States or Western Europe more than those of other
African countries. There is modern infrastructure for
transportation, communication and finance. A large manufacturing
sector produces a wide variety of consumer goods. The auto industry
exports cars to Europe, Asia, Australia and the United States. Real
economic growth in 2004 is expected to reach about 3% following
growth of 1.9% in 2003. Exports were valued at about a quarter of
GDP in 2003. The government's fiscal and monetary policies are
sound. Consumer price inflation was less than one percent at the end
of 2003. South Africa's greatest economic challenge is to transform
the economy by reducing unemployment through rapid growth and giving
previously disadvantaged groups an increasing share of the country's
prosperity. A legacy of apartheid is that gross inequities continue
to exist along racial lines in wealth, income distribution and
education. South Africa's official unemployment rate hovers around
30% and is much higher for blacks than whites. Sixty percent of
blacks, but only three percent of whites, live in poverty. The
HIV/AIDS pandemic, reaching alarming levels, threatens to constrain
economic growth, placing even greater burdens on the household
income of those living in poverty.
Transportation
Automobiles Last Updated: 4/1/2004 3:07 AM
Automobiles Traffic moves on the left side of the road in South
Africa. The road infrastructure is good, but the accident rate is
high and motorists should exercise caution and practice defensive
driving at all times. Public transportation is available but not
recommended. Taxis should be used with caution as they are expensive
and often unreliable. Privately owned motor vehicles are essential
in South Africa. [Please see the section on importing vehicles.]
Leaded, unleaded, and diesel fuel are available locally and prices
fluctuate regularly around R3.50 per liter. However, all Mission
personnel qualify for a rebate of excise duty on gas of
approximately 18% on a claim back basis. Gas is available 24 hours
per day. The South African Department of Foreign Affairs and the
United States Department of State both require third-party liability
insurance for all vehicles. Third-party liability insurance can only
be purchased from a South African company. In addition, most
employees carry comprehensive insurance due to their concerns about
the local crime and accident rates. Comprehensive insurance can be
purchased in either South Africa or the United States. All
accredited employees' vehicles are registered with Gauteng Province
through the Foreign Ministry for a small charge. Although the wait
can be two months, owners will eventually receive diplomatic license
plates upon presentation of proof that the required insurance
coverage is in place and the employee has a valid drivers license.
Driver's licenses are valid in South Africa as long as they remain
valid in the country of issue.
Transportation
Regional Transportation Last Updated: 4/1/2004 3:30 AM
Most international flights to South Africa land at Johannesburg
International Airport located 16 miles from Johannesburg and 30
miles from Pretoria, but there are some direct flights to Cape Town.
International arrivals and departures with direct or connecting
flights are scheduled to almost any point in the world. Codeshare
flights involving American, Northwest, and United provide daily
service to the United States via Europe. South African Airways
reliably serves all major cities in South Africa with numerous daily
flights to Cape Town, Durban, and other cities. Several smaller
airlines including Com Air, Kulula, and Sun Air serve major cities
in South Africa, plus neighboring destinations such as Windhoek,
Victoria Falls and Gaborone. Railroad transportation within South
Africa is available. The Blue Train and Rovos Rail provide luxury
services at high cost and reservations must be made well in advance.
Non-luxury rail travel is not recommended.
Communications
Telephones and Telecommunications Last Updated: 4/1/2004 3:31 AM
Telephone communications in South Africa are acceptable.
International direct-dial connects all major cities and connections
to the U.S. are good. All Embassy employees have telephones
installed in their homes.
Communications
Internet Last Updated: 4/1/2004 3:32 AM
Dial-up Internet connections are available but speeds vary
depending on the reliability of the local PTT wiring in each
neighborhood. High speed Internet (ADSL) is also available but
expensive. Local telephone calls (including dial-up Internet
connections) are charged by the minute. Cellular phone service is
reliable and accessible in most of South Africa.
Communications
Mail and Pouch Last Updated: 4/1/2004 3:33 AM
Diplomatic Pouch and Mail Incoming pouch mail may not exceed the
following: Weight: 50 lbs/22.72 kgs. Size: 17 x 18 x 32 inches.
Pouch mail takes 2 - 4 weeks to arrive at post. The US Postal
Service computers can move mail faster when you and your
correspondents address all mail like this: Type or block print in
ALL CAPITALS. No punctuation, except the hyphen between the first
five and last four zip code digits. Use the two letter state code.
First line is your name, second line is the street address and the
third is the city, state, and zip code, e.g.: Address OFFICIAL pouch
material, e.g. official mail, official parcels and periodicals as
follows: MR JOHN DOE 9300 PRETORIA PL (YOUR SECTION) DEPARTMENT OF
STATE WASHINGTON DC 20521-9300 Please note: All letter items
received with the Washington, DC address are irradiated, which will
damage/melt plastic items, e.g., credit cards, etc. Address all
PERSONAL mail, e.g., personal letters, personal parcels, and
personal periodicals as follows, depending upon your post of
assignment: MR JOHN DOE 9300 PRETORIA PL DULLES, VA 20189-9300
MS MARY DOE 2480 CAPE TOWN PL DULESS, VA 20189-2480
MS MARY DOE 2490 DURBAN PL DULLES, VA 20189-2490
MR JOHN DOE 2500 JOHANNESBURG PL DULLES, VA 20189-2500 Please
note: This address should not include ANY reference to the
Department of State, the embassy, or your title/position. Items sent
to this address are NOT irradiated. Pretoria is a Category B Post.
Outgoing parcels cannot exceed the size of a video tape and may not
weigh more than two pounds. Merchandise may be returned through the
pouch to a manufacturer or vendor if the appropriate postage is
affixed. The INTERNATIONAL addresses and phone numbers for the
Embassy and the Consulate Generals are as follows. The access code
for South Africa is (27). American Embassy P.O. Box 9536 Pretoria
0001 Republic of South Africa (12) 431-4000
American Consulate General P.O. Box 6773 Roggebaai, Cape Town
8012 Republic of South Africa (21) 421-4280
American Consulate General 101 Old Mutual Building 308 West
Street Durban 4000 Republic of South Africa (31) 305-7600
American Consulate General (at Johannesburg) P.O. Box 1762
Houghton 2041 Republic of South Africa (11) 644-8000 The local South
African mail system is used for letter mail, but pilferage is
possible for packages and periodicals. Additional information on the
Pretoria pouch operation can be found at http://web.pretoria.state.gov/sections/ipc/.
Stamps are not available at post but can be ordered through the US
Postal Service at WWW.USPS.COM. For express mail, post uses DHL;
however, FedEx and UPS are also available.
Postal Insurance Packages sent from the U.S. through the pouch
are insurable to the Dulles facility only, with no insurance
coverage from Dulles to post. Any parcels destined for the pouch
should therefore be packaged to withstand the rigors of
international air freight. The State Department is not liable for
any items that are damaged in the pouch.
Communications
Radio and TV Last Updated: 4/1/2004 3:34 AM
South Africa's state-owned television service (SABC-TV)
broadcasts daily on three channels. SABC1 and SABC2 offer
entertainment and news programs in all of South Africa's eleven
official languages. SABC3 offers news, entertainment and educational
programming in English only. All SABC-TV broadcasts use the PAL-I
system. American broadcast standard (NTSC) television sets will not
work properly in South Africa, but multi-system televisions can be
purchased locally for less than in the U.S. Many Embassy personnel
subscribe to Direct Satellite TV (MultiChoice - DSTV). These
services offer movies, sports, American and international news, and
audio programming. DSTV costs about $150 to install with a monthly
fee of $50 to $60. The first free-to-air television channel, "e.tv,"
went on air in 1999 in direct competition with the national
broadcaster. It offers news, programs on current events, movies and
educational programs in English. The Embassy has no video club, but
video rental stores are common throughout South Africa. PAL or
multi-system VCR's must be used to view locally rented videotapes.
Multi-system VCR's and DVD players can be purchased locally at
reasonable prices. DVD players purchased in the U.S. may not be able
to "read" DVD's that are purchased or rented locally. Radio in South
Africa ranges from low-power community stations (broadcasting mostly
in FM), to state-owned SABC stations throughout the country, to
several new privately owned stations. There is a format for every
taste. For local news, many Embassy staff listen to Radio 702 (702
kHz) and SAFM (103 to 107 MHz). VOA reception at 909 kHz is very
good in the evenings and early mornings.
Communications
Newspapers, Magazines, and Technical Journals Last Updated:
4/1/2004 3:34 AM
English-language newspapers are published daily in South Africa.
The Star, This Day, Sowetan, Pretoria News, Business Day, Citizen
(in the Johannesburg-Pretoria area); the Cape Times and the Cape
Argus (in Cape Town); and the Mercury and Natal Witness (in Durban)
are the main English-language dailies. The most important national
weekly is the Mail and Guardian. The main English Sunday papers are
the Sunday Times, the Sunday Independent and the City Press. The
International Herald Tribune [IHT], Time, Newsweek, and Reader's
Digest are available at bookstores or by subscription at slightly
higher than U.S. prices. The IHT is generally 2-3 days old by the
time it reaches South African vendors. Bookstores are well stocked
with current books, magazines, and technical journals, but at higher
prices than in the U.S. U.S. editions of magazines sent through the
pouch arrive several weeks late. Many employees use the Internet to
access publications, news and information.
Health and Medicine
Medical Facilities Last Updated: 4/1/2004 3:35 AM
South African medical and dental facilities in the major cities
of Johannesburg, Pretoria, Bloemfontein, Durban, Cape Town,
Nelspruit, Kimberly, Rustenberg, and Port Elizabeth are excellent.
Medical evacuations from South Africa to the U.S. are extremely rare
as advanced treatment technologies exist in South Africa.
Specialists of all types are available in Johannesburg, Pretoria,
Cape Town, and Durban. Many excellent private hospitals and clinics
can be found and most public university hospitals are well equipped.
Nursing care is excellent. Modern and well-equipped laboratory and
radiology facilities exist throughout the country, and a highly
developed pharmaceutical industry produces or imports a
comprehensive list of medications. The Embassy Pretoria Health Unit
provides some primary and urgent care services, and maintains first
aid equipment and small quantities of medications, but employees
typically receive the majority of their care from local physicians
and hospitals. The Health Unit functions primarily as a State
Department medevac center for a large area of Africa. The Foreign
Service staff includes two Medical Officers and a Psychiatrist, who
each have regional responsibilities that require them to travel at
least 50% of the time, and a Health Practitioner who assists with
direct care. Locally hired nurses (RNs) are available to coordinate
physician referrals and medical evacuations when the physicians are
away from Pretoria. No Health Units exist at the Consulates in
Johannesburg, Cape Town or Durban. However, the Regional Medical
Officers from Pretoria visit each location periodically.
Health and Medicine
Community Health Last Updated: 4/1/2004 3:35 AM
Standards for community sanitation are high in the better
neighborhoods of the major cities, but rapid urban growth is
straining the current infrastructure. Tap water is potable and in
good supply. Sewage and refuse disposal are adequate in areas where
official Americans live. The electricity supply is good but outages
occur. Increased fatigue and sleeping difficulties are possible upon
arrival due to the altitude, with Pretoria and Johannesburg at about
5000 to 6000 feet above sea level. These symptoms generally clear in
a couple of weeks to a month. The climate is dry with increased dust
in the highlands. Air pollution in the urban centers, in combination
with environmental allergens, can be problematic at times for those
with respiratory, allergy, or sinus problems. Solar exposure is
increased and sun block, protective clothing, and sunglasses should
be used. Restaurants in general prepare food with good sanitary
techniques. Meat, poultry, seafood, vegetables, and fruit can be
prepared normally, and milk and milk products are pasteurized.
Health and Medicine
Preventive Measures Last Updated: 4/1/2004 3:36 AM
Malaria is not a problem in the major cities of South Africa, but
it does occur in lowland rural areas, especially during the annual
rainy season. Travelers to the lowland game parks and to areas along
the Zimbabwe and Mozambique borders are advised to take malarial
prophylactics. Although rabies is present in South Africa, most
domesticated animals are immunized and the risk to personnel is
considered low. Wading and swimming in fresh water lakes and rivers
should be avoided due to the presence of the schistosomiasis (bilharzia)
parasite. Insects and vermin are not major problems, although
occasional exposure to poisonous snakes and scorpions occurs.
Infection with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, has reached epidemic
levels among the indigenous population of South Africa. Personnel
are urged to take appropriate precautions at all times against body
fluid exposure and unprotected sexual contact. If an unfortunate
exposure should occur, it is vital that the victim receive
post-exposure prophylaxis within HOURS of the incident. If a blood
transfusion becomes necessary, the blood supply in hospitals is
screened appropriately and is considered safe. Commensurate with the
high prevalence of HIV disease, tuberculosis cases are also
increasing. Domestic employees should be screened annually. Yellow
fever is not considered a risk in South Africa. However, proof of
immunization is required for travelers arriving from tropical
countries in which yellow fever is endemic. The State Department
recommends that personnel posted to South Africa be immunized
against hepatitis A and B and against typhoid. The Embassy Health
Unit can provide those vaccinations as well as all the routine
childhood immunizations.
Employment for Spouses and Dependents Last Updated: 4/1/2004 3:37
AM
Many agencies represented in the U.S. Mission South Africa employ
eligible family members in full or part-time FMA or PSA positions.
These positions, currently numbering 35, are mainly clerical and
para-professional, although a few professional positions
occasionally become available. Eligible family members who have
completed Consular Officer, GSO, or Budget and Finance Officer
training at FSI will be in a more competitive position to secure
employment in these fields, should a Post vacancy occur. Currently,
South Africa has a de facto Reciprocal Work Arrangement. If a spouse
or family member wishes to work in the local economy, the Embassy
will assist in securing the necessary work permit. The Embassy has
recently employed a local employment advisor (LEA) to assist family
members who are interested in this option. The current LEA, Jacqui
Fogg, can be reached via e-mail at foggjx@state.gov. The Mission has
a Temporary Pool of eligible family members that is frequently used
for short duration employment (e.g. security escort duties,
assisting with VIP visits, substituting for absent employees). We
recommend that eligible family members interested in working,
whether part-time, full-time, or intermittently, register with this
pool upon arrival at post. The Embassy also has a summer hire
program to employ dependent students who are 16 and older, depending
on funds availability.
American Embassy - Pretoria
Post City Last Updated: 4/1/2004 3:38 AM
Pretoria is the administrative capital of South Africa. Greater
Pretoria [now called "Tshwane"] has a population of 1,527,023
(Source: Central Statistical Service, 2001 Census). It is located in
Gauteng Province, 35 miles northeast of Johannesburg, 30 miles from
Johannesburg International Airport, and 437 miles from Durban, the
nearest port city in South Africa. Founded in 1855, Pretoria is the
seat of executive government for South Africa. It lies in a long
valley edged by several ridges. The surrounding rural area consists
of undulating veld with low trees scattered over the landscape.
Aside from the Iscor Steelworks, automobile assembly plants located
outside the city, and a few small industrial establishments,
Pretoria is mainly a government town with enough shops and
department stores to cater to its population. Schools, hospitals,
doctors and dentists are in adequate supply. Pretoria is a quiet,
modern city offering current movies, plays, operas, ballets, and
concerts. There are two universities, museums, libraries, an
excellent zoo, sports grounds, several golf courses, and many
beautiful parks. Those seeking a brighter nightlife generally go to
Johannesburg, though Pretoria has many good restaurants, some with
dancing and live entertainment. Sundays in Pretoria are spent at
church, visiting friends, participating in sports, or indulging in
the national pastime of the "braaivleis" (barbecue). In the city,
flea markets and open-air art and craft markets are often held as
well. Aside from the Embassy staff and their families, some 250
other Americans live in Pretoria, including church and missionary
representatives and American spouses of South Africans. Most
American business representatives live in the Johannesburg suburbs.
Diplomats form the nucleus of Pretoria's growing foreign community.
Atteridgeville, Mamelodi, and Soshanguve are the historically "Black
townships" surrounding Pretoria where the majority of the Black
African citizens of the Tshwane Metropolitan area still live.
Atteridgeville is 7 miles, Mamelodi is 15 miles, and Soshanguve,
Ga-Rankuwa, Winterveldt and Temba are about 25 miles from downtown.
Many residents work in Pretoria, traveling by bus, train, taxi, or
driving personal vehicles. Lenasia, about 10 miles south of
Pretoria, is home to many of the area's Asian citizens. Each of
these communities form part of the City of Tshwane Metropolitan
Municipality. Unemployment is high in the townships and standards of
living are, in general, significantly lower than in Pretoria proper.
There is also a shortage of housing in South Africa, which has given
rise to large informal settlements or "squatter camps" on the
periphery of established areas. Some informal settlements have
benefited from government services such as water and electricity;
most have not.
Security Last Updated: 4/1/2004 3:39 AM
Crime is a problem at all South African posts; it affects all
races, income groups, and neighborhoods. In response to the high
criminal threat, all homes are equipped with alarms and other
security enhancements, mobile patrol units make regular checks on
all residences at regular intervals throughout the day and night,
and a security service provides an armed response within five
minutes of an alarm activation. Thanks to these measures,
residential burglaries have become rare. Carjacking continues to be
a concern, and the RSO recommends the installation of locally
available window film that provides some protection against smashed
windows. Employees and family members are urged to take common sense
precautions, such as not walking before dawn or after dusk. Driving
late at night is discouraged. By practicing good security awareness,
most official Americans avoid being a victim of crime.
The Post and Its Administration Last Updated: 4/1/2004 3:40 AM
Tradition holds that South Africa has three capitals, the
administrative in Pretoria, the legislative in Cape Town, and the
judicial in Bloemfontein where the Supreme Court sits. Parliament
convenes in Cape Town in February and usually remains in session
through November, with constituency periods and recesses in April,
July and October. Pretoria is now the center of government activity,
and the affairs of the bi-lateral relationship are conducted mostly
at Pretoria. In the past, some members of the Embassy would move to
Cape Town for the duration of the parliamentary sessions and there
were in practice two Chanceries. The Ambassador still maintains
formal residences in both Pretoria and Cape Town and travels between
the cities on a regular basis, particularly when most of the
government ministers are in Cape Town for parliamentary sessions.
However, the remainder of the Embassy staff remains in Pretoria and
travels to Cape Town only as necessary. The United States Diplomatic
Mission to South Africa has increased dramatically in size and scope
since South Africa's transition to majority rule in 1994 and has
become a regional platform for the management of USG activities in
much of the southern half of Africa. The Mission expects further
growth in the coming years. Sections and Agencies serving under the
authority of the Chief of Mission and comprising the Country Team
include the heads of the Consular, Economic, Management, Political,
Public Diplomacy, and Regional Issues Sections, and the Agency for
International Development (USAID), the Foreign Agricultural Service
(FAS), the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), the
Center for Disease Control (CDC), the Defense Attaché's Office
(DAO), the Office of Defense Cooperation (ODC), the Department of
Health and Human Services (DHHS), the Foreign Broadcasting
Information Service (FBIS), the Foreign Commercial Service (FCS),
the Department of the Treasury, the Peace Corps (PC), the Drug
Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Immigration and
Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Legal Attaché (FBI), the Trade and
Development Agency (TDA), the International Broadcasting Board (IBB),
and the United States Secret Service (USSS). The Regional Consular
Officer, FCS, TDA, IBB, and part of ICE are located in Johannesburg.
All agencies are members of ICASS, with overall administrative
support provided by the Embassy Management section. USAID and Peace
Corps participate in ICASS but manage the majority of their own
administrative support in housing, warehousing, transportation and
finance.
Housing
Temporary Quarters Last Updated: 4/1/2004 3:40 AM
Newcomers usually occupy their assigned quarters on arrival. If
permanent housing is unavailable, newcomers stay in temporary
housing or at one of the nicer hotels in town (Sheraton, Villa Via,
Court Classique), which are all close to the Embassy and within the
per diem rate.
Housing
Permanent Housing Last Updated: 4/1/2004 3:41 AM
As of 2004, the Mission housing pool includes 50 owned and 102
leased units, mainly consisting of single-unit detached houses with
surrounding gardens of varying sizes. AID and Peace Corps maintain
their own housing pools. Swimming pools and outdoor barbecues tend
to be common, but are not available at every house. Pretoria housing
is noted for its wide diversity in architectural style, and most
houses have an attractive appearance, but construction standards are
lower than those found in the United States. Heating or air
conditioning is uncommon, but the Embassy installs split aircon
units. Room layout can be unusual to the American eye, bedrooms are
often small, and closet and storage space is sometimes minimal. All
residences meet or exceed security standards. Most personnel live
within a 30-minute drive of the Embassy. Assignments are made by the
post Interagency Housing Board and comply with USG space standards,
which take family size and position grade into consideration. Any
special need, requirement, or desire should be conveyed to the GSO
Housing Officer. A hospitality kit is made available for the use of
new arrivals until their personal effects arrive. It includes the
basic items of bedding, towels, kitchenware, cookware, dinnerware,
cleaning equipment, and small appliances.
Housing
Furnishings Last Updated: 4/1/2004 3:42 AM
The Ambassador's residence, Hill House, is a U.S.
Government-owned residence, located on a ridge overlooking central
Pretoria and to the southeast of the Chancery. The House is in the
Cape Malay architectural style, was one of the first houses in that
part of the city, and was named after the family that built it. It
has a pool and extensive gardens. The representational first-floor
area includes a large entryway, small library, large living room,
large dining room, and kitchen. The second-floor private quarters
include 3 bedrooms with their own bathrooms and study areas, one
main study, a TV room, and a storage room. Servants quarters include
5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a kitchen, and the laundry facility. The
DCM's Residence The DCM's home is located ten minutes southeast of
the chancery in the older, tree-lined Brooklyn neighborhood. It was
originally a farmhouse and is now one of the few remaining homes
from the earliest periods of Pretoria's settlement. It is a
single-level three-bedroom residence with a traditional
English-style thatched roof. The grounds include a tennis court and
swimming pool. Other Housing Each agency is responsible for the
provision of furnishings and equipment for its employees. The
approved inter-agency standard specifies that the following be
provided at each home: standard living room, dining room, and
bedroom furniture, and appliances including a refrigerator, freezer,
dishwasher, electric range/oven, vacuum cleaner, microwave, washer
and dryer, and area carpets and patio furniture. Draperies are
provided for the living room, dining room, kitchen, bathrooms, and
bedrooms. All homes have contact smoke detectors and fire
extinguishers. Lawnmowers and a basic set of garden tools are
provided for each home. Electric overhead fans, additional floor
lamps, humidifiers, and space heaters are also available in limited
quantities. Bring or plan to purchase locally your own baby
furniture, tools, china, linens, glassware, shower curtains,
pillows, special office furniture (computer desk or printer stand),
small appliances (toasters, coffeepots, irons, etc.), and
kitchenware. Small 220-volt electrical appliances are widely
available, but prices can be slightly higher than in the U.S.
Housing
Utilities and Equipment Last Updated: 4/1/2004 3:42 AM
All quarters have central split-unit A/C and heaters in bedrooms
and main living areas. Kitchens, bathrooms, and storage rooms are
not climate controlled. Most cooking is by electric range oven, but
a few units have gas ranges. Standard electric power is 220v, 50Hz.
While electricity is generally reliable, Pretoria residents have
experienced outages as the infrastructure has become older and is
not equal to increased demand. The Embassy provides three
transformers per home; additional transformers can be purchased on
the local market. Adapter plugs can be found at most electronics
stores in Pretoria. (Employees are advised that some 110v/60Hz items
such as record players, clocks, and hair clippers often will not
operate correctly even when used with a transformer unless other
adjustments are made.) A power-surge regulator is recommended for
personal computers. The U.S. Government pays to install a telephone
line in each home. The occupant pays the service charges including a
basic monthly rental and metering charges for all outgoing calls
(local, long distance and international). In addition to the land
line, a personal cell phone is highly recommended for security
reasons. The U.S. Government pays all other utilities (electricity,
water, and garbage removal) for all homes.
Food Last Updated: 4/1/2004 3:43 AM
Basic foods, locally produced baby foods and infant formulas are
all available. Baby food is widely available; however, most dried
cereals contain sugars. Fresh fruit and vegetables of all kinds are
available year round. Dairy products, including butter, cheeses,
eggs, whole and low-fat milk are all readily available. If employees
wish to have their familiar brands on hand they are encouraged to
ship American brands in their HHE. However, several good quality
South African and British brands are available in the major
metropolitan cities. South African and imported coffees and teas are
excellent and comparable in price to those sold in the U.S. Soft
drinks (e.g. Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta) are widely available. Mexican
foods have also become available at most grocery stores. Most spices
are available, however, the gourmet chef may wish to bring a supply
of familiar brands and varieties. White and brown sugars are both
coarse, with the exception of powdered sugar, which is equivalent to
that sold in the States. Pancake syrups are limited in variety, and
the quality is not as good as that available in the States. A
selection of imported cake mixes, bread mixes, pancake mixes, pie
crusts, and crumbs are available at certain supermarkets, but again
this may be something you want to bring. Graham crackers, solid
shortening (Crisco), corn syrup, real vanilla, stick cinnamon, and
pumpkin pie filling are not available, but substitutes can be found.
Meats (beef, pork, lamb, chicken) are plentiful and reasonably
priced. Seafood is widely available in coastal cities and is shipped
(fresh or frozen) into inland areas. Turkey products are becoming
more popular. Turkeys are available (small fresh or frozen medium or
large) during the holidays in November and December. Most stores
carry a variety of 10-20 breakfast cereals, including some familiar
Kellogg's and Post products. Many families supplement local
purchases with periodic shipments from the States. Liquor, beer, and
wine (both domestic and international) are widely available and
reasonably priced. South Africa has achieved international
recognition for the high quality of its wines. To satisfy cravings
for U.S. products, several on-line shopping services will ship most
items via diplomatic pouch; unfortunately, liquids are prohibited.
Clothing Last Updated: 4/1/2004 3:43 AM
South African men and women dress similarly to Americans and
Europeans, but shoe and clothing sizes differ. Imported stylish
European shoes are available, although at a much higher cost.
American shoe widths, especially narrow, are limited. Persons with
small or very large feet may have difficulty finding shoes that fit.
The quality of South African shoes, including children's shoes, is
poorer than that found in the States. Although a heavy winter coat
is not necessary, nighttime temperatures in the winter can fall to
freezing in Pretoria and Johannesburg and below freezing in the
mountains. All-weather coats or wraps are a good investment. Men's
styles follow current trends. Wool and lightweight business suits
are common. Winter wear is needed for three to four months of the
year. Businessmen typically wear suits or sports jackets and slacks.
Dress shirts are available, however short-sleeved shirts are often
of lesser quality. Tuxedos and dinner jackets are rarely used but
can be rented if needed. Generally, women's clothing is similar to
that worn in Western U.S. cities. Hosiery is of a lesser quality
than that available in the States, sizes are different, and prices
are high. Ladies should therefore bring an ample supply with them or
order on-line. There are few occasions when evening gowns are
needed; cocktail dresses and/or pantsuits are more commonly worn.
Accessories and undergarments are available, but sizes may vary and
the quality may not compare to that found in the States. Children's
clothing is available, but it is expensive and the quality is
questionable. Many employees bring needed clothing items with them
or purchase them through the many U.S. catalogues available in the
CLO Office.
Supplies and Services
Supplies Last Updated: 4/1/2004 3:47 AM
Toiletries, household supplies, medicines, and prescription drugs
are in good supply, however some familiar U.S. brands may not be
available. Cosmetics and perfumes (mostly imported) are expensive
unless purchased in a duty-free shop. Paper and plastic products
(tissue, napkins, foil, freezer bags, etc.) are of variable quality.
Many brands of disposable diapers are available, with quality
comparable to those sold in the U.S. Disposable baby bottle liners
are not available. Locally made toys, such as those found at Toys R
Us, are expensive. Because of that, many Americans shop through
catalogues.
Supplies and Services
Domestic Help Last Updated: 4/1/2004 3:45 AM
Many domestics are experienced and proficient while others speak
limited English and require highly specific instructions.
Well-trained cooks command good wages and are rarely available. Less
experienced cooks require considerable instruction in preparing and
serving food. Some domestics are accustomed to performing only the
tasks for which they are hired. A good cook, for example, would not
be expected to perform cleaning and laundry tasks. Most people
employ domestics who are not specialists but who perform a variety
of tasks. Depending upon representational responsibilities, family
size and individual preferences, some personnel hire full-time,
live-in domestics, while others prefer to hire part-time help. Extra
pay is common for special occasions such as receptions. In addition
to a full-time domestic, most families employ a gardener or contract
with a gardening service. Increasingly, houses do not have live-in
servant's quarters. The Embassy expects all of its employees to pay
their domestics, gardeners, nannies, or other help an adequate
living wage. See the CLO upon arrival for current recommended
salaries and benefits and for information on laws applicable to
domestics. Besides wages, employers provide live-in domestics with
room and board, basic furniture, linens, and an electric heater.
Some homes have separate servant quarters. The new labor laws
address unemployment, vacation, and sick/disability benefits that
are due domestic workers. The public health system generally is
adequate for taking care of domestic employee needs.
Religious Activities Last Updated: 4/1/2004 3:48 AM
The immense variety apparent in South Africa's people and culture
is also reflected in the number of religious denominations. The
following congregations can all be found within the vicinity of
Pretoria: Anglican, Baptist, Buddhist, Catholic, Charismatic,
Christian Scientist, Church of Christ, Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-Day Saints, Church of Scientology, Congregational, Dutch
Reformed (Afrikaans), Greek Orthodox, Hindu, Jewish, Lutheran
(German), Methodist, Muslim, Nazarene, Pentecostal, Presbyterian,
Seventh Day Adventist, Wesleyan, Unitarian. Most conduct services in
English.
Education Last Updated: 4/1/2004 3:49 AM
For more information on schools, please contact the CLO office.
Education
Dependent Education Last Updated: 10/29/2003 6:14 AM
Education October 2003
The American International School of Johannesburg (AISJ), which
many mission children attend, is located midway between Johannesburg
and Pretoria. It is situated on 67 acres of rolling hills. The
school was established in 1982 and is a non-profit institution. AISJ
is one of two schools in the area that offers a U.S. curriculum and
school calendar (school year from August to June) for kindergarten
through 12th grade. AISJ has an outstanding student-teacher ratio of
one teacher to ten students. A limited program of physical education
and sports activities is offered. If you have a child with special
needs, please contact the school as soon as possible for information
regarding the availability of programs for your child. The website
for the school is: http://www.aisj-jhb.com/. Contact the school
directly by telephone, 27-11-464-1505, or by fax, 27-11-464-1327.
Enrollment for the 2003/2004 school year is approximately 460
students.The American International School of Johannesburg at
Pretoria opened a satellite school in Pretoria in 2001. This campus
offers kindergarten through the fifth grade and is located on
Schoemann Street across the street from the Embassy. Enrollment for
the 2003/2004 school year is 38. The telephone number of the school
is (012) 344-6242. Site Coordinator: Ben Weinberg (e-mail: bweinberg@aisj-jhb.com)The
North American International School (NAIS) in Pretoria was
established in 2001 and offers pre-school through the seventh grade.
The school plans to add a grade each year. NAIS is located a few
blocks from the Embassy and offers the North Carolina curriculum. If
you have a child with special needs, please contact the school as
soon as possible for information regarding the availability of
programs for your child. They can be reached on (012) 430-5466 for
help with enquires and admissions. Website: www.nais.org.za.
Director: Ken Baucom (e-mail: kenbaucom@nais.org.za)Quite a few
Mission dependent children attend private South African schools in
the area. The South African school system follows the United Kingdom
Standard form of schooling. Some are coeducational, most are single
sex. The South African school year begins in mid-January and ends in
early December. Students transferring from a U.S. curriculum based
school need to be cognizant of the difference in school year start
times. The away-from-post education allowance is the same as the
at-post-allowance for those considering boarding schools. Please
refer to the standardized regulations for the latest information on
the use of the post allowance for schools away from post. The
American schools run on a mid-August to early June American calendar
while the South African schools begin their new school year in
January and end in late November. South African Schools:In addition
to the American schools, Embassy personnel have used the following
private South African schools:· Crawford offers classes from Grades
0-12 and high school culminates with the South African Matric and
the International Higher Equivalent Certificate. Their telephone
number is (012) 344-1886. Website: www.crawford.co.za. · Hatfield
Christian School: (012) 361-1182· St. Mary’s DSG is an all-girls
Anglican school and offers classes to 800 girls from grades 0-12.
DSG has maintained an excellent academic standard in the IEB
examinations. The phone number is (012) 362-1352. (www.stmarys.pta.school.za)
· St. Alban’s College is the all-boy equivalent of St. Mary’s. Their
telephone number is (012) 348-1221.Other Local Schools:· Pretoria
High School for Girls, Park Street, Arcadia. Pretoria High School is
an academic school with the majority of pupils following the South
African Matriculation Exemption course. It caters for a maximum of
1350 girls from Grades 8 – 12. The telephone number is (012)
430-7341; Fax: (012) 342-1955 (www.phsg.org.za)· Pretoria Boys’ High
School, Roper Street, Brooklyn. This is the all-boy equivalent of
Pretoria High School for Girls. Grades 8-12 (13-18 years old) (012)
460-2246 (www.boyshigh.com) Universities· The University of
Pretoria, Lynnwood Rd, Hatfield. (012) 420-2720 Web page
www.up.ac.za is the largest residential university in South Africa
with 12 faculties 550 academic programs and more than 23,000
students. As an internationally recognized academic institution the
University of Pretoria provides teaching, research and community
service of the highest standard. The University offers students an
academic home where they receive education in both English and
Afrikaans.· University of South Africa (UNISA), Muckleneuk Ridge.
Box 392 TA UNISA (012) 429-3657 Web page www.unisa.ac.za is one of
the largest distance- education universities in the world, with more
than 20,000 students throughout the world and six faculties.
President Mandela completed a degree from UNISA while on Robben
Island. It is possible to register for individual courses, or pursue
a graduate or undergraduate degree upon the presentation of the
required credentials. · University of the Witwatersrand (Wits).
Spread over more than 100 hectares in Johannesburg, Wits University
is an urban, comprehensive university which has a distinctive
capacity to contribute to the reconstruction and development of
South Africa through research and the production of skilled,
critical and adaptable graduates. With more than 100,000 graduates
in its 80-year history, Wits has made and will continue to make its
mark nationally and internationally. www.wits.ac.za For more
information, please contact the CLO office.
Education
Dependent Education
At Post Last Updated: 4/1/2004 3:50 AM For more information on
schools, please contact the CLO office.
International Elementary and Secondary Schools In the
Pretoria/Johannesburg area, there are three elementary schools and
one high school that offer an American curriculum and school year
(August to June). Employees who have a child with special needs
should contact the schools for specific information. The American
International School of Johannesburg (AISJ) is a fully accredited
school offering instruction in grades pre-K through 12. It is
situated on 67 acres of rolling hills midway between Johannesburg
and Pretoria, and was established in 1982 as a non-profit
institution. AISJ maintains a student-teacher ratio of ten to one,
and had an enrollment of 460 students during the 2003-04 school
year. AISJ provides a standard American high school curriculum, the
International Baccalaureate Diploma, and the I.B. certificate
program. It offers a limited program of physical education. The
school can be contacted by phone at 27-11-464-1505, or by fax at
27-11-464-1327. The website is http://www.aisj-jhb.com/. The
American International School of Johannesburg at Pretoria, which
opened in 2001, is a satellite campus of AISJ. The school offers
grades pre-K through 5 and is located close to the Embassy.
Enrollment for the 2003-04 school year was 50; some 30% of the
students were American, with Israelis, Indians, Dutch, and British
well represented. The student-teacher ratio is eight to one, with no
class exceeding 17 students. The school uses flexible student
groups, meaning that grades for some subjects are combined. The
curriculum used is American but geared toward an international
student body. Employees may contact Site Coordinator Ben Weinberg by
phone at 27-12-344-6242 or by e-mail at bweinberg@aisj-jhb.com. The
North American International School (NAIS) was established in 2001.
It now teaches grades Pre-K through 8. Located a few blocks from the
Embassy, the school uses the State of North Carolina curriculum and
maintains a student-teacher ratio of ten to one. Enrollment for the
2003-04 school year was 52 students, of whom 80% were American.
Employees can contact the school by phone at 27-12-430-5466. The
website is www.nais.org.za. The Director, Dr. Ken Baucom, can be
reached via e-mail at kenbaucom@nais.org.za. South African Education
A number of Mission children attend private South African schools,
most of which are single-sex schools. The South African school year
begins in early January and ends in late November, and students
transferring from a U.S. curriculum-based school need to be aware of
the difference in school years. Please note that college in South
Africa usually refers to high school while university refers to
higher education. For those considering South African secondary
schools, a full exploration and understanding of the South African
matriculation system is necessary. The manner in which subject
material is arranged and taught is significantly different from the
U.S. system. This can cause learning problems for some students, and
it poses problems when applying to American universities, as it is
difficult to competitively compare a student's accomplishments in
the South African system with those in the American system. The
current South African curriculum contains elements of the
traditional British system. American students would enter the
two-year matriculation process in January at Standard 9, which
corresponds to the British Form IV, or to grade 11 in the U.S.
system. Standard 10 is the matriculation year that is in preparation
for and followed by entry into a local university. The regular
matriculation course of study includes English, a physical science,
a foreign language, a social science, mathematics, and minor courses
such as art and physical education. The manner in which subjects are
presented requires an adaptation by American students. Rather than
studying algebra, geometry, and trigonometry in separate courses,
they are studied as one integrated unit with advancing stages of
difficulty each year. A particular school might require the study of
a specific foreign language or social science because it is the one
offered. World history, focusing on South African and European
history, is a course that extends through the 2-year matriculation
period. Local schools do not teach American history, which is
required for high school graduation in the U.S. Matriculation
courses are generally taught through lecture, rather than through
seminars or projects. Students take extensive notes and are given
frequent examinations that weigh heavily in determining final
grades. The percentage grading system used in the schools must be
explained to U.S. universities. In some high school courses, for
example, 40% can be a passing grade and 75%-80% is frequently
considered meritorious.
South African Schools Those interested in South African schools
might consult the following websites. The Pretoria branch of
Crawford College, located near the USAID annex, has over 500
students. Classes, ranging from K-12, are divided into
pre-preparatory, preparatory and college. High school culminates
with the South African Matriculation and the International Higher
Equivalent Certificate. The website is www.crawford.co.za. Hatfield
Christian School operates under the auspices of Hatfield Christian
Church. The school's policy statement says, "...all policy decisions
are embarked upon from a biblical perspective". The website is
www.hatfieldcs.co.za. St. Mary's Diocesan School for Girls is an
all-girls, Anglican school offering classes to 800 students in
grades K-12. The website is www.stmarys.pta.school.za. St. Alban's
College is an all-boys, Anglican secondary school offering classes
to 500 students. The website is www.stalbanscollege.com Pretoria
High School for Girls, established in 1902, has 1350 girls are
enrolled in grades 8 -12. The website is www.phsg.org.za. Pretoria
Boys' High School, established in 1910, has 1525 boys enrolled in
grades 8 -12. The website is www.boyshigh.com.
Education
Dependent Education
Away From Post Last Updated: 4/1/2004 3:51 AM For those
considering boarding schools, the away-from-post education allowance
is the same as the at-post-allowance. Please refer to the
Standardized Regulations for the maximum amount covered.
Education
Special Needs Education Last Updated: 4/1/2004 3:51 AM
The Pretoria Preparatory School for children (ages 5-13), UNICA,
Prinshof School for the Blind, Sonitus, and the New Hope School are
among the schools available for children with special needs in
Pretoria. Bellavista, Casa Do Sol, Cedarwood, Crosswoods, and Delta
Park serve children with special needs in Johannesburg. In Cape
Town, Bel Porto, the Glendale School and Tafelberg are schools
available to serve special needs students. The Browne, Golden Hours
and Kenmont Schools serve special needs children in Durban. Post
completed a survey of South African schools catering to special
needs students in 2003. The survey is available from the State
Department's Office of Overseas Schools, or Embassy Pretoria's
Community Liaison Office.
Education
Higher Education Opportunities Last Updated: 4/1/2004 3:52 AM
South African Universities Admission to South African
universities is based on stringent matriculation examinations. The
universities do not have programs of general studies during the
first 2 years as in American universities, but require
specialization for the entire 3-year course, after which the
bachelor degree is awarded. "Honors," the completed fourth year of
university instruction, provides the equivalent of a 4-year U.S.
bachelor's degree. A number of Mission dependents have attended
South African Universities. The University of Pretoria is the
largest residential university in South Africa. It is an
internationally recognized academic institution offering courses in
either English or Afrikaans. The website is www.up.ac.za. University
of South Africa (UNISA) is one of the largest correspondence
universities in the world. Former President Mandela completed a
degree from UNISA while imprisoned on Robben Island. It is possible
to register for individual courses or pursue an undergraduate or
graduate degree upon presentation of the required credentials. The
website is www.unisa.ac.za. University of the Witwatersrand is
located in Johannesburg. Known informally as Wits, the school is an
urban, comprehensive university with a strong emphasis on research.
The website is www.wits.ac.za.
Recreation and Social Life
Sports Last Updated: 4/1/2004 3:52 AM
South Africa is one of the finest areas of the world for
participant sports. There are good golf courses throughout the
country. Top quality equipment is readily available but somewhat
more expensive than in the U.S. Employees who enjoy golf should plan
to dress conservatively on the greens and include an ample supply of
golf balls in their shipment as the local cost is triple the U.S.
price. Golf clubs can be purchased locally at competitive prices.
Many Embassy houses have outdoor pools that can be used about eight
months of the year. Some families purchase special water-heating
equipment that can prolong the swimming season another two months.
Weekend hunting, fishing, mountain climbing and water-rafting trips
are available seasonally. Along the coastal areas, surfing, scuba
diving, and sailing are popular. Many mineral baths are located in
the surrounding areas, offering families a nice retreat. Fresh water
swimming is not recommended because of the danger of contracting
schistosomiasis. A popular participant sport among senior members of
the local community is lawn bowling. Ten-pin bowling is available in
the larger metropolitan areas. The most popular spectator sports are
soccer, cricket, rugby and horseracing. Squash facilities are
available at several country and health clubs. The latter offer
memberships for approximately $39 per month per adult, with off-peak
memberships costing $23. Tennis courts, both private and public, are
available in and around metropolitan cities, with many having
minimal membership or court fees. Colored attire is acceptable.
Tennis rackets and balls cost more than in the U.S.; re-stringing
services are at reasonable prices. Many family members sign up for
private lessons, as the cost is modest. A diplomatic tennis
tournament takes place each year in Pretoria. Several horseback
riding facilities are located in the area. Lessons are available for
all ages with costs somewhat lower than in the U.S. In Pretoria,
there is a Community Center adjacent to the Ambassador's residence
for use by Mission personnel. The facilities include a swimming
pool, tennis court, children's play equipment, kitchen, barbecue
areas, picnic tables, lavatories, and showers.
Recreation and Social Life
Touring and Outdoor Activities Last Updated: 4/1/2004 3:52 AM
South Africa has many national parks, including the famous Kruger
National Park located along the Mozambican border in the
northeastern corner of the country. Several game reserves, including
Pilanesberg National Park, are closer to Pretoria and can be visited
on a one-day excursion. And, Pretoria and Johannesburg both have
good zoos. Although hunting in the national parks is forbidden, a
wide variety of game can be hunted on private hunting farms. Hunting
migratory waterfowl is prohibited. The required hunting permit can
usually be obtained through the organization arranging the hunting
safari. Rifle and shotgun ammunition is available at U.S. prices.
Camping (caravanning, as it is known in South Africa) is a popular
activity with many South Africans; equipment is readily available
everywhere. Excellent terrain for hiking and mountain climbing is
found in parks throughout the country. Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal
provinces have excellent freshwater fishing in the streams and
reservoirs scattered throughout the area. Trout fishing farms
abound. Saltwater fishing is a favorite pastime along South Africa's
eastern and southern coasts. Many locations allow for surf or rock
fishing, and charter trips may be arranged for big game fishing.
Fishing equipment is available locally and is priced comparably to
similar equipment in the U.S. Scuba diving is also very popular in
South Africa and lessons are reasonably priced. The coastline offers
a wide variety of diving sites, including the possibility of viewing
sharks from inside the protection of a steel diving cage. Snow
skiing is possible at the Tiffendell resort in the southern
Drakensberg Mountains, a resort that opened in 1993. Visiting
Tiffendell requires a long 6-hour drive west from Durban or an
8-hour journey south of Johannesburg. The slopes are not challenging
for those beyond the beginner or low intermediate stages, and the
resort uses a rope tow and poma lift. The final ascent to the resort
can only be traversed with a 4-wheel drive vehicle, although a
shuttle service is available from the valley floor to the ski
resort. With overnight accommodations available for only 130 guests,
Tiffendell is usually fully booked during July and August, though it
has capacity for another 250 day visitors. More information is
available at the resort's website (www.snow.co.za). Accommodations,
restaurants, and shops cater to tourists in all price brackets.
During peak periods, reservations should be made months in advance.
Since standards vary, travelers should inquire about the
availability of heating or air conditioning before booking.
Recreation and Social Life
Entertainment Last Updated: 4/1/2004 3:53 AM
Professional theater, ballet, concerts and opera are all
available at prices cheaper than in the U.S. Art exhibits and craft
shows are held almost each weekend in various venues throughout the
major metropolitan areas. Movie theaters and several drive-ins show
first-run American movies.
Recreation and Social Life
Social Activities Last Updated: 11/30/1999 6:00 PM
All staff members are expected to assist the Chief of Mission and
senior officers as needed in entertaining foreign guests and
official visitors. Along with the Ambassador and Deputy Chief of
Mission, senior officers (Counselors and Agency Heads) have the most
representational responsibility. All officers are expected to do
their share in representing the Mission in South Africa. Funding is
made available to all State Department sections to carry out
representational responsibilities.
Only senior officers are expected to make formal calls on members
of the Government and diplomatic or consular corps, but all
diplomatic and senior personnel should bring 100 calling cards or
have them printed at post (easily available).
Recreation and Social Life
Social Activities
Among Americans Last Updated: 4/1/2004 3:54 AM Social activities
are primarily family-oriented with outings, braais (barbecues), and
informal dinner parties preferred. Children's birthday parties are
festive occasions, with swimming parties, jumping castles, and
visits to children's playlands as favorite forms of celebration.
Adults usually enjoy casual at-home entertainment or dining out with
friends. There are some fine restaurants in Pretoria and Durban, but
Johannesburg and Cape Town offer the widest culinary selection.
Social Clubs There are three active, American-oriented social clubs
in the area: the International Women's Club of Pretoria, the
American International Women's Club of Johannesburg, and the
American Society of South Africa. The latter is open to both men and
women. A wide variety of South African clubs and social groups are
open to Americans. Some examples include quilting, sailing, biking,
doll making, running, playing bridge, and motorcycling. There is a
clubhouse where duplicate bridge is played six days a week.
Recreation and Social Life
Social Activities
International Contacts Last Updated: 4/1/2004 3:55 AM Senior
members of the Mission staff entertain host country and foreign
nationals and often receive reciprocal invitations. Other personnel
extend hospitality to non-Americans based on their own wishes. Many
opportunities exist for social interaction with South Africans and
other foreign nationals.
Official Functions Last Updated: 4/1/2004 3:56 AM
All staff members are expected to assist the Chief of Mission and
senior officers as needed in entertaining foreign guests and
official visitors. Along with the Ambassador and Deputy Chief of
Mission, senior officers (Counselors and Agency Heads) have the most
representational responsibilities. All officers are expected to do
their share in representing the Mission in South Africa. Funding is
made available to all State Department sections to carry out
representational responsibilities. Unless dress is specified, a dark
business suit for men or a dress for women is appropriate for most
occasions. Clothes for black-tie functions are seldom required, and
can be rented locally. Informal (or smart casual) dress includes a
sport jacket for men and either pants or a dress for women. Most
entertaining is done on a casual basis either at home or at a local
restaurant.
Official Functions
Standards of Social Conduct Last Updated: 11/30/1999 6:00 PM
All staff members are expected to assist the Chief of Mission and
senior officers as needed in entertaining foreign guests and
official visitors. Along with the Ambassador and Deputy Chief of
Mission, senior officers (Counselors and Agency Heads) have the most
representational responsibility. All officers are expected to do
their share in representing the Mission in South Africa. Funding is
made available to all State Department sections to carry out
representational responsibilities.
Only senior officers are expected to make formal calls on members
of the Government and diplomatic or consular corps, but all
diplomatic and senior personnel should bring 100 calling cards or
have them printed at post (easily available).
Special Information Last Updated: 11/30/1999 6:00 PM
Post Orientation Program
New arrivals receive a Welcome Packet with information on
housing, schools, area tourism as well as administrative notices of
interest to new employees and their families. The Community Liaison
Office has prepared an information booklet that serves as an
invaluable guide to life in Pretoria and surrounding areas. An
Orientation Program familiarizes newcomers to the operation of the
Embassy. Embassy officers are invited to participate in the
orientation and brief the newcomer and family members on Mission
functions. While English is only one of the eleven official
languages of the country, it is the most broadly useful and will
serve in the vast majority of settings. A knowledge of Afrikaans is
not required to carry on daily business or social contacts, although
it can be useful. Being able to speak a few courtesy phrases in
Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho, Afrikaans or Tswana will warm hearts and open
social doors. While the Embassy has no at-post language program,
there are limited language tapes available.
Consulate General - Cape Town
Post City Last Updated: 4/1/2004 5:39 AM
Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The
sea and mountains come together to create "The Fairest Cape in the
Whole Circumference of the Earth," as Sir Francis Drake described it
in the 16th century. Today Cape Town is a busy city with many of the
advantages of a first-world economy and infrastructure, while its
outskirts exhibit many aspects typical of a large developing city.
Cape Town has a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers
(November through February) and cool, wet winters (June through
August). Except for frequent strong winds, the weather is seldom
extreme. Sweaters, rain gear and jackets are needed in the winter;
temperatures can fall to 40°F. The lack of central heating in most
homes intensifies the effects of the damp winters, when snow
occasionally falls in the mountains north of the city. Spring brings
a riot of wild flowers to the area, while in autumn the numerous
orchards and vineyards in the region turn red-orange. The Khoi-Khoi
and San peoples ("Hottentots" and Bushmen in colonial-era parlance)
lived in the Cape Town area for millennia prior to the arrival of
Dutch settlers in 1652. The Dutch East Indies Company developed Cape
Town as a "seaward-looking caravansary on the periphery of the
global spice trade." Many old buildings and farmhouses, built in the
Cape Dutch style of architecture, link modern Cape Town with its
historic past. The British controlled the Cape off and on from 1795
until 1910, when Cape Town became the seat of parliament for the
Union of South Africa. From colonial times through the 1948-94
apartheid era, Robben Island, located in Cape Town's Table Bay, was
an infamous penal colony housing many political prisoners, including
former President Nelson Mandela. According to the 2001 census, some
2.9 million people live in Cape Town, which serves as South Africa's
parliamentary capital as well as the capital of the Western Cape
Province. About half (48%) of the city's population is "colored"
(mixed race), 32% is "black", and 19% is "white". English
predominates, but Afrikaans and Xhosa are also widely spoken.
Approximately 5,000 Americans live in the consular district, with
some 1,000 in the greater Cape Town area. Cape Town's economy is
based on financial services (banking and insurance), light industry
(textiles, food processing), shipping, fishing, and tourism. Cape
Town has become a major international tourist destination.
Opportunities for active visitors include mountain climbing, hiking,
road running, fishing, golf, bird and whale watching, horseback
riding, cycling, surfing, diving, and swimming (although the ocean
is quite cold). Cape Town offers a wide variety of cultural events,
including theater, concerts, art exhibitions, and first-run movies.
World-class botanical gardens and national parks complement the
scenic wine country near the city. The Victoria and Alfred
Waterfront, somewhat akin to Baltimore's Inner Harbor, boasts more
than 200 upscale retail outlets, restaurants and clubs.
The Post and Its Administration Last Updated: 4/1/2004 5:40 AM
Consulate General Cape Town serves a consular district made up of
the Western, Eastern, and Northern Cape Provinces - a region
comprising more than half the total area of South Africa. The
Ambassador maintains a residence in Cape Town as well as in
Pretoria. The Consulate General, including offices of the Foreign
Commercial Service and USDA/APHIS, is located on the 4th and 7th
floors of the Broadway Industries Center, Heerengracht, Foreshore,
Cape Town. In addition, the Office of Overseas Buildings Operations
(OBO) maintains a presence on the construction site of the new
Consulate building. The local mailing address is P.O. Box 6773,
Roggebaai 8012, Cape Town. Office hours are 8-5 Monday through
Friday; telephone number is (27)(21) 421-4280, fax (27)(21)
418-1989. The Consulate is currently located in the downtown
business district and is within walking distance of the main train
station, bus stops, the waterfront, and Parliament buildings. In
2005, the Consulate is expected to relocate to the suburban area of
Westlake, about 25 minutes south of the city center. Taxi service is
available within the city and from Cape Town International Airport,
located 30 minutes east of downtown. Travelers should advise the
Consulate General of their travel plans in advance so that
transportation from the airport can be arranged.
Housing
Temporary Quarters Last Updated: 4/1/2004 5:41 AM
Every effort is made to ensure that new arrivals move directly
into permanent housing. Should it be necessary, temporary housing
will be provided in government-leased quarters or a good quality
hotel.
Housing
Permanent Housing Last Updated: 4/1/2004 5:41 AM
The housing pool consists of a mixture of U.S. Government-owned
and leased houses and apartments. The U.S. Government owns
residences for the Ambassador, Consul General and Marine Security
Guard Detachment plus 3 other residences for staff. The Office of
Overseas Buildings Operations in Rosslyn, Virginia has pictures of
and descriptions of furnishings for these residences. Residences of
the Ambassador and Consul General are equipped with china, crystal,
silverware, major kitchen appliances and utensils. Other residences
are fully furnished and equipped with ranges, dishwashers,
refrigerators, freezers, microwaves, vacuum cleaner, washers and
dryers. Post does not provide linens, china, glassware, kitchen
utensils, pots, pans, irons, TVs or radios. Two space heaters are
provided where needed; most houses do not have air-conditioning.
Housing
Utilities and Equipment Last Updated: 4/1/2004 5:41 AM
Electrical current in Cape Town is 220v, 2-wire, 50hz-cycle, AC,
with each unit protected by a third or earth-ground wire. Post
provides 2 step-up transformers per household. It is recommended
that home computer users bring an Uninterrupted Power Supply unit.
Home internet service providers and direct satellite television (DSTV)
services are available. As local VCR's and DVD's utilize the
European PAL system, it is advisable to bring a multi-system TV and
players/recorders or purchase locally, where they are available at
lower prices than in the U.S.
Food Last Updated: 4/1/2004 5:42 AM
Good quality meat, fish, poultry, dairy products, vegetables,
seasonal fruit and breads are readily available. The larger Cape
Town supermarkets are akin to Safeways in U.S., though with more
limited choices. Paper and plastic products, toiletries, pet food,
and children's products are available. There are several small
supermarkets specializing in Asian, Italian, German, Indian, and
other ethnic food products. While almost everything can be found
locally, U.S. brand names are limited and often more expensive; for
that reason, it is advisable to bring favorite cosmetics and
medicines. Clothing and shoe stores follow European sizes, with
fashions trailing the U.S. and Europe by a season.
Supplies and Services Last Updated: 4/1/2004 5:42 AM
The Consulate has no medical unit. Local dental, eye-care, and
medical services including hospitals, specialists, nursing care and
emergency rooms are excellent and easy to access. There are several
U.S.-style indoor malls where one can find clothing, shoes, gifts,
cinemas, post offices, photo developers, dry cleaners, beauty
salons, household items and furniture. Books, music and toys are
more expensive than in the U.S. Internet service and mobile phones
for personal use are available on a contract basis. Some personnel
order goods via the internet; however, it should be noted that
diplomatic pouch restrictions apply. Post has no APO; local mail
service is efficient but not always secure. Bring a supply of US
stamps in a variety of denominations. Most personnel do not maintain
a local bank account, as transaction fees can be costly. While major
US credit cards are accepted locally and there are automatic teller
machines, they must be used with a mind towards security.
Supplies and Services
Domestic Help Last Updated: 4/1/2004 5:43 AM
Most personnel employ a full- or part-time, live-in or -out maid
depending on family size and living quarters. Au pairs, nannies,
cooks and babysitting services are available. Families occupying a
house may require a part-time gardener and a pool service. Personnel
who hire household staff are expected to comply with all aspects of
South African labor law pertaining to domestic staff.
Religious Activities Last Updated: 4/1/2004 5:43 AM
Services of most of the major religions can be found in Cape
Town. There are numerous Christian churches and bible societies,
Jewish synagogues, Hindu temples, and mosques and madrassas serving
the largest concentration of Muslims in South Africa. Roman
Catholic, Anglican, non-denominational Christian, African Methodist
Episcopal, evangelical/Pentecostal/charismatic, Church of the Latter
Day Saints, and Orthodox Christian are among the Christian churches
found in Cape Town. There are Jewish, Christian and Muslim
bookstores carrying religious books, music and gifts. Religious
services are broadcasts by radio and television. Both halaal and
kosher food are available.
Education
Dependent Education
At Post Last Updated: 4/1/2004 5:44 AM Quality education is
available in both public and private school settings, covering
nursery to tertiary level instruction; limited boarding facilities
are also available. Unless otherwise stated, instruction is in
English and the education system approximates that of Great Britain.
Schools operate from mid-January through mid-December, except for
the American International School of Cape Town, which runs on the
northern hemisphere school calendar and utilizes a U.S.-based
curriculum. The South African school year consists of 4 terms, each
lasting about 10 weeks; the main summer break is from mid-December
through mid-January. There may be difficulties securing openings
during the northern summer transfer season and an assessment may be
required to determine appropriate grade placement. Families with
school-aged children assigned to Cape Town should contact the
administrative section at post as soon as possible. Afrikaans
language study, beginning in grade 5, is required in all public and
most private schools in the Western Cape; exceptions are given to
temporary residents in most private schools. The most commonly
offered second languages are French, German, and Xhosa. Most schools
do not offer American History or Spanish. Some schools cater to
gifted children and those with mild to moderate learning
disabilities; however, most schools rely on external, privately
funded resources, depending on the needs of the child. Limited
services exist for the mentally retarded and the physically
disabled, including cerebral palsied, deaf and blind children. Very
few options exist for older youth presenting with behavioral
difficulties or autism. Except for nursery schools, the majority of
schools require winter and summer uniforms, which are purchased
locally. Most schools do not offer transportation.
Education
Dependent Education
Away From Post Last Updated: 4/1/2004 5:44 AM Those who send
their children away from post usually send them to the U.S. or
Europe.
Education
Higher Education Opportunities Last Updated: 4/1/2004 5:44 AM
Many adult classes at institutions such as the University of Cape
Town (UCT), the University of Western Cape (UWC) and the University
of Stellenbosch offer instruction in the typical range of university
studies, including various degree courses. Compared with American
universities, the full-time annual tuition is inexpensive for a
university of fairly high academic standards. The Cape Technikon
(Technical College) offers a wide selection of courses in the fields
of commerce/management, information technology, marketing,
engineering, design, science, and hotel management/tourism.
Personnel can usually arrange enrollment without difficulty. A
nominal fee is charged and English is the language of instruction.
Non-degreed courses are available in smaller institutions offering
specialized instruction, such as cooking, art and photography.
Recreation and Social Life
Sports Last Updated: 4/1/2004 5:45 AM
Cape Town offers excellent facilities for outdoor activities and
sports, such as road running, triathlon, hiking, mountain climbing,
skydiving, surf sailing, camping, bird and whale watching, tennis,
golf, running, horseback riding, cycling, scuba diving, surfing,
canoeing, and kayaking. Hunting is available in the Eastern Cape
Province. Cape Town is host to several international-level sporting
events including the Cape Argus Cycle Tour and the Two Oceans
Marathon. Local sports gyms and recreational clubs have modern
equipment and classes and are easy to join. There are several
country clubs featuring golf and tennis, where personnel can obtain
membership; however, initial fees for these clubs are substantial.
There are also sports clubs featuring youth baseball, soccer,
women's softball, swimming, rugby, cricket, netball, and lawn bowls.
There is a local basketball league. Cape Town has two yacht clubs,
dragon boat racing clubs, and hundreds of small boat enthusiasts.
One yacht club is headquartered in the port basin; the other is
located 13 miles from Cape Town on a 600-acre freshwater lake. The
Cape is unique in providing opportunities for both cold and warm
water fishing. The wide range of fish around the reefs and beaches
of the peninsula coastline provides excellent sport for anglers.
Reasonably good freshwater fishing is also available. Sports
equipment is available for rent and purchase although at prices
higher than in the U.S.
Recreation and Social Life
Touring and Outdoor Activities Last Updated: 4/1/2004 5:45 AM
Cape Town boasts some of the finest restaurants and hotels on the
continent. In contrast to the northern reaches of the country, which
offers more variety with respect to game viewing, the Western Cape
offers pristine beaches, mountains and winelands, all within easy
reach of the city. Especially during the warmer months of November
to March, the region is a popular tourist destination. There are
outdoor concerts and theater performances, craft, flea, and antique
markets, wineries, jazz and arts festivals and many opportunities
for recreation. Off the beaten track, camping, fishing and hiking
are popular, and there are "self-catering" facilities for lower
budget trips. For children, Cape Town has an amusement park,
aquarium, penguin colony and many play parks. Families touring with
small children should check beforehand whether a particular hotel
caters to children.
Recreation and Social Life
Social Activities Last Updated: 4/1/2004 5:45 AM
The people of Cape Town are friendly and hospitable. This may
create extra social obligations for consular officers, but these do
not become arduous. The Consul General and Deputy Principal Officer
lead an active social life that will often include their spouses.
All employees will find a welcome from Capetonians, and events vary
from informal barbeques at home (known as a "braai" in South Africa)
to cocktail receptions and dinner parties. Dress is typically either
business attire or smart casual. The active International Women's
Club provides an avenue for spouses to participate further in social
and charitable activities. The growing reputation of Cape Town's
film industry provides unique opportunities to become involved as
extras in movies and advertisements.
Official Functions Last Updated: 4/1/2004 5:46 AM
Cape Town's infrastructure, services, climate and scenery make it
an attractive destination for official visitors and conferences.
While this adds to the normal workload of a medium-sized post, all
levels of personnel work together to support the many Congressional
delegations, trade missions, visits by senior administration
officials, and regional conferences. The Consulate also supports the
frequent visits of official Embassy Pretoria staff.
Special Information Last Updated: 4/1/2004 5:46 AM
Spousal Employment: Most spouses who want to work do so within
the Consulate where there are a handful of full- and part-time jobs.
Along with the aid of the Local Employment Advisor (LEA) from
Embassy Pretoria, Cape Town participates in the Strategic Networking
Assistance Program (SNAP), which aims to find employment on the
local economy. Local wages are significantly less than those offered
for comparable work in the U.S.
Consulate General - Durban
Post City Last Updated: 4/1/2004 4:16 AM
Durban, once famed as the "last outpost of the British Empire,"
today is the commercial, transport and vacation center of
southeastern South Africa. The city lies at the heart of KwaZulu-Natal,
the province with the largest population at 9.4 million. The
metropolitan area, now called the eThekwini Municipality, has a
population of 3.1 million. Durban is located 437 miles southeast of
Pretoria (7 hours by road or 1 hour by air) and 1,108 miles
northeast of Cape Town. It is the second largest city after
Johannesburg and the fastest growing in South Africa, with a
population growth rate similar to that of Mexico City or Lima.
Renowned as a tourist resort center, Durban is equally important as
the largest international port in all of Africa, as an industrial
commercial center, and as a center of a thriving agricultural area.
Although sometimes hot and humid, the year round subtropical climate
and long stretch of beaches combine to make the coast of KwaZulu-Natal
(KZN) a popular resort area. Numerous cultures and subcultures
co-exist within the city. The major ethnic/racial groupings include
"blacks", comprising 68.3% of the population, "Asians" (19.9%),
"whites" (8.9%), and "coloreds" (2.8%). The Zulus are the
predominant cultural group. Many people of British origin live in
Durban, though in recent years more Afrikaans speakers have settled
there, attracted by warmer weather and lower prices. As with major
South African cities, former racial barriers remain evident in
housing and schooling, but access to public facilities is fully
open. Americans in the Durban Consular district (comprising all of
KZN) number approximately 2,000 persons, of whom one-third live in
Durban. These Americans are primarily retired or American children
of South African citizens, academics, and businessmen. Americans
residing elsewhere in KZN are largely engaged in missionary work.
The Post and Its Administration Last Updated: 4/1/2004 4:16 AM
The U.S. Government offices in Durban include the Consulate
General and Foreign Commercial Services. Both are located on the
30th and 31st floors in Old Mutual Centre on West Street in the
central business district. The office phone number is
[27]-(31)-305-7600 and the fax number is [27]-(31)-305-7650 for
international calls. The Information Resource Center (IRC) is
located on the 30th floor of Old Mutual Centre. The staff consists
of the Consul General, five officers and local employees. Office
hours are 8-5 Monday through Friday. The Durban International
Airport is located 20 minutes southwest of the office. Most major
cities in the region are served from Durban via direct airline
connections, including hourly flights to Johannesburg and several
flights daily to Cape Town. Durban administers the shipping
operation for most goods arriving by sea for U.S. Government
addresses in southern Africa. Housing Temporary Quarters The
Consulate General does not maintain temporary quarters. Employees
stay at one of Durban's many excellent hotels or holiday apartments
until permanent housing is available.
Housing
Permanent Housing Last Updated: 4/1/2004 4:17 AM
Post maintains a housing pool in the suburbs of Durban along the
North Coast. These are quiet residential neighborhoods 15-30 minutes
away from the Consulate. In addition to beachfront attractions,
there are several nearby shopping districts, including one of South
Africa's largest retail malls. The residences are principally
single-family homes, many with views of the Indian Ocean. These
typically have yards that are average-to-large, swimming pools, and
two-car garages. Post also maintains a small number of apartments in
gated communities with community pools. The U.S. Government owns
homes for the Consul General and one officer. The Consul General's
home, Lincoln House, sits atop a high hill overlooking the Indian
Ocean. The grounds are over 2.5 acres and include a swimming pool,
tennis and basketball courts, a large flagstone terrace and a braai
(barbecue) area for entertaining. Floor plans and descriptions of
furnishings are on file with the Office of Foreign Buildings in
Washington, D.C. Other personnel occupy government-leased and
furnished housing.
Housing
Furnishings Last Updated: 4/1/2004 5:28 AM
See Pretoria
Housing
Utilities and Equipment Last Updated: 4/1/2004 5:28 AM
Electric current is 220 volts, 2 wire, 50 cycle, single phase,
AC. For other information on Utilities and Equipment see Pretoria.
Education
Dependent Education
At Post Last Updated: 4/1/2004 5:29 AM The division of schooling
into standards parallels the British system. South African education
is different from American education because of the former's rigid
curriculum requirements and strict policies governing behavior and
appearance. Adjustments, particularly in the upper grades, may be
difficult for American students. South Africa's school year starts
in January and ends the first week of December, but children are
accepted at any time. School uniforms are compulsory for boys and
girls. There are many excellent private schools for girls or boys
(ages 8-18) and a few coed options. Several outstanding
English-model boarding schools are located inland within an hour of
Durban. The private schools are expensive but standards are high.
Semi-public and some public schools offer good alternatives to
private institutions and are considerably less expensive. Primary
schools up to and including Standard V or grade 7 charge minimal
fees. At the high school level, some nominal fees are charged in
government schools. High schools offer a five-year course
culminating in the matriculation examination. Passing this
examination qualifies a student for admission to a university.
Students are required to take Afrikaans or Zulu in many schools.
Athletics, including cricket, rugby, swimming and track, are usually
included as part of the curriculum for boys. Girls also participate
in sports, including, tennis, swimming, hockey and basketball.
Sports activities constitute a major interest for students and
adults as well. In Durban North, three government high schools (one
for boys and two for girls) are within easy reach of the officers'
homes. Other high schools, private and government-owned, are located
in the city and may be reached by bus. Primary schools including
grades K-7 are distributed throughout the residential area and are
usually coeducational. Some private nursery schools, including those
offering Montessori programs cater to 3 to 6-year-old children.
Education
Higher Education Opportunities Last Updated: 4/1/2004 5:29 AM
The University of Natal, which is scheduled to merge with the
University of Durban-Westville in 2005, currently has branches in
both Durban and Pietermaritzburg. It offers a wide variety of
courses leading to degrees in liberal arts, science, engineering and
law. The University of Durban-Westville also offers courses in these
areas. In addition, many technical schools, called "technikons,"
offer a range of courses in arts, design, dressmaking, commercial
cookery, engineering, etc. The Universities of Natal and
Durban-Westville and all the technikons offer adult part-time
courses for academic credit. Actual degree programs are not offered
part-time. UNISA, the distance-learning university system, has
offices in Durban that offer coursework (including master's and
doctoral) in various fields.
Recreation and Social Life Last Updated: 4/1/2004 5:30 AM
Private tutoring in music, ballet and art is available to adults
and children. Business courses and instruction in driving, flying,
popular dance, fishing, diving, golf, tennis, swimming, riding, and
ice-skating are available.
Recreation and Social Life
Sports Last Updated: 4/1/2004 5:30 AM
Durban offers recreational facilities of all types, with emphasis
on outdoor sports for both spectators and participants. The many
parks and playgrounds for children and the beaches are among the
finest in South Africa. Sports, including yachting, fishing, golf,
tennis, swimming and bowling may be enjoyed throughout the year, but
access to some sports requires membership in a private club. Durban
also has an ice dome for skating. Other popular sports include
rugby, cricket, tennis, horseracing, baseball and squash. Four
first-class, 18-hole golf courses are within easy of Durban proper
and another four are within a radius of 15 miles. Local courses are
not designed to accommodate golf carts. At most courses, non-members
can play for a nominal green fee. Accessible to the Consulate are
the Durban Country Club, which provides golf, tennis and swimming,
and Virgin Active Sports Club, which provides indoor sporting
activities. Excellent asphalt and concrete all-weather tennis
courts, most of which are operated by private clubs, are available
but admission depends on availability. Lincoln House, the Consul
General's home, has a tennis court available to all staff.
Inexpensive swimming classes and well-equipped health studios that
provide aerobics and individual training programs are close to homes
in Durban North and in the central business district. All types of
sporting equipment are available locally.
Recreation and Social Life
Touring and Outdoor Activities Last Updated: 4/1/2004 5:31 AM
Durban is blessed with a wide range of outdoor recreational
facilities. KZN offers hunting, fishing, camping, boating, mountain
climbing, hiking, lake swimming and sightseeing. Ocean swimming and
surfing are major attractions, but Durban must contend with shark
dangers. The city has instituted a system of shark netting to
protect most of its public beaches. The city maintains several
museums, a botanical garden, library, aquarium and an aviary. Game
reserves are within a few hours' drive of Durban, as are extensive
parks and nature reserves.
Recreation and Social Life
Entertainment Last Updated: 4/1/2004 5:31 AM
American, English and other films are shown at reasonable prices.
Visiting repertory companies present plays and musicals, and several
university and amateur companies perform regularly at many venues.
The city boasts many excellent restaurants and nightclubs.
Photography is popular in Durban; all equipment, including
developing and printing, is available but at higher than U.S.
prices. The many colorful and interesting local festivals include
fire-walking ceremonies in the Indian community and Zulu dancing;
the Zulu King's Reed Dance is especially popular. There are many
craft markets offering a variety of craft and other items on
weekends in various neighborhoods of the city.
Recreation and Social Life
Social Activities Last Updated: 4/1/2004 5:31 AM
Important social clubs include the Durban Manor and the Hullets
Country Club. The Royal and Port Natal Yacht Clubs offer memberships
to all Consulate General staff. Honorary membership in the Durban
Club is extended to the principal officer and honorary or temporary
service membership in most other clubs is available to commissioned
officers. Numerous sport clubs cater to a wide variety of interests
and tastes.
Recreation and Social Life
Social Activities
Among Americans Last Updated: 4/1/2004 5:32 AM There are no
formalized American social activities. Officers are expected to
participate in the activities organized by the Consulate, such as
the Independence Day Celebration and Thanksgiving.
Recreation and Social Life
Social Activities
International Contacts Last Updated: 4/1/2004 5:32 AM The Durban
Consular Corps serves as one way of interacting with other diplomats
and honorary representatives of countries in Durban. The Corps
assembles bi-monthly for luncheons and occasionally interacts at
other social events.
Official Functions Last Updated: 4/1/2004 5:33 AM
The Consul General has many social obligations as the senior U.S.
representative. Although some functions are black-tie affairs,
business suits for men and short dresses for women are appropriate
for most functions. Social conduct, correspondence, and protocol at
this post are similar to British practice. Social obligations for
staff other than the Consul General vary depending on the
individual.
Special Information Last Updated: 4/1/2004 5:34 AM
Post Orientation Program: Because the consular establishment at
Durban is small, no formal orientation program exists. All officers
and staff spend time assisting newcomers, acquainting them with
their official functions and after-hours activities. A small library
is maintained at the Consulate General to help newcomers understand
the unique history and political composition of KZN. Consultations
may be arranged at the Embassy in Pretoria and the Consulate General
in Johannesburg on occasion. Officers generally spend several days'
consultation at Embassy Pretoria en route to post or soon after
arrival.
Consulate General - Johannesburg
Post City Last Updated: 4/1/2004 5:47 AM
Johannesburg is a metropolitan center of skyscrapers, sprawling
middle-to-upper class suburbs, ethnic neighborhoods, and informal
townships. Often called the Golden City for the nearby gold mines
that fueled Johannesburg's growth, the city is now the industrial,
commercial, financial and cultural engine of Southern Africa.
Located 35 miles south of Pretoria, the municipality of Johannesburg
has an official population of 3.2 million. According to the 2001
census, the larger metropolitan area of Johannesburg [which includes
Pretoria, the township of Soweto, and other surrounding areas] has a
population of over 8 million. Unofficial estimates put the true
population at over 10 million. The American community numbers about
3,000.Hotels, restaurants, cinemas and theatres, shops, homes and
apartment buildings are similar to those in modern European and
American cities. Streets and highways are built and maintained to a
very high standard, and driving is the most common means of
transportation used by Americans in Johannesburg.
The Post and Its Administration Last Updated: 4/1/2004 6:24 AM
The Consulate General, including the offices of the Consul
General and Regional Labor Officer, Regional Consular Section,
Management Section, and the Department of Homeland Security, is
located at 1 River Street, Killarney, 5 kilometers north of the
central business district. Office hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The international mailing address is P.O. Box 1762, Houghton 2041,
South Africa. The pouch address is Department of State -
Johannesburg, Washington, D.C. 20521-2500. The switchboard can be
reached by dialing (27)(11) 646-6900; fax, (27)(11) 646-6913.The
Consulate's Public Affairs Section and library are located at 1066
Pritchard Street, 3rd floor, in the city center. The Public Affairs
telephone number is (27)(11) 838-2231; fax, (27)(11) 838-3920.
Office hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Public Affairs Library in
Soweto occupies space within the Ipelegeng Center, 1283 Phera Street
(at Dlamini Street), Soweto 1868. The telephone number is (27)(11)
982-5580; fax, (27)(11)982-5844.The Foreign Commercial Service,
Trade and Development Agency, and International Broadcasting Bureau
have offices at 15 Chaplin Road, Illovo 2196. The FCS telephone
number is (27)(11) 442-3571; fax, (27)(11) 268-6101. The IBB
telephone number is (27)(11) 778-4812; fax, (27)(11) 268-6101. The
TDA telephone number is (27)(11)7784804; fax, (27)(11) 442-3761. A
Voice of America correspondent maintains an office at Mentone
Centre, 2nd floor, 1 Park Road, Richmond, Johannesburg. The
telephone number there is (27)(11) 726-4224.A new consulate compound
project is in the site acquisition phase as of January 2004. All
facilities with the exception of the Soweto Library will eventually
be combined into one location. All newcomers are met on arrival.
Employees who arrive unexpectedly or after office hours should call
the Consulate duty officer at 082-858-2361.
Housing
Temporary Quarters Last Updated: 4/1/2004 6:26 AM
Newcomers are housed in one of Johannesburg's suite hotels until
assigned permanent quarters are available.
Housing
Permanent Housing Last Updated: 4/1/2004 6:27 AM
The U.S. Government-owned homes in Johannesburg include the
Consul General's residence and two others that are assigned to staff
of the Consulate in accordance with their rank and family size. The
Consul General's home and one other government-owned house have a
swimming pool and a tennis court. The other government-owned house
has a pool. Floor plans and descriptions of furnishings may be
obtained from the Office of Foreign Buildings in Washington, D.C.
All other housing is government-leased and fully furnished. The
leased houses are generally modern in design and of solid
construction. Most leased single-family homes and townhouses have
generous outdoor space and swimming pools. Apartments are modern and
spacious. All of the leased residential units are located in the
nearby neighborhoods north of the Consulate, from Killarney and
Houghton to Melrose, Dunkeld, Craighall and Sandton.
Housing
Furnishings Last Updated: 4/1/2004 6:27 AM
All residential units are fully furnished. See Pretoria
information for details.
Housing
Utilities and Equipment Last Updated: 4/1/2004 6:27 AM
Electric power is 220v, 50-cycle, AC, single and triple-phase,
reliable with little or no fluctuation. All 110v equipment, except
clocks, can be used with transformers. Stereo equipment must be
adapted for the difference in cycles. Two 1,000-watt transformers
are furnished to each household but some employees bring extra
transformers to post. Tap water is potable in Johannesburg. See also
Utilities and Equipment - Pretoria.
Food Last Updated: 4/1/2004 7:40 AM
Food, Clothing, Supplies and Services, Religious Activities:
Similar to Pretoria but with a wider range of choice.
Education
Dependent Education
At Post Last Updated: 4/1/2004 7:40 AM Many school-age dependents
of Consulate staff attend the American International School of
Johannesburg; others attend local schools. Popular schools for boys
include: Marist Brothers St. David's College (private, Catholic);
King Edward (public); St. John's (private, Anglican); St. Stithian's
(private, Methodist); Woodmead (private); and King David (private,
Jewish). Girls' schools include: Roedean (private); Kingsmead
(private); Parktown Convent School (private, Catholic); St. Andrews
(private, Anglican); and St. Mary's School for Girls (private,
Anglican). Most private schools are oversubscribed and have long
waiting lists for admission. Bus service is provided to the American
International School of Johannesburg. Parents are responsible for
transportation to private schools but may be able to claim
reimbursement of expenses if a commercial service is used.
Johannesburg has a large number of good quality private preschools
(including Montessori) in the suburban areas. See Pretoria for a
listing of schools in Johannesburg offering education for children
with special needs.
Education
Higher Education Opportunities Last Updated: 4/1/2004 7:41 AM
The University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg is one of
South Africa's largest English-language universities. Its eight
faculties include arts, science, medicine, engineering, commerce,
law, dentistry, and architecture. The university confers degrees in
arts (including education, fine arts, music, public administration,
and social work); science, medicine, physiotherapy, engineering
(chemical, civil, electrical, land surveying, mechanical, mining,
and mining geology); commerce, law, dentistry, architecture, town
and regional planning and quantity surveying. It also grants
post-graduate and undergraduate diplomas and certificates. Classes
are during the day only. UNISA offers course by correspondence - see
Pretoria. Other educational opportunities are provided by several
vocational schools, technical colleges, and colleges of education.
Recreation and Social Life
Sports Last Updated: 4/1/2004 7:41 AM
Facilities for all sports are available and enjoyed throughout
the year. Many members of the official community have joined gyms
and golf and sports clubs; some participate on amateur teams. See
also Sports - Pretoria.
Recreation and Social Life
Entertainment Last Updated: 4/1/2004 7:42 AM
Johannesburg is a large, cosmopolitan city that offers a wide
range of restaurants, theaters, museums, art galleries, and
nightlife. For general information, see also Entertainment -
Pretoria.
Recreation and Social Life
Social Activities
Among Americans Last Updated: 4/1/2004 7:42 AM The American
Society of South Africa holds several large annual dinners, dances,
and outings. The American International Women's Club has numerous
activities, including talks and outings. Many opportunities for
volunteer work are available and can be identified with the help of
the CLO or post's Self-Help Coordinator.
Official Functions Last Updated: 11/30/1999 6:00 PM
See Pretoria.
Special Information Last Updated: 4/1/2004 7:43 AM
Post Orientation Program: A post orientation program is conducted
by the CLO. American staff members and their dependents are invited
to take part in the periodic orientation programs presented at the
Embassy.
Notes For Travelers
Getting to the Post Last Updated: 4/1/2004 3:58 AM
All United States Government employees and official dependents
transferring to South Africa must be in possession of a valid South
African visa, must have two blank pages in their passport for the
placing of South African entry stamps, and must travel on an
American carrier or an American code-share carrier if they are
departing the United States.
There are numerous ways to travel to post. Options include
traveling via Frankfurt on the United Airlines/Lufthansa codeshare,
via Amsterdam on the Northwest/ KLM Royal Dutch Airlines codeshare,
or via London on the American/British Airways codeshare. It is also
possible to travel via Zurich, Paris or Sao Paulo.
Stopovers or authorizations for business class travel must be
explicitly stated on transfer orders. Otherwise, the traveler
becomes responsible for any added costs incurred. The sole exception
would be for a 24-hour rest stop en route to post, which is
automatically authorized for travelers flying in economy class if
the total flying time is 14 hours or longer. Generally, agencies
will authorize business class travel, in accordance with GSA
regulations, if the travel time from the departing city to South
Africa is in excess of 14 hours. The travel time between Washington
and South Africa exceeds 14 hours. Visas are not issued at the
airport on arrival, and must be obtained before traveling to South
Africa. Visas are required of anyone coming to work or live in South
Africa, which applies to all USG employees and their family members.
If you are transferring to the Embassy or any of the Consulates in
South Africa, the Embassy must first obtain permission from the
South African Government authorizing your transfer, and then the
South African Embassy in Washington must obtain authority from the
South African Foreign Ministry before issuing the visa. This process
can take two weeks and travelers are urged to plan ahead, and to
contact the Embassy Human Resources Officer if they encounter any
difficulties or unreasonable delays in obtaining visas for travel to
South Africa. In addition, if a position is new to the Mission
staffing complement, the Embassy must first obtain permission from
the South African government to establish the position, and then
obtain authorization for the issuance of a visa to the new employee.
When packing, employees are reminded that seasons are the reverse
of those in the States.
No vaccinations are required for persons traveling from the USA
to South Africa. The State Department does however recommend
immunization against hepatitis A and B and against typhoid for
persons on assigned tours. Although the risk of contracting rabies
is low in urban areas, pre-exposure rabies vaccination is also
recommended. Malaria is not a risk except for travel to the
northeastern section of South Africa (Krueger National Park); for
travel there, malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended. South
African authorities require a Yellow Card and evidence of a yellow
fever inoculation for all people arriving from areas where yellow
fever is endemic, unless the traveler is in direct transit through
the area. Personnel assigned to South Africa who will be performing
regional travel to other African nations should check whether
additional immunization recommendations exist for those countries.
Customs, Duties, and Passage Last Updated: 3/14/2005 5:20 AM
Privately Owned Motor Vehicles and Motorcycles Privately owned
motor vehicles are essential in South Africa. Buses are available
but do not serve all areas. Taxis must be called by phone and are
expensive and unreliable. In South Africa, traffic moves on the
left. Since this is the opposite of traffic movement in the United
States, an American driver must pay careful attention until this
becomes routine and comfortable. There are stringent restrictions on
the importation of vehicles into South Africa. Motor vehicles can be
imported into the Republic of South Africa only if either of the
following two conditions is met. a) The vehicle is a right-hand
drive vehicle which conforms to South African standards. European
Union standards for right-hand drive vehicles meet the South African
standard. In all cases, the vehicle must have been registered in the
diplomat's name for at least six months prior to the application for
importation, and a Proof of Conformance Certificate from the
manufacturer must be supplied. Non-conforming right-hand drive
vehicles may NOT be imported into South Africa, which includes
vehicles purchased from Japan. b) The vehicle is a left-hand drive
vehicle first registered somewhere in the world before January 01,
2000. These vehicles may not be sold in South Africa, not even to
other diplomats, but must be exported upon completion of the
diplomat’s tour of duty. Motorcycles are considered vehicles by the
South African Government. Owners must file the same paperwork to
obtain permission to import before the vehicle is shipped. There are
no standardization restrictions on motorcycles and they may be sold
in South Africa after two years, provided the requisite permissions
were obtained before importation.
No vehicles may be imported unless the Embassy obtains written
permission from the South African government prior to the vehicle
being shipped. In order to obtain that permission the Embassy must
file forms with the South African Government that contain detailed
information about the vehicle. These forms must be completed and
signed by the vehicle owner. As attachments to the form, we must
include a copy of the front page of the applicant's passport, a copy
of the current vehicle registration, and a copy of the
manufacturer's compliance certificate. Faxed copies or e-mail
scanned copies are accepted. Employees wishing to import their
vehicle into South Africa must contact the Embassy shipping office
for the necessary forms and begin this process three months before
the vehicle’s shipping date. Contact the Embassy shipping office at
GSO_Pretoria@state.gov or FAX number 27-12-431-4602.
Customs, Duties, and Passage
Customs and Duties Last Updated: 4/1/2004 4:00 AM
The following entitlements apply to USG employees on transfer to
South Africa. Employees on the diplomatic and consular list are
entitled to duty free importation for the duration of their tour.
Employees on the administrative/technical list have duty free
privileges for six months from their date of arrival at post.
Married employees are entitled to two duty-free or tax-free
vehicles. Singles employees are entitled to one duty-free or
tax-free vehicle. Motorcycles are considered vehicles for the
purposes of these regulations. Privileged vehicles written off in
accidents within two years of importation are subject to a pro-rata
duty/tax, based on the value of the vehicle at the date of
importation.
Carefully read the section on Privately Owned Motor Vehicles on a
following page.
Household Effects
All consignments shipped via surface must be packed into lift
vans and placed inside steel shipping containers. Household effects
can be received, cleared and stored prior to an employee's arrival.
However, advance notification of a shipment en route to South Africa
must be provided in order to pre-clear a shipment and to avoid
demurrage charges. There are import restrictions on the following:
honey, alcoholic beverages, cigars/cigarettes, and hazardous cargo
including fireworks, matches, certain batteries, items containing
flammable gas, flammable liquids and oxidizing substances. Post must
be notified in advance in order to obtain import permits for any of
these items.
Privately Owned Motor Vehicles and Motorcycles Privately owned
motor vehicles are essential in South Africa. Buses are available
but do not serve all areas. Taxis must be called by phone and are
expensive and unreliable. In South Africa, traffic moves on the
left. Since this is the opposite of traffic movement in the United
States, an American driver must pay careful attention until this
becomes routine and comfortable. There are stringent restrictions on
the importation of vehicles into South Africa. Prior to a vehicle
leaving the United States, the South African Department of Foreign
Affairs (DFA) must grant permission for the importation of the
vehicle. Employees who would like to ship a vehicle to South Africa
should contact the shipping section at the Embassy to determine
whether or not the vehicle can be imported. Appropriate contact
information can be found on the Embassy's intranet webpage. The
shipping section will need the make, model, year of manufacture, and
left-hand/right-hand drive information. South African authorities
may grant permission to import a vehicle if it meets one of three
criteria: The vehicle is manufactured according to South African
specifications. Vehicles that conform to EU specifications can be
expected to conform to South African specifications if, in addition,
it is a right-hand drive vehicle. The vehicle is a right-hand drive
vehicle first registered somewhere in the world before January 01,
1997. Non-conforming right-hand drive vehicles must be exported upon
completion of the employee's tour of duty. They may not be sold to
other diplomats. This category includes reconditioned vehicles
purchased from Japan. The vehicle is a left-hand drive vehicle first
registered somewhere in the world before January 01, 2000. These
vehicles are not eligible for sale on the local market and must be
exported upon completion of the employee's tour of duty. They may
not be sold to other diplomats. Right-hand drive vehicles that
conform to South African road traffic standards may not be sold
duty/tax free within two years of importation/purchase. Left-hand
drive and non-conforming right-hand drive vehicles may not be sold
but must be exported. There are a great variety of vehicles
conforming to South African specifications that can be purchased
through local dealerships. Nissan, Hyundai, VW, and Land Rover are
manufactured locally. Toyota, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Mitsubishi, Honda,
Volvo, and Ford sell both locally manufactured and imported
vehicles. Chrysler, Saab, Renault, Subaru, and Chevrolet dealerships
import vehicles that meet South African specifications. Please note
however that a vehicle purchased and registered in South Africa will
not meet U.S. specifications, and cannot be exported to the United
States at the end of your tour. Employees must request permission
from the Department of Foreign Affairs, through the shipping section
of the Embassy, before buying or selling a vehicle locally. Without
that permission, it will be generally impossible to register the
vehicle. All Mission personnel are entitled to claim a refund of the
gasoline tax, provided they are registered under the South African
gas rebate scheme and can present receipts. Only one gas station in
Pretoria sells fuel tax-free to diplomats. Vehicle windshields may
not be tinted more that 70 percent and other vehicle windows may not
be tinted more that 35 percent. Employees will be required to
replace the glass or remove the film from imported vehicles that are
not in compliance. In South Africa, motorcycles are considered motor
vehicles, subject to import permission requirements. They must be
declared to customs, and must be clearly identified on the Bill of
Lading and inventory by make, model, engine and chassis/VIN number.
Motorcycles cannot be registered if a Bill of Entry has not been
issued. To avoid pilferage and damage en route, cars must be
containerized. Immobilizers and alarms should not be activated
before shipment. Employees should be aware that regulations
governing the importation of vehicles change frequently. For the
most current information, employees should contact the GSO Shipping
and Customs Unit in Pretoria prior to making any decisions regarding
the importation of a vehicle. Tax-free vehicles may not be sold
tax-free within two years of purchase. There are no exceptions to
this regulation. Routing of surface shipments: Consignments shipped
in FCL (full container load) containers bound for Durban,
Johannesburg and Pretoria must be shipped to the port of Durban. FCL
containers bound for Cape Town must be shipped directly to the port
of Cape Town. Consolidated shipments for all South African posts
must be shipped to Durban. All surface FCL and LCL (less than full
container load) shipments via Durban must be consigned as follows:
American Embassy 877 Pretorius Street Arcadia 0083 Pretoria, South
Africa Shipments should be marked as follows - for Pretoria:
American Embassy Pretoria, South Africa For (Name of employee) Via
Durban For Johannesburg: American Consulate General Johannesburg,
South Africa For (Name of employee) Via Durban
For Durban:
American Consulate General Durban, South Africa For (Name of
employee) Surface shipments bound for Cape Town should be marked and
consigned as follows: Consign: American Consulate General 4th Floor,
Monte Carlo Building Heerengracht Foreshore, Cape Town Mark:
American Consulate General Cape Town, South Africa For (Name of
employee) Unaccompanied Air Baggage It takes two to four weeks to
receive airfreight shipments from the United States. Post can
pre-clear a shipment if advised that it is en route. Shipments are
not normally inspected by customs authorities provided they are
marked and consigned correctly. Airfreight is shipped to the Cape
Town, Durban or Johannesburg International Airports, depending on
the employee's post of assignment. Consign the shipment to the
Embassy or the appropriate Consulate General, and mark the shipment
as stated below. Mark airfreight shipments bound for Pretoria as
follows: American Embassy Pretoria, South Africa For (name of
employee) Ship to Johannesburg International Airport. Mark
airfreight shipments bound for Johannesburg as follows: American
Consulate General Johannesburg, South Africa For (name of employee)
Ship to Johannesburg International Airport Mark airfreight shipments
bound for Durban as follows: American Consulate General Durban,
South Africa For (name of employee) Ship to Durban International
Airport Mark airfreight shipments to Cape Town as follows: American
Consulate General Cape Town, South Africa For (name of employee)
Ship to Cape Town International Airport
Shipping Documentation: Original Bills of Lading must be sent via
courier service to post as soon as possible after departure of the
shipment. For consignments shipped to the port of Durban, documents
must be sent to the American Embassy, 877 Pretorius Street, Arcadia,
Pretoria, 0083, For Attention: GSO Shipping Unit, telephone (27)(12)
431-4048, fax (27)(12) 431-4642. For consignments shipped to the
port of Cape Town, documents must be sent to the American Consulate
General, Administrative Section, 4th Floor, Monte Carlo Building,
Heerengracht, Foreshore, Cape Town, 8000, Telephone (27)(21)
421-4290, fax (27)(21) 418-1989.
Customs, Duties, and Passage
Pets Last Updated: 6/8/2004 5:08 AM
Pets shipped from the U.S. must have a rabies certificate, a
health certificate, and a South African import permit. Quarantine is
not imposed for pets being imported from the USA. Employees should
check with GSO Shipping and Customs on current quarantine
restrictions for pets coming from other countries. Application to
post for an import permit must be made as soon as possible. A rabies
vaccination must be older than 30 days and not older than one year.
The health certificate should be obtained from a private
veterinarian, and it must be endorsed by the United States
Department of Agriculture within 10 days of the animal's departure
for South Africa. Otherwise employees risk the animal being denied
entry. The US Government office in the Washington area that endorses
veterinary health certificates is: USDA-APHIS Veterinary Services
Unit 38 1598 Whitehall Road, Suite #A
Annapolis, MD 21401
Telephone (410) 349-9643 www.aphis.usda.gov (http://www.aphis.usda.gov/)
Employees who wish to deliver the certificate in person should
call 24 to 48 hours in advance for an appointment, but still should
allow sufficient time for the certificate to be returned. If the
certificate is mailed, travelers should include their pet's health
record with a self-addressed stamped envelope and the endorsement
fee, along with the vet's name (clearly written) and a contact
person's name and daytime telephone number. Those who are short on
time may use Federal Express each way (including a pre-paid Federal
Express return envelope). For pets being shipped from non-quarantine
areas, the following information must be furnished to enable post to
obtain an import permit: Number and/or species and/or class of
animal Country and city of origin Airport from which the animal will
be loaded Date of embarkation for South Africa Address and telephone
number to which the permit must be sent. Permits are sent via
courier service at a cost to the employee of approximately $20. The
South African import certificate along with the valid health
certificate must accompany the animal to South Africa. Some
travelers prefer to use one of the animal travel services to make
the arrangements for them. For a fee, these services can assist with
the importation of pets into South Africa. If required, they will
collect pets from the airport and transport them to the employee's
residence. Pets must travel as manifested cargo and may not be
brought as excess baggage or in the cabin. Should the employee not
comply with this regulation and/or provide the required
documentation, the pet will be returned to the country of origin.
For pets being shipped from quarantine areas, detailed information
will be provided. Employees should contact one of the following
companies to obtain the required import permits, reserve space at
the quarantine station, arrange for kenneling and make all other
arrangements. Durban: Pets in Transit - telephone (27)(31) 709-3917,
fax (27)(31) 709-3916. Cape Town: Animal Travel Agency - telephone
(27)(21) 557-6700, fax (27)(21) 557-6661. Pretoria and Johannesburg:
Animal Travel Agency - telephone (27)(11) 460-1121, fax (27)(11)
460-1436, Menlyn Kennels & Cattery - telephone (27) (12) 480-2031,
fax (27)(12)480-2024, email menlynkennel@mweb.co.za, or Pets Travel
Services - telephone (27)(11) 708-1250, fax (27)(11) 708-3074.
Firearms and Ammunition Last Updated: 4/1/2004 4:02 AM
Mission personnel are prohibited from importing all firearms.
Personnel and dependents aged 16 or older may, however, purchase one
rifle and one approved shotgun from a reputable and licensed South
African weapons dealer for personal recreational use, provided they
comply with South African laws pertaining to the use and storage of
such weapons. Under no circumstances is the purchase, possession or
use of handguns and semi-automatic weapons permitted. For those
personnel who decide to purchase approved firearms after arrival in
South Africa, the RSO will provide guidance concerning their
purchase, registration, and proper storage.
Currency, Banking, and Weights and Measures Last Updated:
4/1/2004 4:03 AM
South Africa's currency is the Rand (R). The rate of exchange in
December 2003 was approximately $1 = 6.5 Rand; the rate is subject
to frequent fluctuation. Banking facilities are adequate and many
Mission personnel maintain a Rand checking account despite the
banking fees imposed on many transactions. With good internet
service available, online banking for paying bills and transferring
money in the U.S. is also possible. Local banks issue their own Visa
and MasterCard, although the interest rates are high. Stateside
credit cards can be used at supermarkets, theaters, travel agencies,
numerous retail outlets, and ATM's, although credit card fraud is
rampant. Local banks can also provide U.S. dollars, traveler's
checks, and cashier's checks but may require 48 hours' notice.
Accommodation Exchange is provided by Citibank at Pretoria and by
cashiers at the Consulates. Reverse accommodation exchange is
available only at the end of one's tour and must be processed
through one of post's cashiers. Such exchanges are strictly
controlled. Checks and payments via electronic funds transfer [EFT]
for official payments in both dollars and rands are issued by the
Financial Services Center in Charleston, South Carolina. Turnaround
times may vary depending on international mail and pouch delivery
times. Travel and representation vouchers involving payment of more
than US $500.00 are paid by EFT only, in accordance with Department
of State policy. FSC Charleston is also capable of processing EFT
payments to South African bank accounts. The system of measurement
in South Africa is primarily metric.
Taxes, Exchange, and Sale of Property Last Updated: 4/1/2004 4:04
AM
Value Added Tax (VAT) The South African government does not
rebate the 14% VAT charged on personal purchases, but there are a
few exceptions. The VAT on automobiles is refundable, although it
must be paid initially and is only refunded several months later.
Personally owned vehicles (POV) registered with the Department of
Foreign Affairs in the petrol rebate scheme are eligible for a tax
rebate on fuel. The GSO shipping unit can provide more details. Sale
of Personal Property The sale of personal property is in accordance
with the appropriate regulations. Items greater than the value
established by local administrative notice must be approved by the
Management Counselor on the 'Sale of Personal Property Form' before
they can be listed for sale in the unofficial Mission publication,
the Jacaranda Journal. Normally items will not be approved for sale
until the final year of an employee's tour. Items that are excess to
an employee's needs may be approved for sale earlier on a
case-by-case basis. Any questions regarding the sale of personal
property should be addressed to the Management Counselor at the
Embassy or the Executive Officer at USAID. .
Recommended Reading Last Updated: 4/1/2004 4:08 AM
A compilation of non-fiction and fiction, mostly recent
publications, but including a number of classic works, selected to
provide a deeper understanding of South Africa.
Many of the books are available from the Embassy's Information
Resource Center or the State Department's Ralph Bunche Library. Both
libraries have good collections of recently published material on
South Africa.
General and Comprehensive Works
State of the Nation: South Africa 2003-2004. edited by J. Daniel,
Habib, A and Southall, R. Cape Town: Human Sciences Research
Council, 2003. Note: Reflects on the apartheid legacy, reviews
current policy and projects and interprets future trends. As such,
it is an excellent resource for civil organizations, policy makers
and anyone wanting to be at the cutting edge of current debates and
key developments in South Africa South Africa Yearbook 2002/3. 9th
Ed. Pretoria: Government Communication and Information System (GCIS),
2002. Note: The official South African government reference work on
the Republic of South Africa covering subjects such as tourism,
government systems, agriculture, sport, etc. [http://www.gcis.gov.za/docs/publications/]
South Africa: A Country Study. Rita M. Byrnes (Ed) Federal Research
Division, Library of Congress. Washington, DC: Library of Congress,
1996 Note: The authors seek to provide a basic understanding of the
society. Particular attention is devoted to the people who make up
the society, their origins, dominant beliefs and values, their
common interests and the issues on which they are divided, the
nature and extent of their involvement with national institutions,
and their attitudes toward each other and toward their social system
and political order. [http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/zatoc.html]
South Africa Survey 2002/2003. Kane-Berman, John (ed).
Johannesburg: South African Institute of Race Relations, 2003
South African Yearbook of International Affairs 2002/3. South
African Institute of International Affairs. Johannesburg: SAIIA,
2003
Economics
Roux, Andre. Everyone's Guide to the South African Economy. 7th
ed. Cape Town: Zebra, 2002
The South African Financial System. 2nd ed. Fourie, L.J. ed. Cape
Town: Oxford University Press, 1999
Politics and government
Democracy and Governance Review: Mandela's Legacy 1994-1999.
Muthien, Y.G et al. (eds). Pretoria: Human Sciences Research
Council: Pretoria, 2000 Leon, Tony. Hope and Fear: Reflections of a
Democrat. Johannesburg: Jonathan Ball, c1999 Lodge, T. Politics in
South Africa: From Mandela to Mbeki. Cape Town: David Philip, 2002
Lyman, Princeton N. Partner to History: the U.S. Role in South
Africa's Transition to Democracy. Washington, D.C.: United States
Institute of Peace Press, 2002
Mbeki, Thabo. Africa Define Yourself. Cape Town: Tafelberg, 2002
Adam, H.; Van Zyl Slabbert, F; Moodley, K. Comrades in Business:
Post Liberation Politics in South Africa. Cape Town: Tafelberg,
c1997
Thabo Mbeki's World: The Politics and Ideology of the South
African President. Jacobs, S. and Calland, R. (eds.).
Pietermaritzburg: University of Natal Press, 2002
Regional Integration in Southern Africa: Comparative
International Perspectives. Johannesburg: South African Institute of
International Affairs, 2001
Sparks, Allister. Tomorrow is Another Country. London: Arrow,
c1995
Sparks, Allister. Beyond the Miracle. Chicago: University of
Chicago Press, 2003
Waldmeir, Patti. Anatomy of a Miracle: The End of Apartheid and
the Birth of a New South Africa. London: Viking, 1997
History
Davenport, T.R.H. South Africa: A Modern History. 4th ed. London:
Macmillan, 1991 Dubow, S. The ANC Pocket History. Johannesburg:
Jonathan Ball, 2000 Guy, Jeff. The Destruction of the Zulu Kingdom.
Pietermaritzburg: University of Natal Press, 1994 Laband, J.
Anglo-Zulu War Correspondents. Johannesburg: Jonathan Ball, c1997
O'Meara, Dan. Forty Lost Years: the Apartheid State and the Politics
of the National Party, 1948-1994. Athens: Ohio University Press,
1996
Pakenham, Thomas. The Boer War. New York: Harper Collins, 1992
Note: The definitive account of this extraordinary conflict -- a war
precipitated by greed and marked by almost inconceivable blundering
and brutalities . . . and whose shattering repercussions can be felt
to this day.
Ross, Robert. A Concise history of South Africa. Cambridge:
Cambridge University Press, 1999 Stapleton, T. Maqoma: Xhosa
Resistance to Colonial Advance, 1789 -1873. Johannesburg: Jonathan
Ball, c1994
People: their culture, their institutions and history
Bell, Terry. Unfinished business: South Africa, Apartheid and
Truth. Cape Town: Red Works, 2001
A Crime Against Humanity: Analysing the Repression of the
Apartheid State. Coleman, Max, ed. Cape Town: David Philip, 1999
Crimewave : The South African Underworld and Its Foes. Steinberg,
Jonny (ed). Johannesburg: Witwatersrand University Press, 2001
Edelstein, Jillian. Truth and Lies: Stories From the Truth and
Reconciliation Commission in South Africa. London: Granta Books,
2001.
Giliomee, H. The Afrikaners: Biography of a People. Cape Town:
Tafelberg, 2003.
Hilton-Barber, Brett. The Official Field Guide to the Cradle of
Humankind: Sterkfontein, Swartkrans, Kromdraai and Environs World
Heritage Site. Cape Town: Struik, 2002 Impact and Interventions: the
HIV/AIDS Epidemic and the Children of South Africa. Edited by Jeff
Gouws and Chris Desmond. Pietermaritzburg: University of Natal
Press, 2003
Lowry, Stephen. Know Your National Holidays: A Guide to South
Africa's New National Holidays. Manzini, Swaziland: Macmillan
Boleswa, 1996
MacLeod. Guy. Cultural Considerations in South African Business:
A Guide to Understanding Culture, Courtesy and Etiquette in South
Africa. Cape Town: David Philip, 2002
SA Tribes: Who are We, How We Live and What we Want from Life in
the New South Africa. Steven Burgess (ed). Cape Town: David Philip,
2002
Shaw, Mark. Crime and Policing in Post-apartheid South Africa:
Transforming Under Fire. Bloomington, Ind.: Indiana University
Press, 2002
Sparks, Alistair. The Mind of South Africa. New York: Ballantine,
1991
Steinberg, Jonny. Midlands. Johannesburg: Jonathan Ball. c2003
Note: An account of the politics surrounding the murder of a young
white farmer in KwaZulu-Natal.
Stories That Float From Afar: Ancestral Folklore of the San of
Southern Africa. Lewis-Williams, J.D. ed. Cape Town: David Philip,
2000 Weinberg, Paul. Once We Were Hunters: A Journey with Africa's
Indigenous People. David Philip Publishers: Cape Town, c2000 Waiting
to Happen: HIV/AIDS in South Africa. Edited by Liz Walker and
others. Cape Town. Double Story, 2004.
Biographical works and memoirs
Biko, S. 1996. I Write What I Like: A Selection of Writings. Cape
Town: Ravan Press, 1996.
Carter, Jason. Power Lines: Two Years on South Africa's Borders.
Washington: National Geographic, 2002 Note: The grandson of former
president Jimmy Carter writes of a South Africa few people ever see
in this work of cultural inquiry and investigation. As a Peace Corps
volunteer he traveled the countryside, immersing himself in the
lives of blacks and whites alike.
Clingman, S. 1998. Bram Fisher: Afrikaner Revolutionary. Cape
Town: David Philip, 1998. Note: The story of pioneering
anti-apartheid leader Bram Fischer. Born into a prominent Afrikaner
nationalist family, Fischer led the defense of Nelson Mandela in the
Rivonia Trial. Fischer was then sentenced to life imprisonment for
his own political activities against apartheid.
Corrigan, Terence. Mbeki His Time Has Come: an Introduction to
South Africa's New President. Johannesburg: S.A. Institute of Race
Relations, 1999
De Klerk, F.W. The Last Trek: a New Beginning. London: MacMillan,
1998
Hadland, Adrian. The Life and Times of Thabo Mbeki. Johannesburg:
Zebra, 1999
Kastrils, Ronnie. Armed and Dangerous: From Undercover Struggle
to Freedom. Johannesburg: Jonathan Ball, 1998
Krog, Antjie. South Africa: Country of My Skull. Jonathan Cape,
c1999 Note: A meditation by the Afrikaner poet and broadcaster on
her experience of reporting the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
This is a searing account of the atrocity that was apartheid, full
of grief and sorrow.
Malan, R. The Essential Steve Biko: His Life and Thoughts. Cape
Town: David Philip, 1998.
Mandela, Nelson Rolihlahla. Long Walk to Freedom: The
Autobiography of Nelson Mandela. London: Abacus, 1994 Note: This is
Nelson Mandela's own account of his life. It is essential reading
for anyone who has any interest in not just the politics of South
Africa, but of the world.
Ramphele, Mamphele. Across Boundaries: The Journey of a South
African Woman Leader. New York: Feminist Press, 1999
Mathabane, Mark. Kaffir Boy: The True Story of a Black Youth's
Coming of Age in Apartheid South Africa. New York: Simon and
Schuster, 1998 Note: An extraordinary memoir of life under
apartheid.
Mathabane, Mark. Miriam's Song: A Memoir. New York: Simon and
Schuster, 2000 Note: The memoir of a young black woman coming of age
in South Africa amid the violence of apartheid, written by her
brother.
Mphahlele, Es'kia. Down Second Avenue. Faber and Faber Note: A
classic autobiographical novel set in the apartheid of the 1940s in
the impoverished township of Alexandra.
Orr, Wendy. From Biko to Basson: Wendy Orr's Search for the Soul
of South Africa as a Commissioner of the TRC. Contra Press:
Johannesburg, 2000
Pauw, J. Into the Heart of Darkness: Confessions of Apartheid
Assassins. Johannesburg: Jonathan Ball, 1997.
Sampson, Anthony. Mandela the Authorised Biography. Johannesburg:
Jonathan Ball, 1999 Note: A biography of Nelson Mandela by the
editor of "Drum" magazine, a respected anti-apartheid campaigner,
journalist and historian. This is essential reading for anyone
interested in the freedom struggle in South Africa, and the pivotal
role played by Nelson Mandela.
Sachs, Albie. The Soft Vengeance of a Freedom Fighter. Cape Town.
David Philip, 2000
Sisulu, Elinor. Walter and Albertina Sisulu: In our lifetime.
Cape Town: David Philip, 2003. Note: For more than five decades
Walter and Albertina Sisulu were at the forefront of the struggle
against apartheid. Walter was sentenced to life imprisonment with
Nelson Mandela in 1964. Albertina played a crucial role in keeping
the ANC alive underground. Their story has been one of persecution,
bitter struggle and painful separation. But it is also one of
patience, hope and enduring love.
Tutu, Desmond. No Future Without Forgiveness: A Personal Overview
of South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. London:
Rider, 1999 Note: The Truth and Reconciliation Commission as
described by its chairman. There are better accounts of the
hearings, but the book offers an essential insight into a South
African leader.
Van Onselen, Charles. The Seed Is Mine: The Life of Kas Maine, a
South African Sharecropper, 1894-1985. Cape Town: David Philip,
c1996 Note: An extraordinary biography of a sharecropper, throwing
light on the social history of South Africa, from 1894 to 1985. Art
and literature: critical works Perspectives on S.A. English
Literature. Chapman, M. (Ed.) Johannesburg: Jonathan Ball, c1996
Note: This is the most comprehensive volume of essays yet to appear
on South African literature. Written by leading academics and
literary critics, the essays cover the range of writing in English
from Thomas Pringle to Soweto poetry, while parallel insights are
provided on African-language literature. Chapman, M. Southern
African Literatures. Pietermaritzburg: University of Natal Press,
2003 Southern African Literatures is a major study of the work of
writers from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Angola,
Mozambique and Namibia, written at a time of crucial change in the
subcontinent. It covers a wide range of work from the storytelling
of stone-age Bushmen to modern writing by renowned figures such as
Es'kia Mphahlele, Nadine Gordimer and André Brink, encompassing
traditional, popular and elite writing; literature in translation;
and case studies based on topical issues. Writing South Africa:
Literature, Apartheid and Democracy, 1970-1995. Attridge, D, Jolly,
R. ed. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1999
Williamson, Sue. Art in South Africa: The Future Present. Cape
Town: D. Philip, 1996 Williamson, Sue. Resistance Art in South
Africa. Cape Town: D. Philip Note: Taken together, these two volumes
map the course of South African art from the early 1980s to the
present day, with a thoughtful text that's minimal enough to let the
artists' works speak for themselves.
Fiction
Anthologies of short stories
Modern South African Stories. Gray, S (ed.) Johannesburg:
Jonathan Ball, c2000 Note: This selection of some of the finest work
by South African writers, old and new, will continue to entertain
and inspire lovers of the short story form.
Glass Jars Among Trees. Finaly, A and Salafanca, A (Eds.)
Johannesburg: Jacana, 2003 Note: The editors sought out writing that
veers away from the path of mainstream literature. Post Traumatic:
New South African Short Stories. Chris van Wyk (Ed.). Johannesburg:
Botsotso, 2003 Note: An anthology of short stories expressing a
diverse South Africa of rural and urban life, white suburbia, black
township, childhood, love, hate, reconciliation, the grim as well as
the comic that make up the tapestry of a country as it used to be
and as it is today. Novels, short stories and plays Bosman, Herman
Charles. Unto Dust. Cape Town: Human and Rousseau, c1998 Note: A
superb collection of short stories from South Africa's master of the
genre, all set in the tiny Afrikaner farming district of Groot
Marico in the 1930s, with the narrator Oom Schalk Lourens revealing
with irony the passions and foibles of his community
Brink, Andre. A Dry White Season. New York: Viking Penguin, 1994
Note: A naive prep school teacher in South Africa undergoes a crisis
of conscience when his gardner and his gardner's son are killed by a
sadistic captain of the feared Special Branch police. He is
determined to build a case against the Special Branch and in doing
so alienates his family, friends and co-workers.
Brink, Andre. Rumors of Rain. New York: Random House, c1978 Note:
Winter in South Africa - a time of searing drought, angry stirrings
in Soweto, and the shadow of the Angolan conflict cast across the
scorched bush as Martin Mynhardt, a wealthy Afrikaner, plans a
weekend at his old family farm.
Coetzee, J.M. Disgrace. New York: Viking Penguin, 1999 Note: Set
in post-apartheid Cape Town and on a remote farm in the Eastern
Cape, this is a heartbreaking novel about a man and his daughter
that is ultimately about grace and love in a new South Africa.
Coetzee, J.M. Waiting for the Barbarians. New York: Viking
Penguin, c1980
Fugard, Athol. The Blood Knot and Other Plays. New York: Theatre
Communications, 1991 Note: The drama portrays mixed-race brothers
who live together in a shack outside of Port Elizabeth, South
Africa. The light-skinned brother has tried to pass for white for
most of his life; the other is unmistakably and bitterly black.
Head, Bessie. A Question of Power. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann,
1974 Note: It is never clear to Elizabeth whether the mission school
principal's cruel revelation of her origins is at the bottom of her
mental breakdown.
Gordimer, Nadine. July's people. New York: Viking Penguin, 1982
Gordimer, Nadine. Burger's Daughter. New York: Viking Penguin,
1980 Note: Two works illustrating the multi-racial conflict within
South Africa.
Joubert, Elsa. The Long journey of Poppie Nongena. Cape Town:
Tafelberg, 1980 Note: The novel caused a stir when it was released
in the late seventies and it had a huge impact on South African
society of that time.
Magona, Sindiwe. Living, Loving and Lying Awake at Night. Cape
Town: David Philip Publishers, c1994 Note: The work draws away
apartheid's shroud which hovers over the lives, loves and losses of
South African women and presents us with women who are proud,
caring, nurturing , sometimes angry and vulnerable.
Mda, Zakes. The Madonna of Excelsior. Oxford: Oxford University
Press, 2002 Note: The background is the notorious 1971 case in which
nineteen citizens of Excelsior in the Free State were charged with
breaking apartheid's Immorality Act, which forbade sex between black
and white.
Mutwa, Vusamazulu Credo. Indaba, My Children: African Folktales.
New York: Grove/Atlantic, 1999 (orig. pub. c1971) Note: Many of
Africa's most enduring and entertaining legends, myths and stories
vividly retold - and some would say reinvented - by enigmatic Zulu
spiritualist Mutwa.
Paton, Allan. Cry the Beloved Country. New York: Simon and
Schuster, 2003(Orig. Pub. 1948) Note: A classic novel from the
apartheid era. A Zulu pastor takes the train to Johannesburg in
search of his son. Unfaltering courage and simple faith lead him
through a country now alien to him, past people to whom he is
invisible, in search of a son and in search of answers to the
questions that haunt him.
Plaatjies, Sol. Selected writings. Johannesburg: Wits University
Press, Note: Plaatje was a significant writer. His political tract,
Native Life in South Africa, was an angry denunciation of the 1913
Natives' Land Act. The first sentence is perhaps one of the hardest
hitting political statements in South African history: "Awaking on
Friday morning, June 20, 1913, the South African Native found
himself, not actually a slave, but a pariah in the land of his
birth."
Schreiner, Olive. Story of an African Farm. New York: Viking
Penguin, 1983 Note: The first-ever South African novel, Schreiner
wrote this in 1883 under a male pseudonym. Though subject to the
ideologies of the era, the book nonetheless explores with genuinely
open vision the tale of two female cousins living on a remote Karoo
farm whose young lives are disrupted by an Irish traveler.
Smith, Pauline. The Little Karoo. Somerset, NJ: Transaction, 1997
(orig. pub. 1925) Note: Pauline Smith was born in Oudtshoorn in
1882, but was sent to school in Scotland in her teens. She never
returned to live in South Africa, but did make a number of visits.
Most of her stories are set in South Africa. They are compelling
reflections of the simple everyday life of communities in the Karoo
at the turn of the century
Ivan Vladislavic. The Restless Supermarket. Cape Town: David
Philip, 2001 Note: A dark and intricate urban satire about
Johannesburg's notorious Hillbrow district during the last days of
apartheid.
Local Holidays Last Updated: 4/1/2004 4:07 AM
Local Holidays in 2004: New Year's Day January 1 Human Rights Day
March 21 Human Rights Day (observed) March 22 Good Friday April 9
Family Day April 12 Freedom Day April 27 Worker's Day May 1 Youth
Day June 16 National Women's Day August 9 Heritage Day September 24
Day of Reconciliation December 16 Christmas Day December 25 Day of
Good Will December 26 Day of Good Will (observed) December 27 South
African holidays falling on a Sunday are observed on the following
Monday. |