Written By Enriko Klopper&Hermien Klopper
“From the blue of our heaven
From our deep seas breaking round,
Over everlasting mountains,
Where the echoing crags resound……
Sounds the call to come together,
And united we shall stand,
Let us live and strive for freedom
In South Africa our land!”
Stretching from the beautiful valleys of the north over the metros of Gauteng through the picturesque landscapes and agriculture of central South Africa to the coasts one can feel your connection with nature. South Africa is imperfectly perfect with an abundance of tradition and entrepreneurs. The South African people come in different colours, shapes and sizes. As the nation starts the healing process of our dark past we stand together in the fight for equality. South Africans are go-getters and confident. People are mostly kind and accommodating. A clear contrast to our past.
The sun kisses this beautiful land while showered with just enough rain to grow amazing crops to share with the world. South Africa has 11 official languages and others. This is where one can experience what culture means. Music fills the air as people sing and dance to express their emotions.
At night the contained fires light up the sky as we put some meat on the "braai" and eat and drink together. Everything is performed to a rhythm. Family is important in South Africa. Slowly but surely the different cultures merge to create a South African culture. Here's an example: if someone gave you food in a container, don't return it empty.
“Mieliepap” (maize porridge) and bread are our staple food and we prepare them in many different ways to go with the meat we eat.
Sport unites us the most as we wear our colours and wave our flag high. Rugby is one of the most supported sports in South Africa, alongside soccer and cricket. The South African team is called the Springboks and they wear green and gold. For the many South African fans of the game, rugby is a serious matter, a source of bursting pride and joy - or shattering disappointment. The country has traditionally fared extremely well on the world stage, and South African fans expect their national team to win every game it plays. Young and old still remember 1995 when the Springboks won the Rugby World Cup on home turf. Nelson Mandela donned the No 6 shirt of the team's captain - Francois Pienaar.
One of my favourite places in South Africa is Mossel Bay. It is situated in the world famous Garden Route, half way between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. It is known for its great natural beauty with kilometres of golden beaches and its clean city centre with its beautiful historical stone houses. Many people who visit Mossel Bay go there for the beaches – but everyone stays for the attractions and adventures, the entertainment, the museums, the culture, the arts & crafts and, of course, the sunny skies.
The Kruger National Park is a very popular tourist destination. It is the largest game reserve in Africa and it has a hot, sub-tropical climate and most of the year it is hot during the day (above 25 degrees). It's an all year round tourist destination. Game viewing can be at its best during the winter months. However, the wet summer season brings full?water holes, lots of newborn wildlife, and the summer migrant birds arrive. The Park is home to over 12,000 elephants, 27000 African Buffalo, 1000 leopards and lots of other wonderful wildlife.
Regardless of whether you prefer to track the Big Five, swim in the blue waters of the Indian or Atlantic oceans, take in the culture and history of our "Rainbow Nation", hike in the mountains or along the coast, savour good wine and food, see wild flowers in profusion or simply just lazing around in the sun, it will be an unforgettable experience.
