South Africa is a captivating destination for travellers, investors, and professionals alike, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and a dynamic business environment. From breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cities, to its resilient economic framework, South Africa stands out as a country that punches above its weight.
South Africa is a captivating destination for travellers, investors, and professionals alike, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and a dynamic business environment. From breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cities, to its resilient economic framework, South Africa stands out as a country that punches above its weight.
DISCOVER OUR 9 PROVINCES & THEIR MAIN ATTRACTIONS
From untouched shores to iconic historical landmarks, the Eastern Cape captures the essence...
Home to historic landmarks, unique geological wonders and thrilling outdoor adventures, this province...
Gauteng is a province like no other. As the economic powerhouse of Africa,...
From the iconic Drakensberg peaks to Durban’s sunlit shores, KwaZulu-Natal invites you to...
Limpopo Province is a destination like no other, where nature’s grandeur meets a...
Embark on a journey through Mpumalanga and experience the province’s unparalleled natural beauty...
Nestled in the heart of South Africa, the North West Province offers a...
Spanning vast arid landscapes, the Northern Cape is a realm of stark beauty...
The Western Cape, with Cape Town at its heart, is a dynamic region...
South Africa’s history is marked by a legacy of racial segregation and white minority rule. This system, known officially as apartheid, was implemented in 1948. The year 2024 marks the 30th anniversary of democracy in South Africa. Since 1994, millions of South Africans have enjoyed many freedoms. These include political freedom, constitutional rights and freedom of movement. They also benefit from freedom of speech and expression, freedom of association, improved gender equality, equal access to education, and LGBTQ+ rights. The international community’s solidarity with the democratic government’s ideals has gone a long way in ensuring that this was achieved.
South Africa has assumed its rightful place on the world stage, committed to playing a constructive role on the continent and around the globe for the realisation of a better Africa and a better world.
Many foreign policy milestones mark the past 30 years. South Africa has been, and remains, included in international forums such as the Group of Twenty (G20), the India, Brazil, and South Africa Dialogue Forum (IBSA), and the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) Forum, and served on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on three occasions. South Africa is often dubbed Africa’s economic powerhouse, boasting an attractive business climate, characterised by relatively low operating costs and a robust regulatory framework. This makes it an appealing destination for businesses looking to expand into the African market. Monetary and fiscal policies are key areas of interest for investors, reflecting South Africa’s commitment to economic stability and growth. Recent data shows a 13% increase in the willingness to invest in South Africa over the past two years, highlighting the country’s growing appeal to the global business community.
12 World Heritage sites
22 National Parks
100’s of Game & Nature Reserves
Tourism
One of South Africa’s most captivating attractions is its stunning natural scenery. From vast savannahs and dramatic coastlines to the majestic Drakensberg Mountains, the country offers an unparalleled diversity of landscapes.
South Africa is also home to some of the world’s most iconic wildlife, making it a premier destination for safari enthusiasts. The opportunity to witness the “Big Five”—lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo—in their natural habitat is a unique experience that continues to draw millions of tourists each year.
South Africa is geopolitically distinctive and possesses natural and cultural diversity that supports a globally compelling tourism proposition. Surrounded by two oceans — Atlantic and Indian — South Africa occupies only about 2% of the world’s land area while hosting an impressive 10% of the world’s plants, 7% of the reptiles, birds, and mammals, and 15% of coastal marine species.
Let us not forget the around 850 species of birds and 300 species of mammals across our landscape, with an outstanding ecological richness with 9 distinct biomes within the country’s borders.
12 World Heritage sites
22 National Parks
100’s of Game & Nature Reserves
Tourism
One of South Africa’s most captivating attractions is its stunning natural scenery. From vast savannahs and dramatic coastlines to the majestic Drakensberg Mountains, the country offers an unparalleled diversity of landscapes.
South Africa is also home to some of the world’s most iconic wildlife, making it a premier destination for safari enthusiasts. The opportunity to witness the “Big Five”—lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo—in their natural habitat is a unique experience that continues to draw millions of tourists each year.
South Africa is geopolitically distinctive and possesses natural and cultural diversity that supports a globally compelling tourism proposition. Surrounded by two oceans — Atlantic and Indian — South Africa occupies only about 2% of the world’s land area while hosting an impressive 10% of the world’s plants, 7% of the reptiles, birds, and mammals, and 15% of coastal marine species.
Let us not forget the around 850 species of birds and 300 species of mammals across our landscape, with an outstanding ecological richness with 9 distinct biomes within the country’s borders.
Food & Culture
South Africa is often referred to as the Rainbow Nation due to its immense cultural diversity. Culture is also a valuable economic asset, with many South African artists having become internationally successful and contributing to South Africa’s export earnings.
South Africa’s cuisine is a fusion of Dutch, French, Malaysian, and Indian flavours. Popular dishes include pap and mogodu and Cape Malay roti. Tourists are often captivated by the culinary variety on their first visit.
South African cuisine is a melting pot of flavours, dishes, and culinary traditions that reflect the country’s rich cultural diversity. With its vibrant mix of indigenous African, European, and Asian influences, South African cuisine offers a unique culinary experience that is both diverse and delicious. Food serves as a window into South Africa’s history and traditions.
Popular dishes include shisa nyama, pap, koeksisters, bunny-chows, mogodu, bobotie, Cape Malay curries, boerewors, gatsbies, chakalaka, biltong, umngqusho, milk tart, among many others. Tourists are often captivated by the culinary variety on their first visit.
South African cuisine not only reflects the country’s cultural diversity but also serves as a unifying force. In a nation with a complex history of racial and ethnic divisions, food has the power to bring people together, transcending barriers and fostering a sense of unity. Whether it’s a braai (barbecue) with friends and family or a shared meal at a local restaurant, South African cuisine provides a platform for people to connect, share stories, and celebrate their shared heritage.
Food & Culture
South Africa is often referred to as the Rainbow Nation due to its immense cultural diversity. Culture is also a valuable economic asset, with many South African artists having become internationally successful and contributing to South Africa’s export earnings.
South Africa’s cuisine is a fusion of Dutch, French, Malaysian, and Indian flavours. Popular dishes include pap and mogodu and Cape Malay roti. Tourists are often captivated by the culinary variety on their first visit.
South African cuisine is a melting pot of flavours, dishes, and culinary traditions that reflect the country’s rich cultural diversity. With its vibrant mix of indigenous African, European, and Asian influences, South African cuisine offers a unique culinary experience that is both diverse and delicious. Food serves as a window into South Africa’s history and traditions.
Popular dishes include shisa nyama, pap, koeksisters, bunny-chows, mogodu, bobotie, Cape Malay curries, boerewors, gatsbies, chakalaka, biltong, umngqusho, milk tart, among many others. Tourists are often captivated by the culinary variety on their first visit.
Business Environment
South Africa’s economic landscape is equally compelling for business investors. The country boasts one of the most advanced economies in Africa, with well-established industries in mining, finance, manufacturing, and technology. Its rich reserves of metals, including gold, platinum, and chromium, make it a global leader in the mining sector, drawing significant interest from investors worldwide. Metals consistently rank as one of the top export categories, underscoring South Africa’s economic significance on the global stage.
The country stands out as the most advanced and broad-based economy in sub-Saharan Africa, offering a unique and attractive investment climate that draws businesses and investors from around the globe. With a gross domestic product (GDP) of just over USD$373 billion in 2024, South Africa is not only the largest economy in sub-Saharan Africa but also the largest on the entire continent, surpassing Egypt and Algeria, which recorded GDPs of approximately USD$347.6 billion and USD$266.8 billion, respectively.
The country is well-integrated into the regional economic framework, formalised by its membership in the Southern African Development Community (SADC). As a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the G20, and the BRICS association of emerging economies, the country provides a business environment conducive to growth and prosperity.
In addition, South Africa is the most significant ratifier of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), making it easier for businesses to access other African markets by using South Africa as an investment gateway.
Quick Links: Discover all 9 Provinces
Visiting South Africa
LANGUAGES
South Africa is a multilingual nation with 11 official spoken languages, along with South African Sign Language (SASL) recognised as the 12th official language.
The spoken languages are: English, isiZulu, isiXhosa, isiNdebele, Afrikaans, Siswati, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, Tshivenda and Xitsonga.
POPULATION
According to the latest Census by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), the country’s population is estimated at 62 million, with 51.5% female and 48.5% male.
TIME
South Africa operates on GMT+2002E
CURRENCY
The unit of currency is the rand (R), divided into 100 cents. Major credit cards are widely accepted, and foreign currency or travellers’ cheques can be exchanged at banks, hotels, and international airports.
Exchange rates are subject to fluctuation.
BANKING SERVICES
Banks operate from 09:00 to 15:30 on weekdays and from 08:30 to 11:00 on Saturdays.
Services available at all commercial banks include cash dispensing machines accepting Visa, MasterCard and Cirrus. Bureau de Change facilities are available in most of the branches of major South African banks.
BUSINESS & SHOPPING HOURS
Offices and businesses are generally open from 08:30 to 17:00, Monday to Friday. Opening times on Saturdays and Sundays range between 09:00 and 17:00.
ELECTRICITY SUPPLY
The power supply in South Africa is 220V AC, 50Hz. Electrical sockets are rounded and three-pronged. Most hotels provide adaptors on request.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
The following South African mobile telephone service providers are available: Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, Telkom and Virgin Mobile.
These providers also offer internet access via GPRS, 3G, and 4G. Cell phone SIM cards are widely available; however, users must legally register them at the point of purchase. Registration requires proof of residence (e.g., a letter from your hotel/Embassy/High Commission) and your passport.
Useful Links
62 Million
Languages
GMT+2002E
the Rand (R)
220V AC, 50Hz