Welcome Booklet AIESEC in South Africa

WELCOME

TO

SOUTH AFRICA

General Information about South Africa

Geography

Situated at the southern tip of Africa, South Africa is 1 233 404km in size and is edged on three sides by nearly 3

000km of coastline, with the Indian Ocean to the east and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The country is bordered

in the north by Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, and also encloses two independent countries, the

kingdoms of Lesotho and Swaziland.

Capitals

South Africa has three capitals: Cape Town (legislative), Pretoria (administrative) and Bloemfontein (judicial).


Political System

Since the first post-apartheid elections in 1994, South Africa has had a democratic government. The Constitution is

regarded as an example to the world and enshrines a wide range of human rights protected by an independent

judiciary. The head of the country is the president. The current incumbent is Jacob Zuma, who is the head of the

ruling party, the African National Congress.

Economy

Regarded as an emerging market, South Africa has a well-developed financial sector and active stock exchange.

Financial policies have focused on building solid macroeconomic structures. The countrys central bank is the

South African Reserve Bank.


Tourism

The tourism industry is well established with an exciting sector of emerging entrepreneurs. The country is strong

on adventure, sport, nature and wildlife, and is a pioneer and global leader in responsible tourism.

Population

The last census in 2011 showed a population of about 52-million people, of varying origins, cultures, languages and

religions, of which 79,2% are African, 8,9% coloured (a term used in South Africa to describe people of mixed

race), 8,9% white, and 2,5% Indian. Just over half the population is female


Currency The South Africa's currency is the rand, which offers visitors great value for money. The rand comes in a range of

coins (R1 = 100 cents) and note denominations of R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200.

Convert To RAND HERE

Climate The South Africa is known for its long sunny days, hence the title, Sunny South Africa. Most of the nine provinces

have summer rainfall, except for the Western Cape, which experiences winter rainfall. The high-lying areas of the

interior can be chilly in winter. The South African Weather Service uses the following dates for seasons:

Spring: September, October, November

Summer: December through February

Autumn: March, April, May

Winter: June through August


Communication South Africa has a well-developed communications infrastructure. A number of cellphone providers offer national

coverage and there are well-established landline phone networks. Internet and Wi-Fi are easily accessible in most

urban areas. More info HERE

Languages

South Africa is a multilingual country and there are 11 official languages, namely: English, Afrikaans, isiNdebele,

isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, Siswati, Tshivenda and Xitsonga. Although only about 10% of the

population has English as its mother tongue, English is the language most widely understood, and is the second

language of the majority of South Africans.

Religions

About 80% of South Africa's population is Christian. Other major religious groups include Hindus, Muslims, Jews

and Buddhists. A minority does not belong to any of the major religions. The Constitution guarantees freedom of

worship.


National Symbols

The South African flag is a much-loved symbol of the new South Africa. It comprises a geometric pattern of

green, white, black, gold, red and blue.

South Africas national bird is the blue crane. The national animal is the springbok; the national fish, the galjoen;

the national flower, the giant or king protea; and the national tree, the yellowwood.

Water In urban areas tap water is usually of high quality and safe to

drink. Its quite safe to have ice in drinks and to eat salads.

However, when travelling to remote rural areas and the bush you

should take your own drinking water along or buy bottled water.


South Africa Biodiversity

Electricity

The South African electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 HZ. With a few exceptions (in deep rural areas),

electricity is available almost everywhere. South Africa is currently facing electiricity supply deficits and this has

been termed as Load Shedding by the South African population. These deficits occur right through the year,

however during the winter months, there is a number of load shedding occurances.

In 1998 Conservation International declared South Africa one of the 17 megadiverse destinations in the world

because of its rich biological diversity. Expect majestic and intimidating animals such as rhinos, elephants and

great white sharks, and smaller cute ones such as meerkats, bush babies and bat-eared foxes, as well as diverse

plant life from succulent Karoo through to fynbos and indigenous forests.


Airports

South Africas three major international airports are OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg); Cape Town

International Airport; and King Shaka International Airport (Durban). There are also many regional airports,

including the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport in Mbombela (Nelspruit).

Travel by Road and Rail

South Africa has an extensive road infrastructure including national highways and secondary roads. Speed limits

are set at 120km/h on highways; 100km/h on secondary roads; and 60km/h in urban areas. Most roads are in

good condition, but there are a few exceptions. There are rail connections between the main centres, such as

Johannesburg and Cape Town.

Transport Indside South Africa

INFO

INFO

INFO

INFO


Health South Africa has been well known for its medical skill since Professor Christiaan Barnard performed the first

successful human heart transplant in the country in 1967. There are many world-class private hospitals and

medical centres around the country, especially in the urban areas, while many state hospitals also offer excellent

care, among them Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town.

Malaria Most of South Africa is malaria-free, but if you are visiting the Kruger National Park or low-lying parts of northern

KwaZulu-Natal, be aware that you are entering malarial areas and should take precautions in the form of

prophylactic medication.

Smoking Smoking is banned in public places, but there are usually designated areas where people can smoke. Under-18s

may not enter a designated smoking area or buy cigarettes.

HIV / Aids While southern Africa has a high prevalence of HIV/Aids, your only real risk of contracting this syndrome is if you

have unprotected sex with an infected individual. There should be no reason for unprotected sex as condoms are

freely available in pharmacies and convenience stores.


What to pack ?

South Africa has its fair share of sporting, movie, music and political celebrities. From global political icons like

former president Nelson Mandela and Anglican Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu to golfing greats such as Gary

Player and Ernie Els, movie stars like Charlize Theron and musicians (think Miriam Makeba, Ladysmith Black

Mambazo and the group Freshlyground), expect South Africans to make news anywhere in the world.

Security Use common sense and take basic safety precautions. Keep valuables locked away and dont wear expensive

watches or jewellery, flash expensive cameras, or walk in deserted areas. Keep car doors and windows locked at

all times. If in doubt, ask a guide or at your accommodation for safety guidelines.

Famous South African

What you bring with you depends on what time of year you are visiting. A warm, waterproof jacket is essential all

year round. Pack light, and remember the basic essentials: camera and attachments; adaptor plugs; toiletries

including insect repellent and sunblock; medications and prescriptions; extra reading glasses; laptop; typical food

and thinks from your country; some cash; and notebook or journal.


Culture South Africa is the Rainbow Nation, a title that captures the country's cultural and ethnic diversity. The population

of South Africa is one of the most complex and diverse in the world. Of the 51.7 million South Africans, over 41

million are black, 4.5 million are white, 4.6 million are coloured and about 1.3 million Indian or Asian.

Food Traditional African food is generally cooked over an open fire or in a three-legged pot (or potjie), so meat tends to

be served in either stewed or grilled form. A starch usually accompanies the meat: mieliepap (maize porridge),

potatoes or rice. Beetroot, carrots, cabbage and pumpkin are the vegetables most commonly served. Typical South

African dishes include tripe, morogo, chakalaka, amadumbe, and the ubiquitous boerewors roll.

Dance & Music Black African culture is most obviously known for its art, dance and music these have been profoundly influenced by more than two centuries of colonialism and the work of Christian missionaries. Today, songs reflect a number

of different styles such as gospel, jazz and rock, but often have a strong local flavour. Styles such as (house

music), mbube (Zulu vocal) and kwela (jazzy street music often with a penny whistle) incorporate indigenous

sounds.


Public Hollidays


Cost of living More HERE

Important Numbers

Applying for a South African Visa

General information about South African Visas

Reference: www.dha.gov.za

Visitors visas are for international travellers (citizens of other countries) who have permanent residence outside South Africa and who wish to visit the country on a temporary basis for tourism or

business purposes for a period of 90 days or less. A visa simply indicates that your application has been reviewed at a South African embassy, mission or consulate and that the consular officer has determined you are eligible to enter the country for a specific purpose. The visa will allow you to travel to a South African port of entry where an immigration official will then

determine if you are allowed to enter South Africa and for how long you can stay for that particular visit. Visitors are restricted to the activity or reason for which their visas were issued.

On entry to South Africa, a visa is considered to be a visitor's permit. The permits period of validity is calculated from the date of entry into the country and will be set out under the heading "conditions" on the visa label. You must ensure that you apply for the correct visa/permit. Entry in the country may be refused if the purpose of visit was not correctly stated.

Requirements for visitors visas differ from country to country (click here to see which

countries are currently exempt), and the requirements are subject to change. As each application is treated as an individual case and you should make enquiries with your nearest South African mission or consulate abroad or any office of the Department of Home Affairs to see whether

or not you are required to apply for a visa.

Remember that there is a fee charged for issuing a visa, and you should check the cost with the office as well as this is updated annually. The fee is payable in different currencies in different countries. Visas are not issued at South African ports of entry, and airline officials are obliged to insist on visas before allowing passengers to board. If you arrive without a visa, immigration officials are obliged to put you onto a flight back to your home country.

Important Information VISA

South African visitors visas may be granted for:

visits to family or friends and also for tourism purposes business purposes

spouse to join a spouse who is in South Africa on a work or study permit

children to join parents who are in South Africa on work or study permits

fiance/ fianc to join his or her partner with the intension of marrying within 90 days

study purposes (max stay 3-months)

charitable or voluntary activities

research

conferences

to work in the production of an movie or show (i.e. in the entertainment industry)

for medical purposes (max stay 3-months)

sport events

Documents required to apply for a visa:

A passport or travel document valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of your intended visit

Your passport must have at least one unused page for entry /departure endorsements

A completed Form BI-84 (application for a visa)

Payment of the prescribed fee

A yellow-fever vaccination certificate (if required)

Statement and/or documentation confirming the purpose and duration of your visit

Two colour passport photographs

A return or onward ticket if you are travelling by air

Remember, you do not have to submit your visa application in person. You can ask anyone else (such as a travel agent

or courier services or another family member) to submit the application on your behalf.

Requirements for entering South Africa

You will need the following if you wish to visit South Africa:

A valid and acceptable passport or travel document for your intended stay

At least one blank page in your passport for endorsements A valid visa, if required

Sufficient funds to pay for your day-to-day expenses during your stay

A return or onward ticket

Yellow fever certificates if your journey starts or entails passing through the yellow fever belt of Africa or South

America.

Important Information

INSURANCE

Remember that is mandatory to get an insurance before to come to South Africa so please your more suitable

insurance.

Next Steps

Thinks to do before to leave your country

1.

2.

Attend the Virtual IPS (incoming preparation seminar)

Register HERE

Request a skype meeting with the TN manager to receive all

the details (pick up, contact responsible, NGO details, accommodation details and events organize during your stay as welcome dinner or

party/physical IPs/first day of work/buddie)

3.

Complete the FORM with all your

information, minimum one week before

your flight.

Form HERE

PACK YOUR STUFF and get ready for

SOUTH AFRICA

Welcome Booklet AIESEC in South Africa

Documents

Transcript of Welcome Booklet AIESEC in South Africa