Why do you love South Africa?
Published by lovingSA February 6th, 2006 in QuestionsWhy are South Africans so patriotic? What makes them so passionate about their country? Why do the hairs on the back of their neck stand up?
It’s a simple question, yet everyone has their own answer, and all for very different reasons. Some people have a sense of freedom that was missing for a long time, some people simply like the scenery, whilst others feel that it’s a sense of home that you just can’t replace with another. Some people are more political and enjoy the new democracy, some people love it because of the business opportunity, and others just like the lifestyle which they know is unique. It’s an interesting question, and we’d really appreciate it if you’d share your reason with us.
Click here to tell us why you love South Africa?
Download the Podcast
Win £50:
Simply tell us why you love South Africa, by clicking the link above and filling in the form, and your name will go into the prize draw for £50. The prize draw will take place on the 24th March. Good luck!!
See the updates page for more details.
50 Responses to “Why do you love South Africa?”
- 1 Pingback on Apr 17th, 2006 at 8:21 pm
Leave a Reply
You must log in to post a comment.
Hello Southafrica.
I love SA because I didnt encounter mosquitoes and the weather was not hot.
I love Sa because there are a choice of girls of all colors.
I love Sa because one day, there will be an end to segregation.
I love SA because so many of her people have left and we can occupy it.
I love SA because it feels good to see a country where whites are also poor like most blacks.
I love SA because, lots of SA people are coming back after finding out that theres crime in other parts of the world and they too can be deported.
I love SA because the girls love Nigerians.
The thing is this:
When you are born in Africa, she won’t let you go. She beckons you, always. You can try and leave her, but you will never truly be at home anywhere else.
I am coming home, Mama!
I love south Africa because it’s home:) I live in the uk now but definitely moving back for uni:) I miss it:( lol x
I love South Africa, lol! It is great to live in a Country where two farmers a week gets killed, not because they are Afrikaner, but just because they are white! It is great to live in fear in South Africa! It is great to live in a Country where you hide because you are white for fear of being mutalated, raped, murdered! It is great to live in a Country where the leaders and presidents and so called Madiba’s shout KILL THE BOER, KILL THE FARMER! It is great to live in a Country where the rest of the world doesn’t give a shit because the truth is never shown!
Good day Fellow South Africans
I love this country and i dont see myself moving away from it. The fact that we have so many languages, so many cultures, races etc its a blessing on its own. We are a very frielndy nation. we have just proven that to the world, for an example we are getting more international visitors than before, people loved our hospitality.
We have one of the greatest leaders of all time, which makes me more proud to be South African.
I love South Africa
Because South Africa is just the best place to be
As a South African (Durbanite) now living in the UK I have to admit I miss our country every day especially the weather
I love south Africa for the open roads, free parking, street merchants,taxis,robots, shopping malls, The smell in the air before it rains, In winter you have a disticnt smell of coal/wood fires travelling though the air late afternoons from the locations. I miss coming home from work pulling into my neigbourhood with the smell of braaivleis around the corner. I miss sweeping though 17h00 traffic on the N1 highway on my motorbike with no number plate with the headlight blearing bright. getting pulled over and paying a R50 bribe. I miss dogs barkings, the sound of crickets and sun beetles. I miss Joburg, going to Northcliff koppie,getting high, watching the the thousands of street lights come on. I miss the people! people that will offer there seat to a woman or old person. I miss fanta grape!! passionfruit, Oumas rusks, beef flavoured crisps. I miss the fact that blue packets of chips are salt and vinigar and green is Cheese and onion. everywhere els its vice versa, and i dont like salt vinigar, but i always pick green packet. I miss bakkies, I miss my mom………..Im leaving London
South Africa bubbles with wonderful, culturally diverse people. A colourful canvas of different foods, religions, beliefs and traditions are blended together to make up the amazing nation of the people of South Africa. These characters, complimented by our country’s beautiful landscape, abundant wildlife and breathtaking coastline, are the reasons that South Africa touches people’s hearts in a special way, whether you live here or are visiting on holiday.
You can try and trace South Africans roots back to Europe, the East and the indeginous inhabitants but decades of sunshine, wilderness, and interaction between different races has shaped the inhabitants into their unique form, truly and proudly South African.
And only once you have been to a South African braai, the beach in December, the bustling cities zig-zaged by taxis, a game park and met our vibrant inhabitants can you understand why we love it here and take the good and bad in our stride.
It’s about the atmosphere, humour and positive, laid back attitude of our people.
It’s about scenery that takes your breath away and places to explore, enjoy and relax in.
And it’s about you; that makes up part of our nation, whether you are living here or a tourist.
I love South Africa because I felt like home while staying there.
On my first step to S.A. at the air port, I thought “I am home”!
My stay was only for 11 months at Joburg as a student, but
I had really wonderful time.
Weather, food, people, music, Jakaranda, smell of the red ground,
everything was exciting experience to my five senses.
I’d love to live in South Africa sometime in future.
I, or i would say we love SOUTH AFRICA , because it feel like heaven on the earth, obviously it is home that is also one of the reason, but SOUTH AFRICA is a great land where there is no more raceism, (RAINBOW NATION) where all the colors are equally treated. I Prey to God make our country more Stable, especially safer in terms of all security aspects, so not only South Africans but any foreigners also feel like home.
PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN.
I was nine years old when I left South Africa and moved to Australia. Perth, Australia is a wonderful place to live, safe, clean, full of good and honest people. But even though I was only nine when I left South Africa, I can still completely understand and speak Afrikaans fluently, I am constantly surrounded by South African friends and family and when I’m cheering the Springboks there’s a stadium full of Springbok supporting South Africans alongside me, here in Perth. I am 23 years old now, and I still have family back in South Africa, and they are all safe and happy.
My future lies with Australia now, but that honesty, integrity, honour, that is in our blood, that is what makes us love South Africa, that’s what makes us love our people, because despite our numbers and despite all of the hardship South Africans have endured, we have always been strong and proud, and unique in a way that makes us stand out as exceptional businessmen, notable sportsmen, even in times of war our ancestors proved to be hardy against all odds.
One thing that I have noticed is a rising distaste for South Africans that have left South Africa, please don’t look down upon us in such a way, a lot of us left through shocking circumstances and have found comfort in getting away. There were violent murders in my family that lead to our departure. On a lighter note, here in Aus, we regularly have South African festivals and parties, braais and poikis. There are South African shops all over that import all the lekker stuff for us that make us remember home, and by the way, that feeling of ‘home’ is never replaced, no matter where you move in the world.
I always get choked up when I watch Blood Diamond, when Leonardo Dicaprio clutches that red sand, mixed with his blood.
What I love about SA
I love the fact that there are so many other South African blogs that are encouraging South Africans to stay positive in spite of all the stuff happening around them.
Every day is filled with good and bad. With every situation that pops up we have a choice how we’re going to react to it. For me personally, the bad is just an opportunity to grow and overcome - heavy, I know. I would of course prefer life being smooth sailing but that only happens in Lala Land. I usually throw a bit of a wobbly first before my “bigger self” kicks in, but I try to deal with it in a positive way. Seriaas.
The good usually outweighs the bad and it’s this that makes me get up and embrace another morning in SA!
Here’s to the glorious South African sunsets and the great blue African skies. Here’s to the rich wildlife and the friendly, happy people. Here’s to melktert and koeksusters, mampoer, bobotie, sosaties, waterblommetjie bredie, amasi, frikkadelle, isidudu, chutney and bunny chow, vetkeok and malva pudding. Here’s to a melting pot of cultures, coming together in one home under one roof - Indians, Chinese, Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Sotho, Tswana, Afrikaans, the San bushmen, English… Here’s to Shaka Zulu, Nelson Mandela, Charlize Theron, Freek Robinson, Riaan Crywagen, Deborah Patta, Natalie du Toit, Oscar Pistorius, the man on the street, the bergies and the Cape minstrels. Here’s to the Drakensburg, Table Mountain, The Tsitsikama forests in Knysna, the Garden Route, the warm Indian ocean intermingling with the cool Atlantic, the dry escarpment of Gauteng and the Great Karoo. Here’s to every different season and landscape contained in one immensely beautiful country.
Viva South Africa!
Nkosi sikelel’ iAfriKa!
I love South Africa!
Man, I love this place. It’s HUGE, Bru, and so different from one side of the country to the other. The earthiness, the adventure, the spark of danger, the wide open spaces, the young people who live here are just so “up” for anything.
I love where I live, East London, in particular, but there are also so many other great places here in South Africa too, they all have their own vibe. In particular, I love the really small towns, Hogsback, Hamburg, Kei Mouth, Port St Johns, Elliot, Tarkastadt, Riviersonderend, Rhodes, Kirkwood, Jefferies Bay, Storms River, Cradock, Cathcart, Stutterheim, Kidd’s Beach, Barclay East, Maclear, Aliwal North, Fort Beaufort, Donner, there are a lot of them!! Of course, there are also all the farms called Moeggeploeg and Weltevrede!!
Your basic, day to day people who are just so open, kind, and helpful. The rough humour, the ready smile, just the way good people make do without complaining, they just carry on.
The people, man, we have good people, they will stop and help you, give you a lift, Ja, some of them are Bliksems, but hey, most of them are just good, decent people, making their way through life.
I love the festivals, the wild, wacky people who go to them. The Grahamstown festival, Splashy Fenn, the KNKK, the Bathhurst OXBRAAI!! YEEHAAA!!!!
The clubs…….Canoe clubs, Life Saving clubs, golf, rugby, running, cycling clubs, all with their great devotees………..
The pubs, Afrikaans music, people and the Afrikaans language!
Johnny Clegg, he’s still my hero. An African Bruce Springsteen.
So, lets start being PATRIOTIC and tell everyone why we love this big beautiful country we live in, it’s our home and always will be. Sure, we can all talk for hours about the problems we have, let’s rather talk about how great a life we live here.
If we all believe in ourselves and our country, we have everything to look forward to, my mates, it’s great here, I love it.
Why do I love South Africa ?? For a thousand reasons: The smell of the Bushveld, the whoop of the Hyena, the roar of the Lion, the smell of Hardekool burning and crackling on the fire while you sit in the Kruger Park and watch the stars. A few years ago our family decided that it might be best for us to move out of South Africa, before we left on our scouting trip we visited the Kruger Park and I saw it in a totally different light that at any other time, I was heartbroken watching the beautiful African sunset over the magnificent Bushveld. I was heartbroken when I thought that I would be leaving the beautiful country and its beautiful people.We eventualy went to investigate in Europe (We have EU passports)To cut a long story short after 6 weeks of looking around England, Spain, Portugal, Austria and Italy we all knew “Lets go Home” “Lets go Home” Lets go Home” I have never had any regrets that we did. I love this country, yes we have problems and mountains to climb, but that is just what makes this such an exciting place to live. I can understand why people move but I feel that to stay and face the problems if a much better option for me than to leave and feel sick to my stomach each time I hear the Anthem, Watch the Springboks, See the flag, Watch NatGeo Wild, hear a SA acent, Smell Borewors………and sooooo much more. I would rather stay here and try and make a difference, and is this the place where it is possible to make a small difference every single day. Just handing out a R5 coin to a car guard can bring a beaming smile, Taking some old clothes to a corner and handing them out and watching the smile on the children’s faces.Giving a cigarette to a street vendor from the window of your car, makes you feel like you have donated a R1000.00. I visited Ireland a few years ago and had an accident which caused me to land up in a wheelchair with my leg in a brace. I travelled from Dublin to London pushed around by unsmiling attendants who teated me like a piece of luggage (I was alone on this flight)When I reached London I was pushed out and left for a three hour wait in a passage somewhere. I could not go to the loo, have a cigarette which I was dying for or have a drink of water. When I arrived at Johannesburg Airport an African porter collected me. He was so concerned about my leg and asked me where he could take me while I waited for my connecting flght to Durban. I told him that I was dying for a cigarette, he immediately wheeled me outside into the glorious sunshine ( which I had not seen in 3 weeks) I offered him a cigarette and we both sat outside and had a cigarette. He then took me to the smoking restaurant, asked one of the waiters to look out for me and bring me drinks when I orderd them. I knew I was back home, where people care, where if you smile at them they smile back and not look at you as if you came from Mars. Where young men stand up to give up their seat for ladies, and get thanked not looked at with a suspicion “What are you after?” which is what hapened on the Tube in London.
I know I am rambling on, but I have such a passion for this beautiful land, and all its people and I hope by staying here and using the ballot box we can make a difference. If we all leave, we can’t change a thing. There are wonderful people here, people who want to live in peace and harmony. I believe in destiny,any my destiny is here in the place of my forefathers. A place of sunsets, warm beaches, ocean smells, Thunderstorms, Mountains, Karoo landscapes, Bushvelds, Wild seas, Springbok, (animal and human,)………what a place to live.
I LOVE SOUTH AFRICA, BECAUSE WE HAVE http://www.eisssh.co.za
No other country in the world has a Rainbow Nation like ours. We are unique! We have our own unique sense of humour, we have nature & wildlife, we have mountains, snow, ocean, surf, summer most of the year, biltong, braai, rugby, soweto, rivers and deserts, varieties of cultures … gosh, this list can go on forever. But most of all, I love it because South Africa has http://www.eisssh.co.za
I love you South Africa cause you gave birth to me….. I love the smilling faces in Namakwaland man`s anti depressend after Winter. I love dragging our matress out on the lawn in February, to sleep under the stars with my children, to feel your warmth cuddle us till dusk… I love you South Afica because at Christmas when families gather we bond and celebrate with laughter and have watermelon fights till our faces red… And when our country plays rugby in the world cup even granny knows the score and when our teams win we feel like warriors.Tommorow when you touch down in my country and you don`t get a smile you are not in South Africa. Because where there was pain you learn and when you learn from mistakes you grow and when you grow you are happy and when you are happy you are South African!!
Some R50m ‘lost’ by govt in year
Tue, 14 Aug 2007
More than R45.6-million was lost by national and provincial government departments due to financial misconduct in the 2005/2006 financial year, the Public Service Commission said on Tuesday.
Releasing the commission’s report on financial misconduct in government departments, PSC Chairperson Stan Sangweni said there were 771 reported cases of financial misconduct.
This was more than the 513 cases of the previous financial year, while the amount lost came down from R331-million in 2002/2003.
Of the R45.6-million lost, only R3.2-million was recovered, with many departments reporting they were still in the process of recovering money.
Corruption
Sangweni said the figure of money lost might even be higher as not all government departments reporting to it had disclosed the amounts related to financial misconduct cases.
Cases involving fraud and theft made up 64.7 percent of the cases reported. Corruption, irregular expenditure, gross negligence and misappropriation were also reported.
The Land Affairs Department lost R20-million through financial misconduct while the Treasury lost only R154.84, which was recovered.
The Eastern Cape was the province with the highest number reported cases of misconduct followed by the Western Cape with 75.
Provincial departments in Gauteng reported only six cases of misconduct.
The report covers financial misconduct cases reported to the PSC covering 34 national department and 105 provincial departments.
I love waking up early on a Sunday morning to go and spend the day at the beach with friends. The girls suntan while the boys play touch rugby.
I love the cool summer breeze on a hot day while drinking afternoon cocktails. I love the braai’s we have at my best friend Megan’s house. I also love it when I come home after a night out and I can smell the ‘braai’ that my family had that afternoon.
I love falling asleep in the sunshine on a chilly winter afternoon. I love the rainy days you can spend at home watching DVD’s.
I just love it. There is no place on earth like South Africa. It is truly unique and here I sit in miserable Scotland, wondering why I gave up my wonderful life.
Nothing can stop me from wanting to be in South Africa and I promise, I will come home. xoxo
I love South Africa because she is within me.
At the end of 2004, I got the travel bug and packed my bags to explore other countries. Every day that I am on foreign soil I think of what makes SA awesome. Culture overload, food and music, wildlife and diverse climates, history, tradition, survival, local is lekker, meilies, braais and biltong. More than anything, the People who depict togetherness unlike any other country in a global context where war and racial hatered is the easiest route. South Africa defines me, the place from which i interpret the world and other people. I love South Africa because it has Soul and her soul is imbedded in mine, or perhaps mine is imbedded in SA.
I love South Africa because she is within me.
At the end of 2004, I got the travel bug and packed my bags to explore other countries. Every day that I am on foreign soil I think of what makes SA awesome. Culture overload, food and music, wildlife and diverse climates, history, tradition, survival, local is lekker, meilies, braais and biltong. More than anything, the People who depict togetherness unlike any other country in a global context where war and racial hatered is the easiest route. South Africa defines me, the place from which i interpret the world and other people. I love South Africa because it has Soul and her soul is imbedded in mine.
Awesome,
After travelling far and wide and studying overseas, I have taken my once keen interest in all things South African (and Africa) and mulitplyed it tenfold!!!
Its an amazing place with amazing people. It has problems, we all know that, but I for one am very willing to play my part…I love it heart and soul and more than that, I can’t really say, the best place on Earth for me……
Thanks for this site, it is great!!!
Cool site. Thank you!
didrex
Good site. Thank you:-)
good luck card
I love south Africa because its the land of my birth, my root to life.
i didnt notice how beautiful SA was till i left 6months ago to come to the UK
There are so many things i miss
The people are just so much more upfront with you even though many dont see eye to eye its still special coz we make it work anyway.
The food!!!!
I miss the food, i hate living on take away everyday lol
The smell of home, the smell of the sea
DURBAN ROX!!!!!!!
I miss speaking ZULU!
I believe SA has so much to offer than some of the places ive been
The question shouldnt be ‘Why do i love south africa’
it should be ‘How can i not love it’
All the good and the bad things make it the best place to be. No day is ever dull.
South Africa
WE love you
Our beautiful land
I want to come home!!!!!!!!!!
craftmatic bed craftmatic bed
Why I love South Africa
I love South Africa because the people are friendly (and at least 55 violent murders take place every day). I love South Africa because it has some of the most beautiful settings in the world (like Riversdale where my frined Alet got raped and murdered in 2001). I love South Africa because there are some really cool clubs to visit (that’s if I don’t get hijacked on the way home).
We can speak Afrikaans (or at least try)… and strip your ‘moer’ for the English… without them knowing it!!! And it makes them feel stupid. Also, SA girls can do anything that the boys anywhere in the world can do- yet we still have the feminime charm- and know how to laugh!! Our black culture we miss when away in foreign coutries, because they are always friendly… even if when starving. I see to many luxurious people behaving extremely negative when they have no reason to do so. The ‘manne’ knows how to ‘braai’ a proper ‘choppie en wors’ and throw a ball- and entertain the ladies.
VIR MY LAND SUID-AFRIKA!!!
Why I love SA:
South Africa is the African poster child; the epitome of African culture juxtaposed with the frenetic pace of first world progress, and aptly named the Rainbow Nation due to its stark contrasts of landscape, culture, people, fauna and flora. These contrasting aspects meld and mesh into a kaleidoscope of sensory delights. Its troubled and fascinating history is enough to warrant a proud and patriotic stance for all her inhabitants. Moreover, the wealth of its utterly mesmerizing facets will have you submerged in a place as magical and awe-inspiring as the world on which our first ancestors gazed.
The land offers up its bounty of breathtaking scenery in the form of myriad biospheres. Visitors are spoilt for choice with inviting seas and cloud breathing mountains, peaceful deserts and verdant forests, untamed savannahs and luscious wetlands. The utter diversity of life that inhabits these environments is an incomparable feast for nature lovers. South Africa is second to none in wildlife conservation and spotting the Big Five is a challenge often conquered. The Big Five originate from the hunting days when these animals were feared as the most dangerous to stalk – Leopard, Lion, Rhino, Elephant and Buffalo. Now, plucked from the jaws of extinction by intensive conservation efforts, these majestic animals roam free in massive game parks to be experienced and enjoyed by the fortunate visitor. Although the cornucopia of other fauna inhabiting this land should not be neglected as South Africa can boast a veritable Noah’s Ark of creatures, as well as a diverse range of fascinating and unique flora.
We are truly blessed to live in this paradise, but it is the people of South Africa that make this country so great. From the dawn of civilization, South Africa can attest to being the cradle of humankind, as ancient fossils discovered here soundly place the birth of our earliest ancestors in South Africa. From that time, South Africa has endured shuddering upheavals from tribal and colonial warfare to the inexcusable suffering caused by Apartheid. However, despite these seemingly insurmountable crises we have emerged bruised, but with an innate joie de vivre that negates these troubles. All South Africans are proud of, and fervently engage in, the nation building needed to heal this land. Visitors will be constantly struck by the genuine warmth and friendliness of all the peoples of South Africa, be they poor, rich, Black, White, Indian, Coloured or Asian. It is this melting pot of humanity that makes South Africa a truly great nation.
Visitors may witness substantial disparities living side by side in South Africa - the ancient customs and modern ways, the concrete jungle and wild savannah, BMW’s and donkey carts, vast mansions and lean-to shacks, smog and mountain air, muddy rivers and crystal streams, elephants and poodles, cellphones and drum beats. South Africa neither makes excuses for these contradictions, nor does it boast of them. These are but the ingredients that make South Africa one of the greatest nations on the Earth’s surface.
Im 15 and ive just been on a student exchange to the united kingdom.I was not as passionate about south africa before I came than I was when Id completed my exchange.I found I really missed south africa ,I missed the people ,the food and most of all the great friendly atmosphere that you find where ever you go in south africa.The people in the u.k all seems so unfriendly in the begging and I did not feel as welcomed as I would of if I was in a new place in south africa,it was alot harder to make friend aswell because the people are not as friendly.In south africa people are alot more adventurus because the people in the united kingdom are so reserved and are so happy in their save little worlds that they hardly ever do anything that they wouldnt usually do.South africa is a unique place and it is home,and thats why i love it.
Why do I love South Africa? I guess this is kind of a loaded question for most South Africans. The fact that South Africa has problems is undeniable, but so is the fact that despite that, you still love it! Particularly when you have lived away from South Africa, you for one realise, that a) there are problems everywhere and no-where is perfect and b) that no matter what, you are South African and for many of us, it has an undefinable power over us that will forever draw us back. Part of the alure of South Africa lies in the possibilities that are so tantilizingly close to being fulfilled - the hope and dreams of a truly unified country with people from many different cultures and religions, prospering together, looking after each other and our country. South Africa is like a teenager, still a bit unpredictable, moody, irresponsible at times, but with the promise of turning into a wonderful adult.
South Africa is a part of me. It is who I am and it represents a home on this lonely planet. I love South Africa.
Well the reason I love South Africa is difficult to explain, but I guess it’s everything about it. From the blue open skies to the most wonderfull smell of braaivleis on a Saturday evening after the rugby. Nowhere else will you find people that are so alive and fiery! We have everything in one small country - beaches, mountains, bosveld, flat planes in the Freestate and sunshine 12 months of the year.
“Nooit sal ek aan enige ander plek kan dink as MY LAND as Suid-Afrika nie. Dis mos my mense en ek sal altyd lief bly vir daai pragtige land van ons!!”
Well its not really a difficult question but a tough one to put into words nonetheless. Its sunshine. always sunshine. People display a genuine kindness and interest in their relationships with others. The bond of friendship still carries a lot of meaning and the general openness of our culture is truly heart warming.
Its in laughing with friends and with your chomies, your “bra”, your boet and bud. Being in a totally different landscape and sometimes climate within an hour or two. The crunch of the beach sand between your toes, the prickle of the salt on your skin and the sunburn from beach cricket. The shoes caked in red earth ,socks covered in “blackjacks” and wors on the braai. Cruising in a taxi with kwaito blaring out the speakers, the revival of Newtown. Mrs. Balls, beef chakalaka, niknaks, chappies, biltong, Castle, Cape Town, Black Label and sunshine always sunshine.
The best thing about South Africa is the people! In a world where cynicism is very much the order of the day, we can be proud of our youthful and altruistic outlook as a nation. We are not afraid to be warm, friendly and open, and this offers a unique experience to all who visit us. We are generating a positive, healing energy that gives us the potential to overcome our many challenges, and that makes us a beacon of hope for the rest of Africa, and beyond. I hope we never lose our sense of humanity - the world really would be a poorer place without us.
We love South Africa becasue it is one of the most diverse and enchanting countries in the world with exotic combinations of landscapes, people, history and culture, offering the traveller a unique and inspiring experience.
This truly beautiful country at the southern tip of dark and mysterious Africa offers diving and wildlife experiences beyond your wildest dreams…
You can dive sharks and wrecks on rugged wild coasts, or simply relax with whales and dolphins and enjoy pristine coral reefs and abundant wildlife.
Scuba diving in South Africa is a fast growing sport and of a high standard and South Africa makes it all possible by offering a unique diving experience.
We love diving, but even more, we love South Africa!
South Africa is a diverse country with so much to offer. Many cultures, scenic landscapes, extreme adventures all along the coast, bustling cities and generally friendly people.
We have more than most other countries. It’s a World in one Country !!
Where else in the world can you go from Oceans and Mountains, through beautiful vinyards and into arid desert, from open bushveld, to tropical forest. Where else can you find such a diversity of people that 11 official languages are required.
South Africa is a country rich with resources, cultures and geographies and few countries the size of South Africa can boast such diversity. But none of this matters, if it doesn’t feel like home, and thats why I love SA. Its home. Its where I grew up, and despite all our difficulties we have huge potential and that is the most exciting part.
What I love about South Africa is the energy and the people. When I work in London, no one makes eye contact, or acknowledges your presence. However whenever I am home I love the energy and how everyone greets everyone. It is my favourite experience arriving back in JHB and chatting to the passport control and the guys at the garage.
I have been lucky to travel allot of the world – but no where has the character of South Africa. I am a different person when I am at home, and I love it!
I think that we were all born in this country for a reason. After travelling the world (or many parts of it) I saw beauty in so many people and places.
However, being back in SA one realise how special our country and people are. This is our place!
Every morning before work I sit and have a coffee in St George’s Mall in Cape Town. Looking at the faces as people move onto work. I see so many smiles!
There is a sense of optimism, a sense of ‘we can do this’ and determination to make this country reach new heights.
Being able to contibute to the building of this country, after so many chapters of hurt, is not a priviledge-it is fun!
hmmm… so many things to choose from. all the usual: highveld thunderstorms, the sound of the cicada beetle, biltong, REAL muesli, hearing birds in the trees EVERYWHERE you go, rainbows, dogs barking at night (beats the sound of the district line going past your window!), flying ants, achar, cumulonimbus, “mielies!!!”, sweet fruit, etc. etc. etc.
i think there are whole books dedicated to lists like that.
but i think, most of all, it’s the people. i think it’s difficult to understand this for some people - but i love having a chat with the parking attendent, the checkout lady, the curio seller. people have time for each other here, and they always have a smile to give. i just got back from the uk recently, and this is what has hit me the most…
I appreciate living in a country that acknowledges that it is a work-in-progress; so, sometimes it feels a bit daunting to live in za, but hopefully I’ll never feel complacent
Good on yer guys! We need MUCH more of this!
So……..
South Africa is unique in so many ways -
It is, arguably (and ironically), one of the most liberal, free, constitutionally healthy democracies in the Western World - and, most certainly, in Africa. To have achieved this after hundreds of years of the most brutal repression and trashing of human rights - and in only 10 years of true democracy, is nothing if not a monumental achievement.
Then there are the challenges - yes, South Africa has many. But that’s what makes it exciting to be here. To be part of facing these challenges and (re)building a country with our potential is, to my mind, unrivalled anywhere else in the world today. The people - ALL the people - are just great. There are simply no sacred cows in South Africa any more. Anything and everything can and is being discussed openly.
We are living in the undisputed “cradle of mankind” - South Africa’s best-kept secret. We have a HUGE repository of fossil materials and geological history which has been preserved for more than 4 billion years right here on our doorstep. Our position right on the southern tip of the ancient continent of Gondwana has blessed us with a unique diversity and quality material, which is attracting some of the greatest natural scientists and evolutionary scholars in the world. Watch this space….
And who would dispute that South Africa has some of the most spectacular natural beauty to be found anywhere in the world. From Table mountain to the Drakensberg to the Wild Coast to the Garden Route to the wild flowers of the Northern Cape to the unspoilt beauty of the dune forests of Northern Kwazulu Natal to the game parks to the numerous World Heritage Sites to the marine reserves and world-class diving resorts of Sodwana, Rocktail and Aliwal Shoal, and, and , and……
Just as a small cherry on the top - the greatest weather on planet earth, no serious threat of earthquakes, braais, biltong, pap and vleis. And we are about as far away from terrorism in an increasingly mad and dangerous world of fanaticism and fundamentalism as we can possibly be.
There’s simply no other country in the world quite like South Africa.
Cheers and good luck!
Dave
Nice work Ga!
I Love SA becasue it is such a diverse and interesting place. And to top it all off it has the best climate in the world with endless summers and beatiful fauna and flora. And lets not forget our sport, braai’s and friendly people.
It also happens to be the place I call Home, because it’s where my heart is.
cheers boet
I hadn’t seen any of those movie clips before…. awesome, awesome, awesome!!
I love South Africa because it is a blend of third world and first world… it has the natural beauty, humbleness and down to earth quality of a developing country whilst still having the infrastructure and quality of people to make it first class.
I love South Africa because it has the pride of a long history behind it, and the rich diversity of many cultures coming together. SA is indeed the rainbow nation. South Africa has the strength that one only achieves by facing head on, and triumphing over, severe hardships.
I love South Africa because it is where my happy childhood memories will forever remain, and where I shall surely return.
Sunrises that one wants to make up to even with a hang over from hell
Stair way to heaven Sunsets..
Skies that a blue for more than 5 days a year!
Thunderstorms and lighting that will remind you who is boss!
Low cost of living that makes unemployment bearable…in some cases enjoyable
Different shaped houses that you can swing more than a cat in … grandmother…
People of all colours, forms and shapes… who can smile and greet you!
A multitude of healthy looking…non boozed. sun tanned….tight arsed fit women
Winters with Sunshine
Sea with waves that you can put more than you toe in!
Highways that you can go more that 100km on….
I love South Africa simply because it’s home - in a way that nowhere else I’ve been in the world could ever feel like home - and home is where my heart is.
Hey, nice site man.
I love south africa because I feel at home when I’m there. I live in the Cape, so the people are chilled and I get to live in one of the most beatiful places in the world. There’s nothing like a summer sunset with your mates to feel at home.