Facts about South Africa

In the year 1945, South Africa became a charter member of the United Nations, but refused to sign the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adamant on its apartheid policies. It strengthened its ties with the Commonwealth and declared itself as a republic in 1961. Black voters were removed from the voter rolls in 1936 and finally got their rights in 1993 when Nelson Mandela and De Clarke passed an interim constitution, abolishing the practice of apartheid. Both of them were given Noble Peace Prize in the year 1993. Here are some interesting facts about South Africa.

South Africa History

The earliest people in South Africa were the San followed by the Khoikhoi and Bantu-speaking tribes. Both San and Khoikhoi resided on the southern tip of the African continent for thousands of years. The Bantu-speaking people were inhabitants of the north-eastern and eastern regions from the north, hundreds of years before the arrival of Europeans. The Portuguese were first to navigate the capes of South Africa, but despite their multiple attempts to trade with Khoikhoi tribes, they were not successful. Later on, the Dutch East India Company unintentionally made an attempt towards its colonization in South Africa. It was done by the release of some Dutch workers from their contract, so that they could own lands for farming. This initial group was known as burghers and it steadily expanded into the hinterlands of the north and east of South Africa. As the influence of the Dutch East India Company started to fade, it was taken over by British, which was more of an attempt to avoid French invasion in South Africa. The British, finally conquered it in the year 1806, bringing in the color-based discrimination (apartheid) to South Africa. Power under their rule resided primarily in Capetown, and was governed by the Whites. The Blacks were not allowed to live in urban areas and were treated very inhumanly. They were forced to reside in the villages under pathetic conditions of food, water and sanitation.

Discovery of Diamonds

First 21-carat diamond was found in South Africa in the year 1867, and after that, the country became the center of attraction for the whole world. The diamond was in the form of a pebble and was found near the Orange River, in the wilds of South Africa. Later on, in 1869, 83-carat diamonds were found between the Vaal and Orange Rivers. This discovery led to huge demand of laborers, most of them being Blacks. Kimberley pit was an important spot for diamonds, and by 1875, most of it was bought out by different merchants. New investments were made in the year 1880 by Cecil Rhodes and seven partners, who owned a block of 90 claims in the De Beers Mining Company Ltd.

South Africa Wild Animals

Think of South Africa and the adventure-filled ride to the interiors of wildlife havens conjures up in the mind. Besides the diamonds, the African wild animals are also famous all around the world. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, there are 299 mammal species in South Africa, out of which, 2 are critically endangered, 11 are endangered, 15 are vulnerable, and 13 are near-threatened. The list of endangered animals includes the giant golden mole, white-tailed rat, Sei whale, blue whale, fin whale, African wild dog and mountain zebra. South Africa also has many wildlife regions and game parks for the travelers interested in safari rides. These include the world-famous Kruger National Park, Addo Elephant Park and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

Culture in South Africa

The culture in South Africa is highly diversified and influenced by the invasion of different European countries, but traditional culture of the Blacks is still followed in much of the countryside. The population consists of Blacks, Whites, mixed or colored and Asian people. Across the different groups based in South Africa, lifestyle, marriage customs and taboos differ. However the common thread of belief adheres to a masculine deity, ancestral spirits and supernatural forces. Apart from English and Afrikaans, people here also speak one of the official Bantu languages. These include the Nguni and Sotho languages which further have different forms.

There is a lot to explore in this wonderful country, as it gives a true glimpse of mother nature. One of the most exciting aspects of South Africa is that the country is always in the process of reinventing itself, with such a diversified population and people from all over the world.