By Cadine Pillay, MediaClubSouthAfrica.com

African wild dogs, which are also referred to as painted wolves, are by far the most endangered large mammal in South Africa – there are less than 400 wild dogs remaining in the wild in South Africa, and an estimated 4 500 to 6 000 remaining in isolated pockets in sub-Saharan Africa. (more…)

By Jacqui Thompson

Leaving Loxton, a town in the Karoo region of South Africa’s Northern Cape province, behind we zipped along the excellent tar road and soon leaned into the left hand bend that led into Victoria West.  On our right was the Victoria West Dam where various species of antelope grazed on grass so green it hurt my eyes. The Seekoei River fed the dam and also ran skirted the Northern Cape town.

Our back roads bike trip from Cape Town to Johannesburg was almost at an end. Not because of distance but rather time. The punctures on the dirt road between Sutherland and Fraserburg were partly to blame; they cost us a few days, but a contributing factor was also the laid back pace of life in the Karoo.

We had no desire to be on the road for eight hours a day, clinging to motorbike handlebars, eyes squinting in the wind as all that pesky scenery rushed by.  Our starts got later as we enjoyed leisurely brunches with the locals and other travelers rather than early bird breakfasts and when we eventually set off we traveled leisurely with frequent stops to admire afore-mentioned scenery. The daily distances we rode also got shorter, so on this particular slow, sunny Karoo day we covered the magnificent distance of 81 kilometres. We couldn’t help it … Victoria West was such an inviting little town. (more…)

By Kenneth Davison

Visiting another country can be quite an exciting prospect: there are new people to meet and new cultures to explore and learn about. There is also a unique and vibrant history within every country and quite often each town or city has its own story to tell. South Africa is a country with a long and interesting history and there is no shortage of places to learn about the history of this beautiful country.

I am going to start a journey to present a basic guide of the history of South Africa, the cities within our borders and some of the unique spots around the country. Since I am born and bred in Johannesburg, I will start with this great city.

Johannesburg, the city of gold, is located in the Gauteng province, which is the smallest of the nine provinces of South Africa. Despite the small size of Gauteng, it is the strongest province economically within South Africa, and probably even Africa. This strength stems largely from Johannesburg and has been made possible by the thriving mining industry, initially, and the strong economic and cultural growth that followed. (more…)

By Kenneth Davison

South Africa has a rich and proud history that could keep the most avid history hunter occupied for years. Durban - in the province of Kwa Zulu Natal - is the third largest city and has the busiest port in South Africa. These impressive features of the city are slightly indicative of the proud heritage in the city, and the fine features that this beautiful, subtropical city has to offer.

The city of Durban has a long history between the British, the Afrikaners and the Zulus. Durban was established in 1824 by British troops on the Bay of Natal (Portuguese for Christmas). By the 1860s, the sugar cane industry, which the coast of Natal is renowned for, was established. Interestingly, plantation owners struggled to get the Zulu’s to work on their farms, and as such, they imported workers from India. Today, Durban is considered by many to be the highest concentration of Indians outside of India.

The Indian community in Durban has established their heritage and have developed a number of great buildings, the greatest of which is possibly the Juma Musjid Mosque. This has been an important religious building for many Muslims in South Africa, and is the largest mosque in the Southern Hemisphere (although it appears Midrand is trying to surpass that feat). This building is considered by many to be a source of inspiration and pride. Outside the mosque are many Indian traders, many of which can provide you with a spicy speciality of Durban, the ‘bunny chow’ (not actual bunnies)

Juma Musjid Mosque:
Address: Grey Street, Durban
Telephone: 031 304 1518

Like the rest of South Africa, Durban was not able to avoid the scourge of Apartheid, where people were victimised and segregated based on the race. Durban has a well-documented history of Apartheid housed in the Kwa Muhle Museum. The building this museum is housed in is also a symbol of the oppressive regime as it used to be the Native Administration Department. This building is a must for anyone with a taste for history, is free to enter and, best of all, is a symbol of the triumph of human will and spirit.

Kwa Muhle Museum:
Address: Ordnance Road, Durban
Telephone: 031 311 2237

The subtropical climate of Durban makes it a wonderful city to visit on holiday, and there are few places that attract as much attention as the Golden Mile. Although I have tried to keep this blog history orientated, it would not be possible to talk about Durban without mentioning this wonderful beach paradise. Ideal for sunbathing and swimming, the beaches are generally well looked after, have life guards and there are shark nets to help minimise shark attacks.

For many people, this is a great place to chill out after a day in the markets or museums of Durban. This stretch of sand is surrounded by many markets which sell traditional Zulu items, there is a casino to the north and uShaka marine world is a short walk away. This attraction brings all the great features of Durban together.

The Golden Mile
Address: Between South Beach and the Suncoast Casino
Open daily, no admission fee

By Kenneth Davison

The province of Gauteng is not only the home of Johannesburg, the city of gold - it is also home of the executive capital, Pretoria. Pretoria is one of three capital cities in South Africa along with Cape Town (legislative capital) and Bloemfontein (judicial capital) Pretoria is also the National capital, and the home of the Union Buildings, where the president’s office is.

Pretoria has a fine history and much of this history is on display in and around the city. The city was established in 1855 by the Voortrekker Marthinus Pretorius. Marthinus named the city after his father Andries Pretorius, who was a boer hero after his victory at the Battle of Blood River against the Zulus. (more…)

The small village of Qunu lies in South Africa’s Wild Coast region of the Eastern Cape, an area known for its unspoilt beauty, rolling green hills and pristine beaches. Qunu is also the home village of the much-loved and venerated Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first democratically elected president and the Eastern Cape’s favourite son.

Lying just outside the town of Mthatha, Qunu is where Mandela spent the happiest years of his youth. There, he writes in his autobiography Long Walk to Freedom, he spent his days doing herd-boy duties, playing in the river and sailing down the “sliding stone”. (more…)

Did you know that Table Mountain National Park has more plant species in its 22 000 hectares than the entire British Isles or New Zealand? Or that the Drakensberg has both the highest mountain range in Africa south of Kilimanjaro and the continent’s richest concentration of rock art?

South Africa is also home to no less than eight of the world’s official heritage sites, as determined by Unesco’s World Heritage Committee. (more…)

By Jacqui Thompson

Johannesburg - or “Egoli”, the City of Gold - has so much to offer. There is a multitude of cultural, adventure and educational activities suitable for curious guest. It’s unlikely your American Gran-in-law would want to power swing across the Soweto cooling towers, or your surly teenage nephew admire the turn of the century architecture in Jeppe. But if I have visitors to Jozi who are only in town for a few days and want to get a feel for the place, these are the spots I take them to. (more…)

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By Jacqui Thompson

I see it every time I drive from Joburg to Pretoria; sitting perched atop the hillside adjacent to the freeway like some weary monolithic creature seeking sanctuary from the activity and noise of the city and wary of encroachment. (more…)