This 5th edition published in 2011 by: Marshall Cavendish Corporation 99 White Plains Road Tarrytown, NY 10591-9001 www.marshallcavendish.us Copyright © 2008 Marshall Cavendish International (Asia) Private Limited Copyright © 2000 Times Media Private Limited Copyright © 1994 Times Editions Private Limited All rights reserved First published in 1994 by Times Editions Pte Ltd; 2nd edition published in 2000 by Times Media Pte Ltd; 3rd edition published in 2001. 4th edition by Marshall Cavendish International (Asia) Private Limited in 2008, reprinted 2009 Copyright © 2008, 2011 Marshall Cavendish International (Asia) Private Limited All rights reserved No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner. Request for permission should be addressed to the Publisher, Marshall Cavendish International (Asia) Private Limited, 1 New Industrial Road, Singapore 536196. Tel: (65) 6213 9300, fax: (65) 6285 4871. E-mail: [email protected] The publisher makes no representation or warranties with respect to the contents of this book, and specifically disclaims any implied warranties or merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose, and shall in no events be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damage, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages. Other Marshall Cavendish Offices: Marshall Cavendish International (Asia) Private Limited. 1 New Industrial Road, Singapore 536196 Marshall Cavendish International. PO Box 65829, London EC1P 1NY, UK Marshall Cavendish International (Thailand) Co Ltd. 253 Asoke, 12th Flr, Sukhumvit 21 Road, Klongtoey Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand Marshall Cavendish (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Times Subang, Lot 46, Subang Hi-Tech Industrial Park, Batu Tiga, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia Marshall Cavendish is a trademark of Times Publishing Limited eISBN: 978 981 4398 66 4 Please contact the publisher for the Library of Congress catalogue number Printed in Singapore by Times Printers Pte Ltd Photo Credits: All black and white photos by the author. All colour photos from Photolibrary. Cover photo: Getty Images All illustrations by TRIGG ABOUT THE SERIES Culture shock is a state of disorientation that can come over anyone who has been thrust into unknown surroundings, away from one’s comfort zone. CultureShock! is a series of trusted and reputed guides which has, for decades, been helping expatriates and long-term visitors to cushion the impact of culture shock whenever they move to a new country. Written by people who have lived in the country and experienced culture shock themselves, the authors share all the information necessary for anyone to cope with these feelings of disorientation more effectively. The guides are written in a style that is easy to read and cover a range of topics that will arm readers with enough advice, hints and tips to make their lives as normal as possible again. Each book is structured in the same manner. It begins with the first impressions that visitors will have of that city or country. To understand a culture, one must first understand the people—where they came from, who they are, the values and traditions they live by, as well as their customs and etiquette. This is covered in the first half of the book. Then on to the practical aspects—how to settle in with the greatest of ease. Authors walk readers through topics such as how to find accommodation, get the utilities and telecommunications up and running, enrol the children in school and keep in the pink of health. But that’s not all. Once the essentials are out of the way, venture out and try the food, enjoy more of the culture and travel to other areas. Then be immersed in the language of the country before discovering more about the business side of things. To round off, snippets of basic information are offered before readers are ‘tested’ on customs and etiquette of the country. Useful words and phrases, a comprehensive resource guide and list of books for further research are also included for easy reference. CONTENTS Preface Map of South Africa Chapter 1 First Impressions: Shifting Sands Chapter 2 The Land and its History The Look Where is it? A World in One Country Landownership More Provinces, Bigger Cities Record of a Long Road Travelled The Land of Milk and Honey The Rise of Apartheid Black Resistance Gains Strength The Decline of Apartheid The Fall of Apartheid The Desparate Battle Against HIV/AIDS Who’s Who in Politics What’s in a Name? Neighbours Chapter 3 Our People: A Multicoloured Tapestry Celebrating our Racial Differences Racism Doesn’t Die Overnight Cool Dudes of the Townships, Hip Mall Trawlers Ignorance is Bliss, But it’s Getting Better That South African-ness The Fairer Sex—Don’t Even Go There Gay and Lesbian Rights Up in Lights Chapter 4 A New Society: Join In, Fit In Making Friends The Many Faces of Communications Names that Divide... If You Must Aspirations Attitudes to Sex and Babies HIV/AIDS: Our Greatest Tragedy and Our Greatest Challenge Divorce Tribal Customs Male Chauvinists—Not a Dying Breed The Great Rural-Urban Divide Censorship Family Planning Entertaining—South African Style Lifecycle Milestones Religion Chapter 5 Settle in, Make Yourself at Home How Things Have Changed Do You Have What it Takes? Pre-immigration Advice Housing: The Practical Tips Work to Rule Househelp The School System The Four-legged Love of Your Life Staying Connected Light Up Your Life Banking Paying Your Dues Crime Watch Getting Around in the Cities and Towns Getting Around from City to City Shop Till You Drop Media Madness Keep Cool with a Swimming Pool Be Weather Wise Dressed for Success Chapter 6 Culinary Crossroads Food, Food, Glorious Food African Dishes Where to Get that... Eating Out: Be Bold Celebrate in Style: Grand Style What’s There to Drink Entertaining at Home Chapter 7 Join in the Fun, Share in the Culture, Take a Trip Leisure—It’s an Outdoor World Nightlife Sport Some of Our Sporting Heroes Travelling in South Africa Survival Sense WIldlife and Environmental Management And Try Our Neighbours Fare The Arts Annual Arts Festivals—Not to be Missed Theatre Fine Art Craft Music Architecture Art, Culture and Politics—Then and Now Chapter 8 Learning the Language... All of them Langauges Aplenty—Colourful and Diverse African Languages—A Complex Mixture Literacy: A Long Road to Hoe Kaleidoscope of Colour Some Words and Expressions to Help You When Words Fail You... Chapter 9 About Business The Wealth Ethic Making Your Own Way Alternative Financing Gateway to Africa High Costs of High-Tech What Fuels Our Economic Engine? Forms of Business Entities Business Etiquette and Practice Outside Government—Role of NGOs The Power of the Workers The Old Boys’ Network Small is Beautiful Chapter 10 Fast Facts Where in the World are You Living National Symbols Public Holidays Steps Through History Recent Leaders Culture Quiz Do’s and Don’ts Glossary Resource Guide Further Reading About the Author Index DEDICATION For my partner, David, who shares my love of lands strange and wonderful, my love of Africa and of life. And who, although an Australian, understands the magnetism, the lifelong ties that draw me back to South Africa time and again.