At the southernmost tip of the African continent lies a country just waiting to be discovered, a place that offers endless opportunities for adventure, relaxation and cultural sharing. It is a large and scenically diverse country, ringed by beautiful beaches and the blue-green waters of two oceans.
Situated right at the tip of the most ancient of continents, South Africa is a land of spectacular contrasts, both physically and culturally. It’s here that you will find the world’s oldest rocks, the world’s oldest fossils, and one of the world’s newest democracies It was apparently here that our distant ancestors became human, and from here, that they went out to populate the world. We have overcome both colonialism and apartheid and are moving on.

Our constitution has one of the best human rights clauses in the world and we are actively working together to build a nation that gives a better life for all our people. We South Africans are mightily attached to the land and we often retreat to the sanctuary of the mountains or the bush, or take time out on our wonderful beaches.

It is a truly magnificent country. With vegetation zones ranging from scorching desert to tangled forests, or snow-clad mountains to flower-bedecked plains, there is a beautiful vista just waiting to be discovered around every corner. The wilder areas of the country offer a unique experience, where visitors can spend days watching an enormous variety of animals, including impressive beasts such as giraffes, lions, elephants, rhinos and many others. There is nothing quite like sitting back, watching a big, red, sun go down over the African bush while a herd of elephants saunter past. The abundance of glorious sunshine has always been one of the best reasons why so many visitors just keep on coming back – again and again. Or is it because of the amazing diversity of people and experiences we have to offer?

Then, of course, the favourable exchange rates makes South Africa a value for luxury for most tourists. With our world-class infrastructure complementing the unspoilt natural beauty, makes South Africa an excellent place to do a course (for example getting a pilot’s licence), sports clinic or to have elective surgery in our leading hospitals and private clinics. It is similarly, also a terrific option for conferences, incentives and exhibitions. But perhaps, as our research indicates, what foreigners find most special about South Africa, is the warm, friendliness and resourcefulness of all our peoples. Our smiles are wide and our hearts are big, and our arms always extended in welcome.

Nelson Mandela was the first truly democratically elected President in the history of South Africa. Under the system in which he grew up, he quickly became aware of the inequalities that existed in the South African society and, from an early age, was determined to right these wrongs. As young law student, his commitment to his principles was already strong and he was even willing to be expelled from university for them. This strongly developed sense of moral justice and his sharp analytical mind predestined him for great things.

During his long years of imprisonment, his country suffered greatly and much blood was spilt. But eventually, justice reigned supreme and he was able to lead his country into a new era of freedom and justice for all. To many people, his life is the embodiment of the
struggle and his personal history can never be separated from the fight for freedom. A tribute to his life is a tribute to all the people who suffered and fought for the right of all South African people to control their own destiny.