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Home , White South Africans

CultureGramsTM Republic of World Edition 2015

foods as they sailed around the tip of the continent. French BACKGROUND Huguenot refugees joined the Dutch colony in 1688 and Germans came later. The colonists became known as Land and Climate (farmers). They clashed at times with indigenous groups but South Africa is about the size of Peru, or slightly larger than stayed mainly in coastal areas. Britain gained formal the U.S. states of Texas, New , and Oklahoma possession of the in 1814. Dissatisfaction with combined. The country's large interior plateau averages about British rule led many Boers to migrate to the interior between 5,000 feet (1,500 meters) above sea level. Primarily savanna 1835 and 1848. Their migration, which they call the Great and semidesert, the plateau is rimmed by a narrow coastal Trek, led to war with the indigenous Zulu, Xhosas, and other belt, which is subtropical along the east coast and has a Africans. The Boers won most of the battles and took control Mediterranean climate along the southwestern cape. South of large tracts of land. Africa's most important rivers are the Orange, Vaal, and After the discovery of gold and in these Boer . territories in the late 19th century, Britain annexed parts of Snow is confined to the Drakensberg and Maluti the area. Tension erupted into the First Boer War (1880–81) mountains, in the east. Seasons run opposite those in the and the (1899–1902), which is also called Northern Hemisphere. Humidity is generally low, except in the South African War. The Boers were ultimately defeated, the KwaZulu-Natal province, along the east coast. The and the Boer republics of Orange and Transvaal country is noted for its long beaches, green forests, and become self-governing British colonies. In 1910, Britain rugged mountains. Diversity among plants and wildlife adds combined its Cape and Natal colonies with the Boer republics to its stunning scenic beauty. Rhino poaching is a serious to create the Union of South Africa. problem, with over 1,200 rhinos illegally killed for their horns Independence and in 2014 alone. The Kingdom of Lesotho, surrounded by South Following its election to power in 1948, South Africa's Africa, sits on a high plateau. South Africa also nearly engulfs National Party (NP) devised the apartheid system that the Kingdom of Swaziland. separated the country's population into racial groups: whites, blacks, (people of mixed race), and Indians. In History 1961, the country gained independence from Britain and Colonization and the Boer Wars subsequently withdrew from the British Commonwealth over The Khoikhoi, San, and other indigenous Africans lived in criticism of its racial policies. southern Africa for thousands of years, although little is For the next three decades, South Africa was a scene of known of their history. In 1652, the Dutch established a turmoil and violence. The African National Congress (ANC), provisions station at . It supplied ships with fresh first organized in 1912, was banned in 1960 for its communist

1 TM CultureGrams South Africa views and antiapartheid activities. The ANC then launched, severely limited the land available to black South Africans, with other groups, an armed struggle against the government. most of the country’s best farmland is still owned by the white Many ANC leaders, including , were jailed. minority, and land redistribution is a major political issue. In the 1970s and 1980s, international sanctions damaged the Critics of the proposal have pointed to the fact that most economy and isolated the country. white landowners are not foreigners but instead South African Frederik Willem (F. W.) de Klerk took office in 1989 and citizens. began to reform the government. He freed Mandela and other •Xenophobic attacks: March and April 2015 saw weeks political prisoners, desegregated public facilities, and gave the filled with anti-immigrant attacks that have so far resulted in ANC legal status. Mandela later suspended the ANC's armed the deaths of eight people and the displacement of at least a struggle and dropped its socialist ideology. Violent clashes thousand. Mobs in and , fueled by between rival African groups, among other factors, threatened resentment toward African migrants in the face of high progress toward greater political change. However, most unemployment, have targeted those from countries such as apartheid provisions were abolished in 1991, and negotiations Zimbabwe, Malawi, and . The South African for a new constitution began in 1992. Mandela and de Klerk government has deployed soldiers to the streets in an attempt shared the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. to curb the violence, and tens of thousands of people have Reform and Current Challenges protested against the xenophobic violence. Despite sporadic violence, multiracial and multiparty • Student protests: In October 2015, President Zuma froze elections were held peacefully in April 1994. Mandela was planned university tuition hikes. The move came in response elected president and launched a Masakhane (Nguni for “Let to a wave of student protests, some involving violent clashes us build together”) campaign. In 1996, a new constitution, with police, across the country. The increases were slated for with an extensive bill of rights guaranteeing equality for all between 10 and 12 percent, and students argued they would who live in South Africa, was ratified. In 1999 national exclude many black South African students from receiving a elections, the ANC won all but one seat needed for a university education. two-thirds (constitutional) majority, allowing to assume the presidency as Mandela retired. Mbeki won reelection in 2004 but was forced to resign in September 2008 THE PEOPLE after losing the support of the ANC. His detractors alleged he had interfered in a corruption case against ANC leader Jacob Population Zuma. After the ANC won elections in April 2009, Zuma was South African law prior to 1991 divided the population into inaugurated as president. In December 2013, Mandela died at four racial categories: Africans (blacks), whites, coloureds the age of 95, and his legacy as the father of democratic, (people of mixed race), and Asians (or Indians). Many South post-apartheid South Africa was celebrated globally. The Africans still view themselves and each other according to ANC and President Zuma narrowly retained power in the poll these categories. The majority of the population (80 percent) that followed in May 2014, marking 20 years of multiracial is comprised of black Africans, mostly from nine ethnic elections. groups. The Zulus are the largest group, followed by the South Africa has long been among the strongest Xhosas. Other groups include the North Sothos, South economies in Africa, which has led to large flows of Sothos, Tswanas, Shangaan-Tsongas, Swazis, Ndebeles, and immigrants from the rest of southern Africa (particularly Vendas. Each ethnic group has its own cultural heritage, Zimbabwe) in search of better economic opportunities. language, and national identity. Before migration patterns led However, recent economic difficulties and high groups to mix with one another, most lived in distinct areas of unemployment rates have created tensions in society. In 2008, southern Africa. This division inspired the apartheid concept violence toward foreigners swept the country, causing of “homelands”; blacks could only buy and occupy land thousands of immigrants to flee to their home countries. In within a specified area and had to carry a pass for 2012, a violent mining-sector strike in was met with identification outside their homeland. The homeland concept a massacre, in which police killed 34 miners and injured was abolished in 1992. dozens of others. Strikes in various sectors throughout the People of mixed race (9 percent) are most often country are extremely common; some 3,000 protests were descendants of early white settlers, native Khoikhoi, and recorded in a single 90-day period of 2014 alone. In addition slaves imported from the Dutch East Indies during South to economic difficulties, South Africa continues to have one Africa's colonial period. Indians (3 percent) are generally of the world’s largest populations of people living with descendants of indentured laborers brought from India during HIV/AIDS, despite government efforts to improve the the 19th century or of Indian immigrants who came between situation. A bright spot in South Africa’s recent past was its 1860 and 1911. Whites (8 percent) include English-speaking 2010 hosting of the soccer World Cup, becoming the first descendants of English, Irish, and Scottish settlers, and African nation to do so. , -speaking descendants of Dutch, Recent Events and Trends French, and German colonials. A large population of illegal •Proposed land reforms: In February 2015, President Zuma immigrants from neighboring African states also resides in proposed land reforms that would ban foreigners from owning South Africa. land in South Africa and would limit the size of local farmers’ holdings. As a result of the Natives Land Act of 1913, which Language

2 TM CultureGrams South Africa Native South African languages are roughly divided into four moving faster to integrate society. families: Nguni; Sotho; Tsonga, or Shangana; and Venda. Despite these frustrations, the majority of South Africans Most black South Africans speak a Nguni language: Zulu and accept coexistence in their multiracial, democratic society and Xhosa are the most prominent languages, followed by want to contribute their efforts to building it. Many have a Ndebele and Swazi. Sotho languages (South Sotho, North strong sense of identity as a South African. Most people value Sotho, and Setswana) dominate the central part of the their new economic opportunities and agree that South country. Also, a few mixed languages have developed to Africans must work together to achieve the goals set forth in facilitate communication between groups. Typical is a the constitution and to allow South Africa to capitalize on its mixture of Zulu and Xhosa or Zulu and Sotho. People speak natural wealth, strong economy, and diverse peoples. their original languages at home or within their own groups. The sentiment that reciprocity and kindness should reign Afrikaans (a Dutch derivation) is widely spoken among in human relationships is captured in the Bantu word ubuntu, people of mixed race and whites. English is commonly used which describes a philosophy that is related to the Zulu phrase in business, between some ethnic groups, and as the primary Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu, literally meaning “a person is a language of instruction in secondary schools. The vocabulary person through other people.” Nelson Mandela, South and pronunciation of reflects a unique Africa's first post-apartheid president, was a firm believer in relationship between English and other languages spoken in ubuntu. South Africa. English and Afrikaans are more common in urban areas than rural regions. Some white South Africans are Personal Appearance now learning a major African language to help them become Some rural black South Africans wear traditional clothing for more aware of South Africa's diverse culture. In 2014, the special purposes or everyday attire. This may include a University of KwaZulu-Natal, a major educational institution, variety of headdresses and colorful outfits. They usually wear began requiring all of its students to take Zulu language Western-style clothing on a daily basis. Rural women wear a classes. scarf or other headdress with either a dress or a blouse and skirt. Urban black men wear pants, shirts, and sometimes Religion suits, but rarely shorts. Urban black women wear both Most South Africans are Christians. Afrikaans speakers African and European fashions. belong primarily to the Dutch Reformed Church. White South Africans wear Western-style clothing, usually English-speaking whites belong to Anglican, Lutheran, made from lightweight cotton. They tend to be well dressed in Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, Methodist, and other public. Men wear suits or shirts and trousers. In rural areas, congregations. Blacks typically belong to African they may prefer shorts and knee socks. Women generally Independent churches, the largest of which is the Zion wear comfortable dresses or modest pants. Many Muslim Christian Church, that combine Christian and traditional women wear head coverings and other traditional Muslim African beliefs in their worship patterns. Some South attire. Indian women often wear asari , a wraparound-type Africans adhere solely to indigenous belief systems, though dress. many people mix Christian and traditional beliefs and practices. The majority of Indians are Hindus, the rest are mostly Muslims and Christians. About 15 percent of South CUSTOMS AND COURTESIES Africans claim no religion. A 2012 study found that about two-thirds of South Africans consider themselves religious, Greetings which is a decrease from previous years. Precise religious Of the many greetings used in South Africa, the English figures are difficult to determine because questions about phrasesHello and Good morning are understood by most religion appeared most recently on the 2001 census. people. Afrikaans speakers sayGoeie môre (Good morning). Young English speakers say Howzit (slang for “How are General Attitudes you?”) to friends. A more formalGood morningor Good South Africa faces a formidable set of challenges, including afternoon is common among adults. The Zulu and Swazis insufficient housing, high unemployment, violent crime, huge greet each other with Sawubona (literally, “I see you,” wealth inequality, and a high rate of HIV infection. Many meaning “Hello”) orKunjani (How are you?). An acceptable people have been frustrated by the slow pace of change in response to either isYebo (Yes). The Xhosa greeting Molo these and other areas since the transition to majority rule. and the Sotho phrase Dumela have similar meanings to Some black South Africans complain of job discrimination, Sawubona. while many white South Africans disagree with attempts to On parting, most South Africans use a phrase that assumes require companies to hire more blacks. Mixed-race people a future meeting. In other words, people rarely say good-bye. often express a feeling of being left behind or marginalized in Rather, one says See youin English, Tot siens (Till we see new planning. And even as some white South Africans are each other again) in Afrikaans, or something like the Sotho reaching out to others by improving access to job training or Sala gashi (Go well in peace). land, integrating neighborhoods, or learning about indigenous South Africans shake hands when they greet, but the type cultures, others continue to fear majority rule and oppose of handshake differs between groups. Some use firmer, others reform efforts. At the same time, many black South Africans lighter, shakes with one hand; many rural people use both are angry that whites are not giving up more of their wealth or hands. Close friends and relatives may hug. Sometimes black

3 TM CultureGrams South Africa South African friends greet with an intricate triple handshake that involves interlocking the smallest fingers, clasping fists, LIFESTYLE and interlocking fingers again. Black men may also hold hands when walking or conversing. Family Although friends use first names and nicknames, South Structure Africans generally do not address strangers or older people by South Africa's white families are small, live as a nuclear unit, their first name. Professional titles or the equivalents to generally are close-knit, and enjoy a good standard of living. “Mr.,” “Mrs.,” and “Miss” are preferred. It is polite to call an Black South Africans traditionally live in extended family older African “father” (tata in Xhosa, ntate in SeSotho, or settings, with a dominant father at the head. Married sons baba in Zulu) or “mother” (mama in Xhosa and Zulu ormme leave the extended family to begin their own households. in Sesotho). Afrikaans-speaking people, both white and of Although nuclear families are becoming more common, mixed race, refer to older males as “uncle” (oom) and older family ties remain strong, and the extended family still plays females as “auntie” (tannie). an important role during problems and times of crisis, in which members are expected to help and support one another. Gestures Relatives play an important role in caring for children and Black South Africans and mixed-race people frequently use providing aid to those in need; many nuclear families also hand gestures in conversation. It is impolite to point at support a niece, nephew, aunt, or uncle. someone with the index finger, stand too close during Parents and Children conversation, or talk with one's hands in the pockets. Black Urban family settings have undergone large changes as a South Africans use the right hand for handshakes, to pass result of urbanization, housing problems, political factors, and objects, or to gesture. Receiving an object with cupped hands poverty. The high incidence of children born out of wedlock is polite. Some young people express “hello” or “good-bye” often causes generations to live together. Both high by extending the thumb and little finger up (folding all other HIV/AIDS infection rates and high unemployment rates in fingers against the palm) and rocking the hand from side to South Africa cause some elderly grandparents to become the side. White South Africans tend to use minimal hand gestures breadwinners in their families, supporting their children and and are comfortable passing items with either hand. grandchildren with pension money. Children are taught to respect their elders and obey their parents. Visiting Gender Roles Visiting is an important social activity for most of South In rural South African communities, women were historically Africa's groups. When possible, visits are arranged in assigned to agricultural tasks, domestic work, and child care. advance, but unannounced visits among good friends or Girls were assigned to fetch firewood and water for cooking. relatives are common, especially in areas where telephones Boys served as cattle herders. Men were responsible for are not accessible. South Africans are gregarious, hospitable, heavy agricultural labor and local political affairs. Today, polite, and personally self-effacing. They enjoy conversing many men are migrant laborers far away from home, leaving and socializing. Gender, ethnic, and age groups tend to women to manage rural households. If the men do not send socialize among themselves; association between such groups their wages home to their rural families, the women must also is typically more formal. become migrant workers. In urban areas, both women and Etiquette varies widely between ethnic groups. Guests men work outside the home, but women are still responsible usually are served refreshments. In Indian homes, it is for household chores and child care. Domestic responsibilities impolite to refuse these, and it is polite to accept second usually fall to older female children, who balance housework helpings if eating a meal. Among black South Africans, and schoolwork. dinner guests are not expected to bring a gift. White South Male dominance of the family is a feature of South Africans will often bring something to drink (juice, wine, African families that cuts across ethnic and geographic lines. etc.). When guests leave, they usually are accompanied by However, South Africa's constitution has fostered gender their host to the gate, car, or street. equality and other human rights. Although not widely practiced, gender equality is encouraged by the legal system Eating and official public discourse. For example, the project “Take White South Africans generally observe the continental style a Girl Child to Work Day” encourages companies to bring of eating: the fork is in the left hand and the knife remains in female students, usually from disadvantaged backgrounds, to the right. Black South Africans more often eat meals with spend a day in May at their place of work. Slow but visible spoons or their fingers (depending on the food). It generally is progress is occurring in the advancement of women in the not appropriate for adults to eat on the street unless standing domestic and public spheres, assisted by the active at a vendor's stand. Eating alone is also rare. Dinner, usually engagement of the many women in the top levels of eaten after 6 p.m., is the main meal. Virtually all South government and the private sector. This is also true in tribal Africans enjoy a braai (barbecue), especially on the weekend. areas where people live under customary law, which has Beef andboerewors (spiced sausage) are usually featured at a generally been rather discriminatory against women’s rights. barbecue. Housing Housing varies widely by socioeconomic level. White South

4 TM CultureGrams South Africa Africans usually have the largest and most expensive houses, feasting. The law recognizes tribal weddings. Most white and made of brick with tiled roofs and comprising a living room, mixed-race South Africans marry in a church or marry civilly. dining room, kitchen, one or more bathrooms, two or more Indians have their own wedding traditions. bedrooms, and an enclosed garage. These homes have electricity and running water and are furnished similarly to Life Cycle houses in and North America. A wall or fence, often Birth electrified or topped with razor wire, surrounds the property. When a child is born to white or mixed-race South Africans, At the other end of the socioeconomic spectrum, many the infant is usually christened in a church. In most Indian urban black South Africans live in informal settlements called families, a Hindu ceremony is held six days after a child's shantytowns. These homes are made of corrugated iron, birth. Prayers are offered, and the child's hair is shaved so evil wood, and/or cardboard and usually consist of a single room. spirits may not attach themselves to the child. There is no electricity, and an outside water tap is shared by Milestones an entire community. Cooking is done inside on a paraffin Among black South African groups, a coming-of-age stove or outside on a coal fire. Furnishings are sparse, ceremony is one of the most important events in a person's typically only a wooden table, some chairs, and perhaps a life. Sometime between the ages of 10 and 18, young people mattress. An extended family of three generations often take part in an initiation process in which elders teach them occupies the room. In rural areas, extended families live in a how to prepare for adult status. For boys, the final stage is a kraal (compound) consisting of several circular huts with circumcision ceremony. A boy is then regarded as an adult thatched roofs and walls made of clay or wood. They contain and has the right to marry. Girls go through similar initiation no furniture except sleeping mats. schools. Among white or mixed-race South Africans, 21 is regarded as the age a person enters adulthood, and a special Dating and Marriage party may be held. Dating and Courtship Death South African youth usually socialize in structured group Since the majority of South Africans are Christian, a person is activities, such as a birthday party or a school dance. Dating typically given a Christian funeral at death, and the body is habits vary between ethnic groups. Among mixed-race and buried in a cemetery or cremated. Hindus cremate the body black South Africans, dating occurs only after a young man within 24 hours and spread the ashes into a sea, lake, or river. proclaims his love to a woman. If the woman reciprocates, the The family observes a period of mourning for 10 days. No couple may be seen together in public. food is cooked in the home, so friends and relatives provide Marriage in Society the family with meals. The family observes three further Most South Africans plan on marrying and having children. periods of mourning, at 13 days, 6 months, and 12 months Marriages are considered sacred and usually involve the after the person's death. union of extended families and sometimes even entire communities. However, cohabitation without marriage is a Diet common domestic living arrangement in black South African South Africans enjoy a wide variety of foods, including roast and mixed-race communities, and divorce rates are relatively beef or roast lamb, potatoes, curries, boerewors and pickled high. fish, grilled meats, stewed tomatoes, cabbage, pumpkin, and Certain practices, such as polygamy and lobola spinach. Wild game meats are also popular with many people. (bride-price), are viewed as preventing divorce and marital Corn, rice, beans, and potatoes are the staples for the rural disintegration. The black South African traditions of lobola majority. Black South Africans eatmealie meal (cornmeal and polygamy have been recognized by the law since 2001. porridge, sometimes cooked with vegetables and meat) on a Lobola is practiced in many ethnic groups and involves a regular basis. Cooked in a three-legged cast-iron pot over a complex process of negotiation between the two families fire,potjiekos (pot food) is a popular meal among Afrikaans amid great ceremony. The two families agree on a price speakers for weekend social functions, festivals, and holidays. (traditionally paid in a number of cows) that the groom must Fresh fruits and vegetables are abundant and often sold by pay the bride's family. Many modern families opt for cash for farmers from roadside stands. Biltong is a jerky-like snack the sake of convenience. However, payinglobola can take made from various types of meat. Themilk tart, a custard-like years; a couple might have several children before it is paid. pie, is a favorite dessert. Wine, tea, coffee, beer, and In most Xhosa and Zulu families, thelobola must be paid in cool-drink (any soft drink or juice) are common beverages. full before a couple can marry. Some women's rights activists believe that thelobola provides women with protection. Recreation Divorce is not usually granted unless the bride's family can Sports repay the amount. Polygamy is legal, and all marriages are Soccer, rugby, and cricket are the most important sports in required to be registered to ensure that each wife has an equal South Africa. White South Africans prefer rugby and cricket, right to property. However, polygamy is on the decline, even while black South Africans mostly follow soccer. However, in rural areas, and monogamy is the norm. South Africans of all backgrounds cheer when fellow citizens Weddings win at international events. Many people also enjoy tennis Weddings are some of the most important societal occasions. and swimming. All ethnic groups value competitive sports, Traditional wedding celebrations involve much dancing and which are increasingly open to a broader population. Those

5 TM CultureGrams South Africa who can afford equipment or club memberships participate in Africa), and Youth Day by attending patriotic events, usually squash, lawn bowling, golf, field hockey, and sailing. Horse held in stadiums, and listening to leaders speak. Human and car racing draw crowds. Rights Day commemorates the day in 1960 when black South Recreation African men campaigned against inequality by refusing to Many children in rural areas and townships grow up making carry their pass books (documents that black South Africans their own toys, like tin guitars, wire cars, and nylon soccer were required to carry to prove they were allowed to enter balls. Space isn't usually a constraint, and children play soccer white areas). The police at the Sharpeville station opened fire on open fields. The South African government promotes on the demonstrators, killing 69 and wounding 180 people. indigenous games such as intongaor induku (stick fighting), Youth Day was previously known as Day. In diketo (a game of tossing and arranging pebbles), jukskei, (an 1975, protests broke out in African schools after a ruling that Afrikaner game in which players try to knock over an upright Afrikaans was to be used in schools on an equal basis with stick using the wooden pin from an ox's yoke), kgati English. This set off protests about the greater issue of the (skipping rope),khokho (a famous Indian sport similar to tag), education system, which was characterized by segregated dibeke (a running ball game with two teams of 12 players), schools and universities, poor facilities, overcrowded shumpu (a singing and dancing game), and mancala (a classrooms, and inadequately trained teachers. The violence traditional African strategy game). that ensued over the next few weeks killed approximately South Africans appreciate their many beaches and seven hundred people, many of them youths. recreational facilities, including swimming pools, parks, libraries, and movie theaters. Dancing, playing music, attending festivals, and enjoying cultural events are other SOCIETY popular activities. Government The Arts Structure South Africa boasts a diversity of musical styles. Choirs are South Africa’s national legislature (Parliament) has two common, and traditional folk songs have been integrated into houses: a 90-member National Council of Provinces and a choral music. The popularmbaqanga dance music originated 400-seat National Assembly. Council members are elected by in apartheid-era townships.Kwaito music, a favorite of young the nine provincial legislatures, with each legislature selecting South Africans, mixes African melodies and lyrics with 10 members. Members of the National Assembly are directly hip-hop and reggae. Kwela incorporates the distinctive penny elected through a proportional representation system. All whistle. members of Parliament are elected to five-year terms. South South Africans are also devoted to the fine arts, and major Africa's president is chosen by the National Assembly on the cities host performances of the symphony, ballet, and opera. basis of the majority party's recommendation and serves a Each ethnic group produces its own style of folk art, maximum of two five-year terms. including basketry, beadwork, and soapstone carvings. South Political Landscape African authors of all races have dealt with controversial The African National Congress (ANC) is the dominant political and social themes, often writing in exile during the political party in South Africa and has maintained a majority apartheid years. , André Brink, and Es'kia in Parliament since the end of apartheid. The ANC maintains Mphahlele are some of the most respected. an alliance with the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU, the largest of the country’s trade union Holidays federations) and the South African Communist Party (SACP). South Africa's official holidays are New Year's Day (1 Jan.), The ANC identifies itself as a social democratic party, and Easter (including Good Friday and Family Day on Monday), much of its party ideology revolves around efforts to reduce Human Rights Day (21 Mar.), Freedom Day (27 Apr.), the socioeconomic divisions in society that resulted from Workers' Day (1 May), Youth Day (16 June), National apartheid. Efforts to decrease these divisions include various Women's Day (9 Aug.), Heritage Day (24 Sept.), programs, including the Black Economic Reconciliation Day (16 Dec.), Christmas (25 Dec.), and Day Empowerment (BEE) program, which is designed to create a of Goodwill (26 Dec.). Each religion also observes other higher percentage of black ownership and control of important holidays. businesses and the economy. The BEE creates racial quotas Christmas and New Year's Day for business ownership, which have been controversial. Land Most South Africans celebrate Christmas by going to a reform (transferring white-owned land to black ownership) is church service, after which they get together with their another contentious issue in society. families for a Christmas meal. Black South Africans may Many communities in South Africa are allowed to follow slaughter a sheep to mark the special occasion. On New customary law, which is based on the tribal traditions and Year's Eve, South Africans like to gather for parties. Some historical culture of the people in the community. When churches hold services from 8 p.m. or 10 p.m. until midnight. constitutional law and customary law conflict, constitutional Many people celebrate New Year's Day on the beach. law is supposed to prevail, but this is not always the case in Political Holidays practice. Such discrepancies can be a source of conflict South Africans remember Human Rights Day, Freedom Day between traditional and national leaders. (which celebrates the first democratic elections held in South Government and the People

6 TM CultureGrams South Africa South Africa has very high crime rates, which the government the same opportunities within a uniform system. Schooling is struggles to contain with an understaffed police force, compulsory from age 7 to age 15. School life spans 13 years sometimes leading to police brutality and vigilante groups. or grades, from grade 0 (known as reception year) to grade 12 Private security guards are employed to help fight crime. (known asmatric , the year of matriculation). The matric pass Generally though, freedoms guaranteed by the constitution rate rose from around 40 percent in the late 1990s to 68 (such as speech, religion, and association) are respected. percent in 2008. General education and training runs from South Africa has one of the highest rates of public protests in grade 0 to grade 9. Further education and training takes place the world. People often criticize the government over from grades 10 to 12 and includes career-oriented education corruption and wasteful spending. South African elections are and training offered in technical colleges, community generally free and fair, and citizens are eligible to vote at age colleges, and private colleges. 18. Turnout of registered voters for parliamentary elections Many schools are without adequate texts or supplies. A regularly exceeds 75 percent. high school education is much more common among white South Africans and Indians than it is among people of mixed Economy race and black South Africans. South Africa is the richest country in Africa, and white South School Life Africans generally enjoy a high standard of living. The Classroom activities include collaborative assignments, tests, relatively high per capita gross domestic product (GDP) and individual papers. Students normally spend an hour or reflects a wide gap between whites and others in terms of two on homework every day. Educated parents in South income, because whites usually earn far more than black Africa, especially mothers, are very involved in helping their South Africans. Mixed-race people earn closer to the average children with homework, but illiterate parents usually leave national GDP. A quarter of the population is unemployed, education up to a child's teachers. South Africans receive and almost a third lives below the poverty line. South Africa instruction in their native language until the grade 7, and then struggles to deliver reliable electricity and other utilities to all they usually are taught in English after that. Afrikaans is also of its population. offered as a language of instruction. In urban areas, an A significant portion of export earnings come from increasing number of primary schools teach in English. minerals and metals. South Africa is one of the world's largest Cheating in school is not tolerated, and those who are caught producers of platinum and gold. It also exports diamonds, cheating may end up with a criminal charge. chrome, and coal. Low gold prices on world markets have Higher Education sometimes slowed that sector's growth. The industrial base is Amatric endorsement is required for university study. large and diversified, and the economy is growing slowly. Students who pursue post-secondary education have many Wine and tourism are fast-growing industries. The service options, as South Africa has over 20 public and over 100 industry accounts for about two-thirds of GDP and about private institutions of higher learning. Of South Africa’s two-thirds of the labor force. To improve market conditions public universities, most are traditional, some are and raise capital, the government has privatized (in whole or comprehensive (combining both academic and vocational in part) some of the largest state enterprises. The currency is training), and some are technical. Most comprehensive the rand (ZAR). universities are a result of educational reforms beginning in 2003, which combined smaller universities and technical Transportation and Communications schools into a single institution. South Africa has the best-developed infrastructure in Africa. Railroads carry freight and passengers throughout the Health country. Air routes link major cities. South Africa's road Medical services are socialized, but some private sector system is well maintained and extensive. Traffic moves on the participation is also incorporated. Public hospitals and clinics left side of the road. Many urban commuters ride combies are open to all citizens. Free care is given to all pregnant (minibuses) to work. women and to children younger than age six. Disease and The nation's advanced telecommunications system is also malnutrition are more common among black South Africans. considered the best on the continent. Television is widely Thanks in large part to an anti-AIDS program partially funded available, and state-run and commercial networks broadcast by the United States, gains have been made in recent years in in English, Afrikaans, and the Nguni and Sotho language the fight against the disease. However, South Africa still has groups. Thousands of viewers subscribe to satellite and cable one of the highest rates of the HIV/AIDS in the world, and TV. Radio broadcasts are available in all of South Africa's some fear rates will rise in the face of lowered U.S. languages. Cellular phones are prevalent in many areas of the contributions. Tuberculosis, malaria, and cholera are also country. A growing number of people have access to the serious problems. Efforts to improve access to improved internet. sanitation and water sources have proven successful; almost 75 percent of South Africa's population has access to Education improved sanitation, and roughly 95 percent has access to Structure and Access adequate supplies of potable water. The use of traditional As in other areas of South African life, apartheid-era healers is common. segregation has been dismantled in public education. However, it will take some time before all children receive

7 TM CultureGrams South Africa

AT A GLANCE

Contact Information Embassy of South Africa, 3501 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; phone (202) 232-4400; web site www.saembassy.org. South Africa Tourism, phone (800) 238-643, web site www.southafrica.net.

Country and Development Data

Capital Population 53,675,563 (rank=25) Area (sq. mi.) 470,693 (rank=24) Area (sq. km.) 1,219,090 Human Development Index 118 of 187 countries Gender Inequality Index 94 of 152 countries GDP (PPP) per capita $12,700 Adult Literacy 96% (male); 93% (female) Infant Mortality 41.61 per 1,000 births Life Expectancy 55 (male); 59 (female) Currency Rand

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