Things you need to know about South Africa:

South Africa is a nation of over 47-million people of diverse origins, cultures, languages and beliefs. Around 79% are black (or African), 9% white, 9% "colored" - the local label for people of mixed African, Asian and white descent - and 2.5% Indian or Asian. Just over half the population lives in the cities. Geographically speaking, South Africa is an incredibly beautiful country. It boasts a varied climate - one that is mostly warm in summer and cool in winter. There are high mountains and sunny beaches with both cold and warm seas. These are just some of the amazing things to experience here. Semi-arid plateaus, heavily forested areas and great watery regions are all just part of the South African experience. The diversity makes for interesting variety when sight-seeing in the country. The country also boasts seven major biomes, which adds to plant and animal diversity and is very rare in such a concentrated area. On top of this, the majority of the country is a malaria-free zone, which means that you will be able to enjoy the wonders of nature without the concerns of being infected by strange diseases.

Map of South Africa

The following map will help you to better visualise how South Africa is organised and divided into its various regions.

CTI Campuses

CTI has 12 campuses across South Africa:

Gauteng

• Pretoria
• Bedfordview
• Randburg
• Vanderbijlpark

North West

• Potchefstroom

Free State

• Bloemfontein

Mpumalanga

• Neslpruit

Eastern Cape

• Port Elizabeth
• East London

Kwazulu Natal

• Durban

Western Cape

• Cape Town
• Durbanville

Provinces

South Africa has nine provinces:

• Western Cape
• Eastern Cape
• Northern Cape
• Free State
• KwaZulu-Natal
• Gauteng
• North West
• Limpopo
• Mpumalanga

South Africa has 11 official languages:

• English
• Afrikaans
• Sepedi
• Sesotho
• Setswana
• siSwati
• Tshivenda
• Xitsonga
• isiNdebele
• isiXhosa
• isiZulu

Religion

Two-thirds of South Africans are Christian, the largest church being the indigenous Zion Christian Church, followed by the Dutch Reformed and Catholic churches. Many churches combine Christian and traditional African beliefs, and many non-Christians espouse these traditional beliefs. Other significant religions - though with much smaller followings - are Islam, Hinduism and Judaism.

Time difference

Standard time in South Africa is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean-Time. No zone or seasonal variations apply in South Africa.

Climate

SA currency

The South African currency is the Rand, denoted by the symbol R (R1.00 = 100 cents).

Foreign currency

Foreign currency and traveler’s cheques (provided the currency is accepted in South Africa), may be converted into local currency. Local banks and a few other institutions listed below will convert foreign currency:

• Travel agencies
• Airlines
• Bureaus de Change
• American Express
• Rennies
• Thomas Cook, etc

Please take note that a commission fee is charged for every transaction.

Visit the websites: http://www.xe.com or http://www.oanda.com

Credit Cards & Travelers Cheques

In South Africa, most major credit cards are accepted. Examples are: MasterCard, Visa Card, Diners Club and American Express.

International Driving licence

For insurance purposes, it is advisable to obtain an international driver's license in the country in which the holder's national license was issued. An international diver's license is valid for one year. Information about the renewal of such a license should be obtained in the country of origin before proceeding to South Africa. The holder's national driver's license is valid for a period of six months from date the of entry into SA, provided it has been issued in English and that it contains a photograph of the holder and his/her signature; and the holder's nationality.

Electricity

City and town power systems operate at 220/250 volts, AC50Hz. Adapters for electrical appliances can be purchased at airports and major shopping centres.

Weight & measurements

The metric system is used in South Africa.

Tap water

Water in South Africa in areas other than informal or shack settlements, is safe to drink straight from the tap. Water for public use is of high quality and treated to be free from harmful micro-organisms. Bottled mineral water is also readily available (still and sparkling).

Shopping

All South African cities and large towns boast excellent shopping facilities. Shopping in South Africa can be great, as most big shopping malls have different restaurants, cinemas, franchises and shops to pick and to choose from.

Computer access

Computer access is available to registered students, free of charge, on all CTI campuses.

Calling South Africa

If you wish to give your South African telephone number to someone in another country, make sure you add the South African country code, which is always 27; then the area code; then your own number.

Example

• Your number is 123 4567
• The dialing code for South Africa is 27 and for Johannesburg is 011
• The number you therefore give is +27 11 123 4567
• The + sign represents the international access code for the calling country