South Africa special edition by CPH Post

south africa - ready for you!

the copenhagen post / south african embassy special edition

Special Edition - April 2010

Under South African skies

or four weeks this summer, South Africa will overshadow every other country on the planet. As host of the 2010 Fifa World Cup, it is expected to attract the eyes of a cumulative 30 billion viewers. Interest in the World Cup is always enormous. When 32 countries meet to determine who will have the right to call themselves the world’s best football nation for the next four years, the result is nothing less than an explosion of patriotism, passion and partying. This time around, however, much of the partying is sure to be done by the South Africans, because even before the first match is played, the country, and by extension all of Africa, is shaping up to be the tournament’s real winner. Not only has preparation for the tournament sparked massive investments in infrastructure, the 2010 World Cup also marks the first time in the 80-year history of the tournament that it is being held on African soil. Expect the boost in national pride the honour gives to manifest itself in some hearty vuvuzela blowing that should also help the five other African teams make South Africa their home pitch away from home. From an African perspective, South Africa is hard to ignore. Not just the continent’s largest economy, it is larger than the next three largest economies combined. And as the continent’s most technologically advanced country, it has launched satellites, built nuclear reactors and rolled out a domestically produced electric car. Internationally, South Africa’s rapid transition from a segregated state to a multicultural democracy teaches the world a lesson that is hard to ignore, blemishes and all. Yet, beyond marquee topics like Nelson Mandela, diamonds and safaris, few could name something or someone related to South Africa. In that sense, much of the modern South Africa remains undiscovered country for most of us. This summer, football will take centre stage – and stage left, stage right and every place in between, but the extravaganza will also give us glimpses of the unknown South Africa, be it wine or wind power, infrastructure or international stars. For some foreigners, their meeting with South Africa will be a first introduction. For others, it will be a second look at a country they thought they knew. But for everyone, it will be a jovial greeting under sunny skies.

Welcome to South Africa.

Contents 4

Message from the

Ambassador of South Africa

Safety and security at the

2010 World Cup

South Africa’s rising stars

Message from Robert Djérou

Ly of Côte d’Ivoire

South Africa - Ready for

kick off!

The 2010 World Cup at a

glance

The World Cup legacy:

2010 and beyond

Singing along to the trill of

the same plastic trumpets

All creatures great and small

A paradise for golfers

Africa’s Vineyard

Top 10 national parks

16 20

Kevin McGwin - Editor

*SOUTH AFRICA’S BEST, OUR TOP 10

1. Nelson Mandela – a man who needs no introduction. Imprisoned for 27 years, Mandela’s support for reconciliation and negotiation helped lead the transition towards multi-racial democracy in South Africa. 2. Rugby – 2010 may be the year of the football in South Africa, but the Boks are the reigning rugby world cup champions. 3. The Rainbow Nation – the term multicultural has become cliché, but how else can you define a country that has 11 official languages? 4. Green wine – from fair trade to ecological production methods and lightweight bottles, South Africa’s winemakers are leaders when it comes to sustainable production. 5. No jet lag – despite being 12-hours away by air, South Africa lies in the same time zone as Denmark. 6. An average February high of 28 C – when winter temperatures bottom out in

Europe, the South African summer is at its peak. 7. Face-to-face with nature – Lions and elephants and sharks, oh my! A South African safari lets people get up close and personal with some of the world’s most fascinating creatures. 8. Plettenberg Bay – the heart of the world renowned Garden Route in the Western Cape. Plettenberg Bay offers the ideal springing board to explore the Cape Garden Route. 9. Bring and braai – Braai is Afrikaans for “roasted”, and South African for “barbeque”. Bring and braai is a typically laid-back get together at a park or on the veranda, where friends bring their own meat, salad, or side dish in hand. 10. Vuvuzelza –The noise the plastic trumpet makes has been compared to flatulent elephants, but the fervour with which South Africa’s football fans blow them is a symbol of their enthusiasm about hosting the 2010 World Cup.

POST BOX President and Publisher - Ejvind Sandal Chief Executive - Jesper Nymark Editor - Kevin McGwin Layout & Design - Lyndsay Jensen Journalists - Liam Barker, Kari Lund, Daniel van der Noon Sales and Marketing Director - Hans Hermansen Sales and Advertising - Jeanne Thames, Mark Millen, Amanda Knoll If you would like to contact us or leave a comment: info@cphpost.dk This supplement is published by The Copenhagen Post, please refer to our disclaimer on page 2 of the newspaper.

Special Edition - April 2010

Message from

the Ambassador of South Africa,

H.E. Dolana Msimang

On 11 June 2010, South Africa will become only the second country in the world to have hosted the cricket, rugby and football World Cups. As South Africans, we are grateful for these opportunities to welcome the world to our shores, as it allows us to reflect on the journey we have taken as a young democratic nation. Hosting events like those mentioned here tests our country’s infrastructure and her people to the limit and creates unique opportunities and challenges. I am very proud to echo the words of President Zuma – “South Africa is ready for the spectacle that is the 2010 Fifa World Cup”. In May 2004, Fifa awarded the hosting of the Fifa World Cup to an African country for the first time in the 101 years of the organisation’s existence. As the host, South Africa made it clear from the onset that she does not stand alone in this endeavour, but rather as a representative of Africa and as part of an African family of nations. The African Union responded immediately and committed its support to the 2010 World Cup. In a declaration of the eighth Assembly of the AU Heads of State and government, the AU pledged to make 2010 a truly African tournament, committing its countries to “full and substantive involvement in the preparations leading to the 2010 World Cup”. This special edition also includes an interview with the distinguished Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps, H.E. Ambassador Robert Djérou Ly of Côte d’Ivoire on his views of the impact of the World Cup on the African continent. I am convinced you will find his opinion fascinating.

“We are on track to meet all our obligations and are determined to give the world the best World Cup ever.” President Jacob Zuma

“The World Cup will help unify people. If there is one thing on this planet that has the power to bind people, it is soccer.” Former President Nelson Mandela

When South Africa bid to host the 2010 Fifa World Cup, it was done so on the basis that the tournament should leave a lasting legacy for the country. South Africa’s hosting of the tournament is set to benefit the country in a number of areas. The South African Government had already committed to a major infrastructure investment programme but the hosting of the 2010 Fifa World Cup has acted as a catalyst for many of the current infrastructure projects. The tournament is also set to bring an estimated 450,000 international visitors from all over the world to South Africa, a significant boost for the local tourism industry. With the world’s focus on the country before, during and after the tournament, the hosting of the Fifa World Cup also provides an excellent marketing opportunity for the host nation. One of the worst legacies of sport under apartheid is the severe shortage of football facilities in disadvantaged areas and the complete lack of recognition and support by the apartheid government of the sport. The hosting of the Fifa World Cup will leave a lasting legacy for football in our country. The Organising Committee is in the process of building one football turf in each of the 52 South African Football Association (Safa) regions to promote participation in football and ensure that all South Africans have the facilities to play. These will be hubs for sport and community development in the host country. In addition to the development of these turfs, a clubhouse, ablution facilities, training lights and a security fence will be constructed. These legacy initiatives are however not confined to our country alone. Elsewhere in this special edition you can read in detail about the footprint the World Cup will leave on the African continent, including groundbreaking initiatives such as the Football for Hope Initiative. We were very excited when the national team of the Kingdom of Denmark qualified for the “Greatest Show on Earth”. In our frequent interaction with the Danish Government, Danish Football authorities, the press and Danish fans we found this same excitement with them. We were, however, alarmed at the way in which the Danish media portrayed the security situation in South Africa. The South African government takes the issue of the safety of our guests very seriously. Further on in this special edition we describe some of the steps that have been taken to assure a safe and peaceful experience for all soccer enthusiasts coming to South Africa. We trust that this will provide for a more balanced evaluation as to the safety situation in our country. For those lucky individuals who have already booked their passage to South Africa, we wish you an exhilarating time in our beautiful country! We urge you to make time to explore the country and to interact with our people. We are convinced that you will return as South African ambassadors. If you are still in doubt about whether to go or not, or if you are interested in any of the limitless possibilities South Africa offers tourists and businesspeople, please visit us at the Embassy. We look forward to meeting you.

Dolana Msimang Ambassador

“Life is rhythm, football is rhythm and I feel the rhythm when I am in South Africa.” Mr Sep Blatter, president of Fifa

Special Edition - April 2010

Safety and

security at the 2010 World Cup A Government’s promise

With South Africa’s track record and massive investments in safety and security travellers to the tournament this summer can concentrate on enjoying their stay.

t is late, after twelve. The night is dark an ominous silence prevails. A dark shadow slips unseen into the yard of a middle-class South African home.

Anybody reading this might be forgiven for thinking that if the above was taking place in South Africa, then undoubtedly this little tableau will result in a crime being committed. Many fans considering travelling to South Africa will first consider the safety and security issues before taking a final decision in terms of where they will go and what activities they will be planning. However, with the 2010 World Cup only weeks away, the South African Government is confident that tourists travelling to South Africa to witness the first ever football World Cup to be hosted on African soil will be safe and well catered for. At the basis of the Government’s preparations for the 2010 World Cup is a multiple pronged safety and security plan. This plan includes:

• Involvement of international agencies in the gathering of intelligence • Focus on border security at ports of entry, inclusive of South Africa’s land, sea and air borders • The nine host cities will be divided into sections. Police teams will patrol these sections. Specific focus points will be FIFA Headquarters, hotels, other accommodation establishments, the stadiums, fan parks, restaurants and well-known tourist venues. • State-of-the-art information and communication military technology will be used as well as a fleet of almost 40 helicopters • A dedicated force of 41,000 officers will be deployed By the time the World Cup kicks off on 11 June, the South African Government will have spent R665 million (almost 500 million kroner) on special equipment, including crowd control equipment, crime scene trainers, unmanned aircraft and helicopters. Ten water cannons, 100 BMWs for highway patrols and up-to-date body armour as well as 300 mobile cameras will also be used to assist in deterring any would-be criminal. There will be four mobile command centres (at a cost of around R6 million each). These centres will feature high-tech monitoring equipment, which will receive live footage from aeroplanes and other cameras. The huge investments on security will continue to assist the police in their crime-fighting initiatives long after the World Cup is over. The South African Police Services have also undertaken a massive recruitment drive to increase general police numbers by 55,000 to over about 188,000 by the beginning of 2010. The number of police reservists has also doubled, from 45,000 members to 100,000. South Africa is therefore proud of the significantly larger and welltrained police service that it will be able to deploy during the World Cup. Countries competing in the event (including Denmark) will send their own specially trained police officers to assist with languages and cultural differences and to support the SAPS.

To make it easier for foreign visitors to gain access to police stations when in South Africa, dedicated 2010 police stations within close proximity to each of the stadiums have been identified and are ready to serve and assist. Dedicated crime-investigation teams and special courts to investigate and deal with all event-related crimes 24/7 have also been set up. A 24-hour multilingual hotline will assist visitors requiring police or medical services.

ternational benchmark – and has since been adopted by the United Nations as its model for large events. It is therefore not surprising that Interpol Secretary General, Ronald Noble has already in March of this year indicated that he is of the opinion that South Africa’s planning in terms of safety and security has covered all aspects and has been above expectations. He also emphasised that South Africa should be proud of the level of security that it has put in place.

South Africa is very proud of its sterling record in hosting international events. Not only did it successfully host the Rugby World Cup (1995), the Cricket World Cup (2003), the All Africa Games (1999), the Africa Cup of Nations (1996), it also hosted the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in 2002 which was attended by 37,000 international delegates. South Africa pioneered a security model for this summit that is now acknowledged as a new in-

Armed with this information, let us now return to that shadowy figure slipping into the yard of a middle-class South Africa home. Quite possibly, it just a teenager returning home, still reflecting on how wonderful it was to be able to witness history in the making – South Africa hosting the world and the world recognising that Africa’s time has finally come.

Special Edition - April 2010

For most, South Africa is the land of Nelson Mandela, rich wildlife and sparkling diamonds. Many, however, would be surprised to learn that the country is seeking to establish itself in a number of new growth areas. Standing out

till regarded as something of a curiosity at major international fashion shows, South Africa’s designers have in recent years begun to wear away at the safari stereotype they find many foreign designers have a hard time giving up. Modern South African designs are neither Afro-chic nor ethnic print, according to Stephanie Vierea of the Cape Town Fashion Council. Instead, she says they are about “modern Africa”, adding that the country’s fashions look like they “could be from Nkhensani Manganyi is a South African born actress turned fashion designer of popular clothing anywhere”. Or, as Chris label Stoned Cherrie. Kilching of the Undacova label summed it up during the 2009 Cape Town Fashion Week: “It’s important not to take Africa too literally.” That year, in order to challenge perceptions of African styles, his collection included ‘80s-inspired leopard print underwear – in acid pink and orange. The efforts to establish South Africa’s image as a global fashion mainstay have begun to pay off. In 2007, it was granted a permanent spot at the Paris Fashion Week, and in 2009 the label Stoned Cherie was invited to display during the New York Fashion Week. For designers, the challenge is how to shed the cliché without losing their unique African vibe. For Themba Mngomezulu, the designer for the Darkie label, it is a matter of knowing “what we want and knowing who we are”. Others, such as Evan Schiff of Africa Fashion International which organises the Cape Town Fashion Week, note that “internationally, people have been using Africa as inspiration for years. It is time for African designers to benefit”.

Taking centre stage

hile South Africa’s fashion industry looks for its big break on the world stage, the global film industry is increasingly looking towards South Africa. Cape Town has long been a popular destination for filmmakers, thanks to its warm, sunny climate, spectacular natural scenery, diverse urban locations and its locally based film expertise. Since 2000, over 100 international films have been shot in the Cape Town area, many of them blockbusters that include District 9, Blood Diamond and Invictus. Now the country’s film industry is hoping to take on a more prominent role in international filmmaking with the recently opened Cape Town Film Studios. Nicknamed Dreamland, the 200-hectare, R430 million facility is the largest investment ever for South Africa’s film industry. It is hoped that the studios will boost annual earnings from the current R1 billion to as much as four times that amount, while increasing the number of people the industry employs to around 10,000. One of the most promising pockets of success for Cape Town Film Studios could be as a new Bollywood. Already a favourite location for Indian film producers, South Africa is home to one of the largest Indian communities outside India. Bollywood producer Kumar Taurani spent three months in South Africa last year shooting the action thriller Prince of Thieves. The production followed the 2007 filming of the blockbuster Race in what he describes as a “hassle free shoot”. “We got permission to shoot almost everywhere. We blocked roads for days. All government organisations gave us full cooperation,” Taurani said.

Facing the winds of change

ecause of the consistency and force of its winds, South Africa’s west coast has been identified as a perfect area for wind power. After Darling Wind Farm opened as the country’s first in July 2008, work began last year on a four-year project to plot wind speeds and frequencies along the 3,000km west coastline. Sponsored in part by the Danish government, the wind atlas will provide detailed information about local wind conditions and thus encourage renewable energy investment in the area. The study is being conducted jointly by Cape Town University, the Royal Danish National Wind Resource Institute, the South African National Energy Research Institute and the Department of Minerals and Energy. The first draft map is expected by early 2010. Denmark is the world’s leader in wind power, deriving more than 19% of its power from wind. Because of its abundant coal reserves South Africa is dependent on coal-fired power generation – a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. But some of that dependence is hoped to be cut by harnessing the wind. The Darling Wind Farm marked the first step in that process. It will be selling its electricity to the city of Cape Town as part of a long-term arrangement. This will help the city achieve its target of 10,000GWh of renewable energy consumption per year by 2013 and sourcing 10% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020. Already the continent’s largest economy by far, South Africa is proving it isn’t content to rest on its laurels. As it looks towards the future, it could be its undiscovered aspects that keep it ahead of the pack. On the internet: African Fashion International (www.africanfashionint.com) Cape Town Fashion Week (africanfashioninternational.com/ctfw/index.html) South Africa Fashion Week (www.sanlamsafashionweek.co.za) Cape Town Film Studios (www.capetownfilmstudios.co.za) Department of Minerals and Energy (www.dme.gov.za)

Special Edition - April 2010

world cup section For four weeks this summer, South Africa is the heart of the football universe. The African dream of hosting the world’s biggest football spectacle has come true, but once the trophy has been raised and the crowds have gone home, South Africa is making sure that the impact of the tournament will still continue to be felt.

what’s inside: • Africa’s World Cup • Ready for kick-off • A lasting legacy

2010 fIFA WORLD CUP 11 jUNE-11 jULY 2010

Special Edition - April 2010

“All the world will be there” In less than two months, South Africa will host the continent’s first Fifa World Cup, and like most Africans, Ambassador Robert Djérou Ly of Côte d’Ivoire is eagerly awaiting the opening ceremony scheduled for 11 June.

There will be a place for all in South Africa, says Ambassador Ly.

ince Fifa awarded South Africa the opportunity to host the 2010 World Cup in 2004, the “Rainbow Nation” has been preparing to welcome millions of football fans to the African continent by building new stadiums, updating existing ones, and renovating public transport systems. Ambassador Robert Djérou Ly of Côte d’Ivoire, and dean of the African diplomatic corps in Copenhagen, is confident South Africa was the right choice for Africa’s first Fifa World Cup because “South Africa has experience with hosting such kinds of events”, among them the 1995 rugby world cup and, more recently, the 2009 Confederations Cup tournament, which provided an opportunity to “test” the facilities before athletes and fans arrive in June. Although Ambassador Ly believes Fifa chose South Africa in large part for its good infrastructure, he feels that the country is equally qualified to host the 2010 World Cup from a cultural and historical point of view. Fans will be coming from all over the world and South Africa’s role as “a melting pot of diverse cultures” makes it well-equipped to welcome them. Visitors to the 2010 World Cup can expect to receive the same African hospitality that characterises all of the continent’s nations, from South Africa to his own country of Côte d’Ivoire, promises Ambassador Ly. He sums it up with an old, African proverb: ‘If there is a place for one, there will be a place for all’. The Fifa World Cup gives Africa a unique opportunity to show the world its spirit of “we are one” in action because “sport in general, and football in particular, is the main vehicle of bringing together all the people of the world”, Ambassador Ly says. He hopes that the spirit of unity fostered in South Africa will help fans unite peacefully “not only in South Africa, but in all the other places of the world”. South Africa’s unique history underlines this hope because “it’s a country that has too much suffered from unfairness and having the World Cup there is a signal to all the supporters that they have to put aside the violence” that sometimes erupts between fans of opposing teams the world over. By choosing South Africa as the host, Fifa has given “the athletes and the supporters the huge responsibility to show the world a different image”. The 2010 World Cup mascot, Zakumi, a leopard with green hair whose motto is “Zakumi’s game is Fair Play”, shows South Africa’s strong commitment to spreading peace through the World Cup. The concept of “fair play is also a

characteristic of Africa”, argues Ambassador Ly. “When you play the game, you play in the spirit of fair play. After the game, regardless of the result, what is most important is the victory of the friendship among nations.” That sense of friendship and kinship is already strong among many African nations, where citizens of a country like Côte d’Ivoire take pride in South Africa’s accomplishments. “We strongly believe that it’s Africa that has been chosen,” explains Ambassador Ly. “During the World Cup all the attention, all the energy of Africa, and of Ivoirians in particular, will be focused on that.” It certainly doesn’t hurt that six of the 32 teams competing are not only African, but also Fifa World Cup veterans with “world class players” such as Samuel Eto’o from Cameroon, Michael Essien from Ghana, John Obi Mikel from Nigeria, Karim Ziani from Algeria, and South Africa’s own Steven Pienaar. But it will be centre forward Didier Drogba that Ambassador Ly and his fellow Ivoirians watch closest.

“I hope most for my country,” says Ambassador Ly, “but we have many very talented players in all the six African countries, so I think all six have the potential for winning … Individually they are some of the very best players in the world, so why not?” In Côte d’Ivoire, where “football can be called a secondary religion”, so many people are excited about the 2010 World Cup that the government has set up a national committee to help citizens who want to travel to South Africa make the arrangements and coordinate with one another. Ambassador Ly expects the 2010 World Cup “will boost the economy of South Africa and the neighbouring countries where already most of the hotels are fully-booked”. But the benefits of hosting an evenst like the Fifa World Cup go far beyond increased tourism and commerce. “This World Cup will be an excellent opportunity to portray Africa in a positive way in terms of hospitality and showing the world we are capable of organising such an event,” says Ambassador Ly. “The most important thing is to host the world, and this has no price.”

Special Edition - April 2010

South Africa

ready for

kick off!

Six years of preparation are done. South Africa is ready to welcome the world in June. Football is the main attraction, but regardless of Bafana Bafana’s fortunes on the pitch, South Africa can already claim victory as host of what is shaping up to be the host of the most successful World Cup ever.

or the first time in the World Cup’s 80-year history, the tournament will be held on African soil. A jubilant South Africa, which came very close to hosting the 2006 World Cup, will be hosting the tournament this time round in what will be a defining moment in history for the “Rainbow Nation”. What was a dream has now become reality with the date eking ever closer, and an estimated one billion spectators from around the globe set to tune in on 11 June. In a pleasantly sunny Johannesburg, a sea of South Africans, united by the golden colour of their nation’s home shirt, will march along Nasrec Road blowing vibrantly coloured trumpets (vuvuzelas) with gusto in an explosive a jol (what South Africans call a party) on toward the Soccer City Stadium where South Africa will take on their first opponents, Mexico. Following a flamboyant showpiece of what we expect will be a meticulously choreographed showpiece that would melt even Andrew Lloyd-Weber’s heart, and a graceful wave from Nelson Mandela seated comfortably next to other esteemed South Africans, the first of the tournament’s 64 matches will kick-off. Set to be the most commercially successful World Cup since its conception, the tournament has been a catalyst for the improvement of the infrastructure of South Africa and has led to upgrades in sec-

By Daniel van der Noon tors across the board; roads, railways, airports and emergency services have all seen drastic face-lifts. While five new state-of-the-art stadiums have being constructed especially for the World Cup, the other five stadiums that will be used have undergone multi-million kroner transformations, fitted with some of the latest broadcasting technology – with the tournament set to be broadcast in 3D for the first time ever in some countries.

and with the roaring support of the 12th man behind them it’s probable they’ll spring a few surprises. The host nation are indeed expected to amass a few good results given they are being led by the reputable Brazilian tactician Carlos Alberto Parreira, and have a squad that is sprinkled with talent; Steven Pienaar (Everton), Benni McCarthy (Blackburn Rovers) and the young starlet Kermit Erasmus (currently on loan from the Dutch club Feyenoord to Excelsior) to mention but a few. For many South Africans however, they already regard themselves as proud winners and are now, just like the rest of us, counting down the days until the start of what promises to be a memorable tournament.

Furthermore, the tournament’s Local Organising Committee (LOC) predicts that the tournament will create around 160,000 jobs and will contribute more than R20 billion (15 billion kroner) to the country’s gross domestic product, a staggering amount even for Africa’s largest economy. Of course, it’s not all about how much money the country will be able to rake in, but the fact that football’s most celebrated players will finally appear in the flesh competing for the most important trophy on the football calendar in a country currently going through what Thabo Mbeki, South Africa’s former president, referred to as a “renaissance” culturally, economically and socially. While it seems that the chances “Bafana Bafana” (the Boys) will be lifting the trophy are slim at best, there’s still an air of optimism,

Special Edition - April 2010

the 2010 world cup at a glance Royal Bafokeng Stadium - Rustenburg

Green Point Stadium - Cape Town

Ellis Park Stadium - Johannesburg

Soccer City - Johannesburg

Peter Mokaba Stadium (Polokwane)

Moses Mabhida Stadium (Durban)

Nelson Mandela Stadium (Port Elizabeth)

Loftus Versfeld Stadium (Pretoria)

Free State Stadium (Bloemfontein)

Mbombela Stadium (Nelspruit)

GROUP A

GROUP B

GROUP C

GROUP D

GROUP E

GROUP F

GROUP G

GROUP H

1. South Africa 2. Mexico 3. Uruguay 4. France

1. Argentina 2. Nigeria 3. Korea Republic 4. Greece

1. England 2. USA 3. Algeria 4. Slovenia

1. Germany 2. Australia 3. Serbia 4. Ghana

1. Netherlands 2. Denmark 3. Japan 4. Cameroon

1. Italy 2. Paraguay 3. New Zealand 4. Slovakia

1. Brazil 2. Korea DPR 3. Ivory Coast 4. Portugal

1. Spain 2. Switzerland 3. Honduras 4. Chile

Special Edition - April 2010

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Special Edition - April 2010

The World Cup legacy: 2010 and beyond

The World Cup is more than just a game for its host country. Tax revenue, new pitches and improved infrastructure will ensure that the tournament lives on even after the final whistle. more accessible to those who would otherwise not have the means to purchase tickets. Tickets will not simply be given as handouts but as a reward or incentive for people, in particular South African youth participating in, or contributing to social and human development activities. The initiative also aims to uplift existing programmes by encouraging participation and acting as a catalyst for the establishment of new social and human development programmes.

or South Africa, 2010 will be a very important year, the culmination of six years’ planning and hard work, the fruition of the hopes and dreams of a continent. Africa, your time has come! But when South Africa started planning the 2010 World Cup back in 2004, there was a clear and distinct desire to make sure that the 2010 World Cup’s legacy will remain on the African continent long after the excitement has died down, teams and fans have gone home to tell friends and family of their wonderful African safari, and life for South Africans and their neighbours on the African continent has returned to normal.

The primary target of the programmes supported by the Ticket Fund is young South Africans who cannot afford to purchase a match ticket. Altogether, about 12,000,000 children, primarily through school-related projects, could be incentivised to embark on a journey of learning through projects supported by the Ticket Fund. Children will gain a better understanding of environmental issues such as the importance of recycling and learn about HIV/Aids prevention amongst other important life skills.

Some of the legacy projects are tangible projects that will result in assets for host cities in South Africa and the African continent,while others relate to the process to be used and the benefits for residents, such as skills development and job creation.

The Economic Legacy The Social Legacy Football Turf Programme and Win in Africa with Africa Initiative: These programmes are aimed at building football turfs in all of the 52 South African Football Association regions as well as in the other 52 African nations. Win in Africa with Africa is a wide-ranging initiative designed to provide the 2010 host continent with the tools to progress and the skills with which it can continue its own development. This includes the construction of 52 football turfs with 44 completed and 15 of them already used for 2010 qualifier matches. In addition, the project provides support in developing national leagues, as well as training executives who will go on to take charge of the various African associations in the future but also to use football to help improve community health in programmes such as “The 11 for Health”. Fifa has allocated $70 million for this initiative aimed at creating a marked improvement in African football. Football for Hope: Football for Hope is a movement that uses the power of the game for social development. It is led by Fifa, world football’s governing body, and streetfootballworld, a centre of expertise that supports a global network of local organisations in the field of development through football. Its goal is to build 20 centres of education, public health and football across Africa. Five of these centres will be constructed in South Africa and the first of the 20 is being built in the township of Khayelitsha in Cape Town. Five other centres on the continent are currently under construction in Rwanda, Ghana, Mali, Kenya and Namibia. The Football for Hope Festival 2010 will take place in Johannesburg in July 2010 and will celebrate the social dimension of the game. A total of 32 delegations have been selected from around the world to send young leaders to Johannesburg and among them will be delegations from India, Tahiti, Rwanda, Cambodia, Bosnia and Colombia. Green Goal Programme: The Green Goal programme aims to reduce the total carbon footprint of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and it is hoped will be the basis for a far more environmentally friendly South Africa after the tournament. The Green Goal programme has a number of initiatives through which this will be achieved.

To achieve this, many of South Africa’s cities are working toward a more environmentally friendly FIFA World Cup. The city of Cape Town is implementing Green Goal 2010, a programme that aims to make the event as environmentally friendly as possible. It incorporates sustainable development principles into every aspect of the event. A Green Goal 2010 action plan has been developed, with indicators, milestones and budgets for 41 projects relating to energy, waste, water, transport, hospitality and sustainable lifestyles. All stadiums and fan parks will introduce a dry and wet waste bin system to promote waste separation at source. Dry waste will be all recyclable material and wet waste will include organic and contaminated waste. Recyclables will be sent to recycling companies and wet waste will be used for compost making or disposed of in waste disposal sites. The 2010 Fifa World Cup Ticket Fund: In total, 120,000 complimentary Category 4 tickets (3.6% of the total inventory) will be awarded through this initiative to residents of South Africa by Fifa and the Organising Committee, with the support of the six Fifa Partners (adidas, Coca-Cola, Emirates, Hyundai/Kia, Sony and Visa). The aim of the Ticket Fund is to make 2010 Fifa World Cup matches

According to research by Grant Thornton, the 2010 Fifa World Cup will contribute R55.7 billion to the South African economy, generate 415,400 jobs and contribute R19.3 billion in tax income for the government. The firm estimates that 483,257 tourists will spend around R8.5 billion during their stay in South Africa. Job creation and skills development: More than 20,000 jobs were created for the construction of the World Cup stadiums. Construction workers on these stadiums were given extensive skills training which will enable them to meet the much needed demand for skilled workers on other construction projects post 2010. Some 4,000 South Africans who volunteered for the FIFA Confederations Cup now have experience working at a major football event. In the 2010 Fifa World Cup, 15,000 volunteers – the majority of them South Africans – will also get experience working on a major event. The Organising Committee has committed to using Black Economic Empowerment companies and Small Medium and Micro Enterprises. By 30 September 2008, 55% of the organisation’s spend was through BEE companies and 26% through SMMEs.

Infrastructure legacy The South African government’s contribution to Fifa 2010 World Cup-related projects is R28 billion, and the infrastructure being developed will be in use well after the tournament. The major contributions of the South African government have gone to: • • • • • • • • •

Stadium and precinct development: R9.8 billion Transport: R13.6 billion Broadcast and telecommunications: R300 million Event operations: R684 million Safety and security: R1.3 billion Event volunteer training: R25 million Ports of entry infrastructure: R3. 5 billion Immigration support: R630 million Communications, hosting, legacy and culture: R504 million

Special Edition - April 2010

DANISH TEAM WILL BE BASED IN NATURAL EDEN forests. This exceptional combination of beaches, lakes, mountains, forests and rivers offers the base for an unforgettable holiday. Whether you’re an adventurous type or just want to take a relaxed cruise through the famous Knysna Heads with a cold drink in hand, Knysna has an endless array of activities to complete the World Cup experience for fans. The mild temperatures the area is renowned for provides the perfect weather to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings, all year round.” Van Eck said that these were just some of the reasons motivating France and Denmark to be based in Knysna. “I guarantee that fans visiting the area in between games will not be bored. There’s hiking in our forests tracking the elusive Knysna elephant followed by a visit to the historical Millwood goldfields. Or signing up for a game of mashie golf in the afternoon, or visiting any of the malaria free game reserves in the area.” Executive Mayor of Knysna, Eleanore Bouw-Spies (middle) was the lucky recipient of a Danish National football shirt from the Danish Football Association at a recent site visit in Knysna. Seen here with her are Steen Dahrup, Head of National Teams, DBU (left) and national coach Morten Olsen (right).

he Danish team will be based in the heart of South Africa’s famous Garden Route, in Knysna, during the upcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup™. The small coastal town will also be home for the French team and Japan will be based less than 80km away in George. The choice of these teams are once again confirming Knysna’s standing as a top international destination – it was recently named as one of the Top 100 Destinations in the World and one of the Top 25 in Africa by the Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice Destinations Awards. Knysna Tourism CEO Shaun van Eck said they are ready to make sure both the teams and the fans will have an unforgettable experience. “The area is famously known as “nature’s playground”, and with good reason. Nature quite literally knocks on your front door. The town nestles on the shores of an estuary fed by rivers originating in the Outeniqua Mountains and is surrounded by lush indigenous

Knysna is also famous for its locally brewed beer and oysters cultivated in the lagoon. “A tour of Mitchell’s Brewery is the perfect way to quench the thirst at any time of the day. To combine any of the variety of beers on offer with a selection of Knysna’s nutty flavoured cultivated oysters, is one of the best culinary experiences the Garden Route has to offer,” said Van Eck. “We have also developed some other truly South African experiences and one of our township tours visitors can taste “roosterkoek”, a South African delicacy from flour made on an open fire.” Knysna, situated on road between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town, is just over two hours by air from Johannesburg, and less than an hour from Cape Town, making it perfectly accessible for two to three day trips. “Yes, we know that they are here for the football,” van Eck concedes. “Still, we have so much to offer. Combined with exceptional shopping and dining experiences, this is just one of the stops you have to make while visiting South Africa. Make sure to explore the beautiful town in between the excitement of the beautiful game.”

Special Edition - April 2010

Singing along to the trill of the same plastic trumpet

Following thirty years of Apartheid isolation, sport in South Africa has become the perfect catalyst to unite the country as one, transcending racial and political boundaries. Sport generates passionate loyalties, and success particularly at international level reverberates across the cities as national adrenaline goes into overdrive. By Liam Barker

fter decades in the international wilderness, South Africa’s national teams are hungry for glory, and the country’s TV sets will be turned to “Bafana Bafana’s” World Cup campaign in June. Whether you’re in a township Shebeen, at the summit of Table Mountain or the vast savannah of the Kruger National Park – all focus will be on this event. Football is already the most popular spectator sport, followed by rugby and cricket, and South Africa will now get the chance they so desire to show the world how a country can be united in a sporting arena. The Copenhagen Post takes a look at the different sports at domestic and international level that permeate the reconciliation of the “Rainbow Nation”.

Football Sport, like no other South African institution, has shown it has the power to heal old wounds, and football more than any other sport has come to symbolise the insanity of Apartheid. The stark racial divide that once characterised its professional football is not as evident today and the days when the Football Association of South Africa (FASA) had intended to send a team consisting of white players to the 1966 World Cup in England and then a solely black team to Mexico in 1970 seem a distant memory. While 2010 has sparked renewed interest in the “people’s game”, a typical Saturday afternoon match still attracts more of the black population but the stigma has now been slightly deflated. The majority of the current top professional teams come originally from the ranks of the previously black National Professional Soccer League, which formed in 1971 as a rival structure. In the townships, football, as on so many continents, is still the weekly escape from daily drudgery for the masses. The African “El Clasico” is the Soweto derby in Johannesburg, pitting Orlando Pirates against bitter rivals Kaizer Chiefs, which is regarded as the match which divides everyone in South Africa’s football revolution. There is no sitting on the fence – its either “Up the Bucs” (Pirates) or “Amakhosi For Life” (Chiefs). The domestic football season runs from August to May and it is best to be armed with a “vuvuzela” – the name given to the thousands of long plastic trumpets on the terraces. Football showed its power of unity again when South Africa hosted and won the 1996 African Cup of Nations, and team captain Neil Tovey became the first white player to raise the competition’s trophy. Less glorious times have since followed on the African and world stage but Bafana Bafana will be hoping to shock the world this summer.

Rugby June 24, 1995 is a date embedded in the memories of all South Africans. Four centuries of colonial conflict and resentment suddenly seemed so trivial with the image of President Nelson Mandela donning the number six shirt of Springbok’s captain Francois Pienaar, a white Afrikaner as South Africa triumphed in the Rugby Union World Cup on home turf. Hearts melted all around the country as the two embraced in a spontaneous gesture of racial reconciliation. To black South Africans, the Springbok rugby jersey was always one of the most hated symbols of Apartheid and for Nelson Mandela to appear before a worldwide audience wearing the notorious green-and-gold jersey represented the most unlikely political turnaround imaginable. The slogan of the new Springboks, “One Team, One Country”, was now for real. The recent film “Invictus” starring Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon explains the unfolding of events surrounding this World Cup. South African rugby is still struggling to shake its reputation as a whites-only domain, despite the inclusion of black players and officials, and continuing development programmes across colour

divides are taking place in many townships today. Evidence of the integration progress was evident in South Africa’s 2007 World Cup triumph as black South African Bryan Habana spear-headed their charge to victory in Paris. Springbok fans unite annually in the tri-nations competition to decide who the top international team is in the southern hemisphere. South Africa, Australia and New Zealand compete against each other every July and August. The Super 14 is the biggest domestic early season competition, starting in mid-February and finishing by mid-May which features the best club teams from the three Southern hemisphere superpowers. The other domestic competitions solely in the “Rainbow Nation” are the Currie Cup and the Vodacom Cup.

Cricket The “Proteas” have become one of the most successful brand names in the world of cricket since the national team was launched under that title in 1991. Cricket is the second most popular sport and is the only sport in South Africa to feature in the top two sports of all race groups. South Africa is also only one of nine countries that are sanctioned to play Test cricket and are currently ranked second in the world. In the one-day game they lie in third. Cricket was traditionally popular among English-speaking whites and the Asian community, though the latter were not able to compete in top-level South African cricket in the apartheid era. Since then attempts have been made to increase the number of nonwhite players using a quota system. The current national team features prominent non-white players, namely Herschelle Gibbs and Makhaya Ntini and current Afrikaners include AB de Villiers and Morne Morkel. Cricket appears to be the most successful sport at crossing racial divides. The SuperSport Series is Cricket South Africa’s premier first-class competition. The cricket season runs from September to March with the day/night matches drawing the biggest crowds. Since successfully hosting the 2003 Cricket World Cup and the 2007 World Twenty20 Championship, high hopes are in place for this summer’s football world cup.

Golf With so many glorious golf courses on offer, it is no surprise that South Africa has a long and illustrious history of golfing greats with multiple major victories. Golf is easily the best individual sports event that South Africans participate in, with the quantity and quality of South African players being in abundance. South Africa’s most famous golfing son is of course Gary Player, who dominated world golf in the 1960’s and 1970’s along with American greats Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. Today’s most notable stars are Ernie Els, Retief Goosen and Trevor Immelman. All the golfers are renowned for their tough mentality and will to withstand pressure – seemingly always winning when in contention.

Running Despite a distinct lack of Olympic medals, running is a very popular sport amongst South Africans. The sport has come under scrutiny recently over middle-distance runner and world champion Caster Semenya. She won gold in the Women’s 800 metres at the 2009 World Championships but was later banned until tests were carried out to ensure she was actually a female. Arguably the most publicised athlete is Paralympics runner Oscar Pistorius. The “Blade Runner” is considered the fastest man with no legs. He is a double amputee world record holder in the 100, 200 and 400 metre events and in 2007 was given his wish to race in an able-bodied competition. Despite failure to qualify, he remains the embodiment of the South African “never-say-die” attitude.

Famous South Africans in other sports Gary Anderson - Became first NFL kicker ever to have a “perfect season” (1998) Okkert Brits - 2002 Commonwealth Games gold medallist in pole vault Josia Thugwane - First black athlete to earn an Olympic gold for South Africa in the 1996 Olympic marathon Gerrie Coetzee - First boxer from the African continent ever to fight for the world Heavyweight title, and the first to win the world heavyweight title Penny Heyns - Olympic swimming gold medallist in the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games Jody Scheckter – 1979 F1 world champion Shaun Tomson – 1977 surfing world champion Perrie Mans – 1978 world snookerChampionships finalist Conrad Stoltz – Triple triathlon world champion Bob Hewitt - Won all of the Grand Slam doubles titles, both the Men’s Doubles Grand Slam titles as well as the Mixed Doubles Grand Slam titles (US Open, Wimbledon, Australian Open, and French Open) Johan Kriek - 1981 and 82 – Australian Open tennis champion

Special Edition - April 2010

All creatures great and small South Africa is where the wild things are. From the African elephant to the elephant shrew, the country is home to an ark of species that astounds and amazes.

Special Edition - April 2010

The most visible (in more ways than one)

of South Africa’s wildlife is the Big Five (elephant, lion, rhino, leopard and buffalo). But even though no trip to South Africa would be complete without seeing the Big Five, the country is also home to lesser (and lesser known) animals that are equally fascinating. To promote the more diminutive species, some clever people have come up with another must-see list: the Little Five. They are: the elephant shrew, ant lion, rhinoceros beetle, buffalo weaver and leopard tortoise. At the other end of the scale, other quintessentially African large animals are the hippo, giraffe, kudu, wildebeest (the famous gnu), zebra, and cheetah. Although they aren’t considered a part of the big five, they are frequently seen in South Africa’s conservation areas. Heightened awareness, however, has created an increased appreciation of lesser known animals. A sighting of the rare tsessebe (a relative of the wildebeest) may cause as much excitement as the sight of a pride of lion. And while one can hardly miss a nearby elephant, spotting the shy little forest-dwelling suni (Livingstone’s antelope) is cause for self-congratulation. On the really small scale, one could tackle the challenge of ticking off each of South Africa’s seven species of elephant shrew – a task that would take one all over the country and, probably, a long time to accomplish.

The famous Knysna Loerie

Big Six and Big Seven

Great white are extremely sensitive to the electrical field emitted by the movement of living creatures. Their sensitivity is due to special organs called the Ampullae of Lorenzini. The sharks are so sensitive that they can perceive half a billionth of a volt.

Did you know:

And while Africa’s Big Five may reign on land, the waters around South Africa are home to two animals as awesome and fascinating as any terrestrial creature – and no less deserving of a place in the pantheon of the “Big” animals. Recognising the need to protect whales and sharks, the South African government recently moved to begin a marketing campaign that will expand the Big Five to the Big Seven by including sharks and whales. Though no specific species are singled out, the great white shark and the southern right whale are two of the most recognisable marine animals living off South Africa’s coast. Just one of more than 2,000 types of sharks, the great white is renowned as the most fearsome of them all. But even though it does have a reputation for unprovoked attacks, its image as a man eater comes from popular culture. In reality, humans are rarely killed by great whites. And when it comes to big animals, the granddaddy of them all – in South Africa and the world - is the blue whale, which can grow to 33 metres in length. But of the eight whale species found in South African waters (including the dramatic black-and-white killer whale), the most frequently seen by humans is the southern right whale. This imposing creature comes into coastal bays to calve, allowing for superb land-based viewing. The southern right whale represents one of conservation’s success stories. Once considered the “right” whale to hunt, its population became so depleted that it was designated a protected species. With the greater familiarity that their return to the coastal bays has produced, they are now as well loved as the many dolphins in coastal waters.

Bitou Tourism in Plettenberg Bay Tel: +27 (0)44 533 4065 Fax: +27 (0)44 533 4066 tourism@plettenbergbay.co.za www.plettenbergbay.co.za

Many people

think that the term “Big Five” describes the five most difficult animals to see when on safari. In fact, the term relates back to hunting days when these animals were considered the most dangerous animals to hunt on foot. This is why the leopard is on the list and the enormous hippopotamus (noted for lazing around in pools and rivers all day) is absent. The Big Five are among the most dangerous animals in the world.

Special Edition - April 2010

A paradise for golfers

When it comes to golf, spectators and players alike have come to count on South Africa for three things: great pros, great courses and great weather. Names like Ernie “The Big Easy” Els and nine-time major winner Gary Player established the country’s reputation on the pro circuit. In recent years, however, it has been the average duffer that has helped reinforce South Africa as the golfing holiday destination of choice, especially during the cold European winter months. The country boasts an ideal climate for spending time out on the fairways under the bright African sun, and golfers can choose from amongst 450 courses – from challenging coastal courses to high altitude links where you’re likely to hit some of the longest drives of your life. Probably the most famous golf course in South Africa is the Gary Player Country Club at Sun City, home to the Nedbank Golf Challenge, which offers the biggest first prize of any tournament in the world. However, there are many other world-class courses that have been featured on both the European PGA Tour as well as the local Sunshine Tour.

SOUTH AFRICA’S TOP 10 COURSES Wild Coast Country Club

Arabella Country Club

Designed by the world-renowned Robert Trent Jones, the course is set against the background of the Indian Ocean, making it beautiful – but punishing for those that stray into the rough. When the wind gets up, as it does from time to time on the coast, the Wild Coast Country Club can present a very difficult challenge. The course isn’t long, but it presents interesting and challenging changes in elevation, and while the fairways are wide, it is important not to stray from them at all. The club’s signature hole is the par-three thirteenth, which measures only 146 metres but is a real tester, and has been included in Golf Online’s 500 best holes in the world.

Bordering the largest natural lagoon in South Africa, with the ninth, seventeenth, and eighteenth running parallel to the water, Arabella Country Club provides both a wonderful golf challenge and an eye-catching landscape. Designed by top local designer Pete Matkovich, the course has been ranked 100th in the world outside the US by Golf Digest USA. It made a strong impact when Golf Digest named it the best new course in South Africa in 1999, and it has kept up the high standard it set early on, featuring regularly as one of South Africa’s top-10 courses.

Fancourt Hotel, Country Club and Golf Estate Located in the picturesque southern Cape, The Links at Fancourt hosted a memorable 2003 Presidents Cup clash between the USA and the International Team, as well as the inaugural Women’s World Cup of Golf in 2005. Ranked 59th in the world outside the US by Golf Digest USA, the course is unique in South Africa. Gary Player’s design took a marvel of construction to piece together, with over 700,000 cubic metres of earth being moved to create a typical links-style course on what had been a flat piece of land. Perhaps the most eye-catching hole is the par-three second, with a bunker in the heart of the green. Despite the challenge of the bunker, Player reckons the contours on the green can be used to get the ball near the flag.

Durban Country Club

Glendower Golf Club Built in 1937, Johannesburg’s Glendower Golf Club made an early impact, hosting The Transvaal Open only two years into its existence. The winner was Bobby Locke in what was then a world record score of 265, after rounds of 66, 69, 66 and 64. In the 1980s the course underwent major changes, with all 18 greens being reshaped and rebuilt, new tee positions being implemented, water hazards being cleared and extended, and new water hazards added. The course hosted the South African Open in 1987, 1993 and 1997. Trees, water hazards - on 11 holes - and bunkers are plentiful. The signature par-four tenth has been included in Golf Online’s 500 best holes in the world. It plays from 383 to 425 metres and features water on the left and tough bunkers on the right.

Did you know: The European Tour began its 2010 season with a South African swing.

This year, the tour added the Africa Open, to its list of tournaments that already included the Alfred Dunhill Championship, the South African Open and the Joburg Open.

River Club Golf Course The very exclusive River Club Golf Course in Sandton, Johannesburg is highly rated for its always immaculate conditioning. Unfortunately, only members and their guests have access to this scenic layout. Apart from the course’s stunning condition, the River Club also features one of the toughest finishing stretches to be found anywhere in South Africa. It is also a long course, playing to about 6,500 metres.

George Golf Club Situated not far from Fancourt on the Western Cape’s beautiful Garden Route, the picturesque, rolling course is packed with trees. The front nine features only one par-three hole, but the back nine has three of them. The signature hole, the par-three seventeenth, has been included in Golf Online’s 500 best holes in the world. It’s fairly long at up to 181 metres and it places a premium on accuracy, being the second-most difficult hole on the inward nine and the fourth most difficult overall.

Picture courtesy of Durban Country Club

Pecanwood Golf and Country Club Estate

Bordering Hartebeespoort Dam in North West province - within an hour’s drive of both Johannesburg and Pretoria - the Jack Nicklausdesigned Pecanwood Golf and Country Club Estate is set against the backdrop of the beautiful Magaliesberg Mountains. Although the course is flat, well positioned bunkers ensure that it offers a good challenge to golfers of all standards. The greens feature Crenshaw bent grass, which is extremely resilient and can therefore always be cut low and fast. Golf Digest voted it best new course of the year when it opened in 1998.

The Durban Country Club has hosted more South African Open Championships than any other in the country, with a list of winners that includes Gary Player, Bobby Locke, Bob Charles, Ernie Els and Tim Clark. Built on old swampland surrounded by high dunes, the course blends into its surroundings as it undulates along the coastline a short distance from the Indian Ocean. The channels created by the dunes mean that the wind - depending on whether one is sheltered by a channel or not - is a very testing factor. Golf Digest USA has ranked the course 62nd in the world outside the US, while three of its holes have been included in Golf Online’s top 500. These all occur within the first five holes, starting with a par-three 176-metre second, followed by a par-five third that plays at anywhere from 460 to 513 metres, and ending with a par-four 461-metre fifth hole. For some, the third is the best third hole in the world; for others it is the best par-five. Golf Online has rated it as high as the 18th best hole overall in the world.

Leopard Creek Rated the best course in South Africa, and 25th in the world outside the US by Golf Digest USA, Leopard Creek is situated on the border of the world-famous Kruger National Park. Gary Player’s design takes advantage of the natural environment, which is home to Africa’s “big five” - lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros and buffalo - and over 200 species of birds that make their homes in the surrounding trees, some of which are over 100 years old. Players are protected from the wildlife by means of innovative architectural and landscaping techniques - although water hazards might include the odd hippopotamus or crocodile!

Gary Player Country Club Host to the Nedbank Challenge, the Gary Player Country Club at Sun City in North West province features two holes that have ranked in Golf Online’s list of the 500 best holes in golf: the 520 metre par-five ninth, and the 402 metre parfour eighteenth. Golf Digest USA has ranked the course at number 29 in the world outside the US. The course is one of the longest in South Africa and certainly one of the toughest, with the rough especially punishing. It places a premium on accurate approaches, with plenty of bunkers and water hazards sprinkled around the layout to test even the best. The Gary Player Country Club is part of Sun City, a marvelous entertainment complex that includes the Lost City and Lost City Golf Course, also designed by Gary Player.

Special Edition - April 2010

Spectacular Experiences 365 Days Sensational Seasons - autumn, winter, spring and summer

elcome to Plettenberg Bay, the heart of the world-renowned Garden Route in the Western Cape. Often remarked that “Nature has made an enchanted abode of this beautiful place”, Plettenberg Bay offers the ideal springing board to explore the Cape Garden Route.

Only an hour from George Airport and two hours from Port Elizabeth, Plettenberg Bay is well situated to explore the wonders of our surrounding area from Route 62 to N2 and its tourism offerings and activities. This spectacular area offers miles of unspoilt golden beaches, the perfect climate and a wide range of activities promising you all you could wish for! The great forests lying at the feet of the fabled Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma mountains are the gateways to the incredible indigenous African wealth of Plettenberg Bay and Bitou. Here ancient man hunted in its bountiful haunts, leaving his footprints in its history. Today it is the home to the rare Knysna forest elephant, teeming birdlife, vast expanses of Cape flora, delicate ecosystems in wetlands and lagoons, gigantic trees, and a bay large enough for the great whales of the Southern oceans to calve in and protect their young. Plettenberg Bay has an abundance of x-factor features – unique tourist attractions that guarantee an unforgettable Cape Garden Route experience. For golf-fanatics, look no further than Goose Valley and numerous other signature courses in our area. Here you will find 18-hole championship golf

courses with spectacular views. Numerous activities from the adrenaline pumping – including doing the world’s highest bungee jump, kloofing and parasailing – to the tamer game viewing, tree safaris, spectacular walks and whale watching will keep you spellbound while exploring the wonders of the region. Bitou Tourism’s Inspiring Africa initiative and township tours allow visitors to experience the vibrancy of local communities, stay for lunch or dinner and even visit an authentic shebeen. Historical and nature walks are also offered a number of times per week. Basking in a climate of eternal springtime, Plettenberg Bay and Bitou surrounds are indeed splendid. We welcome you to bask in our warmth year round and enjoy our bountiful offerings and spectacular natural beauty. Visit www.plettenbergbay.co.za for more information. Tourism Information, Reservations and Itineraries Bitou Tourism in Plettenberg Bay, Melville’s Corner, Main street Plettenberg Bay 6600 E-mail: tourism@plettenbergbay.co.za

Go for gourmet - kick start your barbequing season

Available at Magasin and other leading retailers.

To find the retailer closest to you, call Tasty on 75 12 33 44

Special Edition - April 2010

Africa’s

Vinyard

Even though South Africa’s wine industry dates back over 350 years to Dutch East India Company’s efforts to find ways to prevent scurvy in sailors on ships travelling along the spice route, it was only with the end of Apartheid that the country’s wines began finding their way back on to tables abroad. After quickly earning a reputation as one of the New World’s finest producers, South African wineries are now giving Old World wineries a run for their money. In 2010 South African wine sales in the UK exceeded those of France for the first time, thanks to an explosive 20 percent growth in 2009 alone. And just as California has the rolling hills of Napa Valley and France its idyllic wine chateaux, South Africa too does wine holidays in its own special way. Combine equal parts sunshine, scenery, outdoor lifestyle and warm-hearted vintners, and you have a recipe for an experience that’s got a character all its own. The wine producing region of the Western Cape features a total of 14 wine routes, each with its own special flavour, waiting to be explored. Best known is probably Route 62, whose 69 stops make it the world’s longest such route. Those interested in learning more about the country’s eco-progressive reputation can follow the Green Mountain Eco Route, the world’s first biodiversity wine route. For those with a taste for something other than wine, why not head down one of the two brandy routes. South Africa considers brandy to be its national drink, and established the routes in 1997 as a way to showcase the nation’s passion for the drink known as “the soul of wine”. And while sampling the fruit of South Africa’s vines, remember that travellers cannot live on wine alone. Flavoured by African, European and Asian traditions, the nation’s table is ripe with dishes that provide the perfect match to your favourite bottle.

Special Edition - April 2010

Red, white and green all over Be it Fairtrade, efforts to reduce CO2 emissions or its new sustainability seal of approval, green is rapidly becoming the colour of choice for South African wine producers. According to industry organisation Wines of South Africa (WOSA), well over 95% of the country’s wine industry follows sustainable grape-growing and winemaking principles.

But also on the climate front, the industry is keen on taking steps to strengthen its position as the world’s most ecoprogressive winemaking nation.

Lightweight bottles, apart from strengthening South Africa’s reputation for environmentally responsible wine production, would also address the demands of leading retailers.

One way is by reducing its carbon footprint by introducing lighter bottles. From this year, 750ml wine bottles closed with screwcaps and weighing only 350 grams - compared with 500 grams for traditional bottles - will be available to local wine producers.

Also keen to enhance their sustainability credentials, multiple grocer chains were responding to consumer calls for more eco-friendly packaging.

Those efforts were recognised this past November, when South Africa was acknowledged first by influential UK trade publication The Drinks Business, winning its Ethical Award for 2009. Just a few weeks later, the country’s wines took home the lion’s share of awards at the Fairtrade Wine Committee’s competition for best wines of the year, held in London.

Birch said that while it might seem like a good solution to ship more of the country’s wines in bulk directly to their export destinations for off-shore bottling, off-shore bottling would cost jobs during a time when the country was emerging from recession. According to SA Wine Industry Information Systems, for every 10 million litres of wine shipped in bulk, just over 107 jobs would be lost.

“It is fitting that after our re-entry into world markets just over 15 years ago, we should become leaders in establishing ethical standards, as we redress the wrongs of the past and promote a better quality of life for many of the people on whom the recent success of our industry has been built,” Wines of South Africa (WOSA) CEO Su Birch said in a statement.

The wine industry currently provides direct employment for close to 276,000 people, she said. Last year, South Africa exported 389 million litres of wine.

She pointed out that the continued focus on ethical, environmentally responsible production during the recession was a way for the industry to show that tougher trading conditions do not necessarily have to impact ethical labour standards.

“As we raise our export volumes of mostly bottled wines, we also increase our carbon emissions, so it becomes a delicate balancing act to enhance our sustainability profile while pushing up our output,” Birch said.

WIETA, the Agricultural Ethical Trading Initiative SA, founded in 2002, according to Birch, had also helped local producers to raise working conditions on wine farms.

WOSA is one of the leading champions of the country’s efforts to grow, make and market wines in a way that is least harmful to the environment. While many players in the South African wine industry had actively supported bottle recycling programmes in recent years to reduce their impact on the environment, efforts are now being accelerated to focus on lightweight wine bottles as well.

The organisation had established a code of good practice governing labour standards to encourage reform. It was also collaborating with major retailers abroad to build support for its objectives.

Alternative wine packaging, such as the wine pouch offered by leading export brand, Arniston Bay, had also been welcomed in many export markets. South African bag-in-box wines were also very popular, particularly in Scandinavia.

So!Go Ginger Marmalade and So!Go Lime Spritz Marinade (Delicious on fresh line fish.) Ingredients: 4 tablespoons So!Go Ginger Marmalade 2 teaspoons So!Go Lime Sprtiz

Method: Mix the Marmalade and spritz together and use to baste all over the fresh fish. Continue to baste during the cooking process.

“This is not only good for individual brands and for jobs but for the quality standing of Brand South Africa,” Birch added. In order to ensure the credibility of the industry’s eco image, sustainable South African wines will be able to qualify for a seal of approval that, in addition to attesting to their origins, will also allow consumers to trace the bottle’s contents back through all stages of the production process. The label is the first of its kind, and according to Birch, continues the industry’s pioneering approach to sustainable wine making.

The So!Go Story

So!Go is a range of luxury food condiments that is as inspiring on the outside as they are quality on the inside. At So!Go we are passionate about taste, style, innovation and design. Our passion for design can be seen in our stylish and eye-cathcing bottles. So!Go products can be used directly off the shelf and onto the table. The So!Go brand signifies top quality products. We source our ingredients from the best available, as it is improtant to us that our products taste as good as they look. We constantly assess the international culinary market to ensure that we continue to be innovative and current. As the global trend moves towards health-informed food purchases, we strive to be preservative and additive free. So!Go is available in fine stores in more than 20 countries worldwide. We are committed to continuing building on the legacy we have established and to position a new category of condiments in a competitive and ever-growing market. So!Go is a family run business based in Cape Town, South Africa and was established in 2000 by entrepreneurs Francois and Jane te Water Naude. The current So!Go range comprises of 35 product variants.

Did you know South Africa is the world’s ninth largest wine producer and represents three percent of global output. Annual exports grew 17% between 2008 and 2009.

Special Edition - April 2010

National Parks

top 10

South Africa’s best known park is Kruger National Park. Established in 1898, it is the country’s oldest and with a total area of nearly 2,000,000 hectares (20,000 km2), it is also the largest. Thanks to its size and rich wildlife, it is one of South Africa’s most visited destinations, but the country’s 19 other national parks are frequently less crowded and often provide guests with a better chance of seeing marquee species of wildlife. Addo Elephant National Park, Eastern Cape Home to over 450 elephants, Cape buffalo, black rhino and a variety of antelope species. The possibility of seeing the Big 7 (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, elephant, whales and Great White sharks) here makes this park unique.

Augrabies Falls National Park, Northern Cape The mighty Gariep (Orange) River, lunar landscapes and the 56m Augrabies Falls, called the ‘place of great noise’ by the San, are the highlights of this unusual park.

Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Free State A spectacle of towering ochre-coloured sandstone cliffs. Explore shady valleys and sun-dappled grasslands, BaSotho caves and dinosaur footprints in this golden landscape of abundant antelope and raptors.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Northern Cape A 4x4 adventure through 3.6 million hectares of unspoilt wilderness. Photogenic landscapes and wildlife like cheetah, blackmaned Kalahari lions, gemsbok, springbuck and desert-adapted elephants bring this salt pan to life.

Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga and Limpopo This world-renowned game park covers nearly two-million hectares. Part of the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park, it features 16 ecosystems and provides sanctuary to 147 mammal, 507 bird, 114 reptile, 49 fish, 336 tree and 34 amphibian species.

Mountain Zebra National Park, Eastern Cape See over 350 of the Cape Mountain Zebra, a subspecies saved from extinction, now thriving in this craggy-peaked wilderness, where Cape buffalo, endangered black rhino, eland, and endemic black wildebeest roam.

Namaqua National Park, Western Cape One of 25 global biodiversity hot spots in the world, the park conserves rare plant and animal species; and in Spring it’s semidesert plains erupt in carpets of colourful wildflowers – a photographer’s paradise.

*Did you know* South Africa’s national animal, the springbok, takes its name from the Afrikaans words for jump (spring) and antelope (bok), and is so named because of its pronk, the characteristic fan-shapped jump. The springbok shares its name with South Africa’s rugby team.

Table Mountain National Park, Western Cape South Africa’s only urban national park encompasses the Table Mountain chain, the Cape Peninsula and False Bay. It contains 7 nature reserves and safeguards the Cape Floral Kingdom – a World Heritage Site.

Tsitsikamma National Park, Eastern Cape Known as ‘the place of clear water’, Tsitsikamma’s lush forests, rugged coastline, and abundant fauna combine to provide, some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes. Soon to be incorporated as the Garden Route National Park.

Marakele National Park, North West Situated between the dry west and moist east of South Africa in the heart of the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, Marakele offers an unusual mix of bird and animal life, including red data species and the world’s largest breeding colony of endangered Cape vultures.

Special Edition - April 2010

he Garden Route and Klein Karoo is an esteemed world class destination and renowned as one of the gems of South Africa. It offers tourists “South Africa in one destination” with breathtaking contrasts of scenic mountains and unspoiled beaches. You can experience unforgettable scenery, adventure, the big five, hiking trials, wine routes, water sport, and indulge in an array of local cuisine and traditional foods in this remarkable destination. The region boasts quality road network that links Cape Town with Port Elizabeth, and has National Road Access to interior provinces of the Free State and Gauteng. The local George Airport is five times winner of “South Africa airport of the Year” award and has flights from all domestic destinations in South Africa.

Golf Golf is one of the many jewels in our tourism crown, and the Garden Route and Klein Karoo is renowned as the premier golfing destination of South Africa. Ranked in the top 10 of South Africa’s golf courses it offers golf players a wide selection of 13 golf courses to choose from, world class golg resorts amongst which Fancourt, Simola, Oubaai, Kingswood, Pinnacle Point, Mosselbay Golf course, Oudtshoorn golf course, Pezula. We have become the preferred golfing destination in South Africa and are esteemed as the golf mecca with golf courses designed by Gary Player, and Ernie Els. Our region has been host to prestigious golf tournaments includ-

ing the President’s Cup and the Women’s World Cup of Golf. During 2010 the Garden Route and Klein Karoo will host the Final of the World Corporate Golf Challenge from 4 to 8 May 2010 at Fancourt and Oubaai. This prestigious event is an international golf tournament for businesses, hosted in more than 30 countries around the world. It is the world’s largest and longest established international inter-company golf event with participants from between 20 - 30 countries. The annual winners from each territory compete in the World Corporate Golf Challenge Final, representing not only their company, but also their country and their national media partner/s. The 2010 final of the World Corporate Golf Challenge will be hosted at two of the premier Golf Courses in the Garden Route and Klein Karoo namely Oubaai and Fancourt. In addition events will be hosted at the other golf courses like Pezula, Simola, Pinnacle Point and the rest of the Garden Route and Klein Karoo through a comprehensive leisure programme of our unique value proposition.

2010 Strategically located between two host cities namely Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, the Garden Route and Klein Karoo is the only region in the Western Cape that will host three base camps. With world class hotels, amenities, resorts and training facilities, it is accredited as the accommodation hub for FIFA through MATCH. Our top quality air, rail, and medical and technological infrastructure, hospitality industries and tourist attractions will guarantee that teams and fans have a memorable stay. Fans can watch their games at our Public viewing areas where entertainment will be available and the diversity of our cultures, and local cuisine can be experienced. Community viewing areas will also be erected to provide fans with first hand cultural and community experience. Our region offers a multitude of activities and a world class selection of attractions that will ensure a memorable World Cup experience. Well equipped and positioned for 2010 fans and teams are invited to experience the hospitality of the Garden Route and Klein Karoo.

Leisure The Garden Route has a pristine coast line and phenomenal beaches with breathtaking views. A variety of activities are available such as spa treatments, boat rides, the cango caves, croc cage diving, ostrich riding, nature reserves, and many more.

Routes The famous Route 62 flows through the Klein Karoo area and is characterized by lush fruit and wine farms.

Arts and Culture Experience the hospitality of our diverse cultures and support our local crafters and artists by exploring our local craft and culture route.

Wine Enjoy a variety of wines on our brandy and chocolate route and visit the vineyards in the Calitzdorp famous “Port Capital” of South Africa, as part of the Klein Karoo wine route. Hops are grown in George and we have our own locally brewed beer in Knysna.

2010 The Garden Route and Klein Karoo is strategically located between two host cities namely Cape Town and Port Elizabeth and is the only region in the Western Cape that will host three base camps. With world class hotels, resorts and training facilities, it is accredited as the accommodation hub for FIFA through MATCH.

Events

• International Rugby 7’s in George • Cheese Festival in George • Knysna Oyster festival • Aloe festival in Albertinia • Seweweekspoort Mountain Bike challenge in Ladismith • Whiskey, whales and all that jazz festival in Plettenberg Bay • Port festival in Calitzdorp • Agricultural show Uniondale

the big 5 marathon

The Big Five Marathon is an Adventure Marathon that takes place in the Nature Conservation Area of Entabeni. Situated in the Limpopo province this park offers spectacular wildlife and scenic nature. The marathon takes place on the savannah right in the habitat of the animals, including the Big Five game – elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion and leopard. The route is challenging with its hilly terrain and varying surface of gravel and sand. The race has taken place since 2005 and has between 125 to 200 participants each year. Safety is the number one priority and the park rangers keep a close watch on the Big Five game during the race. The Big Five Marathon proudly sponsors the South African Red Cross Society (SARCS) and the profit from the event goes uncut to the development of SARCS.

The Big Five Marathon® 2011 Marathon, half marathon and 10 KM June 25, 2011 The Big Five Marathon® in South Africa is held among the wildlife of the African savannah in Entabeni, one of the most spectacular game parks in Africa. In these magnificent surroundings one can combine exciting game drives with a challenging marathon route going right through the habitat of the most famous African game: Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo, Lion and Leopard. No fences, no rivers, nothing at all separates the runners from the African wildlife. See more at www.big-five-marathon.com

150 kr. discount Kick off for hope! Kick off for hope! Give your old football boots a new life and we’ll give you a 150kr discount when you buy a new pair for at least 400kr. Place your old, clean football boots in the collection boxes in one of our stores, and in August all the collected boots will be delivered to the Star for Life Foundation in South Africa. Each pair of boots will get a special insole where you can write your name and email address so the recipient knows where the boots came from - and you’ll also be entered into a competition to win a trip to South Africa.

football Take your old ore. st e boots to th

Place your in so and you’ll be le in them, get your disco entered into unt the draw.

Star for ill be sent to The boots w South Africa. in Life’s offices

Five lucky win ne chance to co rs will get the me too!

Read more about our cooperation with Star for Life at: www.stadium.dk/starforlife

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