Best of South Africa vol 5

Welcome to Volume Five
of ‘Best of South Africa’
We all look forward to 2010 as the world focuses their attention on
South Africa. We will be there well in time with copies of “Best of
South Africa” vol. 5 in the leading hotels and our online portal
www.gvpedia.com showcasing all the success stories in this edition
to an audience of 200 000 unique readers from 140 countries as per
our latest online readership results.

What we do
“Best of South Africa” is a celebration of the crème that our country
has to offer, a tangible reminder and visual celebration of what
makes South Africa great, a country people truly fall in love with -
locals and international visitors alike.

Thanks
Our sincere thanks must go to the wonderful participants
showcased in our fifth edition; representing the “Best of” in their
respective fields. We profile these individuals, companies and
organizations with much pride and celebrate their success which
in turn helps us all to promote and showcase South Africa to our
dedicated partners and clients across the world and at home.

Our Belief
The continued growth and sustainability of South Africa is largely
thanks to the patriotic nature in all our blood, which enjoys an
unbreakable optimism ensuring this nation succeeds against any
odds. We are extremely proud to play a part in promoting our
country and will continue to do so.

Celebrating Success!

“Climb high; climb far, Your goal – the sky, Your aim – the stars”

Publisher Giá Bischofberger
Sales Team Emma Nyschens, Allana Smith and Katya Pappalardo
Editor Peta Krost Maunder - Mediak
Creative Direction Peter Batistich, www.deepfried.co.za
Images MediaClubSouthAfrica.com, Walter Boermeester and capespirit.com
Information Sources Brand South Africa, the dti and MediaClubSouthAfrica.com

ISBN # 978-0-620-39819-0

Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in The Best of South Africa Vol. 5.
Neither Best of South Africa nor GVPedia Communications cc take any responsibility for errors or omissions.

All rights reserved: No part of this publication shall be reproduced, copied, transmitted, adapted or modified in any form or
by any means. This publication shall not be stored in whole or in part in any form in any retrieval system.

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ChapterS
Best of South Africa

Travel & Tourism Hotels, Lodges & Resorts
44-67

68-87
Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Mall Destinations Fashion & Jewellery
106-119

120-133
Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Corporate Profiles Medical Healthcare
152-187

188-201
Chapter 10
Chapter 9


Luxury Lifestyles Dining & Nightlife
88-95

96-105
Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Décor, Design & Interiors Beauty & Wellness
134-141

142-151
Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Conferencing & Exhibitions
202-217
Chapter 11


South Africa at a glance
Nowhere else in the world can you combine business with pleasure as you can in South Africa.
A magnificent climate, a passion for nature and the great outdoors, a menagerie of wildlife, world
class sporting facilities – including superb golf courses – where a rich social, cultural and political
history combine to create a unique experience for the world traveler and a country us South
Africans are proud to call home.


Capitals Health
Cape Town (Legislative), Pretoria Top-quality healthcare is available throughout
(Administrative), Bloemfontein (Judicial) the country, although basic in rural areas.
Inoculations are only required for those
Total Land Area travelling from yellow-fever areas. Malaria
1 219 912 square kilometers, (471 011 square precautions are necessary in some areas.
miles) A comprehensive medical service including
24 hour medical treatment and disaster
Head of State management will be provided by the
President Jacob Zuma department of health in every host city for
2010. An improved infrastructure that will
Population continue to benefit all the residents of South
49 052 489 (July 2009, est.) Africa beyond 2010.

Time Zone Banks & Foreign Exchange
GMT + 2hrs South Africa’s financial institutions are world-
class, with no shortage of banks, bureau de
Currency change and automatic tellers. The banks
Rand. R1= 100 Cents generally open from 9am to 3.30pm Mondays
Coins come in denominations of 5c, 10c, through Fridays and 8.30 to 11am on
20c, 50c, R1, R2 and R5 and notes in Saturdays. Banks at the airports adjust their
denominations of R10, R20, R50, R100 and hours to accommodate international flights.
R200.
Credit Cards and Cash
International Dialing Code All major credit cards can be used in SA.
+ 27
Embassies
Official Languages Most countries are represented in South Africa
Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, isiXhosa, by embassies. Please refer to the telephone
isiZulu, Sesotho sa Leboa, Sesotho, directory or Yellow pages for up to date details.
MediaClubSouthAfrica.com: City of Durban

Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda and Xitsonga.
Climate
Religion South Africa is famous for its sunshine.
Almost 80% of South Africa’s population Although SA’s climate varies considerably
is Christian. Other religious groups include across its various regions and environments,
Hindus, Muslims and Jews. A minority of temperatures remain comfortable throughout
South Africa’s population regard themselves the year. Climate can be described as mostly
as traditionalists or of no specific religious semi-arid, subtropical along the east coast,
affiliation. with sunny days and cool nights.


South African Overview

MediaClubSouthAfrica.com: Chris Kirchhoff
The National Anthem
The national anthem is a combined version of
Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika (God Bless Africa) and
Die Stem (The Call of South Africa)

National Flag
South Africa’s national flag was launched
and used for the first time on Freedom Day,
27 April 1994. The design and colours are
a synopsis of the principal elements of the
country’s flag history. It is a powerful symbol
of unity and progress.

National Symbols
National animal: Springbok
MediaClubSouthAfrica.com: Chris Kirchhoff

National bird: Blue Crane
National fish: Galjoen
National flower: King Protea
National tree: Real Yellowwood

South Africa has 12 public holidays
New Year’s Day – 1 January
Human Rights Day – 21 March
Good Friday – Friday before Easter Sunday
Family Day – Monday after Easter Sunday
Freedom Day – 27 April
MediaClubSouthAfrica.com: Government Communications & Information Systems

Workers’ Day – 1 May
Youth Day – 16 June
National Women’s Day – 9 August
Heritage Day – 24 September
Day of Reconciliation – 16 December
Christmas Day – 25 December
Day of Goodwill – 26 December

If any of these days fall on a Sunday, then the
following Monday becomes a public holiday.

Join football enthusiasts from around the
world when they descend on South Africa
for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and you will be
making history. For the first time ever this
legendary tournament will be hosted in Africa
– a land that has spawned many celebrated
football stars. Soak up the glitz, glamour
and raw excitement of the World Cup and


then take time out to explore the untouched Mercy, will be ready in time for the 2010 Fifa
African bush, something no other FIFA World World Cup.
Cup could offer. The project has provided jobs for around
12 000 people and once finished, 8 000
Infrastructure people will take up permanent employment
As your hosts South Africans have been at the airport. This is 3 000 more than
sweating it out under the African sun to build the current staff complement of Durban
and refurbish stadiums designed to impress International to date.
even the toughest guests. By June 2010 In addition the year 2010 has been the
these 10 stadiums will be ready to seat over inspiration to accelerate South Africa’s use
half a million fans. of intelligent transport systems in order to
By 2008, the build up to 2010 FIFA manage congestion, incident response and
World Cup had already created 80 000 job travel demand. In the main cities money is
opportunities in the local hospitality sector. being spent to improve road infrastructure, that will connect all of South Africa’s major
It is estimated that by 2010 this sector will build a rapid transport system and the centres.
employ an additional 116 000 people. While Gautrain (South Africa’s first rapid transport This network, will provide almost
formal employment in the construction train service). Wherever you are visiting from infinite bandwidth capacity to carry more
industry has grown to 100 000, providing you will find a trip on the Gautrain a truly information (voice and data) at higher
valuable skills to the economy beyond 2010. world class experience. speeds over greater distances. Vodacom
In addition low income households earned On completion the Rail Link will transport and Telkom are also investing heavily
over R2 billion in income as a direct result of 100 000 commuters a day, offering seamless in infrastructure in order to satisfy ever
the stadium construction. integration with both Gautrain, Bus Link increasing demand for quality voice and
Infrastructure projects will help to keep services and the new Bus Rapid Transport data services.
the economy buoyant in times that are system. All offering security and modern “This (optic fibre) project once completed
clearly challenging. Government and State comforts. will redefine the telecommunications
owned enterprises will spend a whopping This ambitious project is running to landscape in South Africa and the rest of
R787 billion over the next three years on schedule and has also exceeded a number Africa” says A Jay Pandey , CEO and MD
diverse developments. The funds have been of social economic objectives, including of Neotel.
allocated to projects that will significantly job creation, skills training and SME
advance industrial operations and public development. Securemail
service delivery. They include improving rail Securemail provides a swift and safe
and road infrastructure, an innovative bus Telecommunications delivery method for high-security items
rapid transit system, as well as the building With extensive landline phone networks and such as shares and credit cards. It handles
of clinics, school and housing for the poor. four mobile phone service providers with far more than 2,5 million credit cards a year,
reaching coverage. Public telephones are has significantly reduced credit-card
Transport either coin operated or card operated. The theft and has won an award from the
Work is in progress to upgrade South African once underserviced telecommunications International Association of Financial Crime
airports to cope with the deluge of visitors industry continues to develop at cyber Investigators for its performance.
for 2010. The R5.2 Billion project will see all speed. Neotel, South Africa’s second fixed
international airports offer facilities, comforts line operator made deals worth one billion South African Post Office
and security on a par with the best in the rand in its first year of operation. With even The first post office in South Africa was
world. bigger numbers in the offering. Neotel and opened in the Castle in Cape Town in 1792.
South Africa’s newest airport, King Shaka mobile service provider MTN have joined Today, the South African Post Office (Sapo)
International situated north of Durban at La forces to roll out an optic fibre network delivers almost six million letters per day to


MediaClubSouthAfrica.com: Government Jeffrey Barbee
Health and Beauty

According to the Bill of Rights, as contained
in the Constitution of the Republic of South
Africa, 1996, everyone has the right to
freedom of expression, which includes:

• freedom of the press and other media
• freedom to receive or impart information
or ideas
• freedom of artistic creativity
• academic freedom and freedom of
scientific research.

Several laws, policies and organisations
act to protect and promote press freedom
in South Africa. In 2008, South Africa was
ranked as the 36th most free country in terms
of press freedom in the world.

Broadcasting
South Africa has an extremely diverse
broadcast media sector catering for the
unique demands of the local market.

Television
South Africa has by far the largest television
audience in Africa, with more than four
10 million addresses in South Africa. It has The business centres provide a bureau million licensed television households. The
more than 2 660 outlets covering the length service with facilities such as photocopying, SABC’ national television network comprises
and breadth of the country. The principal faxing and Internet access. South Africans three full-spectrum free-to-air channels
function of Sapo is to provide postal who live in rural areas can now make new and one satellite pay-TV channel aimed at
services inside and outside South Africa. technology part of their everyday lives. audiences in Africa. Combined, the free-to-
air sound-broadcasting stations reach a daily
Business Centres Media diversity adult audience of almost 20 million people
Sapo has established 25 business centres Media diversity in any country is regarded via the terrestrial signal distribution network
that provide a dedicated, specially designed as a measure of the depth of its democracy. and a satellite signal. Between 50% and 60%
one-stop shop inside existing post offices Every citizen should have access to a diverse of all programmes transmitted are produced
in most rural areas. range of media. in South Africa. Locally produced television


programmes are augmented by programmes
purchased abroad, and by co-productions
undertaken with other television programming
organisations. The SABC’s terrestrial television
channels devote between 18% and 20% of
their airtime during prime time to news and
news-related programmes.
M-Net the first private subscription
television service in SA, broadcasts its array of
general entertainment and niche channels to
more than 50 countries across Africa and the
adjacent Indian Ocean islands. Development
of the local film and TV industries is a priority
for M-Net and is supported by various
projects such as EDiT, which gives final-year
film and television students the opportunity to
produce programmes for broadcast on M-Net.
MultiChoice Africa (MCA) was formed to
manage the subscriber services of its sister
company, M-Net. It became the first African
company on the continent to offer digital
satellite broadcasting. Operations include
subscriber-management services and digital
satellite television platforms broadcasting
more than 50 television and 40 audio
MediaClubSouthAfrica.com: Anglogold Ashanti

channels, 24 hours a day.
The country’s first privately owned free-
to-air television channel is e-tv. Independent
TV audience surveys confirm that e.tv is the
second-largest channel in the country. e.tv’s
terrestrial signal reaches 80,5% of the South
African population. It appeals to all races,
all ages and income groups and is the most
viewed English language channel in the
country. e.tv was the first channel in South
Africa to secure the rights to the Union of
European Football Association’s Champions Print Advertising
League Football. Technical handling of the print media in The Loerie Awards are the best-known
South Africa rates among the best in the South African awards recognising
Radio world. This is one reason why newspapers excellence in advertising. The Association
Radio, which plays a large role in the media and magazines have held their own in a of Marketers established these awards
industry is flourishing. The SABC’s national volatile information era, characterised by in 1978 to coincide with the advent
radio network comprising of 15 public the vast development of various new forms of commercial television in South
broadcast-service radio stations, and three of media-delivery platforms via the Internet Africa. The Loerie Awards ceremony
commercial radio stations, broadcasting in through modern ICT. sees excess monies being ploughed
11 languages, as well as an external radio This must be viewed against the general back into the industry in the form of
service in four languages that reaches an trend in the rest of the developed world bursaries for underprivileged advertising
average daily adult audience of 19 million. that saw dropping circulations and the and marketing students via the Loerie
Copy supplied to radio news amounts to cutting back on costs or closing down of Education Trust Fund, and as a donation
almost a million words a day, and is compiled newspapers. to the Advertising Benevolent Fund. The
around the clock into a weekly total of 300 The country’s vibrant economy, the main objective of the Loerie Awards is to
bulletins and 27 current affairs programmes. introduction of regional tabloid newspapers encourage creative advertising.
Programmes are produced weekly in 11 and the glut of new magazine titles
languages on the SABC’s radio services. have helped to feed the popularity of Advertising Standards Authority (ASA)
There is a public broadcasting-service radio newspapers and magazines in Africa’s The ASA is the protector of the ethical
station for each language group. Channel largest economy. High consumer spending standards of advertising in South
Africa broadcasts live on three platforms: has coincided with strong circulation in Africa, and protects consumers against
shortwave, satellite and the Internet. The specific newspaper genres, particularly manipulative advertising and unfair claims.
shortwave broadcast covers south, east, tabloids and free-sheets. Globally The ASA is an independent body
central and west Africa. The satellite competitive IT systems, especially among established and funded by the marketing-
broadcast covers the sub-Saharan region, the large media houses, have helped to communication industry to regulate
although it can be picked up as far as London. improve the overall technical quality of print advertising in the public interest by
The Internet broadcast is accessible from media, and have also positively affected means of self-regulation. The ASA co-
anywhere in the world. As well as a number distribution and circulation reach. There is operates with government, statutory
of private radio stations that have also been a range of general and specialised news bodies, consumer organisations and
granted licences, these stations cater for a websites which, in terms of the speed and industry to ensure that advertising
wide variety of languages, cultures and niche breadth of their coverage, are on a par with content complies with the Code of
markets. the best in the world. Advertising Practice.


and businesspeople. Many lucrative
possibilities, arising from South Africa’s
wealth of natural resources, and almost
unlimited export and import opportunities,
exist in the country.

Costs of doing Business
The cost of doing business in South Africa
compares favourably to other emerging
world markets. According to an annual
World Bank study, titled the Ease of Doing
Business, South Africa ranks 32nd out of
181 of the economies surveyed in 2009 for
ease of doing business. The country boasts
the lowest electricity prices in the world and
despite looming challenges in this sector,
doubling its electricity price will still place
the country as the cheapest provider. South
Africa’s labour costs are significantly lower
than those of other key emerging markets.
It also has a favourable corporate tax rate
compared to other emerging markets.
The costs for labour, land, rental, human
resources, transportation and general living
expenses do, however, vary from province
Why Invest in South Africa? one of the highest ranking developing to province.
The South Africa of today is one of economies and surpasses countries such
the most sophisticated and promising as Hungary, Italy, Brazil and Thailand. The Skills
emerging markets globally. The unique country leads the continent in industrial South Africa possesses a large resource
combination of a highly developed first- output (40% of Africa’s total output) and base of skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled
world economic infrastructure and a huge mineral production (45% of total mineral labour. The South African government
emergent market economy has given rise production) and generates most of Africa’s has introduced wide-ranging legislation to
to a strong entrepreneurial and dynamic electricity (over 50%). promote training and skills development
investment environment. and fast-track the building of world-class
South Africa is the economic Macro Economic Stability skills and competences.
powerhouse of the African continent, South Africa has achieved a level of A strong network of universities and
with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of macro-economic stability not seen in the other tertiary education institutions is
R1,9 trillion (US$283bn) - four times that country for many years. Such advances home to a host of leading international
of its Southern African neighbours, and create opportunities for real increases in academics and researchers, with the
comprising 30% of the entire GDP of Africa. expenditure on social services, and reduce majority of research and development in
The World Economic Forum’s Global the costs and risks for all investors, laying South Africa, undertaken at the country’s
Competitiveness Report 2008/09 of the the foundation for increased investment universities.
World Economic Forum, ranked South and growth. By 2009, the economy was
Africa 45th out of 134 global nations. stronger than at any time over the past 20 Financial Infrastructure
South Africa’s GDP grew at a healthy years. South Africa is one of the world’s favourite
5,2 % in 2007 and a lower 3,1% in 2008, emerging markets, offering investors
due to the impact of the global economic Market Opportunity sophisticated financial infrastructures and
crisis. South Africa is one of the most One of the chief reasons for South Africa exceptional investment opportunities.
sophisticated and promising emerging becoming one of the most popular trade The South African Reserve Bank (SARB)
markets, offering a unique combination and investment destinations in the world oversees the banking services industry in
of highly-developed first world economic is due to the country ensuring that it South Africa. The non-banking financial
infrastructure, with a vibrant emerging can meet specific trade and investment services industry is governed by the
market economy. South Africa is also requirements of prospective investors Financial Service Board (FSB).


Transport and Logistics Infrastructure net food exporter. Major import products
South Africa boasts one of the most modern include wheat, rice and vegetable oils.
and extensive transport infrastructures in Despite the farming industry’s declining share
Africa. This infrastructure plays a crucial role of GDP, it remains vital to the economy, and
in the country’s economy and is depended development and stability of the Southern
on by many neighbouring states. The African region. Over the past five years,
government recently announced large-scale agricultural exports have contributed on
upgrading of the country’s infrastructure, average about 8% of total South African
as well as investment in new infrastructure. exports.
Transnet, a state-owned enterprise, is South
Africa’s main transport operator and the Taxation
holding company for Spoornet (rail transport), The South African tax system has changed
Autonet (road transport), Petronet (liquid from a source-based to a residence-based Foreign visitors and residents are able to
petroleum), Portnet (port authority) and Fast system with effect from the 1 January 2001, purchase fully serviced properties at a
Forwards (container shipments). The national in keeping with international trends. This significantly lower cost compared to similar
airline carrier, South African Airways (SAA), means that South African residents will be properties in the western world.
is an incorporated public company owned taxed on their world-wide income. Non-South The low cost of living, the availability of
by the South African government. The airline African residents will still be taxed on income first-world health care, education, sporting
serves more than 700 destinations globally from South African sources, subject to the and recreation facilities and other modern
and carries more than 7 million passengers a double taxation agreements with the different conveniences and luxuries, make the South
year. countries. The principle taxes imposed in African lifestyle one of the most attractive in
South Africa are direct and indirect taxes, as the world.
Natural Resources follows:
South Africa produces 14% of the world’s Investor Issues regarding the Quality of Life in
gold, and has 41% of the world’s known • Direct Taxes include income tax, South Africa are:
reserves. It is estimated that 21 000 tonnes secondary tax on companies (STC), capital • Sophisticated cosmopolitan cities, e.g.
of undeveloped resources - about one fifth gains tax (CGT) and donations tax. Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and
of the world’s un-mined gold - still remains. • Indirect Taxes include value-added tax Durban
These ores are increasingly difficult to exploit (VAT), estate, stamp and transfer duties, • Excellent living standards and medical
due to the great depths at which they are the latter on real estate, customs & excise services
situated and their fairly low-grade quality duties, marketable security taxes, skills • English is commonly spoken
produce. Over the past few years, South development levies, municipal taxes on • International schools
African mining houses have transformed owners of real estate, airport taxes and • World class living conditions
into large, focused mining companies that fuel levies. • Superb recreational and cultural
include Anglo Platinum, Anglogold, De possibilities
Beers, Implats and Iscor. South Africa is the Living and Working in SA since 1994, South • Attractive international tourism destination
world’s largest producer of gold (after China) Africa has emerged as a sophisticated and
and platinum. The country is one of the promising investment destination. The unique Education
leading producers of base metals and coal, combination of a highly developed first- The South African education system is seen
accounting for a significant proportion of both world economic infrastructure and a huge as pivotal to contributing quality of life and to
world production and reserves. The country’s emergent market has given rise to a strong building a democratic nation. The aim is to
diamond industry is the third largest by value, entrepreneurial and dynamic investment provide equal access to life-long education.
and the sixth largest by volume in the world, environment, with many global competitive Education is enshrined in the Constitution
with Russia and Botswana leading in both advantages and opportunities. Thus, living as a basic human right. The South African
categories. and working in South Africa presents education system comprises over 12,3
The agricultural sector is well developed, exciting opportunities and challenges for million learners, including 300 000 university
and secondary manufacturing in the agro- the entrepreneurial and energetic business students and 190 000 technikon students.
processing industries is pervasive, evidenced community.
by many locally-produced food items found in
food retail outlets. Quality of Life Sources:
Today, South Africa is not only self- South Africa offers diverse and abundant www.thedti.gov.za;
sufficient in virtually all major agricultural natural splendour and a year-round temperate www.southafrica.info.co.za;
products, but in a normal year, it is also a climate. www.mediaclubsouthafrica.com


Gautrain – Africa’s beauty for
people on the move
A new energy is buzzing in the streets of Gauteng.
The people in the province of gold cannot wait for Gautrain.
Stations and tracks are taking shape near favourite hot
spots and soon Gautrain will take the first commuters to
new places, new dreams, new opportunities and a new
legacy in public transport.


In schools and offices, in hotels and
shopping malls, people are talking
about a new way of life that this
Golden Train will bring. Ambitious
and upwardly mobile, the people
on the move will soon enjoy the
freedom of arriving on time for a lunch
appointment in Rosebank, a quick
movie in Hatfield, binge shopping in
Jozi, sundowners in Sandton and at
home in Centurion a few minutes later.
The people of Gauteng will sit back
and relax in the comfort of a world-
class train that will get them there
safely, conveniently and on time every
time.
All-day traffic jams and stressors
such as parking shortages, escalating
vehicle insurance premiums, regular
maintenance and rising fuel prices
belong the past. Instead, Gautrain
will become the daily mode of choice
for commuters pressed for time and
convenience. What is more, there is
also a fleet of Gautrain feeder buses to
use if walking to and from a Gautrain
station is a little too far away.
Gauteng is the place to be. Gautrain
is the way to get you around province
of gold. An economic powerhouse
of the continent, Gauteng will boast
a population of around 14,6 million
people by 2015. Having the vision
to provide economic mobility for
its people, the Gauteng Provincial
Government is at the forefront of
infrastructure development that
will transform Gauteng into a truly
competitive global city region.
Furthermore, is expected that an
additional two million job opportunities
can be created in Gauteng during
the period 2005 to 2025 should the
economy of the province grow at an
average annual rate of between 4,5%
and 5%.
By attracting new investments and
changing the lifestyle and landscape
of the province of gold, Gautrain will
contribute significantly towards the
provincial government’s economic
growth forecasts. Already, Gautrain
has exceeded initial targets set for job
creation, local skills development and
capacity building with an estimated
total of 92 900 direct, indirect and
induced jobs created to date. It is
estimated that Gautrain will create and/
or retain about 93 000 direct, indirect
and induced jobs during the design,
construction and commissioning
of the project and more than 2 700
jobs per annum during the operation
and maintenance of the project.
Furthermore, it is estimated that an
additional 40 000 jobs will be created
due to developments in the vicinity of
the stations.


Key Features

• Trains every 12 minutes during peak
periods during the first three years;
thereafter, at ten minute intervals during
these peak periods
• Only 15 minutes between OR Tambo
International Airport Station and Sandton
Station
• Only 42 minutes between Johannesburg
Park Station and Hatfield in Tshwane
• A maximum speed of 160 kilometres per
hour
• 24 separate four-car trains
• Tight security on trains and stations
through access control, electronic
surveillance (over 650 CCTV cameras) and
visible policing
• Bus feeder and distributor services for
passengers up to ten kilometres from
stations.
• The bus and train schedules will be
synchronised.


• Smart card electronic ticketing needing
only one ticket for the train, bus and
parking
• Ten stations on an 80 kilometre route,
between five and eight kilometres apart
• The two forward rail cars on the airport
service will comprise special airport cars Project timeline
with fewer but wider and more luxurious
seats and special areas for baggage Construction started at the end of September
storage near the doors. 2006. Gautrain will be completed in two
• Quick 30 to 45 second stops at stations phases:
• Passengers can transfer easily between The first phase will be completed in June
Gautrain and other forms of transport, 2010. It includes the route between the OR
such as the new Bus Rapid Transport Tambo International Airport and Sandton. It
services, planes, taxis, Metrorail trains and also includes the train and bus depot and
cars operations control centre located south of
• Park-and-ride facilities with more than 10 Allandale Road in Midrand.
000 parking bays at stations The second phase is scheduled for
• To increase capacity after the initial completion by the end of March 2011. That 22 Milky Way Ave,
period, an increasing number of train sets includes the remainder of the route and Linbro Business Park
will be operated as eight-car train sets, stations such as Hatfield, Pretoria, Centurion, Marlboro
comprising two four-car units coupled Midrand, Rosebank and Johannesburg Park Call centre: +27 11 891 7108
together. Station. www.gautrain.co.za


Nelson Mandela
President, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and statesman, Nelson Mandela, the world’s
icon of reconciliation, compassion and goodwill, turned 91 on Saturday 18 July 2009.
Those 91 years have been remarkable.
© Courtesy of Nelson Mandela Foundation. Photographer Matthew Willman.

After spending 27 years in apartheid’s Nelson Mandela Institute for Education and started as an HIV awareness campaign
prisons, Mandela became South Africa’s Rural Development. These organisations is now an international fund-raising
first democratically elected president embody the spirit of reconciliation, ubuntu vehicle for the Mandela charities. This
in 1994. He united a fraught and fearful and social justice, working through year, his birthday was commemorated
country, bringing together blacks and whites strategic networks and partnerships to as Mandela Day, celebrated worldwide.
when South Africa was living through violent capture the vision and values of Mandela’s It is hoped that the day will become an
and troubled times. life; they develop programmes and international movement for good in which
His legacy is enormous, and most partnerships to protect and improve the ordinary citizens contribute their time to
tangible in the Nelson Mandela Foundation, lives of children and youth and nurture assisting less advantaged people to always
the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, the African leaders through scholarship remember the sacrifices Mandela made for
Mandela Rhodes Foundation and the programmes. The 46664 initiative, which peace and reconciliation.


Friendships “For all the public exposure and media
Known affectionately by his clan name attention Madiba remains an enigma to all but
of Madiba, Mandela has friends across his most intimate circle,” concludes Kathrada.
the world – Bill Clinton, Bono of U2,
Naomi Campbell among others. But his In his honour
closest friendships were with his political Nelson Mandela has the freedom of 45 cities
comrades such as Walter Sisulu, Oliver around the world, and honorary citizenship
Tambo and Ahmed Kathrada. Kathrada of 11 cities. In Johannesburg, Madiba’s
and Madiba are the only two surviving image is cast in a 6m high bronze statue and
accused from all three of South Africa’s stands preserved in his famous jive in Nelson
main political trials: the 1952 Defiance Mandela Square.
Campaign Trial, the 1956 Treason Trial and Speaking at the statue’s unveiling in April
the 1963 Rivonia Trial. 2004, Ndileka Mandela, Madiba’s eldest
In his autobiography Memoirs, granddaughter, said: “This is a very happy
Kathrada recounts that he and Mandela statue. The dancing stance pays tribute to
affectionately called one another madala, the spirit of joy and celebration inherent in the
isiZulu for old man. people of South Africa.”
“Charming and charismatic, he has The countless tributes to him around
both a magnetic personality and a the world are without precedent. He has 23
commanding presence,” writes Kathrada. schools, universities and institutions named
“An uncommon amalgam of peasant after him; 25 halls, buildings, monuments and
and aristocrat, he is a living paradox: a housing developments; 13 stadiums, squares,
democrat par excellence, with just a touch plazas, parks and gardens; 91 streets,
of the autocrat; at once proud but simple; roads, boulevards and parks; 32 bursaries
soft yet tenacious; obstinate and flexible; and scholarships, foundations and lectures.
vain one moment and humble the next; Thirteen statues, sculptures and artworks
infinitely tolerant but also impatient.” carry his name.
Kathrada and Mandela spent 18 years Madiba had collected dozens of accolades
together on Robben Island and a further from around the world: 18 sports-related
seven in Pollsmoor Prison, along with honours and awards, and 115 other awards.
Sisulu. Madiba was separated from them He has a range of strange items named
in December 1988 when he was moved to after him: a landfill site, a spider, a seaslug, a
Victor Verster Prison from which he was protea, a tea, an orchid, a rescue dog, and a
released on 11 February 1990. racehorse.


South African Icons
South Africa is a nation of heroes who have overcome hardships in so many
spheres, be it on the sports field, in business or the political arena. But true
icons stand head and shoulders above the rest. They stand out because they
have done something remarkable and with great significance.

President Jacob Zuma

Recently, a South African Icon, Miriam their behalf at the United Nations. In 1986, something and you put your mind to it, then
Makeba – known as the greatest songstress the United Nations awarded her the Dag you’ll get it done.”
of our time – died while performing in Italy. Hammarskjöld Peace Prize and she later won Pistorius was named one of Time
She was nicknamed “Mama Africa” because the Gold Otto Hahn Peace Medal. When Magazine’s Most Influential People of 2008.
for many years her songs represented this Nelson Mandela brought her home after 30 When he was selected, it was said that he
continent to the world. years in exile, she became South Africa’s has challenged the perception that living with
In the 1950s and 60s, when few in Europe Goodwill Ambassador to the UN. a disability is a disadvantage.
or the US considered South African talent, But this country is not short of living In the same list of most influential was
Makeba was an international celebrity legends. Paralympic runner Oscar Pistorius , Jacob Zuma who has triumphed against
singing to packed audiences. She even sang known as “Bladerunner” and “the fastest man adversity to become South Africa’s president.
alongside Marilyn Monroe on former US on no legs”, has let nothing get in the way of Born in KwaZulu Natal, Zuma’s father died
President John F Kennedy’s birthday. breaking 26 world records. He is determined when he was five and he could not afford
She used her fame to fight for human to race against able-bodied runners at the any formal education. He joined the ANC
rights and became the one distinguished next Olympics. “You can’t say that you can’t at 17 and was later convicted of conspiring
voice of the African people, speaking on do something,” he says. “If you want to do to overthrow the government and spent 10


Oscar Pistorius

Helen Zille Miriam Makeba

years on Robben Island alongside his mentors was chosen for being a “national role model William Kentridge was also honoured. Veteran
Nelson Mandela and Govan Mbeki. for making a real difference and giving people international rock icon Lou Reed wrote
He worked his way up in the ANC and hope” as the then Cape Town Mayor. Zille is that Kentridge has the “ability to express
was elected Deputy President in 1999 and known to pull no punches and fight to the end that for which there may be no words” and
held that position until he was fired in 2005. for whatever she believes. that he has “an expression for the most
In December 2007, he won a landslide In 1977 Zille, then a political journalist, inexpressible”.
victory and was elected president of the exposed the truth behind black consciousness Kentridge is South Africa’s best known
ANC and in April 2009 he became the fourth leader Steve Biko’s death in police custody. artist whose work is in demand all over the
democratically elected president of South She joined the political fray in 1990, was world. He works mainly in charcoal drawings
Africa. MEC for Education in the Western Cape with touches of pastel colour. He is also
His opposition, Helen Zille – the leader before being elected as mayor and leader a theatre director and documentary film
of the Democratic Alliance (the opposition of her party in 2007. Following the 2009 producer. He has won much acclaim for his
party) and Premier of the Western Cape – was national elections, she became Premier of the multi-media theatre productions using hand
chosen as World Mayor 2008 by the City Western Cape. In the 2009 Time Magazine’s puppets and is best known for his charcoal-
Mayors, an international urban thinktank. She Most Influencial list, South African artist drawn animated films.


Mark Shuttleworth
SA Icon

When Mark Shuttleworth became South Africa’s first internet billionaire at 26, he gave
each of his 16 employees R1-million rand for their loyalty. When he became the first
African in Space in 2002, he used his journey to benefit the world by doing invaluable
science experiments while in outer space.

This business icon lives his life making He also makes it look so easy. “Every time He was 23 when he started his internet
sure that whatever he does helps many I go for a jog I end up huffing and puffing consultancy in his parents’ garage in Cape
other people. He is the consummate and thinking ‘hell, if I was a bit fitter, this Town that he would sell four years later for
unconventional IT (information technology) would be easier’,” he says. “But the reality R3.58-billion ($575-million). With some of
geek who is generous with his substantial is that if I were fitter, I would just want to that money, he spent training for two years
wealth and determined to make a run further or faster, and end up huffing and in Russia to become the world’s second
difference in this world. puffing anyway.” space tourist. “A big part of willpower is


having something to aspire to, something to
live for,” he says.
In April 2002, he fulfilled his dream
of flying in space, as a cosmonaut crew
member of the Soyuz mission to the
International Space Station.
Although he has lived in London since
2001, he is proud of being a South African
entrepreneur and is determined to helping
previously disadvantaged South Africans.
His investment company Here Be Dragons
(HBD) Venture Capital invests only in South
African companies that have potential
to serve a global market. His non-profit
Shuttleworth Foundation funds projects that
improve the quality and reach of maths and
science education in Africa.
In 2004, Shuttleworth made headlines
when he founded the Ubuntu Project to
produce free operating desktop software.
Ubuntu – meaning “humanity to others” - is
the fastest growing and most celebrated
version of the Linux operating system, with
more than 10 million people running it.
Shuttleworth has become a guru in
internet technology, not least of all for
taking on Microsoft’s Windows with Ubuntu.
He claims, though, his only interest is
spreading the use of free technology. He
says: “A computer is not a device anymore.
It is an extension of your mind and your
gateway to other people.”


South Africa - A Hosting Nation
After a sensational Rugby World Cup final in Johannesburg in 1995, Nelson Mandela famously
donned the Springbok’s green-and-gold jersey before handing the winning trophy to their
captain, Francois Pienaar. The Rainbow Nation went wild and tasted the future where South
Africa would be the outstanding host to non-stop giant sporting events.

A year later, Nelson Mandela was on hand
again to present the winning trophy to the
jubilant South African soccer team, Bafana
Bafana, who triumphed at the continent’s
premier football event, the African Cup
of Nations. World-class facilities and
impeccable management has seen
successive tournaments that are electric,
vibrant and well-supported, and has shown
that South Africa is not only capable of
hosting big sporting events, but able to
make really big successes of them.
Over the years, cricket-lovers have
been spoilt with unbridled action –
cricket’s showcase tournament, the ICC
Cricket World Cup was first, and more
recently, the uber-exciting Twenty20
World Championships. Wildly successful,
the event is indelibly imprinted on the
international psyche as the most exciting
cricket event, ever. When the world’s
biggest Twenty20 tournament, the Indian
Premier League (IPL), needed a new arena,
it was the perfect opportunity for South
Africa to proudly show the world how well it
can host a major event – with just 20 days
to prepare – and shine it did, with cricket
fever infecting local and international fans
alike.
Always a rugby-hungry nation, the
country has welcomed numerous bone-
grinding rugby tours, the most recent being
the British Lions tour where the Springboks
came up trumps. Truly set up to facilitate
the very biggest global sporting events,
South Africa has made a bid to host either
the 2015 or 2019 Rugby World Cup again.
A sell-out crowd of close to 105 000
fans lined the especially built street circuit
in Durban for all the thrills and spills of
the esteemed A1 Grand Prix, making it
the one of the biggest sporting events in
Durban’s history. Called South Africa’s
“coastal playground”, the scenic beachfront
circuit was voted the best round of the
season in the World Cup of Motorsport
by the competing nations. The event
Media Club - Photographer Chris Kirchhoff

has now moved to the Kyalami circuit
in Johannesburg which also facilitates
the adrenalin-pumping World Superbike
Championship.
An uncharacteristically rainy
Johannesburg has played host to the
World Cup of Athletics and Durban has
welcomed the Paralympic Swimming World
Championships, and is a regular stop-off on
the Fina Swimming World Cup short-course


http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0
Media Club - Photographer Chris Kirchhoff

Media Club - Photographer Khanyi Magubane
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0

The country recently showcased the Fifa
Confederations Cup which exploded on
an international audience with colour and
energy. Orchestra’s of vuvuzelas pulsated
to packed stadiums – a fantastic dress
rehearsal for the upcoming mother of all
football events, the FIFA 2010 World Cup.
circuit, drawing some of the world’s best Besides the growing list of international The Rainbow Nation is ticking off the days
swimmers and letting local stars like Ryk competitions, a number of homegrown to this highly prestigious, most watched of
Neethling and Natalie du Toit excel. sporting events have become international international sporting events. Believing that
Golf supporters have been wowed events in their own right. From “Africa’s this World Cup does not belong to South
with the World Cup of Golf, President’s Major”, the annual Nedbank Golf Challenge, Africa alone, but to all of Africa, the nation
Cup (rated one of the best-organised and to the world’s greatest ultra-marathon, the is waiting to show the rest of the world that
most exciting golfing events ever), and the Comrades, many consistently attract a Africa is no longer the “dark continent” but
Women’s World Cup of Golf which South world-class field and thoroughly impress a fascinating, vibrant, intoxicating land, alive
Africa has hosted for several years running. with their professionalism and comraderie. with a fusion of cultures.


Tribute to SA sport
After South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994, the Rainbow Nation
burst into the international sporting arena with enthusiasm and confidence and
has churned out a long list of superstars and incredible winning teams that
have made the country very proud.

The electric 1995 Rugby World Cup heralded Victor Matfield is known for his exceptional
the birth of this new era where a capacity skill at disrupting opposition line-outs
home crowd watched Joel Stransky kick the and was a cornerstone of South Africa’s
drop goal of a lifetime and win the final for 2007 World Cup success where he was
the Springboks against New Zealand 15-12. crowned International Rugby Board (IRB)
The iconic moment where Nelson Mandela player of the tournament. Bryan Habana
presented the Webb Ellis Cup to South was another superstar, scoring eight tries in
African captain Francois Pienaar will be the championship and consequently being
forever etched onto the global memory. named the 2007 IRB Player of the Year. The
Percy Montgomery was the leading point Boks, under the steady captainship of John
scorer in the 2007 Rugby World Cup held Smit – one of South Africa’s most successful
in France, playing a key role in the Boks’ captains ever and the most-capped captain
successful march for the second time to in international rugby history – powered
the Webb Ellis Cup. Montgomery’s 893 Test through the field to beat England 15-6 in
points gives him well over twice as many the final. The Springboks were named 2008
points as the player in second place on the Team of the Year at the prestigious “Sport
all-time Springboks points list, Naas Botha, Oscars” – the Laureus World Sports Awards
who played in only 28 Tests compared to – and are currently ranked number one in the
Montgomery’s 102, as most of Botha’s prime IRB World Rankings.
years were in South Africa’s era of isolation Many of South Africa’s rugby heroes
from world rugby. have been inducted into the International


Rugby Hall of Fame including one of the most
influential South African rugby players ever,
Danie Craven; legendary “The Boot” Naas
Botha; Morné du Plessis; Francois Pienaar
and Joost van der Westhuizen.
Recent South African rugby triumphs
include thumping Australia in Johannesburg
by 45 points, winning in New Zealand for
the first time in 33 years, inflicting the worst
ever defeat on England at Twickenham, and
coming up trumps in the much celebrated
2009 British Lions tour. South Africa is also a
well deserved winner in the 2009 Tri Nations
Series against the southern hemisphere rugby
powerhouses, Australia and New Zealand.
The Boks won an epic victory over New
Zealand to clinch the title and have now won
the Series three times.
South Africa won the IRB Sevens World
Series for the 2008/09 season led by
Mzwandile Stick and thanks to the winning
combination of players like Vuyo Zangqa and
Gio Aplon. This means South Africa now hold
the “World Champions” title in both 15-a-side
and Sevens rugby – the first time the two
cups have been united in a single trophy
cabinet.
South African cricket icons like Alan
Donald, Shaun Pollock and Hansie Cronje
have become household names and no one
will ever forget the flying Jonty Rhodes who
shot to fame in a game against Pakistan
during the 1992 Cricket World Cup when
he dived full length, ball in hand, to break
the stumps and effect a run out. Pakistan’s
innings faltered from then on and South Africa
won by twenty runs.
The current Proteas team is under the
stewardship of captain Graeme Smith and
the team has gone from strength to strength
beating New Zealand, the West Indies,
Pakistan and Bangladesh in test matches, as
well as drawing a series in India and winning
their first test series in England since 1965.
Pace bowling sensation Dale Steyn currently
holds the second best bowling strike rate in
Tests and was awarded the prestigious ICC
2008 Test Cricketer of the Year Award.
The world’s biggest Twenty20 tournament,
the Indian Premier League (IPL), came to
South Africa’s shores in 2009 with much
fanfare and allowing top South African players
like AB de Villiers to shine for all to see at the
‘Challenge of Champions’.
Legendary Gary Player is one of the icons
of golfing worldwide. With his nine major
championship victories, he is generally
regarded as one of the greatest players in the
history of golf and is one of only five players
to win golf’s “career Grand Slam”. In 2000,
Player was voted “Sportsman of the Century”
in South Africa.
Player is succeeded by Ernie Els and Retief
Goosen, both top professional players who
have won major championships including
several U.S. Open titles. Els won the World
Match Play Championship a record seven
times, held the number one spot in the Official


World Golf Rankings and has been ranked in
the top ten for a record 750 weeks. Goosen
started the 2009 season well with two wins
on two major tours.
South African swimming showed that it is
a force to be reckoned with, when the dream
team won the prestigious men’s 4x100 metre
freestyle relay at the 2004 Summer Olympics.
The incredible four consisted of Roland
Schoeman, Lyndon Ferns, Darian Townsend
and Ryk Neethling. Neethling currently holds
several South African and world records, and
Schoeman is the former World Record Holder
in the 50 m Freestyle.
A hero of exceptional courage and
ambition is Natalie du Toit who qualified as
the first female amputee swimmer ever to
qualify for the Olympics, where she placed
16th in a field of 24 at the 2008 Summer
Olympics in the 10,000 metre swim. She is
best known for the gold medals she won at
the 2004 Paralympic Games as well as the
Commonwealth Games.


The 2009 International Association of the FIFA Confederations Cup where they
of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World narrowly lost 1-0 to Brazil. South Africans
Championships in Berlin saw two South rallied behind football in a unified show
African stars shine – Mbulaeni Mulaudzi filled with wonderfully noisy vuvuzelas
powered through to win the men’s 800 and pimped-up construction hats called
metres gold medal and Godfrey Khotso makarapas – the event was celebrated as an
Mokoena jumped to a silver medal in the hotly excellent dress rehearsal for the upcoming
contested men’s Long Jump. FIFA 2010 World Cup.
Soccer is the sport of the masses in South As the first football World Cup to be held
Africa and has churned out icons like Doctor on African soil, the government has invested
Khumalo, Lucas Radebe, Jomo Sono and billions of Rand to ensure that the FIFA 2010
Gary Bailey. The current superheroes, Benni World Cup South Africa will be the best
McCarthy, Shaun Bartlett, Quinton Fortune one ever. Five spectacular uniquely-African
and Steven Pienaar, have all been snapped stadiums have been built – the unforgettable
up by the illustrious European football clubs. Soccer City Stadium has been built to
The continent’s premier footballing event, look like a vast cooking pot simmering
the African Cup of Nations, took place above a ring of fire – and other venues and
on home soil in 1995 and saw a jubilant infrastructure are being massively upgraded.
Bafana Bafana and captain Neil Tovey being As all eyes turn to South Africa, the Rainbow
presented the winning trophy by mighty Nation will be hoping the home crowd
Madiba. More recently, the boys did the advantage will power Bafana Bafana to
nation proud as they powered through some victory and continue to make South African
tough opposition to reach the semi-finals sporting history.


Homecoming Revolution
President Jacob Zuma told the World Economic Forum
2009 how the international financial crisis has provided an
opportunity to reverse the ‘braindrain’.

“Many economic emigrants have for a better life than they had in South But all who return will tell you just how
now discovered that the grass is not Africa and then returning home when they much they missed their strong family
necessarily greener on the other side, and realised what they had was what they networks, old friends, familiarity and the
will hopefully come home soon to assist really wanted. weather, says Martine Shaffer, managing
with planning for our recovery,” he said. Each returning emigrant has their own director of Homecoming Revolution, an
But South Africans overseas were story. Some left home with big career organisation aimed at reversing the South
already coming home in their droves. For dreams after university and others sought African skills shortage. There has been
most of them, it was a matter of searching refuge from crime and a weakening rand. a definite increase in folks returning,


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