http://www.southafrica.com/blog/ en 2012-02-08T03:21:32-06:00 hourly 6 2012-02-08T03:21:32-06:00 http://www.southafrica.com/blog/historical-legacy-of-cape-dutch-architecture 2012-02-08T03:21:32-06:00 en Editor Features The elegant style of architecture that came to be known as Cape Dutch architecture, evolved over a period of time from the 17th century through to the early 19th century. Early Cape Dutch buildings were simple thatched-roof, whitewashed farmhouses. They were generally rectangular in shape, with a wooden frame, wattle and clay walls, and shuttered windows symmetrically placed either side of the central front door. Floors were made of mud or dung inset with peach pits and polished to a shine. Most houses had only two rooms leading off either side of the front hallway, with one used as a living room and the other used for sleeping. As owners became more prosperous, this was reflected in the architecture and only a few examples of this early form Cape Dutch architecture remain, one of which is at the Kleinplasie Museum in Worcester. http://www.southafrica.com/blog/leshiba-wilderness-nature-reserve 2012-01-25T01:59:24-06:00 en Editor Features Covering an area of around 90,000 hectares, the Soutpansberg Conservancy was established to protect the natural treasures of this beautiful part of the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Included in the Soutpansberg Conservancy is the Leshiba Wilderness nature reserve, with its mixed terrain of spectacular gorges, gushing waterfalls, indigenous forests and wide open plains, offering visitors a wide variety of picture-perfect scenery. Hikers will enjoy the challenge of exploring the sandstone mountains, the cultural experience of visiting sites featuring ancient rock art and the thrill of walking among the resident wildlife. Birding enthusiasts are assured of spotting a number of bird species, and a sundowner game drive through the Leshiba Wilderness is the perfect way to end a day of reconnecting with nature. http://www.southafrica.com/blog/tomorrow-s-leaders-convention-2012-adds-a-new-dimension 2012-01-20T04:12:05-06:00 en Editor Newsworthy With the theme of sustainable leadership and an emphasis on mentorship, the 5th annual Tomorrow's Leaders Convention will add a new dimension to the proceedings at the Sandton International Convention Centre on 13 March 2012. http://www.southafrica.com/blog/tradition-and-heritage-at-sandstone-estate 2012-01-11T01:53:35-06:00 en Editor Features The fertile region of the Free State Province located along the little Caledon River on the border between Lesotho and South Africa, is characterized by wide open plains against the backdrop of the sandstone outcrops of the Maluti Mountains. It is here that visitors will find Sandstone Estates and the Sandstone Heritage Trust, a private farming enterprise committed to preserving aspects of South African heritage and tradition which may otherwise disappear. In addition to using traditional farming methods to grow organic produce, the Sandstone Heritage Trust is the home of some of the original steam locomotives which carried goods and passengers along a network of railway tracks, playing an essential role in linking the towns and cities of South Africa in the past. http://www.southafrica.com/blog/explore-the-hanglip-hiking-trail 2011-12-28T03:32:30-06:00 en Editor Travel Forming part of the Soutpansberg mountain range in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, the Hanglip mountain peak stands out as a prominent landmark which is visible from the N1 national road and the nearby town of Makhado. The Soutpansberg/Hanglip Hiking Trail winds its way through the beautiful indigenous forest, pine plantations and bushveld fauna of the Hanglip Reserve and State Forest, offering hikers some stunning scenery and the opportunity to spot majestic crowned eagles that breed in the area. http://www.southafrica.com/blog/delve-into-diamonds-at-the-cape-town-diamond-museum 2011-12-14T02:39:50-06:00 en Editor Features Did you know that South Africa produced the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever to be discovered? Do you know what this super-diamond is called and why? Do you know how much it weighed, what the measurement unit is for diamonds, and the origins of the term? These are just some of the fascinating facts you will discover at Cape Town's latest attraction – the Cape Town Diamond Museum. http://www.southafrica.com/blog/durban-buzzes-with-activity-while-hosting-cop17 2011-11-30T02:25:51-06:00 en Editor Features The vibrant city of Durban is currently hosting the much-publicized UN Convention of Climate Change – COP17 – where representatives from developing and developed countries are trying to reach consensus on how the world should tackle the thorny issue of climate change. A large media presence is ensuring that every aspect of COP17 is being reported, making the public aware of how vital it is for action to be taken now, in the interests of current and future generations. With hundreds of delegates and reporters visiting the popular coastal city, Durban has laid out a host of special activities to entertain its visitors and locals, while at the same time focusing on issues uppermost in everyone's minds – climate change, sustainable development, carbon footprints, and the environment in general. http://www.southafrica.com/blog/kwazulu-cultural-museum-a-tribute-to-the-zulu-nation 2011-11-16T00:55:59-06:00 en Editor Features Showcasing an impressive collection of items representing the Nguni-speaking peoples of South-Eastern Africa, the KwaZulu Cultural Museum is located at Ondini, near Ulundi, in the eMakhosini Valley – the Valley of the Zulu Kings – in the KwaZulu Natal Province of South Africa. The museum chronicles the history of the Zulu nation from its roots through to modern times, detailing the lives of great leaders such as Shaka and his successor, Cetshwayo, as well as their belief systems and how the Zulu culture is viewed in the world of today. http://www.southafrica.com/blog/koffiefontein-a-blend-of-tradition-and-history 2011-10-31T13:14:30-05:00 en Editor Features The small town of Koffiefontein in the southern Free State started off as a stopover spot for transport riders in the 1800s, as they travelled between the coast and burgeoning diamond fields and gold mines up north. The name of the town, translated "Coffee Fountain" is a reference to the strong brew transport riders would make, grinding up their coffee beans and using the water of the natural spring. Upon the discovery of diamonds near the spring in 1870, a town quickly developed as miners started to excavate the ground in the hope of finding more of the high quality diamonds the area became known for. http://www.southafrica.com/blog/dassen-island-african-penguin-haven 2011-10-24T10:41:58-05:00 en Editor Features Home to some 68,000 African penguins, Dassen Island is located in the Atlantic Ocean around 55 kilometers north of Cape Town and 9 kilometers off the coastline near the West Coast village of Yzerfontein. The island is also home to a functioning lighthouse that has been serving as a beacon for seafarers since it was built in 1893, warning them to be cautious along this treacherous stretch of coastline that is often enshrouded in mist and has claimed a number of victims. Before the building of the lighthouse, shipwrecks were common in this area and the island derives its name from the rock rabbits (dassies) that were released there as a food source for shipwreck survivors.