About South Africa

Arts & Culture

South Africa has a long history of supporting the high arts. Art has been a natural expression of what Archbishop Desmond referred to as the “Rainbow Nation”. Rainbow Nation refers to the many cultures that make up the South African population. The art, dance and music of South Africa put each of these cultures on display. The traditional black African cultures have blended beautifully with the Dutch influences within the nation over time. The music scene in South Africa is especially diverse. South African musicians are pushing the boundaries of genres such as gospel, jazz and even rock! Traditional regional styles are still widely created and listened to by music lovers throughout South Africa and the world.

Another way that the Rainbow Nation reflects its beauty is through the different languages, religions and clothing of various ethnic and cultural groups. Despite these differences, the various cultures of South Africa have come together to form an exuberantly diverse country.

Travel & Leisure

The cities of South Africa offer a stunning variety of both terrain and cultural offerings. Wildlife remains the primary driver of South Africa’s thriving tourism industry. There is no other country on Earth where lions, hippos and even penguins can be found naturally in the wild. Tourists can easily travel to internationally-known sites such as Table Mountain and the Kalahari Desert and experience all the biodiversity that South Africa has to offer.

Often overlooked by tourists travelling to South Africa is the incredible night life. Long Street in Cape Town is well-known for having a vibrant clubbing and bar scene. During the day time hours, tourists can fabulous South African wines. South Africa boasts a mature wine making industry, the oldest wineries outside of Europe are found.

Tourism, with its massive public and economic value, continues to improve the lives of millions of people in South Africa, on the African continent, and around the world.

.In South Africa, tourism contributed R136, 1 billion (USD 98,2, billion) about 2.9% of the total gross domestic product (GDP) in 2017. When tourism’s indirect and induced benefits across a very broad value chain are factored in, the total contribution amounts to R412,5 billion, ( USD 29.7 billion) or 8.9% of the GDP.Tourism directly and indirectly supported about 1,5 million jobs in 2017, 9.5% of total employment, and there is potential to grow employment in the sector to 2,1 million jobs by 2028.

Business, trade & Investment

South Africa is one of the largest economy in Africa boasts one of the highest GDPs in the region. This financial success stems in part from the perception that South Africa is a forward-thinking and generally prosperous nation. The tourism industry has helped to keep unemployment rates low. The industry currently accounts for ten percent of jobs held by South Africans. Investment in South Africa has expanded with international trade based in countries such as the UK, Germany and France. South Africa’s favorable economic and political climate should attract additional foreign investments that will strengthen the economy.

South African’s Energy Sectors – Energy resources

South Africa has very limited oil reserves. About 60% of its crude oil requirements are met by imports from the Middle East and Africa. The country produces about 5% of its fuel needs from gas, about 35% from coal and about 50% from local crude oil refineries. About 10% is imported from refineries elsewhere in the world.

South Africa’s original energy supply base is dominated by coal. Worldwide, a coal is the most widely used primary fuel, accounting for about 36 percent of the total fuel consumption of the world’s electricity production. About 77 percent of South Africa’s main energy requirements are provided by coal. Many of the deposits can be exploited at exceptionally favorable costs and, as a result, a large coal-mining industry has developed. About 51 percent of South African coal mining is done underground and about 49 percent is produced by open-cast methods. Production is concentrated in large mines, with 11 mines accounting for 70 percent of the output. South African coal for local electricity production is among the cheapest in the world.

The South Africa’s coal production feeds the various local industries:

• 62 percent is used for electricity generation.
• 23 percent for petrochemical industries (Sasol);
• 8 percent for general industry;
• 4 percent for the metallurgical industry (Mittal); and
• 4 percent is purchased by merchants and sold locally or exported.

Hydropower Energy

Energy from water can be generated from waves, tides, waterfalls and rivers and will never be depleted as long as water is available. South Africa has a mix of small hydroelectricity stations and pumped-water storage schemes. The Grand Inga Hydro-electrical Project, in partnership with the Democratic Republic of Energy and Water Official Guide to South Africa 2017/18 6 Congo, was expected to generate over 48 000 MW of clean hydro-electricity. South Africa was expected have access to over 15 000 MW.

Mineral resources

The South African mining industry remains a significant contributor to the country’s inclusive economic growth, transformation and skills development. It continues to offer unparalleled opportunities for both local and international investors, and has provided impetus for the development of infrastructure The country is richly endowed with mineral resources and produces more than 30 metal and mineral products. It has huge potential with respect to mineral reserves, exploration and production. The country ranks first in the quantity of world reserves of chrome ore, fluorspar, and manganese ore, platinum group metals (PGMs) and zirconium. South Africa is the world’s second-largest palladium producer.