South Africa
Here are some factual data, news, travel information, and commentary from the associates of Spanitz Consulting. Jump to current South African news...
Photos posted on Ofoto (a Kodak company): Albums 1 - 2 - 3 - 4
The United States' Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) maintains a free online database of just about every country in the world. Read about their take on South Africa here.
The United States' State Department gives an economic overview of South Africa here.
Countrywatch gives another perspective about South Africa, including important government issues, as well as notable social and everyday news items.
SouthAfrica.info seems to be a government-sponsored general information and tourism website. Lots of good info here.
A quick overview of South Africa is available here, as a handy quick read.
Frommers travel guides has a summary of South Africa here.
Learn a few Zulu words here.
Always consider the local holidays when planning business travel. Check out TimeAndDate to discover holidays around the world.
Don't forget that the electricity is 220 volts and the electrical plugs are different from North America. In South Africa, the plugs are round, and in a triangle configuration. Buy a step-down converter and/or a plug adapter here or here.
South Africa's telephone country code is 27 -- dialing to South Africa from the United States would look like this: 011 27 082 1234567
011 = how to get an international line in the United States
27 = South Africa's country code
082 = the "city code" (you have to track this down - this one is for Randburg)
1234567 = the phone numberIf you need access to other country dialing codes, use this.
Currency conversion is available here. South Africa uses the Rand, and compared to the US dollar, it is approximately six or seven Rand to one dollar (as of 15 August 2004). The South African government is in the process of adjusting its currency value, banking, etc. to try to correct what they see as a devalue in the Rand.
Current weather for South Africa, thanks to CNN. Remember that South Africa is in the southern hemisphere, which means the seasons are opposite of what they are in the United States (USA summer = SA winter).
The official South African Weather service is here.
To convert Celcius to Fahrenheit, go here.
Best to play it safe and stay knowledgeable of any health concerns world-wide. The United States Center for Disease Control (CDC) maintains an online listing of any outbreaks or other health concerns here.
If traveling outside of your home country, consider getting emergency medical insurance to supplement your usual health insurance. International SOS is a reasonably-priced option.
Need to stock up on high-powered bug spray? What about bug netting? Travmeds is a good start for safari supplies.
Visa and entry requirements are explained here, on the South African Department of Home Afairs wesbite. Here is another good website for preparing yourself to visit South Africa.
Current News and Newspapers
Business Report - financial and commercial news
Channel Africa - sound bites and broadcasts
City Press - newspaper
Daily Dispatch - newspaper
IAfrican.com - general news
Mail & Guardian - newspaper
Pretoria News - newspaper in the country capital
The Star - newspaper
The Sunday Independent - newspaper
