There is a tangible sense of pride and optimism amongst the vast majority of South Africans after the 10th anniversary celebrations of the 1994 democratic elections in 2004, and the recently awarded 2010 soccer World Cup.
A decade ago it seemed almost unbelievable that a huge and ethnically diverse nation could move from the nightmare of apartheid to majority rule without a continuation of the violence that preceded the elections.
Many white South Africans left the country at that time, and there were widespread forecasts of impending failure for the fledgling democracy.
Now many of those that left are trying to return, South Africa has a booming economy driven by exports and the tourist trade, and the Rand is close to an all-time high on the international currency markets.
People
77% of the population is black, 10% white, 8% mixed race, and 3% of Asian descent.
There are still strong cultural differences not only between these ethnic groups, but also within them.
Long standing tribal rivalries and the rivalries between the whites of British and Afrikaner descent are never far from the surface, however there is an increasing appreciation that these differences should be celebrated rather than irradiated.
Some visitors will undoubtedly be dismayed by some of the political views that they will encounter, especially amongst older Afrikaners, however this minority is becoming increasingly marginal over time.
Languages
There are literally dozens of languages in South Africa, however the 11 official languages are Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, Pedi, English, Tswana, Sotho, Tsonga, Swati, Venda, Ndebele.
Whilst many visitors will hear at least a couple of the tribal languages during the course of there stay, it is possible to travel extensively and comfortably without having to speak or understand anything other than English.
Even if somebody starts to speak to you in Afrikaans, they will almost invariably be able to understand English.
However, taking the time to learn a few words in Afrikaans, Zulu, or Xhosa will help you win a few more friends along the way!
A few useful phrases to know in Afrikaans could be:
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Good morning! - Goeie more!
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How's it going? - Hoe gaan dit?
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Great/Wonderful - Lekker
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Please - Asseblief
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Thanks - Dankie
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Goodbye - Totsiens
