Discovering South Africa’s Beautiful Culture

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Discovering South Africa’s beautiful Culture

Monday, 19 March 2012 09:19
By Srimal Fernando

Unparalleled in its cultural and ethnic diversity South Africa, known as the “Land of Rainbows” is one destinations for which any number of praising words seems inadequate. Home to eight of the world’s official UNESCO heritage sites the country is a tranquil destination, ideal for newcomers. The countries rich history dates back to some of the earliest human settlements in the world. South Africa has always held an attraction for the outsiders since the historic times. In 1487, the Portuguese became the first European nation known to have reached South Africa. After the British annexure of the Cape Colony in the nineteenth centaury the country witnessed an outburst of immigrants during the time of mineral discovery.

At present South Africans could proudly hold their heads up high because of Mandela’s struggle to end apartheid. Nelson Mandela known as Madiba had endured two decades of imprisonment and was one of the greatest figures, who brought a renaissance to South Africa’s unique social and political history. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for his efforts to introduce democracy to his country and has become a world wide symbol of hope and endurance. This year, the country celebrates 18 years of freedom and democracy on National Freedom Day. Every year on April 27 the significance of Freedom Day is remembered throughout the country. The road to advent of non racial democracy in the country was a long and difficult one. South African Freedom Day has a unique story that eventually shaped and molded the country’s progress. Since1994, the first democratic and non-racial national election was held on this day. As a result, today South Africa has a multicultural population living side by side with equal respect and pride. The nation has produced several world-renowned authors, musicians and artists and hosts a broad variety of colleges, academies and universities. The country boasts a wide variety of interesting places.

The Cape of Good Hope, Kruger National Park, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Robben Island, Drakensberg and Table mountains are some of the prominent attractions that appeal to many visitors from all parts of the world. South Africa is also known for its rich varieties of cuisines and wines. Cape Town, Bloemfontain and   Pretoria are some of the thriving cities with vibrant cultural life crowded with a   legacy of a rich cultural past .and centers of intellectual and artistic achievements. The modern buildings with array of giant cranes show the development fever in these cities. The culture of the country   has profoundly influenced the entire African continent. South Africa possesses an exciting year-round calendar of world class and unique local events. Besides all the modern offerings, the country is also famous for cultural performance of songs, dances and entertainment. History South African cinema and drama is the record of generations of young actors, filmmakers and behind-the-scenes workers, cultivating their art through a succession of distinct cultural eras. Theatres and dance venues are mostly alive in many cities presenting classics to home grown dance, drama and comedy.