As we continue to work our way through the 10th month of 2020, the stress of the year might begin to take its toll.
We’ve survived a pandemic, lost loved ones, had long-held dreams overturned and are sitting with a bank balance substantially depleted.
But the key thing is we’ve made it this far, and will continue to overcome the difficulties of the year by looking at the positives around us.
Here’s an inspirational overview of our country’s achievements over the years as a way to get in the right frame of mind going forwards.
Most official languages on the globe
A diverse and multi-cultural society, South Africa is the only country in the world that recognises all 11 languages as official. Most of the citizens can speak at least two of the following languages:
* English
* isiZulu
* isiXhosa
* Afrikaans
* isiNdebele
* Sepedi
* Setswana
* Sesotho
* Xitsonga
* SiSwati
* Tshivenda
One of first countries legalising same-sex marriage
With one of the most modern constitutions in the world, South Africa was one of the forerunners in legalising same-sex marriage.
In fact, South Africa was the fifth country globally to pass this legislation back in 2006.
However, there are still many cultures that do not embrace the lifestyle and work is being done to encourage open-minded debate and discussion.
Nobel laureate winners
The country has many influential citizens, some of whom have been recognised on the international stage with Nobel Prizes.
Two of our Nobel Prize winners (Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu) even lived on the same street – Vilikazi Street in Soweto.
Nobel Prize winners who lived in South Africa when they won the award:
* Max Theiler: Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine (1951)
* Albert Luthuli: Nobel Prize for Peace (1960)
* Desmond Tutu: Nobel Prize for Peace (1984)
* Nadine Gordimer: Nobel Prize in Literature (1991)
* Nelson Mandela: Nobel Prize for Peace (1993)
* Frederik W de Klerk: Nobel Prize for Peace (1993)
* John M Coetzee: Nobel Prize in Literature (2003)
Nobel Prize winners born in South Africa but residing elsewhere at the time of the award:
* Allan M Cormack: Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine (1979)
* Sydney Brenner: Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine (2002)
Coastline of shipwrecks
The wealth of minerals and riches has drawn many an intrepid traveller to South Africa’s rocky shores, some of whom have had success, many of whom have ended at the bottom of the ocean. Because of this, the 2 500km coastline has more than 2 000 shipwrecks, some more than five centuries old, with many world-class diving sites giving visitors the chance to view them up close.
World’s highest bungee jump
Extreme adventurers come to South Africa every year to navigate river rapids, swim with sharks and jump off cliffs. In fact, the country is home to the world’s highest commercial bridge-based bungee, the 216m high Bloukrans Bridge in the Eastern Cape.
Astronomical impact
The natural abundance and historical notables found within South Africa have resulted in many World Heritage Sites proclaimed, one of which is the Vredefort Dome. This is home to Earth’s largest meteor crater which is evidence of the greatest single release of energy in Earth’s history.
The impact crater is about 300km in radius, estimated to be travelling 36 000km per hour
World’s deepest mine
Renowned for its gold mines which triggered the 1886 gold rush, South Africa is home to the world’s deepest mine – Mponeng Gold Mine in Witwatersrand.
Sitting some 4km deep, the mine could fit 10 Empire State Buildings stacked on top of each other.
While being inspired by past achievements, we can also look forward to great things in the future, no matter what’s happening right now!
HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer
