Yet another South African public holiday is about to roll around, and while it’s always fun to have another excuse to chill in the sunshine and braai, it’s really best that you actually know what the holiday is about.
This is an incredibly dynamic country with such a rich history, there’s a lot to know. So, let’s start small with a few facts about Mzansi that will make you just a bit smarter.
1. What is Freedom Day?
We have a lot of public holidays and they all have an important story behind them. On Tuesday, we’ll be celebrating Freedom Day, a day which commemorates our first democratic elections, which were held in 1994.
These were the first national elections, post-apartheid, where every citizen (and foreign citizens with permanent residence) over the age of 18 were eligible to vote.
2. It’s the Cradle of Humankind
Yes, it all started right here in South Africa! In fact, it started just northwest of Johannesburg in the Sterkfontein Caves where archaeologists have discovered the oldest human remains – two million years old.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to human fossils which are on display at the Maropeng Visitors Centre and Sterkfontein Caves.
3. It’s the only country with three capital cities
Not satisfied with doing anything as a singular, South Africa opted to have not one, but three capital cities which represent the sectors of government. First up is Cape Town which is the judicial capital.
Then there’s Pretoria – the administrative capital. Finally, Bloemfontein, which is the legislative capital.
4. We have the world’s highest bungee jump
We love a good thrill-seeker but only the bravest would dare leap off Bloukrans Bridge and sail the 216m towards Bloukrans River below. Found in Tsitsikamma on the border of the Eastern Cape and Western Cape, is the globe’s highest bungee jump.
5. It’s the only country where two Nobel prize winners lived on the same street
On the famous Vilikazi Street in Johannesburg’s Soweto lived two very influential people who would go on to make history and positively impact the country’s trajectory forever.
Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu both resided on Vilikazi Street at some point in their lives, and both went on to win the Nobel Peace Prize – Tutu in 1984 and Madiba in 1993 (shared with then-president FW de Klerk).
6. Table Mountain is one of the oldest mountains in the world
From mountains of men to an actual mountain…and probably one of the most iconic mountains in the world. Table Mountain.
The pride of Cape Town. But more than just being a captivating geological formation, Table Mountain is believed to be one of the globe’s oldest mountains, dating back some 260 million years. It’s also home to thousands of species of plant life and makes for some wonderful walks.
7. South Africa is home to the oldest meteor scar
In this country rich with natural beauty, it’s hard not to find a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but the one just outside Parys is certainly worth mentioning.
The Vredefort Dome, about 120 kilometres south of Johannesburg, is considered to be the world’s oldest meteor scar – also known as an astrobleme. It dates back more than 2 million years, and has a radius of 190km.
Now you’re all prepped, go off and enjoy your Freedom Day celebratory braai in the sunshine… just a little more informed that you were at last year’s (lockdown) celebration.
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