Archive for November, 2009

Early Beginnings of Durban

November 24th, 2009

The region of KwaZulu-Natal has been inhabited since the Stone Age.  Rock art relics were found in caves throughout the Drakensberg mountain range, where it is believed the Khoi-San people lived as hunter-gatherers for thousands of years.  Vasco de Gama, the Portuguese explorer, landed along this coast in 1497 while discovering the passage from Europe to India.  He named the area Natal.  Trade slowly developed along the coast and marooned mariners built temporary shelters around present-day Durban.       

 

The Birth of Durban

 

Durban as a city was established around 1824 when British Lieutenant FG Farewell and a party of 25 men arrived from the Cape colony and subsequently established themselves on the northern shore of the Bay of Natal.  After a meeting in 1835, the white residents of this region decided to build a town which was called D’Urban, named after Sir Benjamin D’Urban, governor of the Cape at the time.  1838 saw whites of continental descent trekking from the Cape colony to escape British rule.  They established the Republic of Natalia, with Pietermaritzburg as the capital.  However, fierce conflict with the local Zulu tribe led to the well-known “Battle of Blood River”; this conflict even spilled over to Durban which caused the city to be evacuated.  Due to military pressure, the Afrikaners had to accept British annexation in 1844.  As a result of this, a lot of Afrikaners left Durban, instead opting to head north where they established Transvaal and the Orange Free State.  A British governor was appointed in Durban while settlers flooded to the area in large numbers.  In 1854, the municipality of Durban was set up.

 

 

This article forms part of The Ultimate South African Tourist Guide White Paper.  It is an essential guide to any tourist who has the opportunity to explore South Africa, containing all the information you could possibly need to ensure your stay is an enjoyable one.  Featuring the best restaurants, accommodation, spots to shop, attractions and much more, all listed according to the specific region in question, this guide will be the ultimate in assisting your travels.  It is available to those members of the public who are interested in purchasing a piece of land in South Africa, and subsequently becoming a shareholder of land in South Africa. Visit http://www.ageofafrica.co.za to find out more about this project.

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Which countries qualified for the 2010 Soccer Finals?

November 24th, 2009

The qualification process for the 2010 Soccer Finals has finally concluded as all 32 participating teams have been determined.  Dreams renewed, hearts broken, tears shed, it is all over.  There are not a lot of surprises as all the favourites such as England, Italy, Spain, Brazil, and Germany will be in action.  Although some of the major nations such as Argentina, France, and Portugal struggled at times, in the end they made it to soccer’s showpiece event.  Something special about the 19th Soccer Finals is the fact that all previous winners of the competition will be in action in South Africa. 

Below are all the teams from the different confederations of world soccer which qualified for the 2010 Soccer Finals:

Europe

Denmark, England, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland

 

South America

Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay

 

North & Central America, Caribbean

Honduras, Mexico, USA

 

Africa

Algeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, South Africa (hosts)

 

Asia

Australia, Japan, North Korea, South Korea

 

Oceania

New Zealand

 

This article forms part of The Ultimate South African Tourist Guide White Paper.  It is an essential guide to any tourist who has the opportunity to explore South Africa, containing all the information you could possibly need to ensure your stay is an enjoyable one.  Featuring the best restaurants, accommodation, spots to shop, attractions and much more, all listed according to the specific region in question, this guide will be the ultimate in assisting your travels.  It is available to those members of the public who are interested in purchasing a piece of land in South Africa, and subsequently becoming a shareholder of land in South Africa. Visit http://www.ageofafrica.co.za to find out more about this project.

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Exploring Cape Town’s Wine Routes

November 20th, 2009

Wine tasting and viticulture have almost become synonymous with Cape Town’s wine routes over the years.  Wine routes, vineyards, and wine farms are in abundance in and around Cape Town.  Even if you are not a wine lover, but only visiting Cape Town for the 2010 Soccer Finals, you can still enjoy the beautiful wine routes and wine estates that wind around Cape Town’s countryside. 

 

There are plenty of different Cape Town wine routes to choose from.  Stellenbosh, for example, is home to four main wine routes, which includes Helderberg, Simonsberg, Bottlary Hills, and Devon Valley.  This wine route can be explored by car, and is very popular due to its spectacular scenery.  Because the wine farms in the area is located so close to each other, it allows enough opportunity to squeeze in several visits per day. 

 

Worcester in the Breede River Valley is another Cape Town wine route worth visiting.  There are plenty of wine farms situated in Worcester, each offering wine tasting opportunities together with restaurants and shops.  A variety of fauna and flora as well as a number of historic buildings can be viewed here.

 

The town of Wellington is another great Cape Town wine route of choice.  The town is located in the Boland area of the region.  Over a dozen wine farms, together with a brandy route, can be explored.  The beautiful scenery alone would be enough reason to go on this route. 

 

Conclude your Cape Town wine route experience with a trip through the Somerset West region.  The town is situated in the Helderberg wine route region and offers visitors the chance to visit more than 30 wine farms.  Visitors can also enjoy a golf course, a nature reserve, and a shopping mall as well.

 

This article forms part of The Ultimate South African Tourist Guide White Paper.  It is an essential guide to any tourist who has the opportunity to explore South Africa, containing all the information you could possibly need to ensure your stay is an enjoyable one.  Featuring the best restaurants, accommodation, spots to shop, attractions and much more, all listed according to the specific region in question, this guide will be the ultimate in assisting your travels.  It is available to those members of the public who are interested in purchasing a piece of land in South Africa, and subsequently becoming a shareholder of land in South Africa. Visit http://www.ageofafrica.co.za to find out more about this project.

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Info on Soccer City

November 18th, 2009

Soccer City, formerly known as the FNB Stadium, is the flagship venue for the 2010 Soccer Finals, as it will be hosting both the opening match and the final.  Originally built in 1987, Soccer City has played host to some of the most memorable moments in South African soccer history, including Bafana Bafana’s 1996 African Cup of Nation’s triumph.   After South Africa was awarded the hosting rights for soccer’s showcase event, Soccer City was completely rebuilt.  Soccer City’s capacity was enlarged from 80,000 to the current 94,000.  Other renovations done on Soccer City include an encircling roof, new changing rooms, as well as new floodlights.  All these changes mean that Soccer City is now officially the largest and most modern stadium on African soil.

 

Soccer City’s unique calabash-shaped design is one feature that makes it stand out among the rest of the 2010 Soccer Finals Stadia.  The calabash was picked because it is a uniquely African object and a recognizable symbol of the African continent.  In Africa, the calabash is traditionally used for cooking food over a fire.  Socially, it is synonymous with entertaining friends, spending time with family, and sharing stories.

 

With state-of-the-art media facilities, team whirlpools, top-class VIP areas for dignitaries, accessibility for disabled fans, as well as a top-notch audio-visual setup to keep the fans informed during the game, Soccer City is truly a world class sporting venue.

 

During the 2010 Soccer Finals, Soccer City will host the opening match, four more first-round matches, a second round match, a quarter-final, and the final.

 

 

Games scheduled for Soccer City:

 

11 June 2010
Match: South Africa vs Team A2
Time:  16:00

14 June 2010
Match:  Team E1 vs Team E2
Time: 13:30

17 June 2010
Match: Team B1 vs Team B3
Time: 20:30

20 June 2010
Match: Team G1 vs Team G3
Time: 20:30

23 June 2010
Match: Team D4 vs Team D1
Time: 20:30

27 June 2010 – Preliminary Round
Match: Team 1B vs Team 2A
Time: 20:30
Determined by the results of group stages

02 July 2010 – Quarter Final
Match: Team 1 vs Team 3
Time: 20:30
Determined by the results of group stages

11 July 2010 – Final
Match: Winner semi-final 1 vs Winner semi-final 2
Time: 20:30
Determined by the results of group stages

 

 

This article forms part of The Ultimate South African Tourist Guide White Paper.  It is an essential guide to any tourist who has the opportunity to explore South Africa, containing all the information you could possibly need to ensure your stay is an enjoyable one.  Featuring the best restaurants, accommodation, spots to shop, attractions and much more, all listed according to the specific region in question, this guide will be the ultimate in assisting your travels.  It is available to those members of the public who are interested in purchasing a piece of land in South Africa, and subsequently becoming a shareholder of land in South Africa. Visit http://www.ageofafrica.co.za to find out more about this project.

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Significance of the City of Cape Town

November 13th, 2009

Cape Town is one of the most significant cities in South Africa.  Cape Town performs an important role both culturally and administratively.  Even though Cape Town comprises a fairly large area, its population density is still low.  Cape Town is most famous for its scenic and natural beauty.  Apart from its famous landmarks, Cape Town also boasts a number of beautiful beaches.  This makes the city of Cape Town a popular tourist destination, explored by tourists throughout the year. 

 

Interesting Facts regarding Cape Town

 

  • Cape Town was the site of first settlement of both Dutch and English settlers in the 19th century;
  • Cape Town is home to well known landmarks like Table Mountain and Cape Point;
  • Cape Town was the largest city in the Republic, until the expansion of Johannesburg;
  • Cape Town is the primary harbor and airport in the Western Cape;
  • The Port of Cape Town is deemed to be one of the busiest shipping corridors in the world;
  • Cape Town is the legislative capital of South Africa;
  • One can see Southern Right Whales on the coast of Cape Town, during the breeding season between August and November;
  • Surfing is a popular sport in Cape Town and it organizes a Red Bull Big Wave Africa surfing competition every year;
  • The “Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour”, organized in Cape Town, is the largest individually timed cycle race in the world;
  • Cape Town has a rich architectural heritage, housing a high density of Cape Dutch style buildings.
  • Cape Town conducts an annual Cape Town Minstrel Carnival, a large minstrel festival, known by the name “Kaapse Klopse”;
  • The headquarters of Naspers, the largest media company in Africa, are located in Cape Town;
  • Cape Town is the capital of the Western Cape and also the seat of National Parliament;
  • Cape Town is regarded as the economic centre of the Western Cape and even the regional manufacturing hub;
  • Cape Town is one of the most popular tourist destinations of South Africa; and
  • Whale watching is quite popular in Cape Town. Bryde’s Whales can be seen here throughout the year.

 

This article forms part of The Ultimate South African Tourist Guide White Paper.  It is an essential guide to any tourist who has the opportunity to explore South Africa, containing all the information you could possibly need to ensure your stay is an enjoyable one.  Featuring the best restaurants, accommodation, spots to shop, attractions and much more, all listed according to the specific region in question, this guide will be the ultimate in assisting your travels.  It is available to those members of the public who are interested in purchasing a piece of land in South Africa, and subsequently becoming a shareholder of land in South Africa. Visit http://www.ageofafrica.co.za to find out more about this project.

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Interesting Facts and Information about Green Point Stadium

November 13th, 2009

The newly-built Green Point Stadium is truly one of the most artistic soccer venues in South Africa, hence its nickname “The African Renaissance Stadium”.  The Green Point Stadium was named after the Cape Town suburb of Green Point, the area which it is located in.  The Green Point Stadium is only a stone’s throw away from both the ocean and the beautiful mountains surrounding the city, thus providing the perfect backdrop for matches.  Green Point Stadium is also only a short walk from the transportation hub of the city. 

 

The Green Point Stadium has a capacity of approximately 70,000.  It is also interesting to note that the exterior of the Green Point Stadium is covered with noise-reducing cladding.  Green Point Stadium is scheduled for completion during December 2009.  At the conclusion of the 2010 Soccer Finals, the Green Point Stadium is likely to be used by the professional soccer teams located in and around Cape Town, which include Santos and Ajax Cape Town.       

 

During the 2010 Soccer Finals, Green Point Stadium will host five first round matches, a second round match, a quarter-final, and a semi-final. 

 

Games scheduled for Green Point Stadium:

 

  • Friday 11 June: Group A First Round Match
  • Monday 14 June: Group F First Round Match
  • Friday 18 June: Group C First Round Match
  • Monday 21 June: Group G First Round Match
  • Thursday 24 June: Group E First Round Match
  • Tuesday 29 June: Round of 16 Match
  • Saturday 3 July: Quarter Final
  • Tuesday 6 July: Semi-Final

 

This article forms part of The Ultimate South African Tourist Guide White Paper.  It is an essential guide to any tourist who has the opportunity to explore South Africa, containing all the information you could possibly need to ensure your stay is an enjoyable one.  Featuring the best restaurants, accommodation, spots to shop, attractions and much more, all listed according to the specific region in question, this guide will be the ultimate in assisting your travels.  It is available to those members of the public who are interested in purchasing a piece of land in South Africa, and subsequently becoming a shareholder of land in South Africa. Visit http://www.ageofafrica.co.za to find out more about this project.

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History and Origin of the Kyoto Protocol

November 12th, 2009

Understanding what the Kyoto Protocol entails

The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement which main purpose is to lower the greenhouse gas emissions of the industrialized world by 2012. The end result of the Kyoto Protocol should be a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to below the levels measured in 1990. The Kyoto Protocol also addresses the developing world, which is busy industrializing at a fierce pace and subsequently producing a large volume of greenhouse gases.

History and Origin of the Kyoto Protocol

The roots of the Kyoto Protocol can be traced back to 1979, when the first World Climate Conference was held. The purpose of this Conference was to address the issue of human impact on climate change. The subsequent result of the World Climate Conference was a commitment to more study and the development of an ultimate plan to address the issue. The next step was the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), an international treaty adopted in 1992. The UNFCCC was established after 10 years of discussion and research on the topic of climate change.

Under the terms set out by the UNFCCC, participating nations agreed to gather and share information about greenhouse gas emissions. Participating nations were also supposed to reduce their emissions by 2000, while at the same time participating in a global action plan to prevent greenhouse gas emissions from rising. Even though the agreement was not legally binding, a lot of nations regarded it as a necessary step, and thus made a commitment to take action. By 1995, concerns had arisen that the plan was not working; the result was a conference to discuss the matter, held in Kyoto, Japan, in 1997.

The result of this conference was the Kyoto Protocol, which amended the UNFCCC with legally binding pledges to reduce emissions of various greenhouse gases. According to the terms of the agreement that is the Kyoto Protocol, participating nations had to reduce their emissions between 2008 and 2012 through a variety of means. The Kyoto Protocol encourages green development and emissions trading, allowing nations which meet their quotas to sell credits to nations who are encountering difficulties.

Pros and Cons of the Kyoto Protocol
Even though most nations agree that climate change is a serious issue which needs attention, not everyone is willing to take part in the Kyoto Protocol, most notably the United States of America. Opponents of the Kyoto Protocol take issue with certain terms in the agreement, arguing that it restricts economic development and that it may be too strict. In stark contrast, supporters of the Kyoto Protocol believe that the issue of global warming is so important that any measures, no matter how strict, will be worth it in the long run.

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Why choose Wind Power over other forms of energy generation?

November 9th, 2009

What does Wind Power entail?

Wind power is power which is derived from wind. Wind power is thus basically the conversion of wind energy into a useful form of energy, such as electricity. There are numerous ways to collect and use wind power; wind turbines and windmills are two such methods. Wind power is considered to be a form of clean energy, since wind is an entirely renewable resource. Wind power is thus one of the most abundant sources of renewable energy. Although wind power is still a relatively new approach to solving the world’s global demand for energy, several countries are able to supplement their energy needs using it.

How is Wind Power Generated?

Two techniques which has been used rather successfully to generate wind power is windmills and wind turbines. Windmills are a wind power technique which has been in operation for thousands of years. Windmills are used mostly to turn millstones or operate a pump for a well, thus utilizing the wind power directly on site for various needs. In contrast to windmills, wind turbines are a fairly new technique used to generate wind power. In the case of wind turbines, the wind turns the turbine and the turning of the turbine subsequently generate electricity, a usable form of energy. The electricity generated through this wind power technique is very convenient as it can be transported off site. This means wind power can generate energy to be used at the most remote locations. However, it should be noted that wind power generated from wind turbines is less efficient than energy used directly; this is attributed to the fact that energy is lost in the conversion and transmission process.

Why choose Wind Power over other forms of energy generation?

As mentioned before, wind power is a form of clean energy, due to it being an entirely renewable resource. This is why wind power is considered preferable to many other forms of energy generation such as coal burning power plants, nuclear power plants and hydroelectric power plants. Coal burning power plants utilize resources which are not renewable and as such pollute the air. Nuclear power plants do not pollute the air so much; it is rather the nuclear fuel being spent which represents a serious problem. Hydroelectric power, on the other hand, involves constructing dams to harness the energy in water. Not only do dams interfere with the health of waterways, but it also damages habitats.

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Posted in Carbon Footprint

Top Things to do in Johannesburg

November 4th, 2009

A trip to Johannesburg, one of Africa’s largest cities, is sure to be a wonderful experience.  The city of Johannesburg is a combination of today’s modern day attractions and a fascinating cultural heritage.  People of all ages with different kinds of interests will find something to entertain them with in Johannesburg, no matter whether you are single or have a big family.  However, it is important to find activities that are appropriate for all family members, including children.  Fortunately, many activities in Johannesburg are designed specifically for children.   You should spend at least a few days in the city to experience some of the main attractions on offer.  You can expect to be quite busy while spending time in Joburg, as the city is also known, or Jozi, as the locals call it.

 

Tours are an excellent way to see the city of Johannesburg.  Bus tours, both of the city itself and outside of the city, are available year round.  Mining and animal-viewing tours are two of the most popular tours for families visiting Johannesburg and its surrounding area.  Zoos, museums, theme parks, and entertainment venues are just some of the attractions waiting to be discovered by you.

 

With the 2010 Soccer Finals now just a few months away, a lot of tourists are expected to embark on South Africa while the tournament is taking place.  A visit to Johannesburg is almost inevitable, seeing as most tourists will arrive at OR Tambo International Airport, the local airport located near Johannesburg.  Most of the top attractions within Johannesburg and its surrounding areas are also easily accessible from the airport.         

 

This article forms part of The Ultimate South African Tourist Guide White Paper.  It is an essential guide to any tourist who has the opportunity to explore South Africa, containing all the information you could possibly need to ensure your stay is an enjoyable one.  Featuring the best accommodation, restaurants, things to do, transportation, car rental, places to shop, weather patterns and what to pack, emergency procedures, and stadiums, and much more, all listed according to the specific region in question, this guide will be the ultimate in assisting your travels.  It is available to those members of the public who are interested in purchasing a piece of land in South Africa, and subsequently becoming a shareholder of land in South Africa. Visit http://www.ageofafrica.co.za to find out more about this project.

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Interesting Facts and Information about Coca-Cola Park

November 3rd, 2009

Coca-Cola Park, previously known as Ellis Park, was first built in 1928 as a rugby union stadium.  It was demolished and rebuilt in 1982, again exclusively for rugby.  It was named after JD Ellis, a Johannesburg city councilor who approved the use of the land for a stadium.  However, in 2008 the stadium was renamed after the Coca-Cola Company obtained the naming rights of the stadium. 

 

Coca-Cola Park is located in the centre of Johannesburg and has played host to numerous epic sporting events, including the final of the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup between Brazil and the United States.  The ground underwent a significant face-lift before the Confederations Cup finals and as a result it can now seat 62 000 spectators, increasing its capacity by almost nine per cent from the previous 57 000.

 

Coca-Cola Park will forever occupy a special place in the hearts of South African sporting fans after the Springbok rugby team shocked New Zealand to lift the 1995 Rugby World Cup trophy soon after being allowed back onto the world sporting stage.  It was a moment that brought the people of South Africa together in celebration as the iconic scenes of Nelson Mandela holding aloft the Web Ellis Cup at Coca-Cola Park were seen the world over.

 

With state-of-the-art media facilities, team whirlpools, top-class VIP areas for dignitaries, accessibility for disabled fans, a new pitch and a top-notch audio-visual setup to keep the fans informed during the game, Coca-Cola Park is truly a world class sporting venue. 

 

Coca-Cola Park is home to top sporting teams based in Gauteng.  The rugby union side, the Golden Lions, as well as the football club Orlando Pirates play their home games here.

 

During the 2010 Soccer Finals, Coca-Cola Park will host five first round matches, a second round match and a quarter-final.

 

Games scheduled for Coca-Cola Park:

 

12 June 2010
Match: Team B1 vs Team B2
Time: 13:30

15 June 2010
Match: Team G1 vs Team G2
Time: 20:30

18 June 2010
Match: Team C4 vs Team C2
Time: 16:00

21 June 2010
Match: Team H1 vs Team H3
Time: 20:30

24 June 2010
Match: Team F4 vs Team F1
Time: 16:00

28 June 2010 – Preliminary Round
Match: Team 1G vs Team 2H
Time: 20:30
Determined by results of group stages

03 July 2010 – Quarter Final
Match: Team 6 vs 8
Time: 20:30
Determined by results of group stages

 

This article forms part of The Ultimate South African Tourist Guide White Paper.  It is an essential guide to any tourist who has the opportunity to explore South Africa, containing all the information you could possibly need to ensure your stay is an enjoyable one.  Featuring the best restaurants, accommodation, spots to shop, attractions and much more, all listed according to the specific region in question, this guide will be the ultimate in assisting your travels.  It is available to those members of the public who are interested in purchasing a piece of land in South Africa, and subsequently becoming a shareholder of land in South Africa. Visit http://www.ageofafrica.co.za to find out more about this project.

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