South Africa

Geographic position

Situated in the south of the country, the Republic of South Africa borders with Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Swaziland and Lesotho and is surrounded by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The country stretches over 1, 233, 404 km² and has a population of 46.9 million. The inland areas are a vast highland plateau, while the narrow coastal areas are lowlands. South Africa is an arid country, with the highest precipitation falling in the east. The southwest of the country is marked by a Mediterranean climate. More than 80% of the land in South Africa is arable, but only 12% is agricultural land. The main crops are corn, wheat, millet, squash, carrots, wild spinach, potatoes, sweet potatoes and cabbage. In addition to vegetables and grains, meat and fish are also important components of the South African diet.

Historical influence

South Africa was inhabited by humans very early, with fossil finds in the country dated to be about 3 million years old. The first South Africans were primarily hunters and gatherers and their diet consisted of turtles, crustaceans, chickens, dried meats, sweet potatoes, dried fruits and more. European immigrants began arriving in the mid 17th century and the first settlements were established by the Dutch in 1652. Originally an agriculture based economy, it soared with the discovery of diamonds and gold. The Boer War broke out in 1899 and the British took over the colony in 1902.

The indigenous cuisine was abundant, consisting of many different kinds of fruits, nuts, root vegetables, leaves, wild herbs and game meat.

Racial conflicts between the white minority and black majority, and the exclusion of the black population from political processes, culminated with increasing racial segregation and a state of apartheid in 1948. One of the black opposition leaders and a political prisoner from that time was Nelson Mandela. In 1991, the racial laws were abolished and the majority of political prisoners set free. The first multi-race elections were held in 1994 and Nelson Mandela was elected president. Though a country with great potential, today South Africa faces issues such as high unemployment of the black population, poverty, violence and an AIDS pandemic.

Characteristics of the cuisine

As in many other countries, South African cuisine is a blend of numerous ethnic influences and diversities. The British, Dutch, Indian, Portuguese, German and many native tribes have left their mark on the cuisine of South Africa.

The indigenous cuisine was abundant with different kinds of fruits, nuts, root vegetables, leaves, herbs and game meat. The domestication of livestock allowed for the production of dairy products and meat consumption as needed. In the 19th century urbanisation brought with it industrial food processing: white rice, sugar and wheat flour. Alongside industrially processed foods, South African cuisine is enriched by imported foods and spices.

Today, the modern South African cuisine is a fusion, based on chicken, garlic, nutmeg, curry, onion, chilli, tomato, lime, almonds, ginger and yams. Spices include cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon and other.

The emphasis is on meat delicacies. The main social event on weekends and a reason for friends to gather is the braai, similar to our tradition of barbeque. Grain dishes also play an important role in South African cuisine.

On the South African table:

• Biltong - salted dried meat is a special South African delicacy (arose from the need to conserve the catch).
• Bobotie - spicy meatloaf with an egg and dried fruit coating.
• Boerewors - spicy sausage.
• Chutney - sweet fruit sauce that accompanies meat dishes.
• Isidudu - squash dish.
• Hoenderpastei - traditional African chicken pie.
• Potjiekos - meat, vegetable and spice stew prepared over an open fire.
• Mashonzha (masonja) - fried mopane worms, usually seasoned with spices.
• Marogo - wild spinach, with or without potatoes.
• Malva pudding - sweet and frothy apricot pudding.
• Rusk - hard, dry cake or bread that is dipped into tea or coffee.
• Amarula - liqueur made from the exotic marula fruit, similar to Baileys.
• Dried fruit
• Rooibos tea - especially those from the Cederberg hills.
• Umqombothi - African corn beer.

Excellent South African wines are taking a more and more prominent place on the world's wine map, with wines coming from the Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl and Barrydale valleys. Prominent varieties are Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Shiraz, Semillon, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and others.

Adventurists can take advantage of their stay in South Africa to try some exotic dishes: crocodile meat, impala meat, caterpillars, mopane worms, termites and many other delicacies. Gourmands can enjoy the usual scampi, oysters and seafood specialities, such as the Kingklip fish or Genypterus capensis.

Travel tips

• South Africa is a country of astounding natural beauty and offers the opportunity to observe wild animals, cultural diversities, cosmopolitan cities and the "Rainbow Nation" experience.
• It has the most moderate climate in the whole of Africa and so South Africa is a popular destination all year round.
• Observing wild animals is best from June to September (winter)
• Be sure to visit: Cape Town and the Cape of Good Hope, Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Drakensberg mountain, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Durban (in KwaZulu-Natal) and the South African festivals: Arts Alive Festival in Johannesburg in September and October, Pretoria Show in August, Arts Festival in July and New Year's Carnival in Cape Town.