Monday, May 19, 2014

What was life like for Cape Dutch under British rule?

Q. I know that some Afrikaaners,the Boere, left the Eastern Cape and Western Cape to get away from British rule. They went to Gauteng, Limpopo and those places. But many Afrikaaners, the Cape Dutch, stayed in Cape town. This obviously means that they had to be equil to the British there or they would have left to. So were they, the Cape Dutch, equil to the British. Were they safe unlike the Boere who were placed in consentration camps. We never learnt this stuff in school (only world war two and apartheid). All I know is that Cape Dutch are quite diffarent to Boere interms of Afrikaans accent and culture. We seem to be more accepting of other cultures.


Answer
Life was good for Cape Dutch under British rule. Or bad, depending on lots and lots of circumstances.

I am going on a Safari but don't want to look like a tourist in South Africa?




KariS


Help! I'm leaving in 4 days to go to South Africa for a safari but will be staying in Jo'burg for 2 days beforehand. How can I pack smart clothing for a safari but not be a dead giveaway while touring other parts of the country? I'm bringing a carry-on size suitcase, as I am not camping. We are also going to Botswana and Zambia for part of the safari as well. Also, what does everyone recommend for evening wear? Can I wear black or dark clothing at night? Thanks!!
Hi Cashew, I should've mentioned I HAVE clothing, but not sure what exactly to bring... hence, i have beige/tan clothing but not sure how much to bring or how NOT to stand out being a tourist.



Answer
I am an American who has been living in South Africa for 8 years, 2 of them in Joburg. I have also been on numerous game dri ves.

The summer weather in Gauteng (Joburg area) is like the American MidWest: sunny and warm most days, but a lightning and thunder storm with rain most afternoons. Until the rain comes, it can be very humid. You don't say where you are from (which can affect how you handle the weather here), so I would say to bring a fold-up umbrella for the afternoon rains, a light jacket or sweater (called a "jersey" here) or a shawl for the cooler temps.

For the safari, you will need neutrals like khaki, tan, dark green. Long pants are a good idea, even if you will be in a vehicle, as the areas where they have safaris tend to be very hot and dry and the sun beating down on your bare legs (or though dark fabric) will be pretty uncomfortable after a while. Bring a hat, preferably something that will shade your face and the back of your neck and bring a very high PF sunscreen (I use 40+ but I am very fair). The South African sun is more intense than anything you have EVER experienced in the US (and I lived in Arizona for 3 years, so I know what I am talking about!). Also, if you are going near water sources, like rivers, lakes, etc., don't forget mosquito repellant--the mossies here are fierce!! You might also want to bring some of those 100% cotton bandana hankies (in neutral colours) to use as sweatbands and neckerchiefs--expect to sweat here unless you come from a very hot environment.

As far as clothing is concerned, South Africa is a VERY casual place. Shorts on men--even on old whitehaired grandpas-- (knee-length) are much more common here than in the US. Everybody wears jeans all year round. T-shirts are popular as well, "Smart casual" is the dress code for evening wear--that means you can wear a peasant skirt, Tshirt, dressy sandals, a pretty sash at the waist and some standout-jewellery (like turquoise neckace and earrings) and be in the first flush of fashion. To keep your packing to a minimum, I would recommend bringing things you can wear with your neutrals-things that coordinate with them and then some contrasting accessories, like a persimmon or deep aqua scarf to wear with a tan skirt and top.

South Africa is fashion forward, but casual--Google "Sandton City" and check the various shops in the mall for an idea as to what we wear here (wear what we do and you won't look like a tourist). Be aware that we have Ed Hardy, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Armani--we also have Mr. Price and Ackermans (think Kmart, WalMart fashions).

I have been here 8 years (from NorCalif) and I love it here. Welcome to South Africa!!

PS--the shopping here is fab: I saw cotton blend ladies Tshirts today 2 for R50--that's about $3.50 each!




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