Fun South Africa

FIFA 2010 Final Draw

2009-12-11T07:48:00.002+02:00

Courtesy of skyscrapercity.com

Johannesburg

2009-11-09T07:46:00.001+02:00

The City of Durban

2009-10-02T09:06:00.008+02:00

Johannesburg from the Sky

2009-09-08T10:04:00.005+02:00

"Clown Day" celebration in Pretoria CBD

2009-08-17T09:40:00.008+02:00

Streets of Johannesburg CBD

2009-08-05T08:05:00.005+02:00

Green Point Stadium, Cape Towm

2009-07-02T11:36:00.004+02:00

Courtesy of the City of Cape Town

Bloemfontein

2009-06-22T08:24:00.010+02:00

The past weekend me and my friends went to Bloemfontein for the Bafana Bafana vs Spain soccer/football match. We spent our time in one of the Townships instead of the CBD where the stadium is located. The vibe in Bloemfontein vibe is like no other in South Africa, the pession, the lover and the warmth of the people there is so amazing.

Ke Yona

2009-06-01T06:36:00.006+02:00

I took this shots during the Nedbank Cup Final between Moroka Swallows and Pretoria University FC at Rand Stadium, which will be used as a training venue for both FIFA's 2009 Confederations Cup and the 2010 Soccer World Cup. The good things is that both the teams do not enjoy much of the support but if you consider the crowd which was here, you will will think otherwise. I and my 3 other friends whom we all don't support any of those teams decided to go to the game in the name of soccer and it was not surprising to find that most of the people who were there were there didn't also support neither of the teams playing but it's one saturday outing that I will never forget. Moroka Swallows lifted the through after scoring the only game of the game in the first half.

Rea Vaya - The new BRT System in Johannesburg

2009-06-01T06:20:00.007+02:00

Courtesy of Rea Vaya BRT
In order to deal with the increasing transport problems faced in Jo'burg today, the City is pleased to introduce the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit System.

The Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit System (BRT) is designed to provide a high quality and affordable transport system, which is fast and safe.

Rea Vaya BRT comprises a middle lane for large, high tech buses which will transport you comfortably and quickly around Johannesburg using specific designated routes, enclosed bus stations along the routes and a high tech control centre to ensure your Rea Vaya experience is a world class one.

Mbombela Stadium updates

2009-05-19T08:14:00.004+02:00

Located in Nelspruit in the province of Mpumalanga this stadium does make modernity and nature a perfect couple. This photos are by Tadpolefarm @ skyscrapercity.com

The Rainbow Nation

2009-05-07T08:01:00.009+02:00

With all the differences and injustice of the past that might have left scars in our hearts, we still proudly South Africans. This country belong to us and it's us who will determine it's success or failure. Standing together in doing good will only make the country better for all of us. We standing strong even though those who jumped the ship wish us failure and continue pointing out the failures we have but turn a blind eye on the success that we achieve as a nation. I'm part of this rainbow nation and will land a hand in making sure that my children will live in a better South Africa.

Royal Bafokeng Stadium (The Village of Phokeng)

2009-05-04T07:20:00.004+02:00

Baobab Tree

2009-04-20T07:13:00.002+02:00

The Baobab tree is the icon of Africa. Often called the ‘up side down tree’ because of it’s haphazard branches, it is however one of the most magnificent trees on the African plains. The baobab tree dots the landscape of Limpopo with its majestic presence and seeing this tree in its natural environment is a must for every tourist who comes to South Africa.

Local people protect the tree because of it’s importance in their daily lives. The tree provides shelter from the sun, it’s leaves can be eaten like spinach, it’s fruit provide a rich source of Vitamin C, it’s bark can be used to make rope and its seeds for making oil.

Around every Baobab tree live a host of animals. Monkeys clamber up its branches, leopards are sometimes seen resting on a limb, parrots and hornbills nest in holes in the tree and bats eat the pollen from the Baobab flowers.

Mpumalanga

2009-04-16T10:14:00.011+02:00

Mpumalanga – name changed from Eastern Transvaal on 24 August 1995), is a province of South Africa. The name means east or literally "the place where the sun rises" in Swazi, isiXhosa, and isiZulu. Mpumalanga lies in eastern South Africa, north of KwaZulu-Natal and bordering Swaziland and Mozambique. It constitutes 6.5% of South Africa's land area. In the north it borders on Limpopo, to the west Gauteng, to the southwest the Free State and to the south KwaZulu-Natal. The capital is Nelspruit. Prior to 1994, Mpumalanga was part of Transvaal Province.

Sun City - Rusternburg

2009-04-06T08:21:00.005+02:00

Sun City is a luxury Casino Resort located next to Pilanesburg National Park and Game Reserve.

Photos Courtesy of skyscrapercity.com

The Mother City

2009-04-03T08:16:00.006+02:00

The city of Cape Town is my best city amongst South African cities. The following photos are by Annman and Joanne from Skyscrapercity.com

Royal Bafokeng Stadium (Phokeng, Rustenburg)

2009-04-02T08:53:00.004+02:00

This stadium is located in the village of Phokeng which is owned by the The Bafokeng Tribe.

Mbombela Stadium

2009-03-30T09:44:00.004+02:00

This stadium is located in the city of Nelspruit. Construction is expected to be completed later this year. The stadium intergrates well with the surrounding and the Giraffe pillars represents the true Nelspruit nature filled environment.

Photos with courtesy of Tadpolefarm from Skyscrapercity.com

Free State Stadium - Bloemfontein

2009-03-26T06:24:00.007+02:00

This stadium is located in the CBD of the City of Bloemfontein. It is also known as Vodacom Park. The final touches on the landscape are being worked on as per the photos.

City of Mangaung / Bloemfontein

2009-03-25T10:15:00.008+02:00

Bloemfontein meaning "flower spring" or "fountain of flowers" is the capital city of the Free State Province of South Africa as well as one of the nation's three capitals, being the judicial capital. The city's Sesotho name is Mangaung, meaning "place of cheetahs" and became part of the Mangaung Local Municipality in 2000. Bloemfontein is popularly and poetically known as "the city of roses", owing to the abundance of these flowers and the annual rose festival held there.

Courtesy of www.mangaung.co.za, Galenfry Singer

Moses Mabhida Stadium - Durban

2009-03-24T15:28:00.002+02:00

Courtesy of Pixman Images

This stadium will have a cable car that will take tourists to the top of the arch so that they can have a better view of the city.

City of Durban

2009-03-20T08:12:00.010+02:00

Durban (eThekwini) is the third most populous city in South Africa, forming part of the eThekwini metropolitan municipality. It is the largest city in KwaZulu-Natal and is famous as the busiest port in Africa. It is also a major centre of tourism due to the city's warm subtropical climate and beaches.

According to the 2007 Community Survey, the city has a population of almost 3.5 million. Durban's land area of 2,292 square kilometres (884.9 sq mi) is comparatively larger than other South African cities, resulting in a somewhat lower population density of 1,513 inhabitants per square kilometre (3,918.7/sq mi).

Photos courtesy of skyscrapercity.com, Durbanvibes.tv

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium

2009-03-19T06:51:00.005+02:00

Courtesy of PE Fan on skyscrapercity.com

Located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, this stadium will host the 2010 Soccer World Cup games include the quarter finals. This stadium was one of those who will host the 2009 Confederations Cup but was later scrapped because of the believe that it will never be completed in time but as you can see the stadium will be complete by the time the tournament start in June. It will host the Rugby match between South Africa and the British Lions in June.

Soccer City update

2009-03-19T06:40:00.001+02:00

This photo shows construction progress of Soccer City Stadium which will host the opening and the losing games of the 2010 Soccer World Cup. Themed the African Calabash this stadium resembles the calabash of the Ndebele nation of South Africa.

Ulusaba Lodge (Kruger National Park)

2009-03-17T13:15:00.001+02:00

Ulusaba Lodge

Sir Richard Branson's Private Game Reserve is set in the heart of the Sabi Sand reserve on the border of the Kruger National Park in South Africa.

Most of our staff hail from the surrounding villages therefore guests benefit from authentic South African hospitality. We promote from within where we can, and support the local community through our charitable project, Pride 'n Purpose. The Ulusaba family of 119 individuals includes some of the finest and most qualified rangers and trackers in the reserve, who guarantee the experience of a lifetime on game drive. We delight in going the extra mile for all our guests!

Ulusaba is part of Virgin Limited Edition, Sir Richard Branson's portfolio of unique retreats.

City of Tshwane / Pretoria

2009-03-17T08:16:00.008+02:00

Pretoria is a city located in the northern part of Gauteng Province, South Africa. It is one of the country's three capital cities, serving as the executive (administrative) and de facto national capital; the others are Cape Town, the legislative capital, and Bloemfontein, the judicial capital.

Cape Town @ Night

2009-03-13T09:51:00.002+02:00

Melrose Arch - Johannesburg

2009-03-13T07:04:00.003+02:00

Melrose Arch is a mixed-use precinct brings you the ideal urban lifestyle. An environment where all your needs - personal and professional - can be met in a consolidated, harmonious environment. Melrose Arch is alive with energy, social interaction and African internationalism. Open spaces, secure public squares and sidewalk café seating in a pedestrian friendly environment all mean taking advantage of the beautiful South African climate in a secure and social setting. It is located in the Melrose Suburb of Johannesburg, just a few kilometers from the CBD.

Cape Town in photos

2009-03-13T06:42:00.008+02:00

The beatutiful Mother City, City of Cape Town

Green Point Stadium

2009-03-12T07:53:00.003+02:00

Courtesy of Tadpolefarm @ skyscrapercity.com

This are updates of construction of Green Point Stadium. I couldn't resist posting this photo and I'm sure you understand why. Construction on Green Point Urban Park , which is surrounding this magnificent stadium, have started. For more information please visit Green Point Urban Park

Rea Vaya - Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) ~ Johannesburg

2009-03-10T08:27:00.004+02:00

Johannesburg is currently implementing a BRT System called Rea Vaya. The phase 1a of Rea Vaya will be completed in May for 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup.

Johannesburg

2009-03-09T12:46:00.011+02:00

Johannesburg Tourism
Gauteng Tourism
South Africa Tourism

Known as Jozi, Joburg, City of Gold etc, Johannesburg is one vibrant City. It's located in the province of Gauteng. Johannesburg is the source of a large-scale gold and diamond trade, due to its location on the mineral-rich Witwatersrand range of hills. Johannesburg is served by O.R. Tambo International Airport, the largest and busiest airport in Africa and a gateway for international air travel to and from the rest of southern Africa.

Please visit joburg.org.za to learn more about this wonderful city. Do not hesitate to pose on question in regards to whatever you want to know and if I'm don't have nough infi, I will gladly forward you the link of those who knows better than I do.

Some of Johannesburg CBD's shot.

Stadiums for 2009 Confederations Cup

2009-03-06T14:12:00.006+02:00

Ellis Park / Coca-Cola Park, City of Johannesburg - 62 576. This stadium will host opening and the final game.

Free State Stadium, City of Bloemfontein - 46 000

Loftus Versfeld, City of Pretoria - 50 000

Royal Bafokeng Stadium, City of Rustenburg - 44 026

Background 2009 Confederations Cup in South Africa

2009-03-06T08:15:00.003+02:00

The 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup will be the eighth Confederations Cup, and will be held in South Africa from 14 June to 28 June 2009, as a prelude to the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The draw was held on 22 November 2008 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. The opening match will be played at Ellis Park Stadium/Coca-Cola Park in Johannesburg. The defending champions are Brazil, who won the last Confederations Cup in 2005.

Four cities will serve as the venues of the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup and the are as follows. I will later on provide you with images of all these stadiums -

1. Ellis Park Stadium (Johannesburg) with capacity of 62,567
2. Loftus Versfeld Stadium (Pretoria)with capacity of 50,000
3. Free State Stadium (Bloemfontein) with capacity of 48,000
4. Royal Bafokeng Stadium (Rustenburg) with capacity of 44,026

The capacity mentioned are after the upgrades

Originally, Port Elizabeth's Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium was also chosen as a venue. However, on 8 July 2008, Port Elizabeth withdrew as a host city because its stadium was deemed unlikely to meet the 30 March 2009 deadline for completion.

All of these stadia are to host matches during the British and Irish Lions tour which will be in progress during this tournament, but a minimum of 9 days has been allowed for pitch recovery between a rugby match and a football match.