Mastering your staycation:
South Africa Edition
The electrifying energy of this country stretches farther than the stampeding cape buffalo, is louder than the Ndebele tribe’s drumbeats, and is friendlier than the cheery penguins on Boulders Beach. Hearing the powerful roar of a lion watching over his pride during a morning game drive will startle and excite you. Seeing the brightly coloured paint on the beach houses in Bo-Kaap or the Orlando Towers in Soweto will make you grin from ear to ear. Savouring the nectar of the gods in the Stellenbosch wine region during a sky-filling sunset will start your tastebuds dancing and your head spinning. Smelling each flower in the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden will leave your clothes smelling sweet when you explore the crafts for sale in Cape Town’s bustling night markets. From city to wilderness and everywhere in between, it’s never hard to hear the heartbeat of this proud nation.
Welcome to South Africa
STIMULATING DISCOVERIES
Whether you are feeling upbeat or contemplative, our team has selected some of South Africa’s finest artistic exports – bookworms, melophiles and movie buffs, enjoy!
GREAT READS
South Africa’s centuries of storytelling have only begun to fill the pages of international bestsellers. The true story of triumph in the face of adversity, a four-legged friend’s adventure in the Bushveld, and two women from different walks coming together to find crotchety companionship.
Burger’s Daughter
Nadine Gordimer
1979
Synopsis: Penned by South Africa’s first Literary Nobel Prize winner, this revealing novel tells the story of Rosa Burger in the mid-1970s, as she balances the heritage of her father’s martyrdom in the anti-apartheid movement and her own sense of identity in a rapidly changing nation.
I’m Interested
Jock Of The Bushveld
Sir James Percy Fitzpatrick
1907
Synopsis: This light-hearted and exciting novel retells the real story of Percy Fitzpatrick and his runt-of-the-litter companion Jock as they travel across the Bushveld, taking up odd jobs during the South Africa Gold Rush.
I’m Interested
Long Walk To Freedom
Nelson Mandela
1995
Synopsis: Sharing a tale of hardship, moral fortitude, and ultimately vindication, Nelson Mandela’s autobiography follows his life from foster son of a Thembu chief, through to his time in prison and as leader of a reborn nation. Adding to the raw, emotional appeal of Mandela’s story is the fact that much of his autobiography was written secretly during his 27 years in prison.
I’m Interested
The Cape Town Book
Nechama Brodie
2015
Synopsis: From music and food, to graffiti and surfing, Cape Town is a living reflection of the spirit of South Africa: electric. Through 14 chapters, this book takes a lucid and truthful look at life and history in this inspiring and always changing city.
I’m Interested
The Woman Next Door
Yewande Omotoso
2016
Synopsis: Two neighbours and bitter rivals in their eighties are forced to confront their similarities and shared humanity when a poor renovation ends with the women becoming unlikely roommates. Through their crotchety companionship, they face such challenges as their changing family dynamics, loss, and Apartheid.
I’m Interested
Easy listening
Enjoy these selected albums featuring some of South Africa’s most iconic voices and sounds. Simply sign-up for a free Spotify account and click play. Spotify is an online service that brings millions of songs to your fingertips – all genres, all eras, all for free! Our team is racking up some major hours on this program. Yes, it’s that good.
TV Series & Movies
Whether the cameras were rolling in South Africa or the plot involves a slew of South African protagonists, these TV series and movies will fill your soul and brighten your spirit. Netflix and Amazon Prime are no-contract streaming services that bring you thousands of movies, TV series and documentaries – right to your living room (or tablet). If you don’t already have an account, they are absolutely worth considering! At less than $16/month (taxes included) each, they are a very affordable way to explore the silver screen from countries far away.
HONEST FOOD
A fusion of indigenous, French, Dutch, Malaysian and Indian flavours, South African food is known for bright colours, smoky meats, and a solid kick of spice.
Oh So Meaty Bobotie
Brought to South Africa by Asian settlers, bobotie is now the national dish of the country and cooked in many homes and restaurants. Succulent minced meat is slowly simmered with spices and fresh herbs, before being topped with a silky mixture of egg and milk. Makes for a hearty, down-home dish.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
See the full recipe
Chunky Chakalaka
This traditional South African dish is great for bring out your culinary creativity. Classically a relish consisting of carrots, tomatoes, chiles, baked beans and hot curry powder it’s a great companion for any South African meal. You don’t want to forget it when you fire up the grill.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
See the full recipe
Melting in Your Mouth Malva Pudding
This Dutch import is a gooey sponge pudding made with apricot jam and enjoyed smothered in a hot cream sauce. This is South Africa’s version of the British sticky toffee pudding, and boy does it deliver. The best part of many restaurant menus, but mainly served at home during Sunday lunch.
Prep Time: 45 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
See the full recipe
RECONNECT AS PEOPLE
This share has very little to do with South Africa, but it is something that will leave you feeling good. John Krasinski, best known for his role in the US version of The Office,
highlights some good news from around the world. It’s literally called Some Good News.
My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.
– Maya Angelou
