 National Coat of Arms. South Africa's coat of arms, or state emblem, is the highest visual symbol of the state. They have placed a lot of symbolism into this single coat of arms. The motto of the coat of arms - !ke e:/xarra//ke - is in the Khoisan language of the Xam people, and means "diverse people unite", or "people who are different joining together".  National animal. The country's national animal is the springbok, which also gives its name to the South African rugby team - fondly known as "the Boks". The springbok gets its common name from its characteristic jumping.  National bird. The national bird of South Africa is the blue crane, the distribution of which is almost entirely restricted to the country. Although usually quiet, the blue crane can emit a distinctive high-pitched and rattling croak which can be heard from some distance.  National flower. The giant or king protea is widely distributed in the south-western and southern areas of the Western Cape. South Africa's national flower is the largest of the proteas, which make up an important part of the Cape Floral Region. The proteas also give their name to South Africa's national cricket team.  National fish. South Africa's national fish is the galjoen. The galjoen was chosen as the country's national fish because of its endemism - it is found along the coast from Namibia to Durban, and nowhere else in the world - fighting qualities, abundance and popularity. It keeps to mostly shallow water, is often found in rough surf, sometimes right next to the shore, and is known to anglers as a game fighter.  National tree. The yellowwood family is ancient, having grown in this part of Africa for over 100-million years.
Brief history of rule, type of government
Important historical government leaders
Obtaining news while traveling
Meriruth Cohenour
Brief History of Rule:
Prior to colonization, many native tribes ruled over small portions of what is now considered South Africa. These native peoples included the San, Bantu, Zulu, Swazi, and Khoisan. Although the area was originally explored in 1488 by the Portuguese, it was not until 1652 that the Dutch East India Trading Company established the Dutch Cape Colony and started settling small areas of the coast in order to better serve their trade ships. The British took over in 1795, eventually relinquishing control back to the Dutch in 1802, who promptly turned it back to the British in 1806.
In 1854, the British government granted local control to the colonists but retained the area as a part of the British Empire. Finally, in 1881, the Boers gained independence and formed the South African Republic. This republic did not last however and the British regained control again twenty (20) years later. The Union of South Africa, established by the British in 1909, united many of the separated areas and granted local rule again. It was not until 1961 that the Republic of South Africa gained independence from Great Britain. The independent government was modeled closely after their former rulers but in 1983, the prime minister position was eliminated and a presidential position was created.
Type of Government:
South Africa currently employs a constitutional democracy with a three-tier system of government which includes the legislative branch, executive branch and the judicial branch as outlined on the website www.southafrica.info. The Constitution states the country shall be run on a system of co-operative governance. In both the national and provincial levels, there are advisory bodies drawn from South Africa’s traditional leaders in order to maintain this ideal. In addition, national, provincial and local levels of government all have legislative and executive authority in their own spheres and are defined in the Constitution as “distinctive, interdependent and interrelated.” Even though the provincial governments have their own executive and legislative branch the judicial system remains independent and national.
Legislative Branch. Legislative authority is vested in Parliament, which is situated in Cape Town and consists of two houses: The National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces. The National Assembly consists of no fewer than 350 and no more than 400 members elected for a five (5) year term on the basis of a common voter’s roll. The number of seats awarded to each political party is in proportion to the outcome of the national election, which is held every five (5) years as well. Prominent parties who earn seats include: African National Congress, Democratic Party, Inkatha Freedom Party, New National Party, United Democratic movement. A Speaker and a Deputy Speaker preside over the Assembly. The current Speaker is Dr. Frene Ginwala and current Deputy Speaker is Ms. Baleka Mbete.
The National Council of Provinces includes 54 permanent members and 36 special delegates. This body elects its own chairperson. All of the nine (9) South African provinces send ten (10) representatives; six (6) permanent and four (4) special delegates headed by the provincial Premier or a member of the provincial legislature designated by the Premier. Local government representatives may participate in the National Council of Provinces but may not vote. Ten (10) part-time members represent different categories of municipalities.
Executive Branch. Executive authority is given to the President, Deputy President, and Cabinet members. The president is elected by the National Assembly from among its members. This individual serves as the Head-of-State and leads the Cabinet. The president may not serve more than two (2) five-year terms in office. The president appoints the Deputy and the ministers, assigns their powers and functions and may dismiss them. The government-run website www.gov.za lists 45 national departments that make up the Cabinet, most of which have separate ministers and deputy ministers. These departments include but are not limited to Agriculture; Forestry and Fisheries; Arts and Culture; Communications; Defense; Energy; Environmental Affairs; Human Settlements; Police; Labor; Public Works; Sport and Recreation; Tourism and Transport.
Judicial Branch. The Judicial branch of the South African government remains independent. The legal system is based on Roman-Dutch law and English common law. Four major tiers of courts make up the system: Magistrates’ Courts-tries minor civil cases and minor crimes; High Courts-serves as a court of appeal for cases from magistrates courts as well as tries major civil and criminal cases; Supreme Court of Appeal-serves as the final court of appeal for matters not pertaining to the Constitution; Constitutional Courts-serves as the final court of appeals for matters related to the constitution.
Important Historical Government Leaders:
Mahatma Gandhi. Mahatma Gandhi, a native of India, encountered racial discrimination for the first time when travelling to South Africa in 1893. This visit and encountered discrimination led to twenty-one (21) years of fighting for the rights of Indians in South Africa. Gandhi organized the Natal Indian Congress in order to earn rights and respect from the British government as well as the white population of South Africa. Gandhi made great progress in the area of human rights and eventually won the hearts of millions people all over the world. His philosophy of non-violent protest has propelled many human rights activists to recognition including Martin Luther King Jr. 
Paul Kruger. Paul Kruger was born in the Cape Colony in 1825. Kruger was a farmer, soldier, and statesman. He was the leader of the Boer movement for independence beginning in 1877. Kruger was highly respected by many for his negotiating skills and leadership ability. For these efforts he is recognized as the builder of the Afrikaner nation and was the first president of the first independent South African Republic. Kruger National Park is named after this influential leader.
Desmond Tutu. Desmond Tutu, a native of South Africa, led the South African council of churches opposition to apartheid. Apartheid is an Afrikaans word meaning “apartness” or “separateness” and used as a policy of racial segregation both politically and economically against non-European groups in South Africa. The term was first used as the name of the official policy of the National Party in 1948, even though racial segregation through official laws was already widely practiced. Using his leadership position of Archbishop of Cape Town, he challenged the Christian community to get involved in the anti-apartheid movement. He believed apartheid was a sin to be condemned and destroyed. After the country became a democracy he chaired the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that was charged with investigating the human rights abuse experienced under apartheid. For his efforts, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984.
Nelson Mandela. Without a doubt, Nelson Mandela is the most notable of South Africa’s long list of influential people. In his lifetime, he was a man of complexities. He went from a militant freedom fighter, to a prisoner, to a unifying figure, to an elder statesman.
He was born in the small village of Mvenzo in the hills of the Eastern Cape on July 18, 1918. His school teacher named him Nelson as part of a custom to give all schoolchildren Christian names. His father died when he was 9, and the local tribal chief took him in and educated him.
During his early life he faced persecution and racial discrimination which led him to join the African National Congress (ANC) political party in 1944. Working towards racial equality and human rights, Mandela led many peaceful protests but it was his not-so-peaceful intentions that sent him to prison for treason several times leading to twenty-seven (27) total years in incarceration. In 1990 he was released into a world not unlike the one he left but one that was on the verge of change. "As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison," Mandela said after he was freed in 1990. His message of reconciliation, not vengeance, inspired the world.
Apartheid, the separation he had fought so hard against as a young man, was finally ended in 1994. Mandela was an important player in the negotiations that ended apartheid and his message of forgiveness and reconciliation was extremely helpful to the peaceful transition of all South Africans during the early 1990’s. Mandela became the first democratically elected and first black President in 1996 and he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994 as well. His beliefs are evident in all of his writings and actions. This particular quote illustrates his dedication to his cause: “I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.” -Nelson Mandela, Speech From The Dock, 1964.
In 1999, Mandela did not seek a second term as president, keeping his promise to serve only one term. Thabo Mbeki succeeded him in June of the same year. After leaving the presidency, he retired from active politics, but remained in the public eye, championing causes such as human rights, world peace and the fight against AIDS. It was a decision born of tragedy: His only surviving son, Makgatho Mandela, died of AIDS at age 55 in 2005. Another son, Madiba Thembekile, was killed in a car crash in 1969. Mandela's 90th birthday party in London's Hyde Park was dedicated to HIV awareness and prevention, and was titled 46664, his prison number on Robben Island.
In his recent book, Peter Hain strives to condense Mandela’s story while still letting the readers understand the impact of one man. He writes “Millions worldwide took part in the long and bitter, but ultimately victorious, anti-apartheid struggle. Most were foot soldiers in the rise and fall of apartheid, including my family. Some played an absolutely decisive role; many a significant one. Nelson Mandel was the leader: in the resistance, in prison after his release in February 1990 and, finally, when in power.”
In 2004, a few weeks before he turned 86, Mandela announced his retirement from public life to spend more time with his loved ones. "Don't call me, I'll call you," he said as he stepped away from his hectic schedule.
When South Africa was awarded the 2010 football World Cup, Mandela said he felt "like a boy of 15." Mandela beamed and waved at fans during the final of the tournament in Johannesburg's Soccer City. It was his last public appearance. He died December 5, 2013 at the age of 95.
"I would like to be remembered not as anyone unique or special, but as part of a great team in this country that has struggled for many years, for decades and even centuries," he said. "The greatest glory of living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time you fall."
Obtaining News While Traveling:
According to www.mondotiems.com, there are six (6) newspapers published in English available in Cape Town and seven (7) in Johannesburg. All four of the national TV stations are available in English. All of these media outlets have accompanying websites that can be accessed at internet cafes. A good resource for finding internet cafes is www.world66.com.
Military
Relations with other countries around the world
Relations with the United States
Justin Lingo
Military:
The South African Department of Defense is the responsible for defending South Africa. The Department of Defense over sees the South African National Defense Force or (SANDF). The SANDF was created in 1994 by a volunteer force. It was formed by the combination of the South African Defense Force, African Nationalist Groups, and Bantustan Defense Forces. There are four branches of the SANDF; they include South African Army, South African Air Force, South African Navy, and South African Military Health Services. The SANDF is currently working with the United Nations in many peace keeping missions in African countries. South Africa is the only African country to successfully develop a nuclear weapon.
In 1960, South Africa became a republic gaining freedom from the British Empire. South Africa was ruled by the Apartheid regime from 1948 to 1994. The Apartheid was known to be racist political party that created many programs that limited the pursuit of happiness for non-white people. The African National Congress was one of the parties that were against the Apartheid. In the 1960’s, Nelson Mandela lead a revolt against the Apartheid. At first it was peaceful resistance, but with time, the ANC with the help of the South African Communist Party tried to sabotage the government. The Military wing of the ANC was known as the Umkhinto we Sizwe. In the 1990’s the Apartheid took steps to end discrimination and that lead to the success of the ANC. The ANC is non-racial political party. South Africa is 80% non-white, since the ANC is nonracial it has become a popular party. Many of the current government leaders come out of the ANC party. The Umkninto we Sizwe is now part of the SANDF
From the 1960s to 1980s, South Africa took advantage of several programs from the United States that gave them nuclear technology. One of the first steps in South Africa’s development of nuclear weapons was a program started by Dwight D Eisenhower. President Eisenhower gave a speech titled Atoms of Peace. The program was created to give nuclear information to hospitals, schools, and countries around the world. The United States gave the South Africa their first reactor in 1965. The SAFARI-1 was a 20 MW research reactor, which was to be used for advancement of non-weapons purposes. The United States supplied the reactor and the fuel for the reactor, but in 1975 the US stopped delivery of Enriched Uranium.
It was determined that South Africa was using the reactor to create a nuclear weapon. South Africa first started the nuclear program to stop the advancement of Communism. South Africa was developing the nuclear weapons at the same time as the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Civil war in Angola. Both of these conflicts were backed by a communist regime. This weapon could be any type of weapon; nuclear, biological, or chemical. Over the period of 20 years South African created six nuclear weapons. South Africa developed the capability to produce Uranium domestically, which caused several countries to become concerned about South Africa’s capabilities. In 1976 and 1977, Soviet intelligence suspected that South Africa was going to test two Nuclear weapons in the Kalahari Desert. The Soviets, US, and several European Countries urged South Africa not to test. It is thought that several countries worked with South Africa to create a Nuclear weapon. One of the countries was Israel. .” It is thought that South Africa and Israel created and tested a Nuclear weapon in the Indian Ocean September 1979. There has never been any definite proof that it existed, but they were known to work together.
The United Nations Security Council Resolution 418 of November 4, 1977 made it clear that South Africa wasn’t allowed to have nuclear weapons. The resolution tells all countries to refrain from “any co-operation with South Africa in the manufacture and development of nuclear weapons.” South Africa ended their nuclear weapons program in 1989, which they thought would help bring them back into good standing with international powers. It would also bring peace to the countries around them. In 1994, it was determined that six nuclear weapons where dismantled and one partially constructed bomb was also dismantled. Since disarmament, South Africa has been a leading country in the development of several treaties to make Africa a nuclear free zone.
Since 1994, the South African military has fallen behind most countries in the advancement of the military. The first issue that has affected the success of the South African Military is the outbreak of Aids in the country. It is estimated that nearly 10 percent of the country’s 53 million people, or 5.3 million, are HIV positive. This causes a tremendous strain on the resources of the country. With nearly 1.5 million children dependent on the South African Government for support it is impossible to give more money and resources to the military. The Second problem with the South African military is bribery. In 1998, South Africa was involved in an arms purchase. South Africa approved the purchase of 4.8 billion dollars of weapons from countries around the world. The purchase included warships, submarines, helicopters, and planes. The purchase was shrouded with accusations of bribery of up to 150 million dollars.
The budget for South Africa’s Military is 4.572 billion dollars compared to 554.2 billion for the United States. There are 88,500 active military personnel in the SANDF. The United States has 1,429,000 active military personnel, plus 850,000 reserve personnel.
The main role of the SANDF
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Protection of the Border
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Disaster relief
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Safety and Security
Jacob Zuma is the President of the Country and Commander-in-Chief. He took office May 9th 2009 and before becoming president Jacob Zuma was President on the African National Congress and Deputy President of South Africa. The African National Congress is South Africa’s governing political party. Jacob Zuma is not a well-liked President; he is known for his corruption and accepting of brides.
Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakul is the Minister of Defense and Military Veterans. She took office June 12th, 2012. She was born in 1956. She has a teaching diploma from Bensonvale Teachers College. She has previously been the Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Correctional Services. She left South Africa in 1984 to receive training in Angola and Soviet Union.
General Solly Shoke became chief of the South African National Defense Force in May 2011. Solly Shoke joined the Umkhinto we Sizwe in the 1970’s and served as a field commander fighting against the Apartheid in the 1980’s. In 1994, Solly Shoke became Director of Personnel Planning in the SANDF. Solly Shoke also received training in Angola and the Soviet Union. Before being named the Chief of the SANDF, Shoke was Chief of the South African Army. The Military headquarters is in Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa. During World War I and II, South Africa allied with the United States, but the South African Republic Allied with Germany.
Relationship with countries around world:
South Africa has worked hard in the post-Apartheid Regime to be a leader in the effort for global peace. South Africa has worked as a peace keeper in several different countries around the world. Since 1965, South Africa has been involved in five different wars in neighboring countries. All of the wars have been civil wars in those countries. The conflict weren’t actually against South Africa, but the government of South Africa felt the need to help one side or the other. The opponents in most cases were rebel groups and war lords. South Africa has also taken in many refugees from surrounding countries, but there has been much controversy about the treatment of those refugees. Hundreds of thousands of those refugees have been deported back to their countries. South Africa has closed several of its refugee offices and limited the amount of funding to refugee programs.
South Africa is a founding member of the United Nations. South Africa is also a founding member of the African Union. The African Union promotes unity between all African Countries. After the reign of Apartheid ended, South Africa was re-admitted to the Commonwealth of Nations. The Commonwealth of Nations is a group of formally British controlled states. South Africa was a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council from 2006-2008 and again from 2010-2012. In the past ten years South Africa has increased its partnership with Brazil-Russia-India-China (BRICS). South Africa’s President has said this relationship represents the largest trading partners with South Africa. President Zuma also stated that the BRICS would work together through organizations like the UN, G20, and IBSA.
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