His youth is tourism
A world in one country, South Africa has beautiful beaches, high mountains, large cities and small rural villages. It's a sporting nature with an appetite for adventure and many exciting experiences for visitors. There are handicrafts and high fashion, markets and shopping centers, discos and amusement parks. There are eleven official languages and as many cultures. Deserts and forests, wildlife and breathtaking scenery are the backdrop for good roads, friendly people, excellent food and remarkable wine.
Economy and society
South Africa has a highly developed economy and advanced infrastructure, legal and commercial sectors with a strong banking sector and Africa's largest stock exchange. Property rights and contracts are guaranteed, despite debates over redistributive justice, and there is a strong legal framework with an independent judiciary. While South Africa has a high crime rate, as with the rest of the system, the effects are felt mainly within poor communities, where domestic violence is particularly high. Risks to tourists and visitors are low, and only the normal safety precautions on crowded city streets are recommended. South Africa, Egypt and Nigeria are Africa's largest economies, but South Africa is ranked only 12th among other African countries for its economic freedom score. It is hampered by its labor market and bureaucratic rigidities, high public spending, political uncertainties, foreign investment restrictions and complex regulations leading to difficulties in creating new businesses and inefficiencies with poor public sector accountability and corruption. In 2021, South Africa's GDP was $419 billion, with a per capita income of $7,055, inflation of 4.7% and unemployment of 32.9%. The highest personal income tax rate is 45%, the highest corporate tax rate is 28%, and there are other taxes, including an average import tariff of 4.6% and value-added tax on goods sold that can be claimed by visitors leaving the country. South Africa is well recognized as a convenient, sunny and exciting option for many people who own second homes to migrate to and escape European winters.
While South Africa's economy is expected to shrink slightly less than the declines forecast in the UK and other advanced Western countries, this is much higher than the negative aggregate of 1% for all developing economies. This is partly because South Africa is much more advanced and industrialized than most other African countries, and therefore starts from a higher base, and also because of its heritage of rigid regulatory systems. But it has excellent airports, ports and roads, and provides water and other basic services to most of its population. Internet access is available in most areas and a majority of the population accesses the Internet, mainly via cell phones. Visitors can get a local connection for their phones at airports, and the main networks have 4G capability in most cities and popular tourist areas. You may not be able to access the Internet in national parks and some more remote locations. South Africa has launched an "Internet for All" initiative that will increase geographic access and reduce data costs. The biggest potential surplus is the large untapped informal economy where the unemployed remain. South Africa is determined to tackle this in a way that is both sustainable and inclusive. Tourism could play an important role in providing good quality jobs and linking South Africans more closely to international visitors.
The two-tier school
Education in South Africa receives a relatively high share of the budget, but it is a sector that has failed to break out of its apartheid-era division. Much more focus is needed on building the capacity and approach of teachers to produce graduates with the skills to operate in a modern economy. After Covid-19, South Africa aims to expand Internet access and connect youth to educational resources to help bridge the very low education levels of the poorest populations. On the other hand, cities and suburbs are served by excellent schools, and South African graduates are at the forefront of many global innovations in medicine, aerospace, consumer goods and services, and the environment, including most recently in the conversion of discarded plastic bottles into bottles.
Solidarity
One positive outcome of the enormous hardships experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic is the way people, businesses, and the country worked together to support those most affected by the health and economic hardships. Many people in the country faced starvation during containment and the concerted action of all citizens helped people overcome their hardships until government support became available. Unemployment in South Africa is very high and tourism offers good opportunities to help South Africa improve growth and equity. South Africa is now embarking on a major initiative to support small businesses and help use new technologies to generate new services. In 2020, South Africa was only in the middle of the World Bank's ease of doing business rankings, it is looking to become one of the best places to do business. The country has the social, political and economic capital to make bold changes, which is good news for the tourism sector.
Tourism, the springboard
Tourism provides jobs for skilled and semi-skilled people, and meeting and interacting with visitors gives young South Africans a chance to better understand people, cultures and systems from around the world. The sector is considered very important by the South African government, and efforts are being made to make investment in tourism much easier and more attractive. South Africa was proactive and relatively successful in containing the coronavirus, but the Covid-19 crisis had a particularly severe impact on tourism. Today, visitors are once again warmly welcomed.
Travel safely to South Africa
There are no vaccinations or special precautions required to travel to South Africa, which is free of exotic diseases. There is no yellow fever, dengue fever, West Nile fever or Zika virus. Malaria does occur in the north of the country, and if you visit these areas, including Kruger Park, it is advisable to take anti-malarial prophylactics, or to stay well protected from mosquitoes between dusk and dawn. HIV-AIDS is widespread throughout the country, but can easily be avoided with appropriate precautions. Most tap water is safe to drink, and bottled water is available if you prefer. Roads are good, but driving can be aggressive and road accidents are not uncommon, so be careful. In rural areas, roads are not fenced and cattle roam over them, so drive carefully during the day. Wildlife is largely confined to game reserves. Staying in the car or following your guide's instructions will protect you from lions, leopards and buffalo. Even venomous snakes are very rarely seen: they are sensitive to vibrations and avoid human contact. Most crime in South Africa takes place in the poorest neighborhoods, so you should avoid going there unless on a guided tour or in the company of South Africans you know. If you don't have a car, walk only during the day, and check with locals about the safety of public transport in the area. Rural areas are generally safe, but it's always best to leave valuables at home.
