Top Ten Fun Facts About South Africa
More than just sweeping savannahs and abundant wildlife, there are plenty of fun facts about South Africa to delve into. Want to boost your general knowledge of the Rainbow Nation? We’ve put together a list of our top picks...
1. South Africa has 11 official languages
While there’s no official national language in South Africa, Zulu (also known as isiZulu) takes the biscuit as the most widely spoken language in the country. Xhosa is close behind, followed by Afrikaans. English is often the go-to language for government affairs and commonly used in the media across South Africa.
2. South Africa holds around 40% of the world’s undiscovered gold
According to geological and mining reports, it’s estimated that over 40% of the globe’s undiscovered gold lies in South Africa. Talk about untapped treasure. The country has been the epicentre of gold mining since the 1880s, with the Witwatersrand Basin still holding significant gold reserves beneath its surface.
Image by Paloma Saint Léger
3. South Africa hosted Africa’s first Football World Cup
In 2010, South Africa made history as the first African country to host the FIFA World Cup. This landmark tournament was held in ten different stadiums across nine cities, culminating in a nail-biting final in Johannesburg (South Africa’s largest city). Over 300,000 international visitors flocked to the country, many of whom were visiting for the first time.
4. The world’s largest diamond was found in South Africa
In 1905 the world’s largest diamond was discovered in Pretoria, the capital of South Africa. Unearthed during a routine inspection of the Premier Mine, the dazzling 3,106-carat jewel was aptly named Cullinan after Sir Thomas Cullinan, the mine’s founder. Sold to the Transvaal provincial government, it was intended as a birthday gift for King Edward VII. The gem’s journey to Britain was anything but plain sailing – the King set up a decoy diamond to be shipped with detectives, while the real stone travelled in a plain box by post.
5. South Africa boasts one of the world’s highest bungee jumps
Our roundup of fun facts about South Africa wouldn’t be complete without something for the adrenaline seekers. Standing at a whopping 709ft, the Bloukrans Bridge is considered the world’s highest commercial bungee jump. Nestled between the Western and Eastern Capes, the bridge overlooks the Bloukrans River along South Africa’s Garden Route. Since the bridge’s opening in 1984, it’s seen multiple Guinness World Records – including the oldest person to bungee jump, Mohr Keet, at an impressive 96 years old.
Image by Olivier Romano
6. The first heart transplant was performed in South Africa
In 1967, cardiac surgeon Christiaan Barnard made medical history in South Africa by performing the world’s first human heart transplant. The recipient, 53-year-old Louis Washkansky, underwent the nine-hour procedure at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, receiving the heart of 25-year-old Denise Darvall. This was a game-changer in the world of medicine, attracting global attention and increasing research into organ transplants.
7. South Africa is home to the iconic Table Mountain
Rising 3,563ft above Cape Town, Table Mountain is a world-renowned natural landmark. Famed for its distinctive flat plateau, the mountain is a must-see on a trip to Cape Town (and it’s hard to miss, given it looms over much of the city). Stretch your legs on a hike up the mountain or hop in a cable car for a more relaxed ride. And, if you’re lucky, you might see thick clouds roll over the mountain’s flat-top – locals have affectionately coined this the ‘tablecloth’.
8. South Africa is home to the Big Five animals
One of South Africa’s biggest claims to fame is the Big Five. We’re talking lions, leopards, black rhinos, African elephants and African buffalos. Traditionally considered the most difficult and dangerous to hunt, these animals can be spotted throughout the country. While lions are often seen in Kruger National Park, Addo Elephant National Park is home to – you guessed it – a large population of elephants.
Image by Olivier Romano
9. South Africa held its first fully democratic election in 1994
Nelson Mandela was elected president in 1994 in a historic event which saw over 20 million South Africans cast their votes. The country’s first multiracial parliamentary elections marked the end of Apartheid, with Mandela heading up a new coalition government. This monumental moment followed Mandela’s 27 years in prison (18 of which were spent on Robben Island).
10. The springbok is the national animal of South Africa
Characterised by their distinctive ‘springing’ movement, springboks are often found in the southern and southwestern parts of the country. These antelopes are easily recognised by their white faces and notable horn shape. While the springbok symbol has a complicated history, today it’s seen by many as a symbol of unity and it continues to represent the South African national rugby team.
