GENERAL INFORMATION
SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa, the world's youngest democracy, is to be found on the southern tip of the vast African continent. It is a country of political and religious tolerance. It is home to a population of an estimated 45 million people, encompassing a rare diversity of cultures, religions, lifestyles, and languages. Some 70% of the population are adherents of the Christian faith and there are large communities representing the Muslim, Hindu, Judaic, Buddhist, Taoist and other faiths. South Africa now has 11 official languages, and of these English is the lingua franca. Also most hotel have staff that speak French, German, Italian and Portuguese.
DURBAN CITY
South Africa has become known as a place of rapid and unequalled change. Our recent history and unique transformation process is well known throughout the world. We invite you to see what we have achieved, in this short period of time, by working together.
Home to more than a million inhabitants of mixed origin, there are many faces to Durban. It is a melting pot of cultural diversity with its African, Asian and European influences, creating a rich cosmopolitan society.
Situated on the curved shoreline of a protected bay, with an average of 320 sunny days per year. Durban is famous for its beaches. It is an ideal base from which to explore South Africa. In two hours you could be on safari at a game reserve – home to the Big Five – or in the centuries old vineyards of the fairest Cape. Ninety minutes by road sees you hiking or trout fishing in the Drakensberg mountains while a five minute walk has you bargaining for handcrafted souvenirs of your stay.
A land of contrasts, in just one day you can travel from forest to desert, sea shore to mountains, modern city to rustic village. Road networks are among the best in the world and international airports in all major centres make travel quick and convenient.
It is however recommended that you arrange for airport transfers as the public transport system is not well developed.
For more information on this fascinating city, please visit their web site www.durban.org.zaCLIMATE
Durban is famed for its subtropical climate with sunshine for at lease 320 days of the year. During July, or winter, the daily temperature varies between 15oC and 25oC, humidity is low and the probability of rain is minimal. Umbrellas are, however, suggested for the occasional tropical shower.
The South African sun is strong, with a high ultraviolet rating. Screening products with sun protection factors of 15 and over are recommended.
AIRLINES
Sixty five airlines provide flights to South Africa. These include major airlines from Commonwealth countries, such as British Airways, Air Canada, Varig, TWA, Olympic Airways, Air India, Malaysian Airlines, China Airlines and Quantas. Providers from African countries include Air Botswana, Kenya Airways, Air Malawi, Air Seychelles Air Gabon and Air Zambia. The recommended airline for the Pan Commonwealth Forum is South African Airways, and a reduced airfare is under negotiation.
An airport departure tax for visitors from Commonwealth countries, is usually included in the air ticket price and no further taxes are levied. Duty free shops can be found in the international air terminals.
TRANSPORTATION
Vehicles in South Africa use right‑hand steering and the traffic flow is left lane oriented. Standard international traffic lights and road sign conventions are used. Car rental facilities are available countrywide. A valid driver's license is accepted, provided a photograph is an integral part of the document, and provided the license is printed in English. Drivers whose licenses do not meet these criteria are advised to obtain an International Driving Permit before departure to South Africa.
Metered taxis and shuttle services are available at all the international airports. Taxis do not ‘cruise’ and are ordered by telephone or found at taxi ranks.
Cities, including Durbanl, also provide affordable municipal bus services, but underground metros are not a South African feature.
PASSPORTS AND VISAS
All visitors to South Africa must be in possession of valid passports. There are 94 foreign missions represented in South Africa. Of the 54 Commonwealth countries 23 have embassies or consulates here, and a further 18 have diplomatic relations with us. The citizens of the following Commonwealth countries do not require visas for holiday or business purposes:
Australia
Barbados
Belize
Botswana
Canada
Cyprus
Guyana
Kenya
Lesotho
Malawi
Malaysia
Malta
Mauritius
Mozambique
Namibia
New Zealand
Singapore
Seychelles
Swaziland
Tanzania
United Kingdom
Zambia
Holders of passports from the following Commonwealth countries require visas:
Antigua & Barbuda
Bahamas
Bangladesh
Brunei Darussalam
Cameroon
Dominica
Fiji
Gambia
Ghana
Grenada
India
Jamaica
Kiribati
Maldives
Nauru
Nigeria
Pakistan
Papua New Guinea
Samoa
Sierra Leone
Solomon Islands
Sri Lanka
St Kitts & Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent & Grenadines
Tanzania
Tonga
Trinidad & Tobago
Tuvalu
Uganda
Vanuatu
Zimbabwe
For a list of addresses of South African missions abroad, please visit the International Embassy Web site www.embassyworld.com or the South African Web site www.southafrica.com or link through our Web site.
Delegates from countries that do not appear on this list must apply for visas directly from the South African diplomatic mission nearest to them. Where problems are encountered in obtaining a visa, the Conference secretariat must be contacted immediately.
INNOCULATIONS AND HEALTH
Delegates from all African and South American countries should have their Yellow Fever papers in order, as they will not be allowed entry into South Africa without them. Please contact Monica Williams at Event Dynamics, if you have any further queries. Immunisation against cholera and smallpox is not required. Delegates wishing to visit malaria areas such as the Kruger National Park must consult their doctor or chemist and obtain the required prophylactic medication for use as prescribed.
South Africa offers full medical services ranging from community clinics, doctors with private practice (listed in local telephone directories under `Medical practitioners') and government and private hospitals, but visitors are advised to obtain normal travel and health insurance. International Medihelp organisations are represented in South Africa.
WATER AND ELECTRICITY
South African tap water is safe and potable, however, a wide range of bottled mineral water is available in hotels, restaurants and at supermarkets. South African electricity is 220/230 volts AC 50Hz. Adapters for power and telephone outlets are available locally.
COMMUNICATIONS
South Africa has the largest network of cable telephone systems on the continent with cable and satellite linkages across the globe. The international country dialling code to South Africa is 27. Cellular phones are also widely used and hire facilities for these are available at international airports. Internet Café’s are widespread and an Internet facility will also be available at the conference centre.
South Africa offers a wide range of local, regional and national radio broadcasts, and four indigenous television channels, as well as multi‑channel satellite TV reception in most international hotels.
COMMON CUSTOMS AND COURTESIES
South Africans are socially open and generally greet one another with a handshake, a kiss on the lips or even a hug. It is also customary to ask `How are you?'
Western dress codes are generally followed, and in Durban, tend to be more tropical, with a wrap or jacket for the evenings. Should you visit a mosque or temple their standard conventions are adhered to. Beachwear follows Mediterranean fashions and tends to be minimal. The South African sun can be harsh and the wearing of hats and sunscreen lotions outdoors, is recommended.
Meat is a major diet ingredient in this country, and is often cooked outside, over an open fire, commonly known as a `braai'. Vegetables and fruit are freely available. While rice and potatoes are standard fare, a hard maize porridge 'putu' is the staple food of many South Africans. Knives and forks are used in the English fashion, although Indian food and tribal food is more often eaten by hand. Alcoholic beverages are also freely used in the country and range from beer to wine and spirits such as brandy and whiskey. Fresh fruit juices are consumed in great quantity. Should you be invited to someone's home for dinner, it is customary to make a gift of flowers, chocolates, or wine to the hosts.
Tipping: Restaurants do not usually include the tip in the bill, it is usage, depending on the standard of service, to tip about 10% of the bill.
VAT
Foreign tourists to South Africa can have the sales tax which they have paid (known as Value Added Tax – VAT) refunded at a port of exit, provided the value of the items purchased exceeds R250,00. To qualify for a refund, visitors must be in possession of a valid passport, the necessary forms, VAT invoices and till slips. Currently the VAT rate is 14% and is levied on most products and services. Foreign delegates will NOT be able to reclaim the VAT included in their registration fees and accommodation charges.
Please note that all prices quoted (other than transport costs) include VAT. Should the rate be amended, the relevant adjustment will be payable by the delegate.
SOCIAL EVENTS
Registration
Registration for the conference will commence at 14:00 on Sunday 28 July 2002 in the main foyer of the ICC, DURBAN and will continue daily for the duration of the conference.
Opening Ceremony
On Monday 29 July 2002, the Opening Ceremony will commence at 08:45
Minister’s Cocktail Party
On Tuesday 30 July 2002, Prof. Kader Asmal, Minister of Education of South Africa will host a cocktail reception at the International Convention Centre directly after the end of the day’s programme. Please indicate on your registration form if you wish to attend.
Networking Evening (US$25 per person)
It is envisaged that this event will be held on Wednesday 31 July 2002. A fun evening of South African style entertainment and food is planned. More information will be available on the web site and in the final programme. We urge you to participate as it will give you an ideal networking opportunity. Please indicate on your registration form if you wish to attend.
Commonwealth of Learning Gala Awards Dinner
Thursday 1 August 2002 brings us to the last function of the conference. This evening, hosted by the Commonwealth of Learning, promises to be filled with exciting entertainment, awards and excellent cuisine. Please indicate on your registration form if you wish to attend.
DRESS CODE
Dress for the business sessions and the Minister’s Cocktail Party is smart/casual. Please bring a warm jacket for the Networking Evening. The Gala Dinner will be formal or traditional dress.