Kids all around South Africa wait for the end of June in anticipation for the school holidays. A whole month of rest and play. For those luck enough a trip to the coast, most likely Durban is an annual pilgrimage.
Month: June 2011
indigenous plants
Winter takes a heavy toll on gardens but luckily South Africa has a myriad of indigenous plants well suited to the climate at the tip of Africa. The aloe family, savannah grasses and vygie range are all splendid. The clivia species are particularly well suited and the green foliage remains impressive through out winter, that is until the deep orange and sometimes yellow blooms burst out in early spring.
Snow in June
Snow capped mountains in the Drakensberg. Skiing in Teffendale. This time of the year can be so interesting if you just look in the right places. Clarens in the Free State is just heaven around now.
Westcliff Hotel
Robust Banking System
With the talk of the failure Northern Hemisphere banks and economies I am grateful for a South African banking system supported by prudent fiscal discipline and corporate governance.
Vibrant youth
How many countries have a special public holiday called “Youth Day”? A fitting recognition of the role of the youth in South African society.
Warm winter days
I love South African warm winter days. Notwithstanding cold nights, during the day it can be a comfortable 18 to 20 degrees Celsius. Places like Pretoria and Durban deserve particular mention.
A nation to be emulated
I feel a sense of pride that our political achievements over the past two decades are celebrated across the world. So much so that it can be a model for the Middle East, Zimbabwe and also where.
Great role models
I never cease to be amazed by the abundance of role models that we are blessed to have here in South Africa. If you just look you will find greats like Nelson Mandela and the late Walter and Albertina Sisulu amongst others. In almost all walks of life there is someone that will inspire you.
Launch pad to Africa
South Africa is ideally suited to be a launch pad to business entry into Africa. We successfully “exported” MTN now a global telco, and Walmart’s foray into Africa will start with its acquisition of Massmart South Africa. South Africa’s stable government, legislative environment and business friendly community all bode well for this place at the tip of the continent.
The dictum of “here be dragons” must surely now read “here be giants” and the giants go by the names MTN, Ecobank and Shoprite amongst others. These giants all answer though to the same call name that is “Opportunity”. HERE BE GIANTS INDEED