Our heroes

Read about Our heroes

South African culinary heroes

Nowhere is South Africa’s diverse cultural heritage better-reflected than in the country’s food, and South African culinary heroes have led the way in shaping our deliciously egalitarian food culture.

Dick King

South African history books will remember Dick King’s epic horseback ride as an act of gallantry that saved then-Natal from Boer forces in the mid-1800s.

Icons of Fashion

South African fashion would not be the thriving, creative and commercially successful space it is without the passion of the icons who paved the way.

The Barnato Room at Kimberley's Big Hole Museum.

Barney Barnato

The legends that live on about Barney Barnato tell of a poor little fellow from London who made his fortune in the diamond fields of Kimberley.

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Sasol is the world's largest oil-from-coal refinery.

Medical biologist Sydney Brenner attended Wits University.

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Top 10

Picnic spots

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

Indigenous flora and immaculate lawns plus delicious people watching potential because numerous Cape Malay couples come to take wedding photos in the park. Rhodes Drive, Newlands, Cape Town. Tel:...
Sandy Bay Beach

This nudist beach is not a family picnic spot but naked grown-ups like to picnic too. Beautiful beach completely free from whining whipper-snappers. South of Llandudno Beach, Cape Town, Western...
Melkbosstrand

West Coast wonderful at its most pristine. Sit under the milkwood trees watching whales or bring a bucket and spade for the white sandy beach. 20 minutes from Cape Town, N7 West Coast Road, Western...
Mbashe River

Nelson Mandela was born in Mvezo. There are aloes as far as the eye can see. Picnic by the the river and take in the magic that made Madiba’s greatness. Mvezo District, Eastern Cape
Union Buildings gardens

Beautiful Herbert Baker buildings set in landscaped gardens. Acres of lawn to spread out your tasty treats. Nice nooks for romantic moments. Government Avenue, Pretoria, Gauteng
Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden

Witpoortjie waterfall, indigenous vegetation and endangered eagle's nest. Acres of shady lawns ensure that you can feast in grand style. Malcolm Road, Poortview, Roodeport, Johannesburg, Gauteng...
Modjadji Cycad Forest Reserve at Ga-Modjadji

Well laid out picnic spots amidst spectacular cycads in a hillside reserve. Also a museum dedicated to the Modjadji, the Rain Queen. Follow R36 to Tzaneen, 35km north of Tzaneen, 28km north of...
Vredefort Dome

This meteorite impact spot is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Iron Age archaeological remains and barbeque and picnicking spots galore. Outside Parys, Free State. 120km South West of Johannesburg,...
Harold Johnson Nature Reserve

Picnic site and braai area for day visitors has the best views of the Thukela River. Work up an appetite walking the nature trails whist spying abundant wildlife and birds. 25kms away from...
Happy Valley

Situated on Port Elizabeth's main beachfront. Lush tropical gardens, lily ponds and storybook characters impart a fairytale quality. In summer, at night time, there are coloured lights. Across the...