Rainbow Nation

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Unique cultures of South Africa

South Africans are proud of our cultural diversity. It comes from centuries of settlement and emigration from Africa and the rest of the world.

The legendary Dutch East India Company emblem.

Dutch history in South Africa

From the first days of colonialism to the post-apartheid era, the people of Holland have been intimately involved with South Africa and its issues.

French history in South Africa

The Huguenots who came to South Africa in the late 17th Century gave this country a sense of style, Gallic culture and a culture of wine-making.

Caledonian pipe bands abound in South Africa.

Scottish history in South Africa

Scottish people living in South Africa keep alive their range of customs, literary celebrations, sporting events and dances – and ever-popular tastings of their legendary whiskies.

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British history in South Africa

Britons have been involved in South Africa through centuries of colonialism, adventuring, missionary work, a number of wars and prospecting for gold and diamonds.

German history in South Africa

The Germans first came to South Africa as explorers, missionaries, settlers, soldiers and farmers. They’re still coming in droves – mostly as adventurous, open-minded holiday travellers.

The baPedi

Rising from the social cauldron of the Difaqane ('scattering of the people'), the baPedi survived to become an integral part of modern-day South Africa.

The Lemba - Jews of Africa

Their emblem bears the Star of David, they follow Jewish traditions and they live among the Venda people in Limpopo Province – they are the Lemba.

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You haven’t been to South Africa until you’ve danced with the locals

Explore Johannesburg’s thriving arts culture

Take part in drumming at a cultural village

Drumming circle - get into the groove of things in South Africa

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Top 10

Cultural selling points

Cultural authenticity

In a globalised world, where the term 'cultural diversity' has lost its potency, South Africa offers authentic cultural encounters with real communities like the San and the Nama. Their presence in...
Cultural World Heritage Sites

South Africa’s cultural World Heritage Sites are among the most compelling in the world. Far from being consigned to the annals of history, the ongoing hominid fossil discoveries at the Cradle of...
Township Tourism

Townships offer open-minded travellers a chance to visit significant freedom sites, to interact with ordinary people, and experience genuine cultural diversity. Most visitors find their experience...
A sense of place

South Africa has shied away from over commercialising our unique cultural icons. Whether you tour Soweto, visit the District Six Museum, or explore the Kamberg’s San rock art sites, they are...
Our humanity

Conserving rock art, acknowledging our hominid ancestors, recording oral testimony for posterity, or welcoming visitors is how we show our humanity. Respect for each other and for human rights is at...
Dynamic cultural heritage

South African culture was created by a mix of African, European and Asian influences; and we continue to embrace cultural change. We honour our immigrant and indigenous heritage, and we celebrate...
The freedom experience

South Africa’s triumph of democracy over apartheid ranks as one of the most significant human rights achievements in modern history. South Africa’s struggle for freedom is within living memory, and...
Accessible culture

South African cultural experiences are among the most affordable and accessible in the world. Rarely are there hefty entrance fees, long queues, cultural protocols or red tape to contend with. South...
Cultural museums

The diversity and depth of South African culture can be experienced in world-class museums, memorials and galleries. From exploring in the open-air grasslands of Madiba’s birthplace in rural Qunu, to...
Creatively Inspired

South Africa is a place where creativity flourishes and our endless cultural variety is expressed through traditional and modern forms of song, dance, art, theatre, design, fashion and food.