Understanding Misrepresentations of South Africa

“Don’t go to South Africa, it’s too dangerous”

This was perhaps the most overused phrase I heard before going to Johannesburg to study.
 Let me start by saying South Africa is a diverse country. While crime and danger should not be overlooked, it also shouldn't be used to define any place. 

My 5 months in South Africa bore little reflection to both media representations of the country, and opinions and 'advice' given largely from people who had never actually been there.
It made me wonder—where are people getting their supposed knowledge from?
 It can’t be attributed to just one thing. 

Bitter expats draw attention to violence and corruption. Media favours political instability, crime, poverty and injustice. International focus can be drawn to one or two big issues, while positive stories fly under the radar

Much of my studies focus on the use of stereotypes in mainstream media. When it comes to representations of countries, it's hard to find a accurate depiction of daily realities in the media. This is particularly so with South Africa.

If I had listened to what the media, my peers and society had said, I would have never have had the absolute time of my life. I travelled to amazing places, lived safely and happily, made unforgettable friends and, most importantly, learnt to call South Africa home.

Want my advice? It doesn’t have to be exploring a poorly portrayed continent- ignore all stereotypes, figure it out for yourself.

I feel so strongly about the misrepresentation of South Africa, I made my first short documentary about it.

This post draws my adventures and life in Southern Africa to a close. Head to Ditchedinasia to follow my current travels, study and general ranting in crazy and vibrant South East Asia.

Taking on Johannesburg

Known to those who live there as Joburg or Jozi, Johannesburg was my home for 5 months while studying on exchange. It's not exactly your typical study destination or overseas getaway. The city isn't known for being particularly attractive or even safe.
However taking on Johannesburg seemed more of a big deal than it was.

It did certainly have its disadvantages.
Getting around as a tourist is difficult thanks to a lack of public transport and too many cars. Every building is covered in barbed wire and security making it just a little intimidating. Power and water outages are more common than you'd like. And unlike the more popular Cape Town, Joburg doesn't offer a whole lot of visual attractions. 

While I don't think Joburg is the best city in the world, there's so much beyond what first meets the eye.
I quickly learnt to love the surrounding hills that frame the city and glow from lights at night. Or how in Spring, Joburg becomes awash with purple from the blooming jacaranda trees (even if they are technically pests). There are some amazing cultural and artistic hubs to get know, and so much to learn about the city. Joburg was founded on the discovery of gold and was a key playing field for many important moments in South Africa's fight for democracy. It's the best place for learning the rich and complicated history of South Africa, as well as the present day social struggles. 

It took me a while to get to know Johannesburg. Don't be put off by what people say, or what it seems from the surface. It does have a lot to offer.
My 9 favourite things to do in the City of Gold are a good starting point if you find yourself in Joburg.

1. Soweto

If you do only one thing in Joburg, make it a trip to Soweto. Named simply as an abbreviation for South West Township, Soweto is richer in history than any other area I went to in Africa.
Stay at Lebo's Backpackers and take a bike tour to see how life works in a township. Walk down Vilakazi St, enjoy the sites, grab a bite to eat and absorb the history. You can explore Nelson Mandela's former house and learn about the 1976 Soweto Uprising and its importance in South Africa's democratic freedom.

Daily life in Soweto

When you're done with the main streets, look out to the skyline and head to the defining Orlando Towers. Not only are the painted towers culturally and artistically significant, it's now a site for bungee jumping and extreme sports. The bungee jump is far cheaper than other places like Vic Falls and the views over the rich red landscape from the top are something pretty special. Even if you're not an extreme sport fan, the towers are worth a visit regardless and there's a place at the base where you can grab and drink, relax and enjoy the view. 

A bungee jumper looks tiny compared to the mighty Orlando Towers

I'd stay a few days in Soweto to get to know the surrounding area and visit other sites like the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum or catch a game at Orlando Stadium.

Looking over Soweto and surrounding areas

2. The Apartheid Museum 

This is the best place to learn about the racial system that tore South Africa apart, and their struggle for democratic freedom. Travelling in South Africa would not be complete without a basic knowledge of the apartheid era. While it's not exactly fun like a safari or travel adventure, it was the most memorable place in Joburg. The Apartheid Museum is both touching and overwhelming. Prepare a good few hours to get through it, especially if the extra Mandela exhibit is open. It's intense, but honestly cannot be missed.

3. Markets

Joburg is pumping with bustling trendy food markets that will offer your taste buds something they won't forget. These mouth-watering markets are filled with international foods from Greek souvlakis, crocodile meat skewers, gourmet pizzas, creamy chocolate desserts and the most delicious paella I've ever had. Neighbourgoods Market, open every Saturday from 9 - 3 in Braamfontein, was my favourite. The atmosphere is almost as good as the food, with no shortage of indie market stalls, friendly faces and catchy tunes. Grab a drink in the afternoon and head to one of Braamfonteins bars afterwards. Get your friends together and check out at least one of these markets. 

Come on an empty stomach. 

4. Nightlife

I had some crazy nights out in Joburg. Compared to my home in Australia, the price of alcohol is unbelievably cheap in SA. Getting to know the night scene was an affordable and easy adventure and the venues did not disappoint.

There's sleek and sophisticated clubs like KONG, and more laid back student bars in Braamfontein. I made regular appearances at Taboo and clubs in Fourways. The cool vibes and hip hop room at Kitcheners made it my favourite place to be on a Wednesday or Friday night. 

Check out inyourpocket for info on the best clubs in the suburb near you.

A night out at KONG

 5. The Market Theatre

Located in the cultural and creative hub, Newtown, the Market Theatre offers more than just powerful performances. The theatre itself has an incredible story. It ran as an independent underground theatre during the apartheid era. It was one of the few places where people of all skin colours could come together, making it a huge place of cultural significance. Many of the shows continue to address past and present issues of apartheid. If you find books and museums a bit dull, this theatre is a great alternative way to learn about South Africa's past. It's also incredibly well priced.

Check out the up and coming shows when you're in Joburg and spend the day exploring the artistic culture in Newtown while you're there.

6. Lion Parks

Joburg is home to two Lion Parks- Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve and Lion Park. They're the best place for close-up encounters with African animals as well as small scale animal drives. These parks have nothing on a real African safari, and some organisations claim they feed into canned hunting. However the parks are very popular and provide a great day out. If you want to play with lion cubs, this is the place. You're guaranteed to get great photos sure to make your friends at home jealous.

I've written more about finding the best animal experiences in Southern Africa here.

Up close and personal with Africa's favourite animal at the Lion Park

7. Watch the Rugby

As soon as I mentioned I was Australian, most South Africans would quickly make comment about rugby rivalries. I must make a confession here-- I know next to nothing about rugby. I think I've been to one game in my entire life. This hardly mattered though. Rugby is a huge deal in SA and I absolutely loved heading out with friends to the closest bar on game day, having a drink and pretending I knew what was happening. If there's one thing I wish I did it's go to an actual game there. The atmosphere would be phenomenal.

8. Monte Casino

I'm rarely a fan of casinos and I don't gamble, but Monte was pretty damn cool. The indoor casino is set up as though it is outdoors. Even in the middle of the night, the walls, decorations and lights make the place look and feel like you're gambling outside in broad daylight. 

There's no shortage of gambling and games for those who like to bet. Non-gamblers can just opt for a night of bar hoping, cocktail tasting and dancing in one of the pumping clubs. It's sure to make for a good night.

The glitz and glamour of Monte does highlight the wealth disparities in South Africa. However I was willing to put this aside for a couple of high-class fun nights out. 

9. Use Joburg as a Travel Base

Joburg is ideally positioned to get to know both South Africa, and surrounding countries in Africa. It was easy to organise weekend trips through tour companies, flight deals and car rentals. The mountains of Drakensberg, beachy Durban and neighbouring rural Lesotho are only 5-6 hours drive away. Cheap buses and flights run regularly to Namibia, Botswana and Mozambique.

I met other exchange students based in Cape Town and while they'd had he luxury of Cape Town's views, they'd barely seen the amazing places I'd been able to get to. I wouldn't have had it any other way. Joburg is the easiest, cheapest and best base in Southern Africa for smooth travels.

Weekend road trips were one of the best parts of Joburg life

From Melbourne Australia, I've finished my studies in Africa and am currently making my way across South East Asia. 

Check out my previous posts on the right hand side and follow my latest updates on twitter @ K_ditch