News & Events around South Africa

Currency Exchange Rates for Travellers to South Africa Sept 2010 Updated 02/09

Credits: Gauteng-Marlboro.org

Foreign exchange transactions can be carried out at all major branches of South Africas leading banks as well as bureaux de change at most international entry points. Some Major International Hotels can also assist you in regard to foreign exchange.

When concluding foreign exchange transactions with other than a commercial bank be aware of counterfeit currency especially R200 notes

Caledon - Wildflower Show - Sept 2010

Proteas in full bloom Credits: "Freda"

The Caledon Wildflower Show will take place from the  10^th to the 13^th September 2010. You will find the displays at the Victoria Hall, in Hope Street, Caledon.

Every year The Caledon Wildflower Society (which is now 118 years old)puts on the most amazing show of over 600 plants found in the Caledon area. The huge diversity of plants means that members of the Caledon Wildflower Society put in a huge amount of work into identifying, labelling (with Latin and common names) and arranging the plants in displays as natural as possible. They endeavour to bring nature to those

Durban - Comrades Marathon 2011 - Entries Open 1st September

Wally Hayward Credits: Germiston Callies

The Annual Comrades Marathon for 2011 is scheduled for 29^th May 2011 and entries open today (1^st September 2010) for all runners, irrespective of whether they have run the Comrades Marathon before or not. 

The Comrades Marathon is one of the greatest sporting events in the world and attracts thousands of runners from around the globe. 

The years roll on and the history of the Comrades is richer as the result of each year is added to that of the races past and the legends of the Comrades stand out as giants among men. 

The great Wally Hayward from Germiston Callies was one of the greatest, winning the Comrades Marathon 5 times in his first 5 starts. In 1930 at the age of 21 Wally won his first Comrades in a time just under 7½ hours. He entered again in 1950, 1951, 1953 and 1954 and won all four giving him the 5 wins in 5 starts. 

34 years later, at the age of 79, Wally again completed the race and held the founders trophy for the oldest person to complete the Comrades.

Wally also ran and finished the Comrades Marathon in 1989 at the age of 80. A truly remarkable man, He epitomised the spirit and purpose of this great sporting event. 

The Comrades Marathon starts at 05:30 in Durban on 29^th May 2011 and the final gun goes off at 17:30 in Pietermaritzburg, 89 km away. 

To complete your application form or to find out more on the Comrades Marathon visit the official website. Germiston Callies has more on other great Comrades Marathon heroes.

Foreign Exchange Rates August 28th 2010

Credits: Gauteng-Marlboro.org

Foreign exchange transactions can be carried out at all major branches of South Africas leading banks as well as bureaux de change at most international entry points. Some Major International Hotels can also assist you in regard to foreign exchange.

When concluding foreign exchange transactions with other than a commercial bank be aware of counterfeit currency especially R200 notes

Exchange Rates for Travellers to South Africa

Credits: allexperts.com

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Yzerfontein - New Birding Route at Blombosch

Cape Rock Jumper Credits: www.10000birds.com

The Blombosch Hiking Trail has expanded its offering and now has opened the “Blombosch Birding Route”. The new birding route is around two kilometres in length within the precinct of the original trail.

Blombosch Birding Route has been located far away from other activity in the area so opportunities for spotting are plentiful. The first group of birders identified 48 species in less than a few hours, which gives an indication of the wonderful diversity of wildlife still present

Riebeek Valley - Shiraz and Art Weekend - October 2010

Credits: www.hetvlockcasteel.co.za

The 6th edition of the Riebeek Valley Shiraz and Arts Weekend is scheduled for the 2nd and 3rd October 2010. The Wine Cellars participating in this year’s Riebeek Shiraz and Arts Weekend will be hosting some excellent exhibitions of art, sculpture and photography. 

A new addition to this years Shiraz and Arts Weekend will be a series of theatre productions at selected venues in the Valley. Full details will shortly be available online so that you'll be able to plan

Swellendam - National Sheepdog Championships August 2010

Sheepdog in Action Credits: www.sasda.za.net

South African Sheepdog Championships will be held on the weekend of 20^th to 22^nd August near Swellendam. 

South African Sheepdog Championships qualifying round starts on Friday 20^th August. The Championship semi finals are on Saturday and the Finals on Sunday. 

Herding sheep with a well trained sheepdog is a spectacle to behold. The discipline of both dog and handler, the anticipation, enthusiasm and excitement of the pen affects all, the handler, his (or her) dog, even the sheep. Winning the South African Sheepdog Championships is a huge accolade for both the dog and handler.

Hermanus - Overstrand Artistic Concepts Art Exhibition Sept 2010

Oil on Canvas Credits: Margaret Dalton

Overstrand Artistic Concepts will be holding their second bi-annual art exhibition in the beautiful Fernkloof Nature Reserve from 8^th to 12^th September 2010. Overstrand Artistic Concepts was born out of the desire of a group of Overberg Artists to find a way of marketing their works in a manner that benefitted the entire group.

Hermanus Whale Festival Classic Car Show Sept 2010

Just Like New Credits: www.whalesandwheels.com

Hermanus Whale Festival has as one of its highlights, the annual Whales and Wheels Classic Car Show organised by Hermanus Classic Cars.

The Hermanus Whale festival's  Whales and Wheels show is a full day of activities at Hermanus Primary School where over 300 veteran and vintage cars will be on both static and mobile display.

Virtually all the famous brands of yesteryear will be represented at Whales and Wheels and there is also a tractor and truck section. All this happens on the Saturday 25^th September starting at 09:00