Five Common Misconceptions About South Africa
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Five Common Misconceptions About South Africa

273
Five Common Misconceptions About South Africa
relatably.com

I was born and raised in South Africa in a typical white, middle-class household. When I tell people I'm from Africa, they respond in surprising ways. Although I've been an American citizen since 2006, I was born and raised in Africa and the culture is embedded in me. I often get asked about my accent, which is not a typical one for South Africa. I've listed some common misconceptions about South Africa that may or may not surprise you.


1. Lions and elephant do not roam the streets

[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F05%2F06%2F635981378895281618802533942_GlWptrqRbJ29y.gif&ho=http%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=909&h=84c11a74114b9e0699387ea77b4c9644961aa002fe89aa52c76648444f49b421&size=980x&c=4008700687 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2016%252F05%252F06%252F635981378895281618802533942_GlWptrqRbJ29y.gif%26ho%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net%26s%3D909%26h%3D84c11a74114b9e0699387ea77b4c9644961aa002fe89aa52c76648444f49b421%26size%3D980x%26c%3D4008700687%22%7D" expand=1]

Africa is the only continent where lions and other game can be observed in their natural environment. Contrary to belief, lions and other big game like rhinos, elephants, giraffes, and buffalo live outside of captivity and national reserves. African safaris are popular among foreign tourists and gives them the opportunity to see these glorious beasts in their natural element. Not as many people get eaten by lions as some might believe! They'll only attack if people encroach on their territory and that's why safari tour guides caution their charge to remain inside the vehicle and at a safe distance.


2. Not everyone from Africa is black

[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F05%2F06%2F635981388342776165-2109085869_5cAJ3N9L6TVLO.gif&ho=http%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=363&h=b49fff497879f0fbe0ae5cd6da8f8352743f3d54c2ba4200edd1c634e01da09e&size=980x&c=2668804912 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2016%252F05%252F06%252F635981388342776165-2109085869_5cAJ3N9L6TVLO.gif%26ho%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net%26s%3D363%26h%3Db49fff497879f0fbe0ae5cd6da8f8352743f3d54c2ba4200edd1c634e01da09e%26size%3D980x%26c%3D2668804912%22%7D" expand=1]

In case you didn't know, that kickass chick, Furiosa, from Mad Max: Fury Road is from South Africa. Charlize grew up in Benoni and her first language is Afrikaans. When you're a Hollywood star you have voice coaches, hence her convincing American accent.


3. District 9 does not represent South African culture

With 11 official languages and a population comprised of a multitude of ethnicities, South Africa earned the moniker "The Rainbow Nation." Some of the cultural influences include Dutch, British, Malay, Indian, French and also include various African tribes. No, there aren't any aliens!

4. Nothing beats a South African "braai"

The national past-time is the "braai" which differs from a typical American barbeque mainly by the length of the cooking process. Yes, it's slightly primitive - meat is grilled over a wood fire - and the goal is not to get the food on the table fast. It's a cultural gathering where South Africans celebrate their laid back culture.

5. South Africa is not all desert

[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F05%2F06%2F635981417902424060-265758881_3o6ozk957G2FE4mMCY.gif&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=493&h=c86c988b2f445cea7eff4b32599227a977fb8550f34e4b7fb53fd4dda991ab1f&size=980x&c=3251462391 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2016%252F05%252F06%252F635981417902424060-265758881_3o6ozk957G2FE4mMCY.gif%26ho%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net%26s%3D493%26h%3Dc86c988b2f445cea7eff4b32599227a977fb8550f34e4b7fb53fd4dda991ab1f%26size%3D980x%26c%3D3251462391%22%7D" expand=1]

South Africa is considered a subtropical region, moderated by ocean on two sides of the triangle-shaped country. While there are hot, dry regions, the majority of the country is considered to have a moderate climate. Tourists can enjoy a vast number of not-so-usual outdoor activities like ostrich racing, shark cage diving, watching and petting penguins in their natural environment.

I hope that this piece clarified some of the misconceptions that you might have had about South Africa, so next time consider a travel destination, keep South Africa in mind. You should go visit, they really love Americans over there!

Tot Siens (goodbye in Afrikaans)

From Your Site Articles
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

5 fun Summer Vacations that won't break your bank

Enjoy the sun, relax the wallet - here are the estimated costs

150
5 fun Summer Vacations that won't break your bank
Endless Ocean
We compiled the costs related to 5 enriching summer vacations for this year in the thrifty sense:
Keep Reading...Show less
sunglasses

I remember how exciting summer was when I was a kid. I would just be eagerly waiting for school to end so that I could fly to some exotic location with my family for the summer. Or hang out with my friends every day. Or just lay around in bed or read, paint, draw, basically do whatever.

Keep Reading...Show less
Remembering the Memorial in Memorial Union

Sometimes it's hard to remember that Memorial Union at the University of Missouri is actually a memorial, not just a place to take a nap on a couch and get Starbucks.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Soccer, Spain and Racism

The whirlwind events of last week reflects the sad state of sports in Europe.

1426
Soccer, Spain and Racism

When we think of events that have transpired in the US over the last few years, a lot of it ends up in spotlighting the division in the country. However, things across the pond seem to be no better - at least when it comes to sports. Last week, Real Madrid - arguably the richest sports franchise in the world, had one of their Brazilian strikers subject to vicious racist attacks in Valencia. The player, Vini Jr posted this example video in his Insta account:

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments