Jetting to South Africa for business and pleasure: some say it is a continent within a country - caracteristicas interesantes de Sudafrica - TA: interesting features of South Africa

Some Say It Is A Continent Within A Country

What is it that makes the fantasy of South Africa? Is it the people? The landscape? The weather?

Actually, experienced travelers who visit South Africa and its independent countries will probably tell you that it is a combination of all the above -- and in fact, "A world in one country."

THE MYSTIQUE

Yes, South Africa is at times provocative, petulant and plentiful in all that you have ever imagined or fantasized about. Images abound, and you might just dream yourself into a reality of events which complement anything African. And if you like animals -- this is surely the one place in the world to visit!

South Africa lies south of the equator, and the seasons are opposite of those in the Northern Hemisphere.

HOW TO GET THERE

Several airlines service the area from most major titles in the U.S. I traveled from Los Angeles International Airport, via Delta Airlines and Sabena Airlines. These two carriers offer a "split flight" from New York to Brussels to Johannesburg.

It is a long flight experience, which in my travel plan took about 23 hours in the air, and at least four additional hours to make the connections. However, some cities offer nonstop flights. Your travel agent will advise you of all the options.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Since the Holiday Inn operates five lovely hotels within easy access to Sandton City, a comparatively new suburb of the city of Johannesburg -- this was my choice. The hotel chain offers world class service to business and leisure travelers alike. The rooms are moderately priced, and rates include a generous buffet breakfast, which is a splendid way to begin any day. My accommodations were at the Holiday Inn Garden Court in Sandton, South Africa. The hotel comprises a choice of restaurants and bars on the premises, and guests may partake of choices including continental cuisine and Irish Pub. The latter specializes in hearty food. Versatile menus offer everything from power to yuppie lunches, and much in-between.

SANDTON HISTORY

When the town of Sandton on the northern perimeter of Johannesburg came into being in 1969, it created a quality area for residential, retail or office accommodation. Presently it is a thriving hub which can boast to being the new Central Business District of Gauteng, the economic heart of the country's most powerful province. Factors which set Sandton apart from other South African CBDs: the absence of overcrowding in the streets, less vagrancy and street hawking, generous parking bay ratios, and traffic control all help to keep the city safe with room to expand.

SIGHT-SEEING

You'll wish you had at least a month to take the wide selection of side trips which you can book for pickup right at your hotel. Atlas Tourist Services offer a wide selection of side trips -- and just a few of the many exotic points of interest include The DeWild and Cheetah Research Center, the Pretoria Tour, the Premier Diamond Mine Tour, the Gold Reef City Tour, and the Soweto Tour. These are all day trips.

Three-day tours might include Kruger Wild Life Park, or at least 20 additional choices. Also, there are private custom made tours and Safari itineraries on request.

ANIMALS ABOUND

It's true what they say. Animals, most everywhere! The game preserves are fascinating, and will provide visitors with unique experiences to long remember. Not-to-be-missed is the safari adventure -- which travels along on dusty roads while passengers keep alert to spot the game. This is a most remarkable opportunity to see wildlife at close range in their natural habitat. The safari participants find that the animals pay little attention to the vehicle or its passengers, thus allowing the visitors to observe and photograph the fascinating wildlife through the window or roof of the vehicle.

ON TO BUSINESS

Just as the lure of the land where wildlife roam, and where the greatest amount of gold and diamonds is mined -- is an attraction to tourists, so the environment for business dealings and for business gatherings is inviting indeed.

In fact, under the Mandela government initiative, which is part of its Reconstruction Development Plan, South Africa's economy is now open to foreign competition. To stimulate their country's economy, it is necessary to economically empower new businesses, thereby creating markets for their products and services. The focus is to narrow the economic gap between the nation's black majority and white minority.

Our journey to Johannesburg with National Minority Business Council (NMBC) Second Trade Mission was timed to participate with other U.S. Corporations affiliated with the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) -- which incorporates an exchange program for U.S. Minority businesses to visit South Africa, and vice-versa in return. Recently, the visiting South Africans convened in Chicago to share information about their respective hosts' programs and identify best practices.

CULTURAL DIFFERENCES

In S.A., general foreign ownership of local businesses is not restricted. Government approval for investment is neither needed nor are any areas prohibited. The new government also intends to reduce the tariffs formerly used to protect industry under apartheid. There are a host of investment incentives as well, including low electricity costs, port facilities, relatively low commercial real estate prices, and a sophisticated industrial infrastructure.

But, the two countries conduct business in very different ways. For instance, Americans must learn to trust in a society that moves more slowly and makes decisions more deliberately. Black South Africans never talk business before enquiring about one's health or family.

At the business session on protocol, Nandi Mandela, the granddaughter of President Nelson Mandela, offered 'South Africa Watch' -- her observations on do's and taboo's for doing business in their country. "Often, when foreigners ask a question, they tend not to really pay attention to the answers. They give the impression that they are not listening, which certainly gives off the wrong signal." Ms. Mandela continued citing the cultural differences by adding, "Another mistake is emphasizing a particular point over and over again when talking with a South African. This can be perceived as a questioning of one's intelligence level, sending a very negative message."

Aggressive behavior is another taboo, such as forcing a point down someone's throat. Such behavior is generally perceived by a South African as arrogant. Finally, Nandi Mandela cautions foreigners who expect to visit South Africa, "It's important to listen, versus asserting one's own point of view. Pay attention to the body language of the person you are speaking with to find cues that measure their interest level. South Africans will be honest," Nandi concluded.

A FASCINATING TRIP

Whether for business or strictly pleasure, tourists will come away from their South African vacation with a new understanding and appreciation for the people and the "continent within a country" which is halfway around the world. Allow enough time to visit the myriad of attractions throughout the countryside, and the memories you bring home will long live in your heads and hearts.

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