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SOUTH AFRICA: First African Country to Legalize Homosexual Marriages | 10 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT IT
When you say “South Africa”, it sends most people back to the Apartheid era and others see right away: Lions, Safaris and Mandela. But, what else do you take away from South Africa? .. It is the country of origin of most of your favorite dances, the first African country to have legalized same-sex marriage, ...but hey, we’re not going to quote everything in the introduction
South African music speaks volumes about its ability to celebrate all aspects of its diverse culture. And first, did you know that they have a multilingual national anthem ? Yup. It’s called “Nkosi Sikelel iAfrika”.
Elsewhere in South Africa, people play kwaito which is the African house music style, they also play jazz, hip hop, Afrikaans rock, African gospel, classic rock, pop, traditional drums, Afrikaans sakkie sakkie and many others.
As for dancing, it has always been of great importance in South Africa. It is versatile and energetic. It was first a form of celebration for ancestors worship as well as a way for warriors to show their strength as they approached combat. The country has different styles of dance that each tell a story, whether it started in response to oppression or just groove fun. South African dance sets trends with its unique dance styles. Here are a few: the “Gwara Gwara” developed by the renowned Dj Bongz; the “Malwedhe” developed by King Monada; the “IsiPantsula” that emerged in the 1950s and 1960s during Apartheid; the “AmaPiano” has fast movements - body bursts and it's a dance in vogue these days. The other trend is the “jerusalema dance challenge”.
Religion holds a central place in the lives of most people in South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland, where churches are generally very busy. Christianity dominates in all three countries, its followers representing 80% of the South African population.
Among the most important, the Dutch Reformed Church has more than 1 million faithful and more than 1,000 temples in the country. Much less discreet, the Zion Christian Church has 6 million followers. Some 15% of South Africans identify as atheists or agnostics, while Muslims, Hindus and Jews together make up less than 5% of the population.
About 1% of the population of South Africa and 20% of Lesotho hold traditional African beliefs, whose rites and practices have a significant influence on the life and culture of the region. Visiting the sangoma (healer) for muti (traditional remedy) is common, even among Christians.
With a height of 216 meters, it is the highest bungee jump in the world. And it is in South Africa. It is a place that every tourist should visit at all costs during their stay in South Africa.
A bungee jump offers a dose of adrenaline more than correct. We throw ourselves into the void, trusting the strength of the rope. On the Bloukrans Bridge, in South Africa, you can jump from ... 216m high! A vertiginous fall in a magnificent setting. The bridge overlooks a crystal clear river and lush forest. The bridge has a height equal to 4 times the Arc-de-Triomphe. Frightening? Of course!
But there is nothing to worry about since in its 25 years of existence, people who have visited it have had no accidents. Even though they may be stressed before the big jump, the staff are there to lighten the mood. With lots of music and slaps on the back, they reassure and build confidence.
South African cuisine is a blend of recipes from certain cultural groups that have been around for over 350 years. Cuisine practiced by indigenous peoples such as the Khoisan and Xhosa, and by Sotho-speaking people. The cuisine of the Cape Malay people is also included. It has many characteristics of Java and Malaysia.
In 2006, South Africa became the first African country to legalize same-sex marriage, which meant it was the fifth country in the world to recognize same-sex marriage. The prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation is even enshrined in their constitution.
Indeed, a bill was also introduced in 2018, to criminalize hate crimes and speech, and in 2020 South African President Cyril Ramaphosa enacted the Civil Union Amendment Act, which prohibits marriage agents to refuse to perform same-sex marriages. Cape Town, in particular, is one of the top travel destinations for LGBTQI people. Some even call it “the gay capital of Africa”.
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Published Sep 15, 2023
