Basic Facts
The total population of South Africa is 45 million:

• 76% of the population is black African
• 13% is "white"
• 8.5% is "coloured"
• 2.5% is of Indian descent.

There are eleven official languages in SA, but English is the common language of business.

The country is the size of France and Spain combined and is divided into nine provinces.

Durban is the economic centre of Kwa Zulu Natal province. It is the third largest city in South Africa, after Johannesburg and Cape Town. It is said to be the fastest growing city in the Southern hemisphere. Durban harbour is the principal harbour in South Africa.

South Africa's democracy is only twelve years old. The first democratic elections in which all races were allowed to vote on an equal basis took place in 1994.

General Information
Electricity — the electricity supply is 220/230 volts, AC 50Hz.
International Dialing Code — 27.
Time differences — South Africa operates 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.

Climate
KwaZulu-Natal and Durban enjoy a warm subtropical climate for most of the year.  Average temperatures in August are a maximum of 23°C and a minimum of 13°C, with an average monthly rainfall of 58 mm. Evenings can be cool. It should not be too humid.

Banks
South African banks are open 0900 to 1530 Monday to Friday and 0830 to 1100 Saturdays.  Automatic teller machines (ATM) are available in most towns and cities and offer a 24-hour service. There are banking facilities and an ATM at the ICC.

Immunisation/Vaccination Certificates
No immunisation is required when entering South Africa. The only inoculation requirement is a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers entering South Africa within 6 days of leaving an infected area (only infants under the age of one year are exempt).

Durban is malaria free. However if you plan to visit rural areas please seek medical advice well in advance of your visit to South Africa. 

Water
As a rule tap water in South Africa is safe to drink.

Currency
South African Rand (ZAR 1 = 100 cents)
As at 1 November 2005:  US$1.00 = ZAR 6.67; GB£1.00 = ZAR11.84

Credit Cards
Most major credit cards and travellers cheques in major currencies are accepted.

Tours/excursions
The ITF has appointed Shakatours as its local travel agent for tours and excursions and has negotiated special rates on behalf of Congress participants. Shakatours offers a range of tours within South Africa as well as to neighbouring countries. A full list of the tours available can be found at www.shakatours.com.

Shakatours will have a desk based at the ICC for the duration of the Congress. Should you wish to pre-book tours, please contact Keith Bentley at: Telephone + 27 31 368 6588 / Fax + 27 31 368 6589 / Email keith@shakatours.com.

For further details of tours available near Durban visit this link.

Childcare
Creche facilities will be available for children aged 1 to 9 years for the duration of Congress. Further information will be available in the near future. The cost will be in the region of ZAR 40 (US$ 6) per child per day.

Airport transfers
The ITF has negotiated reduced rate airport transfers through Shakatours. A welcome desk will be located at Durban airport. Please proceed to the desk on arrival. The one-way transfer from Durban airport to the hotels will cost ZAR 65. If you would prefer to take a taxi the cost will be approximately ZAR 150.

Tax
Value Added Tax (VAT) is charged on most items. Foreign visitors to South Africa can have 14% VAT refunded provided that the value of the items purchased exceeds ZAR 250.00. VAT is refunded at the point of departure provided receipts are produced.

Health
Medical care is readily available and there are first aid facilities and a doctor at the ICC. 

It is recommended that visitors to South Africa obtain traveller’s health insurance before leaving their country.

Personal safety
Participants may be aware that Durban, like many other cities in South Africa, has areas in which security can be a problem. Arrangements have been made for free bus transfers to and from the ICC and the ITF recommended hotels – which are all located in an area in which security measures are maximized. Please remain vigilant and alert at all times.