Cape Town, the “Mother City”, is the oldest city in South Africa and has a cultural heritage spanning more than 300 years. The fact that Cape Town is the 2014 World Design Capital, there is no better time to discover this culturally-rich city that made Lonely Planet's list of top ten destinations for 2014. Cape Town is a port city on South Africa’s southwest coast, on a peninsula beneath the imposing Table Mountain. Slowly rotating cable cars climb to the mountain’s flat top, from which there are sweeping views of the city, the busy harbor and boats heading for Robben Island, the notorious prison that once held Nelson Mandela, which is now a living museum.
For more information please visit the website at www.capetown.travel
Delegates are responsible for booking their own flights to and from Cape Town. In most cases, booking airline tickets via the internet is a cost-effective option.
International travel, as per international practice, requires visitors to South Africa to be in possession of a valid passport. Passports must meet the following 2 requirements:
Citizens from countries that require visas for the Republic of South Africa (RSA), who arrive without visas, will be refused entry into the RSA and placed on return flights in terms of legislation.
Delegates are responsible for making their own visa arrangements. Travel agents and South African diplomatic missions will provide you with relevant information. Information and visa application forms can be found on the website of the South African Department of Home Affairs: www.dha.gov.za Visas are not issued on arrival at South African ports of entry.
To visit the South African Weather Service, click here www.weathersa.co.za for temperatures in Durban, South Africa.
The South African currency is the Rand (ZAR). The rate of exchange against international currencies is variable so foreign delegates are advised to check the daily published rates, or click here http://www.oanda.com/converter/classic to use a currency converter.
A yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into South Africa from various countries in Central, East and West Africa – please confirm these requirements with the South African diplomatic mission in your country.
The conference organisers cannot accept liability for personal injuries sustained, or for loss or damage of property belonging to participants or any accompanying persons. It is therefore recommended that delegates and/or accompanying persons arrange for appropriate travel and health insurance before travelling.
South Africa has 11 official languages. English, however, is the first language and is spoken throughout the country.
While vigilance and common sense will ensure a trouble-free and enjoyable stay in South Africa, it is advisable to take the following precautions: do not leave luggage, mobile phones or valuables unattended; use the safety deposit boxes provided by most hotels; do not carry large amounts of cash, and keep cash, credit cards and identification documents in a secure place on your person.
| Police Flying Squad: | 10111 |
| Ambulance: | 10177 |
| Crime Stop: | 08600 10111 |
| City of Cape Town General Emergency: | 107 |
| Cellphone Emergency: | 112 (MTN, Vodacom, Cell C and Telkom) |
| AIDS Helpline: | 0800 012 322 |
| Childline: | 0800 055 555 / 021 762 8198 |
| Poison Information Helpline: | 0861 555 777 |
| Safe Schools: | 0800 45 46 47 |
| Western Cape Government: | 0860 142 142 |
| Fire Department: | 021 480 7700 |
| Electricity: | 0860 103 089 |
| Water: | 0860 103 089 |
| Sea Rescue: | 021 449 3500 |
| Mountain Rescue: | 021 948 9900 |
| Disaster Management: | 080 911 4357 |
| Consumer Protector: | 0800 007 081 |
| Lifeline: | 021 461 1113 |