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Global Young People's Convocation & Legislative Assembly
December 28, 2006 - January 1, 2007
Location
The Global Young People's Convocation & Legislative Assembly will take place at: Indaba Hotel and Conference Center
Where is Johannesburg? Johannesburg is often referred to as Jo'burg, Jozi, eGoli or 'the city of gold' (40 percent of the world’s gold is from Johannesburg). Johannesburg is a mouthful, so South African’s call their city Joburg. Johannesburg is by far the largest city in South Africa, with a population around 3.5 million. The city is in the Northern area of South Africa. Johannesburg is a booming metropolis, where wealth and poverty live side-by-side, just as in many major cities. To learn more about Johannesburg, go to the city’s website, http://www.joburg.org.za/travel/. Johannesburg Culture Johannesburg is the most powerful commercial centre on the African continent. When many people think of Africa, they think of a less modern, less progressive place; however, Jo’burg is booming in more ways than one! The city holds so much history and rich culture. Here is some more information for you to acquaint yourself with Johannesburg: · Languages- South Africa has eleven languages, and all of these are spoken in Joburg. Tourists will find that English is the predominant language of the government, business, and media. South Africans speak more of a British English, as opposed to American English, so you will hear different colloquialisms and slang words. Other languages include, but are not limited to: isiZulu, Afrikaans, Setswana, SeSotho, French, and Portuguese. · A Booming City- Joburg generates about 16 percent of South Africa’s GDP, and employs 12 percent of the national workforce. The infrastructure can be compared to that of Chicago, New York City, or London, YET the cost of living is far lower. The World Bank even rates Joburg as having the sixth most sophisticated banking sector in the world! · Attractions- Joburg is home of three acclaimed museums full of political history—the Apartheid Museum, Nelson Mandela’s House, and Hector Peterson Museum (we will be visiting these). Joburg is also known for the Sterkfontein Caves, where fossil remains of man’s earliest ancestors have been found. The city is also filled with open-air markets where you can find African art and as well as countless other things authentic to South African culture. This information has all been found at www.joburg.org.za. Take the initiative to do a little research on Johannesburg. It is an exciting city with so much to offer. The more you know about a city before you travel there, the more respect you will have for the city and your experience in it. What safety precautions should be taken while in Johannesburg? Tourists are often targeted in major cities. Take precautions, especially when you leave the hotel:
Just take reasonable precautions that you would take in any major city. What is the weather like in December/ January? In December it is summer in South Africa, so pack your light clothes and good walking shoes. You should also pack your swimwear, sunscreen, as well as bug repellent to keep those mosquitoes away. Pack layers of clothing so you are always comfortable. It is rainy in December, so pack a small compact umbrella or rain jacket. What kind of currency does Johannesburg use? Johannesburg uses the South African Rand. You can exchange money at the airport when you arrive to Johannesburg, or you can exchange money before you leave. The Indaba Hotel does NOT exchange money. Keep in mind that it is not a good idea to travel with a lot of cash. Carry most of your money in traveler’s checks, and only have some cash. It would be a good idea to buy a money pouch (a necklace or waistband that can be worn under clothes). *Tipping is expected in Johannesburg, 10 to 15 percent is the norm. Can I drink the water in Johannesburg? Johannesburg has the 3rd best water in the WORLD. There is no need to drink bottled water, unless that is what you prefer.
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