Cape Town: The Jewel of South Africa

• HelloMolo
  [moh-loh]
• GoodbyeTotsiens
  [toh-tseens]
• YesJa
  [yah]
• NoNee
  [nee]
• Please/You're welcomeAsseblief
  [ah-suh-bleef]
• Thank youDankie
  [dahn-kee]
• Excuse me/SorryVerskoon my
  [fehr-skoon may]
• How are you?Hoe gaan dit met jou?
  [ho gahn deet met yoh]
• Fine. And you?Goed. En jy?
  [khoot en yay]
• Do you speak English?Praat jy Engels?
  [praht yay eng-uhls]
• I don't understandEk verstaan nie
  [ayk fehr-stahn nee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseEk wil asseblief die spyskaart sien
  [ayk vil ah-suh-bleef dee spays-kahrt seen]
• I don't eat meatEk eet nie vleis nie
  [ayk eet nee flays nee]
• Cheers!Gesondheid!
  [ghuh-sunt-hayt]
• I would like to pay, pleaseEk wil asseblief betaal
  [ayk vil ah-suh-bleef buh-tahl]

• Help!Hulp!
  [huhlp]
• Go away!Gaan weg!
  [kahn vehk]
• Call the Police!Bel die Polisie!
  [bail dee poh-lee-see]
• Call a doctor!Bel 'n dokter!
  [bail en dohk-tehr]
• I'm lostEk is verlore
  [ayk is fehr-loh-ruh]
• I'm illEk is siek
  [ayk is seek]

• I'd like to buy...Ek wil ... koop
  [ayk vil ... kohp]
• I'm just lookingEk kyk net
  [ayk kuhyk neht]
• How much is it?Hoeveel kos dit?
  [ho-veel kohs deet]
• That's too expensiveDit is te duur
  [deet is teh dyoor]
• Can you lower the price?Kan jy die prys verlaag?
  [kahn yay dee preys fuh-laahg]

• What time is it?Hoe laat is dit?
  [ho lah-t deet]
• It's one o'clockDit is een uur
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• Half past (10)Half tien
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• MorningOggend
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• AfternoonMiddag
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• EveningAand
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• YesterdayGister
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• TodayVandag
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• TomorrowMôre
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• 10Tien
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• Where's a/the...?Waar is 'n/die...?
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• What's the address?Wat is die adres?
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• Can you show me (on the map)?Kan jy my wys (op die kaart)?
  [kahn yay may vays (ohp dee kahrt)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wanneer is die volgende (bus)?
  [vahn-neer is dee fuhl-khend-uh (buhs)]
• A ticket (to ....)'n Kaartjie (na ....)
  [en kahrt-chee (nah)]

Cape Town was founded in 1652 by Jan van Riebeeck, a Dutch sailor and colonial administrator, as a supply station for the Dutch East India Company. This marked the beginning of European settlement in South Africa, and the establishment of Cape Town as a crucial point for trade routes to the East.

In 1795, the British seized control of Cape Town to prevent it from falling into the hands of the French, who were allied with the Dutch at the time. This marked the beginning of British influence in the region. The British officially took over the Cape Colony in 1806 after the Battle of Blaauwberg.

The establishment of the Cape Colony led to the unfortunate institution of slavery, which was a significant part of Cape Town’s early economy. Slaves were brought from other parts of Africa, Madagascar, and the East Indies to work in agriculture and domestic service. Slavery was abolished in the Cape Colony in 1834, following the Slavery Abolition Act passed by the British Parliament.

During the 1830s and 1840s, the Great Trek occurred as Dutch-speaking settlers, known as the Voortrekkers, moved inland to escape British rule in Cape Town. This migration significantly influenced the demographic and geopolitical landscape of South Africa, leading to the establishment of several Boer republics.

The discovery of diamonds in 1867 and gold in 1886 in other parts of South Africa brought wealth and development to Cape Town. The city became a key port for exporting these valuable resources, and its economy flourished as a result.

The apartheid era, beginning in 1948, had a profound impact on Cape Town, as it did on the rest of South Africa. The city was heavily segregated, with non-white residents being forcibly removed from their homes and relocated to townships such as Langa, Gugulethu, and Khayelitsha. This period was marked by widespread human rights abuses and significant resistance movements.

Robben Island, located just off the coast of Cape Town, is famous for being the site where Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners were incarcerated for many years during the apartheid era. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of the struggle for freedom and democracy in South Africa.

The end of apartheid in the early 1990s brought significant change to Cape Town. In 1994, Nelson Mandela was elected as the first black President of South Africa, and Cape Town hosted parts of the historic inauguration. The city has since made strides towards reconciliation and development, becoming a vibrant and multicultural metropolis.

Today, Cape Town is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, diverse cultural heritage, and historical significance. It is a major tourist destination, attracting visitors with its iconic Table Mountain, picturesque beaches, and rich history. The city continues to evolve, reflecting the dynamic and resilient spirit of its people.

Cape Town is served by Cape Town International Airport (CPT), one of the busiest airports in Africa. Direct flights are available from major cities worldwide, including London, New York, Dubai, and several European and African cities. From the airport, you can reach the city center via taxi, rideshare, or shuttle services. The MyCiTi bus service also offers a convenient and affordable Airport-to-City route.

Cape Town offers various transportation options. The MyCiTi bus service is an efficient way to navigate the city, with routes covering major attractions and neighborhoods. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber are widely available. For more scenic travel, consider renting a car to explore the Cape Peninsula and the surrounding wine regions. The Metrorail service connects Cape Town with nearby towns, but caution is advised due to safety concerns.

The official currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). Credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are widely available, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. Currency exchange services are available at the airport, banks, and dedicated exchange bureaus.

While Cape Town is generally safe for tourists, some areas have higher crime rates, particularly for petty theft and muggings. Avoid walking alone at night and be cautious in areas like the Central Business District (CBD) after dark, and townships unless guided by a local. Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings. Stick to well-lit and populated areas.

In case of emergency, dial 10111 for police, 10177 for ambulance services, and 112 from any mobile phone. Private hospitals like Netcare and Mediclinic offer excellent medical services. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably but avoid overly flashy or revealing clothing. Layering is advisable due to changing weather conditions. Religion: Do respect all religious sites and dress modestly when visiting them. Public Transport: Do use the MyCiTi bus system for safe and reliable transport. Don't use the train system after dark. Greetings: Do greet people with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like biltong, bobotie, and Cape Malay curry. Don't drink tap water; bottled water is recommended.

To experience Cape Town like a local, visit the Old Biscuit Mill on Saturdays for local crafts and gourmet food. Take a stroll along the Sea Point Promenade for stunning ocean views. Venture to lesser-known wine estates in the Constantia Valley for a more intimate wine-tasting experience. Don't miss the vibrant street art in Woodstock and the local markets in Hout Bay and Greenmarket Square.