Kimberley: The Diamond City

• HelloDumela
  [doo-MEH-lah]
• GoodbyeTotsiens
  [TOHT-see-ens]
• YesEwe
  [EH-weh]
• NoNnyaa
  [NYAA]
• Please/You're welcomeKe kopa
  [keh-KOH-pah]
• Thank youKe a leboga
  [keh ah leh-BOH-gah]
• Excuse me/SorryKe kopa tshwarelo
  [keh-KOH-pah chwah-REH-loh]
• How are you?O kae?
  [oh kah-eh]
• Fine. And you?Ke teng. Le wena?
  [keh tehng. leh WEH-nah]
• Do you speak English?O bua Seisimane?
  [oh BOO-ah say-see-MAH-neh]
• I don't understandGa ke utlwe
  [hah keh oot-lweh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseKe batla ho bona menu, kopa
  [keh baht-lah hoh boh-nah MEH-noo, koh-pah]
• I don't eat meatGa ke batle nyama
  [hah keh baht-leh nyah-mah]
• Cheers!Tjoe!
  [choo-eh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseKe batla ho fumana, kopa
  [keh baht-lah hoh foo-MAH-nah, koh-pah]

• Help!Boitumelo!
  [boy-too-MEH-loh]
• Go away!Sala go
  [SAH-lah goh]
• Call the Police!Bula pulane!
  [BOO-lah poo-LAH-neh]
• Call a doctor!Bula mohlokomeli!
  [BOO-lah moh-kloh-koh-MEH-lee]
• I'm lostKe ile ka tshwara
  [keh EE-leh kah chwah-RAH]
• I'm illKe tshwerele
  [keh chwah-REH-leh]

• I'd like to buy...Ke batla ho rekisa...
  [keh baht-lah hoh REH-kee-sah]
• I'm just lookingKe seka se tla
  [keh seh-kah seh tlah]
• How much is it?Ke bokae?
  [keh boh-kah-eh]
• That's too expensiveKe tla fiwa
  [keh tlah FEE-wah]
• Can you lower the price?O ka kopa ho lefa sepe?
  [oh kah koh-pah hoh LEH-fah seh-peh]

• What time is it?Ke nako mang?
  [keh NAH-koh mahng]
• It's one o'clockKe nako ya nngwe
  [keh NAH-koh yah nngweh]
• Half past (10)Nako e supa (le tse 10)
  [NAH-koh eh soo-PAH (leh tseh 10)]
• MorningMosese
  [moh-SEH-seh]
• AfternoonMaitsebeng
  [myt-seh-BEHNG]
• EveningMetsi
  [MEH-tsee]
• YesterdayNako e fetang
  [NAH-koh eh feh-TAHNG]
• TodayNamane
  [NAH-mah-neh]
• TomorrowNako e tla
  [NAH-koh eh tlah]
• 1Ngwe
  [ngweh]
• 2Pedi
  [PEH-dee]
• 3Tharo
  [TAH-roh]
• 4Nne
  [nneh]
• 5Tlhano
  [tla-NOH]
• 6Tlhare
  [tla-REH]
• 7Supa
  [soo-PAH]
• 8Robona
  [roh-BOH-nah]
• 9Rararo
  [rah-RAH-roh]
• 10Lesome
  [leh-SOH-meh]

• Where's a/the...?Kae...
  [kah-eh]
• What's the address?Ke kae aterese?
  [keh kah-eh ah-teh-REH-seh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?O ka kopa ho bona (ka maping)?
  [oh kah koh-pah hoh boh-nah (kah mah-PEENG)]
• When's the next (bus)?Ke nako efe (basi)?
  [keh NAH-koh EH-feh (bah-see)]
• A ticket (to ....)Tikete (ho ....)
  [tee-KEH-teh (hoh)]

In 1866, a young boy named Erasmus Jacobs discovered a shiny pebble near the Orange River, which turned out to be a 21.25-carat diamond. This event marked the beginning of the diamond rush in Kimberley, attracting thousands of prospectors from around the world.

The Big Hole, also known as the Kimberley Mine, is one of the largest hand-dug excavations in the world. Between 1871 and 1914, miners extracted over 14.5 million carats of diamonds from the site, leaving a massive crater that is now a major tourist attraction.

In 1888, Cecil Rhodes and Barney Barnato, two of the most prominent mining entrepreneurs of the time, merged their companies to form De Beers Consolidated Mines. This company came to dominate the diamond industry and played a crucial role in the economic development of Kimberley.

During the Second Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902), the town of Kimberley was besieged by Boer forces for four months. The siege ended in February 1900 when British forces, led by General John French, broke through the Boer lines and relieved the town.

Founded in 1881, the Kimberley Club became a social hub for the town's elite, including prominent figures such as Cecil Rhodes and Barney Barnato. The club is still operational today and offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Kimberley's diamond magnates.

Kimberley played a significant role during the apartheid era in South Africa. The town was heavily segregated, with different areas designated for different racial groups. The effects of apartheid policies are still visible in the socio-economic landscape of Kimberley.

Named after the prominent South African intellectual and politician Sol Plaatje, the Sol Plaatje Municipality encompasses Kimberley and its surrounding areas. Plaatje was a key figure in the early 20th century, advocating for the rights of black South Africans.

Initiated in 2000, the Kimberley Process is an international certification scheme aimed at preventing 'conflict diamonds' from entering the mainstream diamond market. The process is named after the town due to its historical significance in the diamond industry.

Kimberley hosts several cultural festivals and events throughout the year, including the Kimberley Diamond Cup skateboarding competition and the Gariep Kunstefees, a cultural festival showcasing local art, music, and cuisine.

The McGregor Museum, established in 1907, is one of the key cultural institutions in Kimberley. It houses extensive collections related to the natural and cultural history of the region, including exhibits on the San people, early hominids, and the diamond mining industry.

Kimberley is accessible via Kimberley Airport (KIM), which offers flights from major South African cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town. From the airport, you can take a taxi or arrange for a rental car. Alternatively, Kimberley is well-connected by road and can be reached via the N12 national route from Johannesburg or the N8 from Bloemfontein. Long-distance buses also service Kimberley from various locations around South Africa.

Within Kimberley, transportation options include taxis, ride-sharing services, and rental cars. Public buses and minibuses (known locally as 'taxis') are available for local travel but may not always run on a strict schedule. Walking is feasible in the city center, where many of the main attractions are located. For a unique experience, consider taking a ride on the historic tram that tours the city.

The official currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments, including hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are readily available throughout Kimberley. It's advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting local markets or smaller businesses that may not accept cards.

Kimberley is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to exercise standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, particularly in less crowded areas. The Central Business District (CBD) is generally safe during the day but can be less so after dark. Be cautious in neighborhoods like Galeshewe, which have higher crime rates. Always keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places.

In case of an emergency, dial 10111 for police assistance and 10177 for medical emergencies. Kimberley has several hospitals and medical facilities, including the Kimberley Hospital Complex. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are numerous pharmacies throughout the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and practically. Lightweight clothing is recommended during summer, while warmer layers are necessary in winter. Avoid flashy jewelry and expensive accessories. Religion: Do respect local customs and religious practices. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Public Transport: Do be patient and courteous on public transportation. Don’t discuss sensitive topics like politics or religion openly. Greetings: Do greet people with a firm handshake and smile. It’s polite to greet everyone when entering a room. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like bobotie and bunny chow. Don’t tip less than 10% in restaurants, as it's considered impolite.

To experience Kimberley like a local, visit the Big Hole and Kimberley Mine Museum, which provide a deep dive into the city’s diamond mining history. Take a stroll around the historical suburbs of Belgravia and Du Toitspan. Engage with locals at the Kimberley Club, a historical club frequented by notable figures. Don’t miss the Wildebeest Kuil Rock Art Centre for a glimpse into ancient San rock art.