29 June 2010
2010 World Cup: crime stats...
According to South Africa's national police commissioner General Bheki Cele 316 people have been arrested for tournament related crime since the start of the World Cup on 11 June 2010.
Out of the 316 people arrested, 207 are South Africans and 109 are foreign nationals.
Out of the 109 foreign nationals eleven are Ethiopians, nine are Algerians, eight are UK citizens, six people are each from Mozambique, Zimbabwe, the US and Pakistan, five people are from Argentina and four are Slovakians.
Out of the 316 people arrested, 207 are South Africans and 109 are foreign nationals.
Out of the 109 foreign nationals eleven are Ethiopians, nine are Algerians, eight are UK citizens, six people are each from Mozambique, Zimbabwe, the US and Pakistan, five people are from Argentina and four are Slovakians.
Football for Hope centres on track
Johannesburg - Football body FIFA says it is on track to roll out about 20 Football for Hope centres across Africa after this year's World Cup.
The ambitious project is seen as one of the major legacy initiatives FIFA wants to leave after staging the first ever World Cup tournament on the continent.
They will feature a mini-pitch otherwise known as a football turf, along with classrooms and health care facilities, providing the youth with access to counseling, health and educational services.
"We are definitely on track and we want to complete the centre by 2012. In fact, work on three of the centres will start in Nairobi and Kenya in the next three weeks," said FIFA's Henry Nasale, who is the director of the centres.
"We are receiving a lot of support from the governments and local communities so indeed our work is progressing and people will be seeing these legacy centres very soon, its just a matter of time," Nasale said at a media briefing on Monday.
Five of the centres will be built in South Africa and one is already operational in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. It is used as a vehicle to promote education, health and community development in this fastest growing township.
Nasale said each centre is designed in close collaboration with the community to ensure that the infrastructure is consistent with local needs. Football-based activities are used at the centres to provide an out-of-school learning experience for young people.
Former Bafana Bafana Captain Lucas Radebe, who lent his name for the campaign, says football should go beyond the pitch. "I think the time has come that football makes an impact in the lives of people, many of us have become role models through football and many kids are looking up to us so it only makes sense that we are involved in some kind of community development," Radebe said.
"The centres are emphasising what we refer to as the power of football because with this game you can do anything and what better way to use the power of the sport than investing in community upliftment. I'm happy to be part of this," he said.
He will be traveling around the continent helping FIFA to set up the centres that aim at leaving a social legacy for the continent.
FIFA's six official partners - Adidas, Coca-Cola, Emirates, Hyundai, Sony and Visa - had last year also committed to contributing about $500 for every goal scored during the more than 800 World Cup qualifying matches, which will result in a donation of at least $1 million. - [src.: BuaNews]
The ambitious project is seen as one of the major legacy initiatives FIFA wants to leave after staging the first ever World Cup tournament on the continent.
They will feature a mini-pitch otherwise known as a football turf, along with classrooms and health care facilities, providing the youth with access to counseling, health and educational services.
"We are definitely on track and we want to complete the centre by 2012. In fact, work on three of the centres will start in Nairobi and Kenya in the next three weeks," said FIFA's Henry Nasale, who is the director of the centres.
"We are receiving a lot of support from the governments and local communities so indeed our work is progressing and people will be seeing these legacy centres very soon, its just a matter of time," Nasale said at a media briefing on Monday.
Five of the centres will be built in South Africa and one is already operational in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. It is used as a vehicle to promote education, health and community development in this fastest growing township.
Nasale said each centre is designed in close collaboration with the community to ensure that the infrastructure is consistent with local needs. Football-based activities are used at the centres to provide an out-of-school learning experience for young people.
Former Bafana Bafana Captain Lucas Radebe, who lent his name for the campaign, says football should go beyond the pitch. "I think the time has come that football makes an impact in the lives of people, many of us have become role models through football and many kids are looking up to us so it only makes sense that we are involved in some kind of community development," Radebe said.
"The centres are emphasising what we refer to as the power of football because with this game you can do anything and what better way to use the power of the sport than investing in community upliftment. I'm happy to be part of this," he said.
He will be traveling around the continent helping FIFA to set up the centres that aim at leaving a social legacy for the continent.
FIFA's six official partners - Adidas, Coca-Cola, Emirates, Hyundai, Sony and Visa - had last year also committed to contributing about $500 for every goal scored during the more than 800 World Cup qualifying matches, which will result in a donation of at least $1 million. - [src.: BuaNews]
25 June 2010
Kruger National Park: current estimates of mammals living in the park
South Africa's Environmental Affairs Minister Buyelwa Sonjica recently announced that the wildlife population in Kruger is increasing. Mediaclubsouthafrica.com, brand South Africa media service, is also reporting about it and published a list of estimates, calculated between 2008 and 2009, of mammal populations living in Kruger National Park.
Big Five:
Big Five:
- Lion: 1 700
- Leopard: 1 000
- Elephant: 13 573
- White rhinoceros: 12 158
- Black rhinoceros: 627
- Buffalo: 37 462
- Cheetah: 200
- Wild dog: 350
- Spotted hyena: 2 000
- Burchell's zebra: 20 868
- Hippopotamus: 3 000
- Warthog: 2 316
- Giraffe: 7 091
- Crocodile: 1 600
- Eland: 300
- Roan antelope: 50
- Sable antelope: 325
- Greater kudu: 8 045
- Nyala: >300
- Bushbuck: >500
- Waterbuck: 5 000
- Reedbuck: 300
- Mountain reedbuck: 150
- Blue wildebeest: 8 963
- Tsessebe 160
- Impala: 127 788
The official World Cup mascots since 1966
Since 1966 all FIFA World Cups had an official mascot. Looking back the recent years I can hardly remember any of them. Ok, I do remember in Goleo, but I completely forgot about eg Spheriks, the mascot of the 2002 Korea/Japan World Cup. The name doesn't even ring a bell... Nevertheless - here is a list of all official mascots since 1966:
- 2010 South Africa Zakumi (leopard)
- 2006 Germany GOLEO IV & Pille (lion & ball)
- 2002 Korea/Japan Spheriks or Ato, Kaz & Nik (energy)
- 1998 France Footix (cockerel)
- 1994 United States Striker (dog)
- 1990 Italy Ciao (stick figure player)
- 1986 Mexico Pique (hot pepper)
- 1982 Spain Naranjito (orange)
- 1978 Argentina Gauchito (footballer)
- 1974 Germany FR Tip and Tap (two boys)
- 1970 Mexico Juanito (boy)
- 1966 England World Cup Willie (lion)
2010 World Cup ticket sales update
FIFA confirmed yesterday that another 1000 tickets will be made available for the Germany vs England match on Sunday, 29 June 2010. Some 6 000 tickets will also be available for the match between the United States and Ghana.
According to a FIFA spokesperson the 1 000 tickets put on sale for the Argentina/Mexico game sold within 15 minutes... so you better hurry up and visit FIFA's online ticket selling website.
According to a FIFA spokesperson the 1 000 tickets put on sale for the Argentina/Mexico game sold within 15 minutes... so you better hurry up and visit FIFA's online ticket selling website.
2010 World Cup™ info guide >>
match schedule & accommodation bookings >>
flights to/in South Africa >>
match schedule & accommodation bookings >>
flights to/in South Africa >>
24 June 2010
Intrepid Travel: Get the chance to win a $2500 voucher
Intrepid Travel is giving away a $2500 voucher - you only need to tell them your personal top 10 countries you'd like to experience and why they are your top destinations. How easy is that? The promotion closes 30th June 2010 at 04:59pm (AEST, Australian Eastern Standard Time) - so hurry up and get the chance to win the voucher!
23 June 2010
2010 World Cup ticket sales update
FIFA will make more tickets available for the 2nd round matches between Uruguay and South Korea and Argentina vs. Mexico. The tickets are coming back from teams that were eliminated in Round one of the 2010 World Cup, such as France or South Africa.
Uruguay vs. South Korea 26 June 2010, 16:00 in Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth > about 4000 tickets
Argentina vs. Mexico 27 June 2010, 20:30 in Johannesburg > about 1000 tickets
Matches played through Friday will decide the tournament's final 16 teams.
Uruguay vs. South Korea 26 June 2010, 16:00 in Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth > about 4000 tickets
Argentina vs. Mexico 27 June 2010, 20:30 in Johannesburg > about 1000 tickets
Matches played through Friday will decide the tournament's final 16 teams.
Documentary: Kicking Poverty - South Africa
Kicking Poverty is an quite interesting 30min documentary about what football or soccer means to many young people in South Africa's townships and Cape Town's Manenberg township in particular.
mp3 of the day: NME's Glastonbury mixtape
The Glastonbury Festival is the largest open-air music and performing arts festival in the world. Best known for its contemporary music,it also features dance, comedy, theatre, circus, cabaret and many other arts. The 2010 Glastonbury Festival will take place between 23 (today) and 27 June 2010.
22 June 2010
Dutch scientists: Smelly socks to fight malaria
According to a report by Radio Netherlands Worldwide a group of Dutch scientists is currently working on an imitation aroma mixture of "smelly feet" to divert malaria mosquitoes away from the bedroom at night when most of the bites take place.
It is known that mosquitoes are attracted by feet and especially the smell from feet. Reason enough for the group of scientiest from the University of Wageningen to investigate further. They created an artificial "smelly feet" aroma mixture consisting of a mixture of fatty acids, ammonia and lactic acids and made some field experiments in Africa. The researchers placed imitation odour traps in eg trees and found out that many mosqutioes were diverted. The scientists will continue working on the project and are now focussing their work mainly on the creation of ideal “smelly sock perfume”.
I am actually not too sure if mozzies can really be fought with smelly socks or "smelly feet" aroma mixture, but every little attempt to fight malaria is a step in the right direction. Good luck, guys!
It is known that mosquitoes are attracted by feet and especially the smell from feet. Reason enough for the group of scientiest from the University of Wageningen to investigate further. They created an artificial "smelly feet" aroma mixture consisting of a mixture of fatty acids, ammonia and lactic acids and made some field experiments in Africa. The researchers placed imitation odour traps in eg trees and found out that many mosqutioes were diverted. The scientists will continue working on the project and are now focussing their work mainly on the creation of ideal “smelly sock perfume”.
I am actually not too sure if mozzies can really be fought with smelly socks or "smelly feet" aroma mixture, but every little attempt to fight malaria is a step in the right direction. Good luck, guys!
new hostelworld podcast: Port Elizabeth - At Schotia Safaris and Addo Elephant Park
Hostelworld is currently releasing a series of podcasts about South Africa. In the latest episode Hostelworld.com's Rebecca Keenan speaks with Malcolm Bean, a ranger at Schotia Safaris. Listen to find out more about the Addo Elephants, the Schotia lions, and a pair of rhinos called Bonnie and Clyde, plus lots more.
Both Addo Elephant National Park and Schotia Safaris are situated less than an hours drive from Port Elizabet. Both game reserves - Addo is owned by SANParks and Schotia is privately owned - became super popular with local and international tourist over the recent years.
Previous podcasts:
Both Addo Elephant National Park and Schotia Safaris are situated less than an hours drive from Port Elizabet. Both game reserves - Addo is owned by SANParks and Schotia is privately owned - became super popular with local and international tourist over the recent years.
Previous podcasts:
- Wine Capital of South Africa
- Johannesburg - Gateway to Kruger National Park
- Pretoria - At the Union Buildings
- Port Elizabeth - Highlights of the Garden Route
- Jeffrey's Bay - A surfer's paradise
- Plettenberg Bay - At Monkeyland and Birds of Eden
- Mossel Bay - Cage Diving with Great White Sharks
- Cape Town - Ask the locals
- Johannesburg - At the Apartheid Museum
- Durban - Gateway to Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve
- Hermanus - Whale watching capital of South Africa
Namibia: National Marine Aquarium in Swakopmund closed till February 2012
The National Marine Aquarium in Swakpomund, Namibia, closed its doors on 14 June 2010 and will only re-open again in February 2012. Due to leakages and rocks disintegrating, the aquarium is undergoing essential renovations which will cost approx. N$25 million.
View National Marine Aquarium, Swakopmund in a larger map
According to Andre van Niekerk, a senior research technician at the aquarium, in addition to the required renovations the top floor of the current structure would be removed and become an inter-active one where children can play.
View National Marine Aquarium, Swakopmund in a larger map
According to Andre van Niekerk, a senior research technician at the aquarium, in addition to the required renovations the top floor of the current structure would be removed and become an inter-active one where children can play.
Zambia reduced visa fees for 2010 World Cup ticket holders by 50%
According to several news reports the Zambian government has announced that travellers coming to visit Zambia with valid 2010 World Cup tickets only have to pay $25 (instead of $50) for a single entry visa. This measure is in force from Thursday, 17th June until 31 July 2010.
18 June 2010
Video: the funniest travel fails
Travel website The Titanic Awards, known to be celebrating the dubious achievements of travel, has released a video compilation of the funniest travel fails they came across. Some are indeed very funny, some are actually quite disgusting and some others are strongly challenging people's understanding of "having a good time"...
16 June 2010
Get 20% discount on tours in Southern & Eastern Africa in July 2010
Intrepid Travel is currently giving you 20% discount on the following tours in Southern & Eastern Africa:
- Tanzania Adventure - 8 days ex Nairobi - 23 July 2010
- Bush & Beyond - 9 days Windhoek to Livingstone - 24 July 2010
- Okavango & Beyond - 8 days Livingstone to Johannesburg - 26 July 2010
- Wild Africa - 22 days Cape Town to Livingstone - between 10 July 2010 and 11 July 2010
- Southern Highlights - 14 days Cape Town to Windhoek - between 10 July 2010 and 11 July 2010
- OUT Family South Africa - 13 days ex Johannesburg - 11 July 2010
- Kruger & Coast - 8 days Johannesburg to Durban - 03 July 2010
- Kruger & Coast (Reverse) - 8 days Durban to Johannesburg - 26 Jun 2010
- Cape Town to Vic Falls - 22 days Cape Town to Livingstone - 01 July 2010
- Kruger, Coast & Cape - 15 days Johannesburg to Cape Town - 03 July 2010
- Serengeti Trail - 8 days ex Nairobi - 14 July 2010
new hostelworld podcast: Hermanus - Whale watching capital of South Africa
Hostelworld is currently releasing a series of podcasts about South Africa. In the latest episode Hostelworld.com's Colm Hanratty is visiting Hermanus. Hermanus, roughly two hours from Cape Town, is known to be one of the best land-based whale watching destinations in the world. Colm therefore speaks to Storm Kreusch of Hermanus Tourism to find out what types of whales you can see there, when is the best time to see them and more.
Previous podcasts:
Previous podcasts:
- Wine Capital of South Africa
- Johannesburg - Gateway to Kruger National Park
- Pretoria - At the Union Buildings
- Port Elizabeth - Highlights of the Garden Route
- Jeffrey's Bay - A surfer's paradise
- Plettenberg Bay - At Monkeyland and Birds of Eden
- Mossel Bay - Cage Diving with Great White Sharks
- Cape Town - Ask the locals
- Johannesburg - At the Apartheid Museum
- Durban - Gateway to Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve
Wildlife population in Kruger is increasing
In a written reply to a parliamentary question, Environmental Affairs Minister Buyelwa Sonjica said not a single large mammal species in South Africa's Kruger National Park is currently under threat. Good rains over the last 15 years and improved conditions in the Park even caused a surge in aninmal population.
- Black Rhino - estimated to number between 590 and 670 > estimated increasing rate 7% per year
- White Rhino - estimated to number between 9460 to 12,120 > estimated increasing rate 11% per year
- Buffalos - 22,260 in 2000, to 37,500 this year > estimated increasing rate 5% per year
- Elephants - 8350 in 2000 to an estimated 13,700 this year; estimated increasing rate 4% per year since 2004
- Lions - estimated at between 1620 and 1750 > stable, but noteable increasing rate
- Leopards - estimated (numbers from the 1980ies) at around 1000 creatures
- Burchell's zebra - numbers have risen to between 20,870 and 33,240
- Giraffe - numbers have risen to between 7090 and 10,950
- Impala - numbers have risen to between 99,830 and 163,570
15 June 2010
How to tune out the vuvuzela sound on your TV
With too many people complaining about the sound of the vuvuzelas during the 2010 World Cup matches it was pretty much obvious that the net will be full of ideas on how to tune the noice out from an early stage in the tournament on. Well, the first and currently probably most prominent instructions were circulating on Twitter from @Cliff (and www.pocket-lint.com) and are suggesting you have to do the following to get rid of the vuvuzela noise:
Step 1: enter the sound settings for your TV, find the equaliser.
Step 2: drop the 300Hz channel (which Samsung TVs have, second from left), and raise the adjacent levels.
Step 3: save as a custom setup (if you can).
It seemed to have worked for some viewers, but not for all. The advice has been met by some mixed reviews on Twitter - form "yeah, thx" to "frak, it is making the noise even worse".
Step 1: enter the sound settings for your TV, find the equaliser.
Step 2: drop the 300Hz channel (which Samsung TVs have, second from left), and raise the adjacent levels.
Step 3: save as a custom setup (if you can).
It seemed to have worked for some viewers, but not for all. The advice has been met by some mixed reviews on Twitter - form "yeah, thx" to "frak, it is making the noise even worse".
Video: Cape Town City Hop-on Hop-off Tour
Hop-on, hop-off as you explore Cape Town onboard an open top double decker bus which offers two routes to choose from. This is the easiest way to get around town and see all the sights in just one day. Bustling and beautiful, the cosmopolitan nature of Cape Town means that one never tires of the multitude of experiences it has to offer.
With great views from the top of the bus, strategically placed stops and an interesting commentary, this truly is the best way to see the sights of Cape Town.
You can hop-on and off as many times as you like aboard this open top double decker bus. There are 13 stops on the red route and 9 stops on the blue route, and each entire route takes approximately two hours and 15 minutes. The bus departs every 45 - 60 minutes from each stop and tickets are valid for 24 hours from first use.
With great views from the top of the bus, strategically placed stops and an interesting commentary, this truly is the best way to see the sights of Cape Town.
You can hop-on and off as many times as you like aboard this open top double decker bus. There are 13 stops on the red route and 9 stops on the blue route, and each entire route takes approximately two hours and 15 minutes. The bus departs every 45 - 60 minutes from each stop and tickets are valid for 24 hours from first use.
De Hoop Nature Reserve - first whales have been spotted
The first Southern Right Whales have been spotted off the coast of the De Hoop Nature Reserve in South Africa's Western Cape province.
View De Hoop in a larger map
According to De Hoop Collection, adult and baby whales in their hundreds are clearly visible from the shoreline along the De Hoop Nature Reserve. The best time for whale watching (Southern Right whales in particular) in South African waters is usually from June to November. Peak calving season is from July to August, but whales can be seen through September and October.
De Hoop Collection in the De Hoop Nature Reserve offers accommodation ranging from camping to more luxurious options.
View De Hoop in a larger map
According to De Hoop Collection, adult and baby whales in their hundreds are clearly visible from the shoreline along the De Hoop Nature Reserve. The best time for whale watching (Southern Right whales in particular) in South African waters is usually from June to November. Peak calving season is from July to August, but whales can be seen through September and October.
De Hoop Collection in the De Hoop Nature Reserve offers accommodation ranging from camping to more luxurious options.
14 June 2010
Kruger NP offers transport for matches in Nelspruit/Mbombela
The Kruger National Park (KNP) is offering guests that stay at Skukuza, Pretoriuskop and Berg-en-Dal who wish to attend the matches in Nelspruit / Mbombela the opportunity to travel there and back by bus on the match days, namely 16, 20, 23 and 26 June 2010. The matches commence at 13:30, 16:00, 20:30 and 16:00 respectively. The bookings will be taken on a first-come-first-served basis. Pls click here for rates, bookings etc..
11 June 2010
2010 World Cup ticket sales update - 97% of tickets have been sold!
About 97% of the 2010 World Cup tickets have been sold so far and FIFA is expecting to have sold 98% (or even more) of the 3.01 million tickets available by the end of the tournament on 11 July 2010.
Two days ago, 135,000 of the 3.01 million tickets available for purchase remained unsold. Of those, 30,600 (including 5 000 with partially obscured views) were available for public sale on Wednesday. The remaining roughly 105,000 tickets, which had been allocated for hospitality packages, tour companies, national federations and teams, will be available for sale later in the tournament if not demanded.
Two days ago, 135,000 of the 3.01 million tickets available for purchase remained unsold. Of those, 30,600 (including 5 000 with partially obscured views) were available for public sale on Wednesday. The remaining roughly 105,000 tickets, which had been allocated for hospitality packages, tour companies, national federations and teams, will be available for sale later in the tournament if not demanded.
10 June 2010
BBC documentaries podcast: South Africa's Path to Freedom
The BBC is back with another interesting documentary podcast about South Africa. Nobel Prize-winning Nigerian author Wole Soyinka travels to South Africa to assess the past and present of the rainbow nation through the eyes of its finest writers. How has the post-Apartheid nation evolved?
South Africa's Path to Freedom - part one (09 June 2010) >>
In Part One Wole Soyinka talks to writers and artists in Johannesburg who lived through Apartheid.
South Africa's Path to Freedom - part two (17 June 2010) >>
In Part Two Wole Soyinka explores the impact of Apartheid on the new generation of intellectuals and activists in Cape Town
South Africa's Path to Freedom - part one (09 June 2010) >>
In Part One Wole Soyinka talks to writers and artists in Johannesburg who lived through Apartheid.
South Africa's Path to Freedom - part two (17 June 2010) >>
In Part Two Wole Soyinka explores the impact of Apartheid on the new generation of intellectuals and activists in Cape Town
Preparing for the World Cup - The Big Picture - Boston.com
With the official FIFA kick-off celebration concert tonite and the official kick off match between host nation South Africa and Mexico the 2010 World Cup fever is growing rapidly worldwide and in South Africa in particular. Check the pics selected by the dudes behind "The Boston Globe's" The Big Picture - Preparing for the World Cup - The Big Picture - Boston.com - great shots!
09 June 2010
Vuvuzela madness on Longstreet, Cape Town
Across South Africa at 12 noon, people dropped what they were doing and rushed out onto the streets to blow their vuvuzelas. Check the vids to watch what was going on Longstreet in Cape Town! World Cup fever has defo arrived there!
Tourbrief.com: "Emergency travel documents will no longer be accepted for entry into SA" True?
I just got a very interesting newsletter from tourbrief.com, a website "designed by tourism professionals for tourism professionals". In the newsletter tourbrief is saying that according to TASA (Tour & Safari Association) travellers with "Emergency travel documents are no longer accepted for entry into SA".
UPDATE (09 June 2010): I just got an email from tourbrief.com - it seems that the new regulation only applies to some countries. It has something to do with the form of the emergency travel documents. I'll keep you posted once I got more info! Thx to Esther from tourbrief!
UPDATE (09 June 2010): From Tourbrief.com - Following queries, TASA has clarified with the SA High Commission that the restriction on travel with emergency travel documents applies to Namibia.
"TASA has provided an update on new travel documentation requirements issued by the SA High Commission.I called SA Tourism and the Embassy in Germany already and both could not confirm the info given by tourbrief.com. I emailed both tourbrief.com and TASA as well. Has anyone of you heard about it?
- Transit visas have been reintroduced for nationals from countries not exempt from visa requirements.
- Emergency travel documents will no longer be accepted for entry into SA.
- Travellers travelling to SA have to do so on their national passport, and should have at least two pages blank for entry and departure stamps."
UPDATE (09 June 2010): I just got an email from tourbrief.com - it seems that the new regulation only applies to some countries. It has something to do with the form of the emergency travel documents. I'll keep you posted once I got more info! Thx to Esther from tourbrief!
UPDATE (09 June 2010): From Tourbrief.com - Following queries, TASA has clarified with the SA High Commission that the restriction on travel with emergency travel documents applies to Namibia.
Johannesburg: Catch the Rea Vaya to games
A special World Cup service is set to be laid on by Rea Vaya, Joburg's Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, on match days to get football fans to the stadium as quickly and efficiently as possible.
"The most watched sporting event on the globe kicks off in our country in a few days and requires a world-class public transport solution. And the Rea Vaya BRT system is a critical part of that," says the City's portfolio head of transport, Rehana Moosajee.
The 2010 FIFA World Cup begins on 11 June in Johannesburg, and ends on 11 July, with the final again played in Jozi.
The city has two match venues - Ellis Park on the eastern edge of the CBD, and Soccer City in the west on the outskirts of Soweto, reports Joburg.org.
Moosajee says the Rea Vaya service schedule applicable during the World Cup will include an event service that will run on match days from Constitution Hill, in Braamfontein, and Westgate Station, in the inner city, as well as from other Rea Vaya stations in the CBD and Soweto.
There will be a Rea Vaya Park and Ride at Constitution Hill; and there is parking at Westgate Station.
"We urge spectators to buy their tickets early so that they can get space at their preferred [parking] venue."
Spectators using the Constitution Hill Park and Ride will receive a Rea Vaya return ticket included in the parking fee. Passengers boarding at other Rea Vaya stations are encouraged to buy a return ticket at a cost of R12 to avoid queuing for tickets after the match.
"We are planning to transport 20 000 spectators to both Ellis Park and Soccer City on match days and will be able to move spectators speedily and safely to the game and after the game has finished.
"This means we have had to reconfigure some of the service schedule times for optimum usage," said Moosajee.
This means that with Rea Vaya performing its special service on match days, the usual service will not run as normal on those days:
Lisa Seftel, the executive director of transport in the City, apologises to commuters for the inconvenience. "The World Cup is here ... we must all play our role for the games to succeed."
For more information on the Park and Rides, visit the Rea Vaya website or contact Joburg Connect on (011) 375-5555. [src.: BuaNews]
"The most watched sporting event on the globe kicks off in our country in a few days and requires a world-class public transport solution. And the Rea Vaya BRT system is a critical part of that," says the City's portfolio head of transport, Rehana Moosajee.
The 2010 FIFA World Cup begins on 11 June in Johannesburg, and ends on 11 July, with the final again played in Jozi.
The city has two match venues - Ellis Park on the eastern edge of the CBD, and Soccer City in the west on the outskirts of Soweto, reports Joburg.org.
Moosajee says the Rea Vaya service schedule applicable during the World Cup will include an event service that will run on match days from Constitution Hill, in Braamfontein, and Westgate Station, in the inner city, as well as from other Rea Vaya stations in the CBD and Soweto.
There will be a Rea Vaya Park and Ride at Constitution Hill; and there is parking at Westgate Station.
"We urge spectators to buy their tickets early so that they can get space at their preferred [parking] venue."
Spectators using the Constitution Hill Park and Ride will receive a Rea Vaya return ticket included in the parking fee. Passengers boarding at other Rea Vaya stations are encouraged to buy a return ticket at a cost of R12 to avoid queuing for tickets after the match.
"We are planning to transport 20 000 spectators to both Ellis Park and Soccer City on match days and will be able to move spectators speedily and safely to the game and after the game has finished.
"This means we have had to reconfigure some of the service schedule times for optimum usage," said Moosajee.
This means that with Rea Vaya performing its special service on match days, the usual service will not run as normal on those days:
- On Friday, 11 June, normal services will stop from 11am and there will be no afternoon peak time service.
- On Saturday, 12 June, normal services will stop from 12 noon and there will be a limited afternoon service only for T1, which is to Thokoza Park.
- On Monday, 14 June, there will be no normal service from 9am.
- On Tuesday, 15 June, normal services will stop from 4pm and there will be a limited afternoon service to Thokoza Park only.
- On Thursday, 17 June, there will be no normal Rea Vaya service from 9am.
- On Friday, 18 June, normal services will stop from 11am.
- On Monday, 21 June, normal services will stop from 4pm, with a limited service going to Thokoza Park only.
- On Wednesday, 23 June, normal services will not run from 4pm.
- On Thursday, 24 June, normal services will stop from 11am.
- On Monday, 28 June, normal services will stop from 4pm, with a limited service to Thokoza Park only.
Lisa Seftel, the executive director of transport in the City, apologises to commuters for the inconvenience. "The World Cup is here ... we must all play our role for the games to succeed."
For more information on the Park and Rides, visit the Rea Vaya website or contact Joburg Connect on (011) 375-5555. [src.: BuaNews]
08 June 2010
Google Street View is now life for South Africa
Google Street View is now life for South Africa after several month of taking pictures all around the country. The Google cars have driven about roughly 65.000km across South Africa - their imagery currently covers some 27 towns and cities:
Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, Port Elizabeth, Pietermaritzburg, Bloemfontein, East London, Newcastle, Krugersdorp, Witbank, Carletonville, Alberton, Somerset West, Rustenberg, Potchefstroom, Nelspruit, Ladysmith, Worcester, Sasolburg, Grahamstown, Stellenbosch, Queenstown, Ermelo, Brakpan, Welkom, Uitenhage. Google has also covered numerous special interest sites around the country, ranging from Soccer City Stadium to Addo Elephant Park to Chapman's Peak drive. SANParks is a featured partner and should have all Kruger Park Rest Camps on Street View pretty soon. Some are actually already viewable.
How do I use Google Street View?
Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, Port Elizabeth, Pietermaritzburg, Bloemfontein, East London, Newcastle, Krugersdorp, Witbank, Carletonville, Alberton, Somerset West, Rustenberg, Potchefstroom, Nelspruit, Ladysmith, Worcester, Sasolburg, Grahamstown, Stellenbosch, Queenstown, Ermelo, Brakpan, Welkom, Uitenhage. Google has also covered numerous special interest sites around the country, ranging from Soccer City Stadium to Addo Elephant Park to Chapman's Peak drive. SANParks is a featured partner and should have all Kruger Park Rest Camps on Street View pretty soon. Some are actually already viewable.
How do I use Google Street View?
- Go to http://maps.google.com
- type the address into the maps search bar, or zoom into where you want to go
- drag the orange "Pegman" icon on the left-hand side of the map onto a blue highlighted street (the blue highlighted streets are the ones google has imagery of)
GAP Adventure: Adventure Sale - 20-25% off all small group tours
GAP Adventures is offering a great special - you can get 20-25% off all small group tours worldwide. You only need to book by 31 July 2010 to get the 20% discount. 25% off applies to selected last-minute offer tours only.
The offer is valid for new tour bookings only, is not applicable to independent tours, Discovery Adventures, ACV or Expedition tours, my own room, airfare, hotel bookings or other in-country services. Cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts.
Use Promo Code: adventureseason
The offer is valid for new tour bookings only, is not applicable to independent tours, Discovery Adventures, ACV or Expedition tours, my own room, airfare, hotel bookings or other in-country services. Cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts.
Use Promo Code: adventureseason
new hostelworld podcast: Durban - Gateway to Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve
Hostelworld is currently releasing a series of podcasts about South Africa. In the latest episode Hostelworld.com's Colm Hanratty speaks to Charl Koen of Extreme Nature Tours to find out about the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, what you can expect to see and much more.
Previous podcasts:
Previous podcasts:
- Wine Capital of South Africa
- Johannesburg - Gateway to Kruger National Park
- Pretoria - At the Union Buildings
- Port Elizabeth - Highlights of the Garden Route
- Jeffrey's Bay - A surfer's paradise
- Plettenberg Bay - At Monkeyland and Birds of Eden
- Mossel Bay - Cage Diving with Great White Sharks
- Cape Town - Ask the locals
- Johannesburg - At the Apartheid Museum
2010 ticket sales update - FIFA releases additional tickets
FIFA will introduce two additional ticketing products the world football governing body announced on Saturday.
The two products, the "Partially Obstructed View Tickets" and "Premier Tickets", will be available from Monday, June 7 only at the 11 FIFA Ticketing Centres.
FIFA's Ticketing Sub-Committee Chairman, Horst R. Schmidt, said they are experiencing a high last minute demand for tickets in South Africa and so it made sense for them to create two additional ticketing products.
"We decided to introduce two additional ticketing products to the general public. We have similarly done this in the previous FIFA World Cups," he said.
About 15 000 Partially Obstructed View Tickets sold at the price of category 4 tickets will be made available. All of them will be located close to the pitch.
About 38 000 Premier Tickets with prices ranging from R1 400 to R2 100 will be made available. These will include lounge seats and complimentary beverages.
Schmidt reiterated that tickets will not be available at FNB branches, FIFA.com, Shoprite/Checkers or the Call Centre.
These new ticketing products do not include the Opening Game and the group matches of Bafana Bafana, the Semi-Finals and the Final match. [src.: BuaNews - Nthambeleni Gabara]
The two products, the "Partially Obstructed View Tickets" and "Premier Tickets", will be available from Monday, June 7 only at the 11 FIFA Ticketing Centres.
FIFA's Ticketing Sub-Committee Chairman, Horst R. Schmidt, said they are experiencing a high last minute demand for tickets in South Africa and so it made sense for them to create two additional ticketing products.
"We decided to introduce two additional ticketing products to the general public. We have similarly done this in the previous FIFA World Cups," he said.
About 15 000 Partially Obstructed View Tickets sold at the price of category 4 tickets will be made available. All of them will be located close to the pitch.
About 38 000 Premier Tickets with prices ranging from R1 400 to R2 100 will be made available. These will include lounge seats and complimentary beverages.
Schmidt reiterated that tickets will not be available at FNB branches, FIFA.com, Shoprite/Checkers or the Call Centre.
These new ticketing products do not include the Opening Game and the group matches of Bafana Bafana, the Semi-Finals and the Final match. [src.: BuaNews - Nthambeleni Gabara]
07 June 2010
Lonely Planet: "South Africa 2010 - A journey through every country in the cup" for free
How good is that? Simply sign up with Lonely Planet's email newsletter and get a free football-related digital guide (pdf). It’ll take you on a journey through every country competing in the Cup. This is a subscriber exclusive – so sign up to their email to download your free copy from your subscription confirmation email. Easy peasy!
Vuvuzela really a threat to hearing? One study, two results
I was browsing through some current 2010 World Cup news when I stumbled over the Reuters article "Vuvuzela tops noise league, seen threat to hearing". Well, another article about vuvuzelas, I thought. Than I had a look for the website of the "Hear the World Foundation" (an initiative formed by Swiss hearing products group Phonak to raise awareness about hearing loss. They made the study the Reuters article is about), and had a read through their news section. I found the original article about the tests they made to measure the "noise" of the vuvuzela and was quite surprised.
In the German/Swiss original article it says:
1. Platz: Alphorn Vuvuzela 127 dB
2. Platz: Fan-Horn 123.6 dB
3. Platz: Vuvuzela 123.4 dB
4. Platz: Trommel 122.2 dB
5. Platz: Fan-Gesänge von zwei Schweizer-Fans 121,6 dB
6. Platz: Schiedsrichter-Pfeife: 121.8 dB
7. Platz Gashupe 121.4 dB
8. Platz: Kuhglocke 114,9 dB
9. Platz: Holzratsche 108,2 dB
10. Platz: Aufblasbare Fan-Sticks 99.1 dB
and in the English version it says:
1st place: Vuvuzela 127 dB
2nd place: Air-horn 123.6 dB
3rd place: Samba drum 122.2 dB
4th place: Referee whistle 121.8 dB
5th place: 2 fans singing 121.6 dB
6th place: Gas horn 121.4 dB
7th place: Cowbell 114.9 dB
8th place: Wooden rattle 108.2 dB
9th place: Inflatable Fan-Sticks 99.1 dB
Two different types of vuvuzelas (127dB and 123.4dB) in the German article and only one type of vuvuzela (the "original" one) in the English article (measured with 127dB and not 123.4dB)? Why is that? Too lazy to explain what an "Alphorn vuvuzela" is? Propaganda against vuvuzelas? All international media are now reporting that vuvuzelas are 127 dB loud. I haven't found one article pointing out that the "Alphorn vuvuzela" is actually the louder one and not the "normal" South African vuvuzela. Come on media, explain it to me!
Well, the "Alphorn vuvuzela" is actually a Swiss invention. The Swiss vuvuzela does look like a vuvuzela shaped mini Alphorn (a traditional Swiss and Austrian music instrument, also known as alpine horn, usually between 2.5 - 4m long!) According to the study the sound of such an Alphorn vuvuzela is about 4dB lounder than a "normal" South African vuvuzela. Keeping in mind that a sound increased by ten decibels will be perceived by human ears as being twice as loud, it tells me that 4dB do make a huge difference. Anyway - the South African "soccer" vuvuzelas are part of football in Southern Africa and therefore they belong to every match like the flags, the fan jerseys etc.. Stop discussing about it and take it as a fact!
In the German/Swiss original article it says:
1. Platz: Alphorn Vuvuzela 127 dB
2. Platz: Fan-Horn 123.6 dB
3. Platz: Vuvuzela 123.4 dB
4. Platz: Trommel 122.2 dB
5. Platz: Fan-Gesänge von zwei Schweizer-Fans 121,6 dB
6. Platz: Schiedsrichter-Pfeife: 121.8 dB
7. Platz Gashupe 121.4 dB
8. Platz: Kuhglocke 114,9 dB
9. Platz: Holzratsche 108,2 dB
10. Platz: Aufblasbare Fan-Sticks 99.1 dB
and in the English version it says:
1st place: Vuvuzela 127 dB
2nd place: Air-horn 123.6 dB
3rd place: Samba drum 122.2 dB
4th place: Referee whistle 121.8 dB
5th place: 2 fans singing 121.6 dB
6th place: Gas horn 121.4 dB
7th place: Cowbell 114.9 dB
8th place: Wooden rattle 108.2 dB
9th place: Inflatable Fan-Sticks 99.1 dB
Two different types of vuvuzelas (127dB and 123.4dB) in the German article and only one type of vuvuzela (the "original" one) in the English article (measured with 127dB and not 123.4dB)? Why is that? Too lazy to explain what an "Alphorn vuvuzela" is? Propaganda against vuvuzelas? All international media are now reporting that vuvuzelas are 127 dB loud. I haven't found one article pointing out that the "Alphorn vuvuzela" is actually the louder one and not the "normal" South African vuvuzela. Come on media, explain it to me!
Well, the "Alphorn vuvuzela" is actually a Swiss invention. The Swiss vuvuzela does look like a vuvuzela shaped mini Alphorn (a traditional Swiss and Austrian music instrument, also known as alpine horn, usually between 2.5 - 4m long!) According to the study the sound of such an Alphorn vuvuzela is about 4dB lounder than a "normal" South African vuvuzela. Keeping in mind that a sound increased by ten decibels will be perceived by human ears as being twice as loud, it tells me that 4dB do make a huge difference. Anyway - the South African "soccer" vuvuzelas are part of football in Southern Africa and therefore they belong to every match like the flags, the fan jerseys etc.. Stop discussing about it and take it as a fact!
Getaway Mag: 20 things to do in Cape Town on a budget
South Africa's Getaway Magazine is the country's #1 travel and outdoor magazine. It's a kinda must buy for all travellers coming to South Africa (btw - I have seen issues of getaway in backpackers, in B&B, in Hotels - everywhere!) Anyway, Sarah Duff from the Getaway Mag just wrote an awesome article about 20 things to do in Cape Town on a budget on their website. Have a read - absolutely worth it!
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