Bob Travel

Of the many reasons to visit the country of South Africa, and the city of Cape Town specifically, surfing ranks at the top of the list.  Surfers from renown spots in Australia and from the coast of California travel to South Africa for the experience of catching a wave.  International participants and spectators regularly travel to and find accommodations in the best Cape Town hotels along the beaches of the Peninsula.  The temperature of the waters ranges, and some spots require a wet suit, however there is a non-existent record of shark attacks, and the local surfers are friendly as long as the surfer etiquette regarding respect is honored.  There are many spots to the north, such as Blouberg, Big Bay and Tableview, however if these spot are full, the western shores host many viable and incredible options.

Misty Cliffs is well known in the surfing community, for seasoned surfers.  The winds are strong and the break of the surf often shifts.  There are also many rocks to contend with, but this is what those most competent in the sport are looking for, adventure and sport.  The wave swells here are huge, so if a regular eight foot wave is too much, than perhaps some of the calmer waters would be more suitable and safe.  Crayfish Factory is another spot for the well trained surfer, as the waves again, are at least seven foot on average, most times more.  Long boards are recommended as those surfing on short boards can get bounced around quite a bit.  Kommetjie is known as a spot among the best of the world.  The waves come fast and although this is a spot that can be tough to get to, it is worth it for the thrill.  Sandy Bay, another great location, located just next to Kommetjie, is a spot secluded enough to keep it from becoming crowded, but worth the effort to find it.  There will be a walk of about 5 kilometers to reach the waters, but it is also a well known nudist beach, surrounded by beautiful landscapes, so the views are varied, and wonderful.

Jacob Zuma, the President of South Africa has three wives.  Many are questioning as the sit over dinner or coffee in any Cape Town five star hotels,  in the restaurants and on the street corners, the cheeky question of which one will actually be the First Lady of the country. Zuma is of the Zulu tribe, this is a rural based community, existing in poverty and very little education.  This practice of polygamy is still prevalent in the rural communities, however not so much anymore in the larger cities such as Pretoria, Johannesburg and Cape Town.  Zuma was first married in 1973, and since then has been married five times, and has fathered nineteen children.

He is married to Sizakele Khumalo,  his first wife he wed in 1973.  In 2007 he married Nompumelelo Ntuli, and most recently to Thobeka Mabhija.  Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and the President were divorced more than twenty years ago, but she remains to be one of his closest political advisers and has even holds the position in his government, of Minister of Foreign Affairs.  All of his wives did attend the ceremony for his inauguration last month, however only Khumalo was on stage with him.  Zuma is the first president of South Africa to be a polygamist, and many questions are being asked.  And while Zuma himself will state that he received no formal education,  he is respected for the experiences and the wisdom he has gained throughout his life-time.  When questioned on polygamy though, Nelson Mandela stated that he was formally educated and therefore turned away from the practice.  All questions seem to lead back to the level of education one receives.

Many in the country have become Christians, and they state those reasons as well for not practicing this aspect of their cultural traditions.  Zuma states in his defense, and in defense of polygamy, that the practice is based on openness and honesty, and that many of his Christian colleagues do have mistresses hidden away.  He is very open about his life experiences and his lack of education and firmly believes in who he is, so further gossip and raised eyebrows will have no ill effects on this new President of South Africa.

Andrew Feinstein began his career with the South African government after returning in the early 90’s after his study at the Universities of Cambridge and Berkeley.  He had originally left his homeland in his early 20’s to avoid the draft.  He did not want to be part of the military regiment of Apartheid, which at the time was still involved in wars and fighting on the Northern borders.  When Nelson Mandela was released however, he threw himself into being a part of the transformation of his country.  He first joined the African National Congress,  Mandela’s party.  He was soon taking the lead in situations most crucial and linked to the power transfers that were taking place at the time.  He was an elected legislator for the province of Gauteng which included the cities of Johannesburg and Pretoria, and was soon part of the Cape Town National Parliament.

His joy and optimism was short lived however, as the entire country was in need of restructuring.  While the leadership of Mandela did much to raise the spirit and the hope of the much wounded people of the nation, there was work that needed to be on the ground.  For in order for the country to survive, economic resolutions were necessary.  Industries such has business, tourism and five star Cape Town hotels would not thrive unless the inefficiency and the corruption Feinstein was noticing around him, were ended.  While he is an idealist, he is also very pragmatic, and is aware that for the people of his country of South Africa,   the government must be strengthened by what has happened throughout the tumultuous history, and stand up with a conduct that is ethical and accountable and open.  A government worthy of the respect of the Constitution created in 1996.  He said this is the most vital and important task for them currently.

Today, May 9, 2009, the country of South Africa held the inauguration ceremony for the newly appointed president, Jacob Zuma.  Zuma was involved in a few scandals, sex scandals and charges of corruption.  But he overcame those allegations and is now holding the highest office in the country.  His campaign was based on the desire and the promise to fulfill the hopes and the dreams of the people of his country.  As he ranks in popularity second only to Nelson Mandela, many went to the Cape Town car rentals offices, in order to find means of transportation to the ceremony.  All those in attendance shouted their approval as Zuma walked to the stage, and he was honored by the praise singers in the traditional way of South Africa.

Zuma is the 4th president of the country in the last fifteen years, since the end of apartheid.  He has known what it is to struggle in life.  He was in the army and was the Chief of Intelligence for the African National Congress.  He has survived many difficult circumstances, including the allegations mentioned above, and the events surrounding the power struggle between the members of his own political party.  Zuma secured his presidency last Wednesday, when he won the election.  Many of those living in the country look to Zuma as a man who knows their aspirations and who has experienced their struggles, much as the way President Barack Obama is viewed by the American people.  These are two men who are loved by the people of their countries.  In Zuma’s address to the public he stated that the sacrifices and struggles experienced in the life of South Africans will no long hold them down, but will now serve to inspire and to allow them to look towards the better life in the future the country that has been gained through the past hardship and bloodshed that has been endured.