General information about South Africa

The University of South Africa's Muckleneuk Campus, is situated in the City of Tshwane / Pretoria, is located at Preller Street, Muckleneuk Ridge, Pretoria.

General information about South Africa

The Republic of South Africa is in the SADC region on the African continent, renowned for its varied topography, great natural beauty, and cultural diversity, all of which have made the country a favoured destination for travelers since the legal ending of apartheid in 1994.

South Africa is divided into nine provinces.

The nine provinces were formed in 1994 and are all divided into districts consisting of either metropolitan or district municipalities. South Africa has three cities that serve as capitals: Pretoria (executive), Cape Town (legislative), and Bloemfontein (judicial).

Demographics Trends

By June 2022, South Africa's population was estimated to be 60,6 million. Between 2002 and 2022, South Africa experienced a positive population growth year-on-year.

South African’s Currency

The South African rand (ZAR) is the currency of South Africa and is issued by the South African Reserve Bank.

Weather and climate

South Africa has four seasonal patterns, which are spring to summer between August and January, and autumn to winter between February and July. Gauteng offers one of the world’s best climates - summer days are warm and wind free, and winter days are crisp and clear. Johannesburg and Pretoria differ in temperature by about 2% (Pretoria being the warmer of the two).

Annual weather averages. January is the hottest month in Pretoria and the northern parts with an average temperature of 74°F (24°C) and the coldest is June at 54°F (12°C). Johannesburg is normally mild due to the city's high elevation, with an average maximum daytime temperature in January of 25.6°C (78.1°F), dropping to an average maximum of around 16°C (61°C) in June. For more information, please click here.

Health and safety

South Africa has a large number of accessible public hospitals which operate 24 hours a day and clinics. Travellers may visit the National Department of Health website to check and confirm information concerning health and safety issues in South Africa. 

Crime and Safety

South Africa has the best Constitution which always seeks to deal with crime and the safety of everyone visiting the country. There is a strong police system, with various places/centres to report any crime, including a 24-hour crime reporting system by dialling 10111.

Personal safety tips

• Trust your instinct. Be crime conscious and aware of crime opportunities at all times!
• Avoid walking alone and isolated places. Try to walk on well-lit busy streets and stay in a group, if possible.
• Be on the lookout for strange cars or people and avoid displaying valuables where criminals can see them.
• Be sure that you know all the emergency numbers or have them displayed in an accessible place.
• Always let someone know where you are going and how long you will be gone. But, be careful how your absence is advertised on social media. Criminals also have access to Facebook and Twitter.

www.saps.gov.za/alert/personal_safety_tips.php