South Africa, a treasure trove of natural wonders and cultural heritage, welcomes you. With its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture, it sets the perfect backdrop for the 2024 International Teaching and Learning Conference.
South Africa proudly hosts Table Mountain, one of the world’s Seven Wonders of Nature, and is home to the iconic Big Five of the African animal kingdom. With over 50 Blue Flag beaches stretching along a coastline nearly 2,800 kilometers long, the country revels in an average of 2,500 hours of sunshine annually. As the third most biodiverse country globally, South Africa's landscapes range from lush forests to semi-deserts, encompassing estuaries, wetlands, and marine systems. This rich diversity supports over 95,000 known species of flora, fauna, and insects.
The Cullinan Diamond, the largest ever found, was discovered in 1905 in Pretoria, one of South Africa’s three capital cities, highlighting the country’s mineral wealth. Pretoria, the executive capital located in Gauteng Province, is the seat of government administration. Bloemfontein, in the Free State province, serves as the judicial capital, while Cape Town, nestled at the foot of Table Mountain, is the legislative capital and known as the Mother City.
South Africa has given the world esteemed leaders like Albert Luthuli, Nelson Mandela, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, all Nobel Peace Prize laureates. It's also celebrated for its contribution to music and the arts, exemplified by performances like those of the Ndlovu Youth Choir alongside Sir Elton John, and their captivating appearance on America’s Got Talent. The nation has produced renowned scientists, educators, sportspeople, and innovators, including heart transplant pioneer Dr. Chris Barnard and eco-friendly paint inventor Professor Mulalo Doyoyo.
Education is a cornerstone, with 26 public universities across the country. The University of South Africa, our conference host, stands out as the largest, celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2023.
As you join us for the 2024 International Teaching and Learning Conference, we invite you to explore the beauty, history, and cultural richness of South Africa. Experience the warmth of its people, the majesty of its landscapes, and the depth of its heritage. Welcome to a land where learning and nature converge in harmony.