CAPE TOWN - DAY 3

Some more information about South Africa:

Of the approx 50 mill population, 80% are Africans, 4.4 mill are white, coloureds are 4.2 mill, and Indian/Asian approx 1.2 mill.

Currency is the Rand.  Conversion is easy - approx R10 = ~$A1.00.

Tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy.

Climate is temperate with 4 seasons similar to Melbourne.  Weather has been unusually warm for April since we have been in Cape Town.

There are 11 official languages.

The national bird is the blue crane, animal the springbok, flower the protea, and the tree is yellowwood.

Tap water is potable, but we have not taken risks and used bottled water everywhere.

Speed limits are 120 km/hr on highways, 100 km/hr on secondary roads, and 60 km/hr in urban areas.  Road conditions are very good.

80% of Africa's population is Christian (mostly Roman Catholic).

Tanzanite jewellery is temporarily readily available in SA (beautiful stone!,) but is becoming rare because the mine will close in about a year. (Couldn't resist - purchased a ring as an investment!!)

Last night for entree we had springbok (the national animal - it was very delicious.  We have eaten a number of game meats.

Today we were driven to Langa township on the outskirts of Cape Town with 4 other tourists and a guide.  The quality of housing ranges from shanties to reasonable homes.  We were invited into a very tiny "room" which had been a hostel and now houses two men and a schoolboy- all facilities but absolutely no space or privacy.

After that a church service with gospel-type singing and a stimulating preacher.  All of the congregation was African, and dressed in their very best for the special Easter Sunday service.

Then we had the experience of a lifetime, viewing a dancing/singing display by the "Happy Feet" children.  This was founded in 2007, with a view to show the poor children that they can improve themselves and to give them self-esteem and keep them off the streets.  Competition to join the group is strong, and their enthusiasm knows no bounds.  After school they rush to the tin shed where they choreograph and practice routines until they are perfected.  Their joy, talent, energy and excitement is amazing.  The work of the founders is to be strongly applauded.

No customers, so barber asleep in the gutter

Little one helping mum with the washing at one of the few taps in the township

Shanty town, with tiny houses built of timber very close together. Extreme fire hazard.

Beautiful little girls observing Happy Feet in Langa township.

Girls singing and chanting ready to begin dancing.

High energy and talent with their exceptional dancing skills.  All co-ordinated.

The "gumboot-slapping" dance by the boys.  Youngest and most talented was only 4 yrs old

Handing out our gifts brought from Australia

The dancing trainer and founder named "Sivewe"