The Scroobious Guide to South Africa

In the 1980s South Africa was very much a global pariah. With sanctions and censorship both in full swing, we didn’t get to see much of the outside world, for good or ill. In consequence, the apartheid government drove a massive “stuff you, world!” campaign — creative efforts such as making petrol out of coal were aimed at proving, to South Africans as well as forruners, that we didn’t need anyone else.

One aspect of this was the tourism advertising slogan: “The world in one country”. Now that I’ve seen a (very) little bit of the world, I can confidently assert that this was an Untruth. Search as you might, you will not find the Eiffel Tower, nor the Great Wall of China. We’re a bit low on pyramids (either Egyptian or Aztec), leaning towers, ancient castles, grand canyons, igloos and such. So the apartheid state lied. (Frankly, I’m shocked.)

We do, however, have tropical rainforest, desert, mountains, rocky coasts and sandy beaches, buzzing cities, sleepy hamlets, hippie outposts, penguins, ostriches, elephants (including some that are small and furry), baboons (lots of 'em), flamingoes, eagles and a truly terrifying parade of insect life. We also have a history rich in heroes, villains and nutters, a glorious climate, and some of the best food in the whole world, ever. Join me, if you will, for the Scroobious Guide to South Africa — it may not be objective, but the research is frrrresh.