South Africans, here are 9 reasons to love where you live

Whether you live along the sun-kissed coastlines, in a bustling city, amidst the hum of the bushveld, or in a quaint suburb where neighbours know each other by name, there's much to appreciate about Mzansi. Here are a few reasons that will have you raising your flag with pride.

1. Enjoy beauty in your backyard: You're surrounded by natural wonders wherever you live. From golden beaches, lush savannah grasslands, rugged mountains, to dusty semi-deserts, there's plenty to explore. South Africa boasts an incredible 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites that highlight our country's natural and cultural diversity on the world stage. And to brag even more, South Africa regularly makes the list of the most beautiful countries. Cape Town alone was voted one of the most Instagrammable places in the world for the 6th consecutive year.

2. Hear the call of the wild: Everyone knows South Africa is home to the famous Big 5 members - rhino, lion, elephant, leopard, and buffalo. But there are also African fish eagles with their majestic calls, meerkats with their ridiculously cute movements, and African penguins with their incredible swimming speed (20 km per hour - more than double the fastest human swimmers).

3. Soak in the sunshine: The country has some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet and the stellar weather is a big part of that. With an average of 2,500 hours of sun gracing skies every year, there's no shortage of Vitamin D to go around! And sure, every province has its own weather patterns. But, generally, it's shorts-and-slops weather all year round which is ideal for braaing, surfing, or hiking.

4. Feast on all the food: Being a melting pot, the country's culinary scene is bursting with colours, textures, and flavours. From shisa nyama off the fire, spicy bunny chows, to mouthwatering malva puddings, the dining here is belly-rubbing delicious. The country's iconic drinks like rooibos tea, Amarula, and a range of wines also hit the spot for tourists and locals alike.

5. Celebrate art in every form: The air here is practically brimming with creativity. Local artists have made their mark in painting, sculpture, literature, architecture, theatre, film, and music. Think about the achievements of Trevor Noah, Charlize Theron, Tyla, Nadine Gordimer, and Gerard Sekoto - the list goes on making it hard to name-check all the talent our country has produced over the years.

6. Dive into the cultural tapestry: South Africa's status as the rainbow nation lives on through the mix of Zulu, Xhosa, Ndebele, Khoisan, Hindu, Muslim, Afrikaner and other groups that make up the country. There are twelve official languages, giving almost everyone a way to express themselves. However, there's also a shared lexicon that unites locals (if someone used the words "howzit", "lekker", or "jol", you'd know exactly what they meant).

7. Share the national obsession: Yes, that means sport. South Africa's determination and skill have helped us reach the highest heights in rugby, soccer, golf, cycling, running, swimming, cricket, and many more codes. Our recent 2023 Rugby World Cup win and record-breaking batting at the 2023 Cricket World Cup had South Africans trumpeting more loudly than our elephants!

8. Take pride in our genius: South African ingenuity shows in the long list of contributions made to the world. From tackling rust (Q20), saving lives (CT scans and heart transplants), slow cooking food without electricity (Wonderbags), to skipping queues (Computicket), there are plenty that impact people locally and globally on a daily basis.

9. Look back on a vibrant history: South Africa's rich heritage is a testament to the struggle and resilience of its people even today. Must-visit places include the Cradle of Humankind which holds the remains of humankind's earliest ancestors, the Castle of Good Hope which is the oldest existing colonial building in South Africa, and Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela and other anti-Apartheid figures spent time.

Love where you live with us

In every corner, in every moment, there's a lot to appreciate about living in South Africa. With Century 21 South Africa by your side, finding your dream home has never been easier. We know that buying a property is more than a transaction but a place where love can flourish and cherished memories are created. Reach out to one of our branches across the country to get started.