PS 494 - Issues in South Africa

Dr. Mike Williams

June 26 - July 14

Medical Information

You might need certain vaccinations before coming to South Africa.  Please consult your doctor and the Center for Disease Control website for more information.  For those of you who are going to go on the Safari, we will be in a malaria zone and you will need to take the proper medication.  Please consult your doctor and/or the Center for Disease Control website for more information.

Flight Information

Because many of us will be flying from different locations, we are not going to organize a group flight to South Africa.  When you make your reservations, please make sure that you will arrive in Cape Town on Sunday, June 26th (preferably in the morning or afternoon).  The class will begin on Monday, June 27th and it is important that you get some rest before we begin.  When you arrive in Cape Town you will be picked up at the airport and taken to the hotel.  We will provide more information about this later in the semester.

If you are not going to go on the Safari, you will want to make reservations to leave Johannesburg on July 14th in the late afternoon or evening.  If you are planning to attend the Safari, you will want to make reservations to leave on July 16th in the late afternoon or evening. 

There are many different travel agents that offer deals to South Africa.  You may also want to contact the airlines directly.  Of the airlines that fly to South Africa, Virgin Airlines, Northwest/KLM, Iberia and Delta/South African Airlines seem to have the best deals.  Here are some travel agents that have been particularly helpful:

Student Travel Agency (858-270-6401) [ask for Adam Cooper and tell him you are part of the USD group going to South Africa]

Travel Spark (1-866-856-6161)

Airfare Planet (1-888-204-8869)

Trekkerstravel.com (1-800-626-0466)

Airline Consolidator (1-888-468-5385)

Virgin Airlines (1-800-862-8621)

Packing Information

It will be the winter season in South Africa while we are there.  Temperatures will range from the low 50s to the mid 70s depending on where we are in the country.  You can expect cool weather and rain in Cape Town, mild temperatures and dry in Durban, and colder temperatures and dry in Johannesburg.  Kruger National Park might be a bit warmer (70s) with a chance of some rain.  Obviously, this information is based on seasonal averages and we cannot guarantee that we will experience similar weather.

Because you will probably want to purchase some souvenirs while you are there, we would suggest that you pack so that you have room to bring items back to the USA.  There will be opportunities to do laundry while we are there but you will be responsible for these expenses.

In terms of electronics, South Africa's electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 Hz.  Most plugs have three round pins but some plugs with two smaller pins are also found on appliances. Adaptors can be purchased but may be in short supply. US-made appliances may need a transformer.

Course Objectives

This study abroad course offers students a unique opportunity to visit South Africa and to learn more about its history, politics, and culture.  As a country that is ten years removed from apartheid rule, the study of South African politics and history will enable students to think critically about the legacy of authoritarian rule, democratization, and race and ethnic reconciliation.  This academic component will be supplemented with opportunities to engage with South African communities, such as black townships and rural villages.  These experiences will introduce students to different cultural traditions and practices that students can then share with their friends and family in the United States.  This type of international experience, both in terms of its academic and non-academic goals, reinforces university goals to promote cultural awareness and diversity on campus.

Tentative South Africa Itinerary

Sunday, June 26             Arrive in Cape Town; Welcome Dinner; Stay at the Lady Hamilton Hotel (from June 26-July 4)

Monday, June 27            Walking tour of Cape Town and Bokaap; Welcome dinner at the Africa Cafe

Tuesday, June 28            Lectures at University of Western Cape

Wednesday, June 29      Tour of Table Mountain (including lunch at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens)

Thursday, June 30          Tours of Parliament and Robben Island (visit SA Government Webpage for more information)      

Friday, July 1                 Tour of District 6 and Tour of Langa Township

Saturday, July 2             Tour of Stellenbosch and the Wine Country

Sunday, July 3               Tour of Cape Peninsula (lunch provided)            
 

Monday, July 4              University of Cape Town visit; Farewell dinner  

Tuesday, July 5              Depart for Durban; Stay at the Florida Park Hotel (from July 5-July 7) 

Wednesday, July 6         Tour of Durban (including KwaMuhle Museum and Cato Manor) 

Thursday, July 7             Lectures at University of Natal-Durban; Tour of Valley of 1000 Hills  

Friday, July 8                  Depart for Zululand; Stay at Shakaland

Saturday, July 9              Tour of Zulu Battlefields; Stay at Fugitive's Drift Lodge

Sunday, July 10              Tour of Zulu Battlefields in morning; Depart for Johannesburg; Stay at Holiday Inn in Sandton

Monday, July 11             Tour of Johannesburg (including Constitution Hill)
 

Tuesday, July 12             Apartheid Museum

Wednesday, July 13        Tour of Soweto

Thursday, July 14            Depart for Safari or depart for the USA