Zulu

Area 1,222,000 sq.km. This includes:
1.    Four quasi-independent states: Transkei 45,000 sq.km; Bophuthatswana 40,000 sq.km.; Ciskei 9,000 sq.km.; Venda 6,500 sq.km. These 'TBVC' states are not internationally recognized and are likely to be reincorporated into South Africa at any time from 1993 onwards.
2.    Walvis Bay, an enclave on Namibia's coast, 1,124 sq.km. Its future is a matter for intense negotiation between South Africa and Namibia.

Population    Ann. Gr.    Density
1990    35,248,000    2.2 %    29/sq. km

1995    39,189,000    2.1 %    32/sq. km

Population growth differences: White 1.6%; Asian 1.9%; Coloured and Black 2.9%. The four TBVC states 7,200,000; the six self-governing homelands 9,500,000.

Peoples:
Black 72.5%.
Nguni 43.6% (5 groups). Zulu 6,820,000; Xhosa 6,734,000; Swazi 1,025,000; South Ndebele 470,000; North Ndebele 318,000.
Sotho 23.7% (3 groups). Tswana 3,440,000; North Sotho/Pedi 2,818,000; South Sotho 2,091,000.
Other 5.2%. Tsonga/Shangaan 1,196,000; Venda 642,000.
White 14.2%. Afrikaner 2,565,000; English-speaking 1,709,000; Portuguese 617,000; Greek 70,000; German 45,000.
Coloured (mixed race) 10.1%. 90% live in the Western Cape Province. The Cape Malays are considered part of this community.
Asian 3.2%. Indians 916,000; Chinese 15,000.
Migrant labour from surrounding lands. est. 2,700,000.
Refugees: Mozambicans maybe 500,000.

Literacy 64% and falling. National languages: Afrikaans, English. The ten Black national and TBVC states each use their majority language as the official language. All languages 32. Languages with Scriptures 18Bi 2NT 1por.

Capitals: Pretoria (administrative) 865,000; Cape Town (legislative) 1,740,000; Bloemfontein (judicial) 220,000. Other major cities: Johannesburg/Soweto 3,500,000 (6,600,000 live in the Witwatersrand and South Transvaal industrial complex); Durban 1,100,000; Port Elizabeth 680,000. These figures do not include millions of squatters who have moved to the cities since 1989. Urbanization 56% (Asians 93%, Whites 89%, Coloureds 78%, Blacks 40%).

Economy: The richest and most industrialized country in Africa (25% of GNP, 40% of industrial output). The world's biggest exporter of non-petroleum minerals -- especially gold, platinum, chrome, diamonds and coal. Lack of water and erratic rainfall limit growth. World recession, drought and worldwide opposition to the racial policies have stunted growth and raised unemployment. Government overspending on defence and the cumbersome bureaucracy have also helped to put the economy into severe decline since 1982. Public debt/person $837. Income/person $2,460 (11% of USA).

Politics: The Union of South Africa was formed in 1910. A white minority parliamentary republic was created in 1961. The 1984 constitution extended a limited sharing of power with the Coloured and Asian minorities but excluded Blacks from national politics. The worsening economic crisis, deteriorating security situation, and the ending of the Cold War have all helped to trigger rapid changes in the '80s. The de Klerk government took bold steps to end apartheid and initiate serious negotiations towards setting up a fully democratic, multi-racial country. Most of the apartheid laws were repealed by July 1991. However, the battle for power and influence between the ANC, the Inkatha Freedom Movement, the Pan-African Congress and the government has contributed to an interminable cycle of intimidation and violence with a mounting death toll. The violence is pushing all sides to seek a viable solution so that rebuilding the new South Africa can begin. The first multi-racial election is expected in 1994. The ten ethnic homelands are enclaves within South Africa. Four opted for political independence: Transkei 1976, Bophuthatswana 1977, Venda 1979, Ciskei 1981. All but Bophuthatswana have military regimes. They constitute 13% of the land area but half the population. Their general poverty, over-population and economic dependence on South Africa will inevitably mean their full political reincorporation in South Africa.

Religion: Freedom of religion. Government statistics and some denominations omit the figures for the TBVC states. An attempt has been made below to include them. The future government is likely to have a strong humanist slant; racial and religious tolerance may include a law against proselytizing children under 18.
African traditional religions 17.7%. The peoples more strongly so are Venda 62%; Shangaan 48%; Zulu 27%; Xhosa 25%.
Non-religious/other 6.5%. Satanists number over 100,000.
Hindu 1.7%. Indians, mainly in Natal.
Muslim 1.25%. Cape Malays, Indians, Zanzibaris and some Zulu.
Jews 0.25%. About 86,600, over half in the Rand area of South Transvaal. There are 2,000 Black Jews.
Christian 72.6%. Growth 2.7%.
Protestant 38.4%. Growth 2.6%.
Church    Cong    Members    Affiliated
Methodist Ch    6,450    758,178    2,500,000
Ch of Prov of SA
(Anglican)    1,200    520,000    2,000,000
Dutch Ref Ch (NGK)    1,203    955,794     1,403,180
Dutch Ref Ch of Africa
(NGK-ZA)    468    293,000    892,000
Evang Lutheran Ch    1,612    422,000     703,349
Intl Fellowship of
Charis Chs    600    400,000    700,000
Apostolic Faith Mission    2,787    369,000     615,000
Dutch Ref Miss Ch
(NGSK)    257    225,000    470,000
Presby Ch of Africa    413    231,000     400,000
Full Gospel Ch of God     850    260,000     350,000
Dutch Ref Ch (NHK)    303    193,561     326,652
Presbyterian Ch of SA    220    75,000     300,000
Assemblies of God    2,000    250,000     300,000
Reformed Ch (GK)    417    95,800    159,618
Reformed Presby Ch    980    50,000     150,000
Seventh-day Adventist    571    63,065     145,292
Pentecostal Prot Ch    500    88,000     135,000
United Congreg Ch    660    96,113    127,035
Moravian Ch (2)    82    40,800    102,003
Ch of England in SA    160    32,000     100,000
Baptist Convention    634    35,572    71,100
Baptist Union (2)    489    38,175    64,000
Pente Holiness Ch    435    35,808    59,700
African Evang Ch     210    16,500     55,000
Ch of the Nazarene    308    20,538    50,155
All other (158)    7,627    808,766     1,349,141
Denominations (185)    31,436    6,373,670     13,528,225
Evangelicals 16.6% of pop        3,418,000     5,847,000
Pentecostal/charismatic 8.5%        1,931,000     3,007,000
Missionaries:
to Sth Africa 1,294 (1:27,200 people) in 113 agencies.
from Sth Africa 2,509 (1:5,400 Protestants) in 86 agencies 653frn 1,856 local (both xcul and dom).
Roman Catholic 7.8%. Growth 1.1%.
Catholic Ch    2,800    1,650,000     2,750,000
Missionaries:
to Sth Africa 2,589 (1:13,600 people).
from Sth Africa 100 (1973).
Orthodox 0.34%. Growth 22.3%.
Denominations (1)    19    48,000    120,000
Foreign Marginal 1.83%. Growth 5.9%.
New Apostolic Ch    1,500    250,000     455,000
Jehovah's Witnesses    1,063    48,590     139,000
All other (12)    242    30,462    52,028
Groups (14)    2,805    329,052    646,028
Indigenous Marginal 24.3%. Growth 3%.
Zion Christian Ch        1,000,000     2,000,000
All groups (est. 4,000)        3,634,000     8,556,700

1.    The political and spiritual future of South Africa hangs in the balance, and therefore on the prayers of God's people. Pray for:
a)    The political future, which could be catastrophic with years of bloodshed and chaos. Pray for sensitivity, moderation and wisdom for leaders of all races as they negotiate a suitable government system for the country which will give ethnic harmony, economic stability and equitable distribution of opportunity and resources to all races. Pray also that the post-settlement election may be free, fair and without intimidation, and may bring many Christians into positions of influence.
b)    The spiritual direction of the nation. The high proportion of committed Christians in all racial groups is an asset, but humanist and socialist values could become the basis of the first post-apartheid government. Pray that political leaders may establish the new South Africa on principles compatible with the Bible and maintain full freedom of religion.
c)    Reconciliation between the races. The legacy of contempt, mistrust, fear, injustice, violence, intimidation and deep hurt has scarred the soul of the nation.

2.    Praise for the positives:
a)    The strength of biblical Christianity despite the widely publicized negatives. The Spirit of God is moving in all major racial groups, and with touches of revival in some areas. There are large numbers of evangelical believers in the country.
b)    The increasing prayer concern among Christians, and growth of interracial and interdenominational prayer movements. There is a groundswell of spiritual earnestness as the political crisis comes to a head -- may it lead to a spiritual awakening.
c)    The spectacular growth of Pentecostals from 0.5 million adherents in 1960 to 2.5 million in 1990 and of the newer charismatic churches -- notably Hatfield Christian Church and the Rhema Bible Church -- to 250,000. Most of the latter are part of a loose fellowship, the International Fellowship of Christian Churches, with 700,000 adherents.

3.    Missions involvement for South Africans was severely affected by diplomatic isolation between 1961 and 1991 and the worsening economic crisis. Past South African missionary commitment and mission agencies have become internationally renowned -- including the NGK(DRC) with a major outreach for many years to a number of African nations, South Africa General Mission (now AEF), IHCF (with a worldwide ministry to and through medical workers), Africa Evangelistic Band, Dorothea Mission, and more recently African Enterprise and Christ For All Nations (linked with the name of Reinhard Bonnke). Pray for:
a)    A new wave of mission thrusts from South Africa with the ending of visa restrictions to many lands. Pray especially for an emphasis on the unreached areas and peoples of the world. There is considerable interest in the tragic need of neighbouring Mozambique.
b)    The Evangelical Fellowship of South Africa, the South African Missions Association and South African Action for World Evangelization. These all play varied roles in coordinating, providing fellowship and encouraging missions vision. Reachout is an innovative and comprehensive mobilizing mechanism for recruiting many short-term worker teams sponsored by SAAWE. An African Society for Frontier Missions has been formed.
c)    The effective development of Coloured and Indian missionary vision. A number of Christians from these communities have moved overseas as missionaries -- notably with OMF, WEC, etc. to Asia, Pacific, Europe and Latin America.
d)    The emergence of missionary outreach from the Black churches. There is great potential, but obstacles for its realization are enormous, and the relatively few missionaries from this community have a hard task to convince the leadership of the validity of missions, let alone raising missionary support. YWAM has a strong burden to facilitate this vision.
e)    African Enterprise which has an energetic outreach and teaching ministry to other parts of the world -- but especially Africa.
f)    The provision of funds for South African missionaries serving abroad. This has become a major issue because of the decline in value of the local currency.

4.    Black African communities
Population 26,224,000.
Religion: Christian 76% (Protestant 35%, African Independent Churches 32%, Roman Catholic 8.6%).
African traditional/no religion 24%.
a)    Black nationalism is on the verge of achieving its long-cherished goal of political power. The violent decades of protest against white political dominance and repression have left a legacy of urban neglect with inadequate housing and services, rural impoverishment and a bad educational system rendered virtually useless. Meaningful development has been set back many years. Inflated expectations of rapid economic improvement following political emancipation are likely to be dashed, causing enormous social upheavals and the resumption of old ethnic hatreds. Pray for the peace of South Africa.
b)    Missionary work began among the Blacks in 1799. Nearly every major denomination in Europe and North America has played a part in their evangelization. Heroic effort and tragic mistakes have marked its progress. The missionary force has reduced in numbers as mature churches have emerged, and most existing ministries are in church development, leadership training, youth, literature and radio ministries. Pray for fruitful ministries for them in times of great difficulty, ministry restrictions, and discouragement.
c)    The Church is an extraordinary mixture. The rapid growth of the African Independent Churches is a challenge to more orthodox churches that have often suffered considerable decline and loss of spiritual vitality. Among more evangelical groups, growth has been marked among the various Assemblies of God groups, Pentecostals, Church of the Nazarene and, more recently, charismatic churches. Major prayer points:
i)    The mainline churches. These became the only legal voice for political action for Blacks. The politicization of the gospel has further impoverished spirituality. Pray for renewal that will restore the balance and deal with nominalism, sin and traditional practices common among professing Christians.
ii)    Leadership. Pray for God to raise up deeply spiritual and biblically-centred leaders for the coming generation who will be able to address the total needs of all, especially the poor and marginalized, with the teaching and life style of Jesus. Political activism and Black or liberation theology with its Marxist presuppositions have all too often supplanted the preaching and living out of the Word of God.
iii)    The African Independent Churches (AICs). These have grown to include almost one-third of the Black population. Some are highly syncretic, while others are more biblical in orientation but in need of teaching. Efforts by a number of agencies to provide theological training for AIC leaders have borne some fruit.
iv) Effective and close fellowship links to be strengthened between Black and other racial Christian groups, and between mainstream churches and AICs.
d)    The urban areas present a challenge. Over ten million Blacks live in satellite townships of the cities. Some have become household names because of the violent events of the past three decades -- Soweto and Alexandra (Johannesburg), Kwa Mashu (Durban), Gugulethu (Cape Town), Sharpeville, Boipatong being but some of these. Soweto itself has over three million inhabitants. To these urban areas have been added millions in squatter areas that have sprung up overnight since the repeal of apartheid legislation. Pray for:
i)    The churches, believers and their witness in a society full of social stress, where tribal and family authority have broken down, and where political, ethnic and criminal violence is commonplace. Rape, teenage pregnancies and murder are perpetrated unchecked, and AIDS is becoming a scourge. Believers have been subjected to intimidation and violence for their faith. Pray that they may be protected, given grace to stand for Jesus and be lights for him in these very places.
ii)    Young people and children who have become pawns in the revolutionary war for political power. Many have had their education ruined, millions are ill-equipped for any training or employment, and their anger could be a threat to stable government for decades to come. Many have become fiercely hostile to Christianity as the religion of the oppressors. Pray for all efforts to meet their spiritual needs -- through the evangelical SCM, Youth Alive, SU, Youth for Christ, YWAM, Africa Youth Evangelism and others.
iii)    Evangelistic outreach through churches and mass evangelism agencies (Assemblies of God, African Enterprise, Dorothea Mission, Samaria Mission, Africa for Christ Evangelistic Association, Evangelistic Christian Outreach and Gospel Ambassadors for Christ). The major new challenge is the evangelization of the new squatter settlements. Much is being done locally, and church growth in them is fast.
iv)    The multiplication of efforts made by Islam and other "-isms" which are making inroads into city areas. Several mosques have been built of late.
e)    Migrant labourers are a major feature of South African life because of earlier restrictions on population movement. Over 2,700,000 people are in this category. Many men live separated from their families for long periods. It was armed clashes between migrant labourers and resident urbanites of differing political loyalties that led to the thousands killed in township violence between 1990 and 1993. Effective evangelism and church planting are hard because of their social disruption as a transient society. About 280,000 migrants come from other lands such as Lesotho (150,000), Mozambique (60,000), Malawi (30,000) and Botswana (29,000), and many more from the 10 national states. The mines draw workers from all over South Africa and beyond for longer or shorter periods. At any one time 400,000 are living in the large mine compounds of the Transvaal and Orange Free State. Pray for the outreach of the Mission to Miners (AEF), NGK and others to these migrant workers. Pray that those won to Christ may be so effectively discipled that churches may be planted and strengthened in their home areas when their contract period ends.
f)    The political future of the ten Self-governing/Independent States is a major point for negotiation. It is almost inevitable that this patchwork of largely unviable, overcrowded enclaves will be fully reintegrated into South Africa in the near future. Pray for wise solutions. There is a massive exodus of people from these areas to the cities. Pray for these entities:
i)    Bophuthatswana: population 2,000,000; 40% of all Tswana. West Transvaal and North Cape Province. Fairly viable economy. Christian 90.4%, of which AICs form 24%. Non-Christian 9.6%.
ii)    Ciskei: population 830,000; 12% of Xhosa. East Cape Province. Independent 1981; the dictatorial government has a poor record on human rights. Christian 75%, non-Christian 25%.
iii)    Gazankulu: population 1,060,000; 40% of Shangaan/Tsonga. Northeast Transvaal. Economically backward. Christian 51%, non-Christian 49%. Only AICs and RCs growing significantly; mainline churches generally in decline.
iv)    Kangwane: population est. 600,000; 16% of Swazi. Northeast Transvaal. Christian 68%, non-Christian 32%. Massive growth of AICs from 28.6% in 1970 to 48% in 1980.
v)    KwaNdebele: population 560,000; 35% of S. Ndebele. North Transvaal. Christian 85%, much nominalism; non-Christian 15%. AICs 50% of population.
vi)    KwaZulu: population 5,053,000; 60% of Zulu. Natal. Has refused independence. Very fragmented geographically. Christian 75%, non-Christian 25%.
vii)    Lebowa: population 2,826,000; 60% of Pedi. North Transvaal. Poor and economically unviable. Christian 57%, non-Christian 42%. Rapid growth of AICs and RCs. The Zion Christian Church, the largest AIC, is predominantly Pedi.
viii)    Qua-Qua: population 320,000; 9% of South Sotho. East Orange Free State. Very poor and over-populated. Christian 88%, non-Christian 12%.
ix)    Transkei: population 3,280,000; 43% of Xhosa. Between Natal and east Cape Province. Independent 1976, one-party state. Good potential for economic viability. Christian 67%, non-Christian 33%.
x)    Venda: population 600,000; 68% of all Venda. Independent 1979, now a one-party state. Christian 55%, non-Christian 45%. Pray for:
*    The complete evangelization of pockets of non-Christians -- especially among the Venda, Shangaan, Pedi, and parts of Zulu and Xhosa.
*    The enlivening of Protestant churches. The RCs and especially AICs are growing. The discouraging economic and political situation and the absence of a considerable part of the active male population as migrant labour make effective church development very difficult. Lack of finance, dynamic leadership and spiritual vitality are prayer challenges.

5.    The White community. Population 4,530,000.
Religion: Christian 92.1% (Protestant 83%, Roman Catholic 8.8%).
Non-religious/other 6%. Jews 1.9%.
The dramatic events of the past three decades have shaken the complacency, materialistic affluence and even the spiritual credibility of this community as Christians. Pray for:
a)    A rekindling of spirituality and faith in the midst of traumatic change, and the courage to take bold decisions, for they still hold the reins of economic and political power.
b)    The Afrikaners. Among them are many committed believers and outstanding Christian leaders. The influence of Andrew Murray, an NGK minister, lives on. Over half of all Afrikaners are members of this church, and a high proportion are active churchgoers. Nominalism is affecting the NGK. Pray for revival once more.
c)    The English-speaking people who tend to be less religious than the Afrikaners. There is more liberal theology in the major denominations, yet significant changes are occurring in the Anglican Church through the charismatic movement, with a return to a more biblical theology and personal faith by a large minority. Evangelical denominations such as the Baptists, Church of England in SA, Assemblies of God, and especially the charismatic churches are growing steadily (though the largest growth in these denominations is outside the White community). However, many English-speaking people are alienated from the churches and need to be confronted with the gospel.
d)    The less reached: The Jews, among whom there is a small, but growing number of Hebrew Christians (CWI, JFJ). The Portuguese are nominally Catholic and very conservative, but response through Pentecostal and NGK missions is increasing. The Greeks are neglected.
e)    Young people. There are many denominational and interdenominational groups seeking to witness among them: Youth For Christ, SU, Student Christian Assoc., His People, YWAM, CCC and others among young professionals and teens. Pray for young people to be won for Christ and to hear God's call into Christian service.

6.    The Coloured community. Population 2,929,000 (mainly West Cape Province).
Religion: Christian 86% (Protestant 72%, Roman Catholic 10%, Other 4%).
Non-religious/other 7.8%. Muslim 6.2%.
a)    The churches need revival. To most, religion and daily life are not closely related. Churches are often weak in leadership, nominal and introspective, and there has been a large defection to sectarian groups. However, the development of vital evangelical congregations with evangelistic and missionary outreach is moderately encouraging -- especially among Pentecostal, NGK (NG Mission Church), TEAM and independent charismatic churches.
b)    Outreach. Charismatic churches have grown rapidly with many thousands coming to faith. Bethel evangelists of the AEB have seen much fruit from evangelistic outreach. Some churches and missions have a fruitful ministry among sailors in Cape Town. The rural areas are the least touched by present evangelistic outreach. Pray for many dedicated young people to be called into full-time Christian work.
c)    The Cape Malays (almost all in Cape Town) are considered part of the Coloured community and speak Afrikaans. They are predominantly Malay and Muslim. They cling tenaciously to their customs and religion. Teams of Coloured Christians linked with Life Challenge (SIM) are saturating Muslim areas with the gospel, and a few are coming to Christ.

7.    The Asian community.
Population 931,000 (81% Natal, 14% Transvaal, 3.9% Cape Province). Predominantly Indian; some Chinese.
Religion: Hindu 61%. Muslim 19.5%. Christian 13% (Protestant 10.4%, Roman Catholic 2.6%). Non-religious/other 6.5%.
The Indian community has gone through traumatic social and economic changes since their arrival in Natal a century ago. Many are very Westernized.
a)    The bondage of Hinduism is still very real despite a significant response to the gospel. A number of denominational and interdenominational agencies seek to reach them -- such as the Pentecostals, AEF, NGK, TEAM and Church of England in SA.
b)    The growth of the Church was rapid during the '70s, but has slowed more recently. The major impact has been through the Bethesda Temple Full Gospel Churches (50,000 adherents), Apostolic Faith Mission (11,000), Baptist (3,500), AEF-related churches (3,000), and Reformed Church in Africa (NGK) (2,400). The weaknesses evident are Hindu thought patterns and practices, and often a weak and divided leadership. There are at least three good Bible schools -- pray for the calling and equipping of Indian pastors and missionaries.
c)    The Indian Muslims (198,000) are a generally wealthy, tightly-knit community that has been fairly successful in resisting Christian evangelism, yet about 40% no longer believe Islam to be unique. Over the last 10 years Full Gospel Churches, Baptists, AEF and SIM have developed specific ministries to them. Jesus to the Muslims is an agency committed to enable Christians to reach Muslims through literature, seminars, etc. There are only about seven full-time workers committed to Muslim outreach. About 200 have come to Christ from out of the Muslim community -- they need prayer.
d)    The Chinese (15,000) live mainly in Transvaal; most are secularized, nominal Christians. Five denominations have Chinese membership.

8.    Christian literature. The production and distribution of literature is prodigious! There are over 60 Christian publishers. Of note are All Nations Gospel Publishers (with a worldwide distribution of tracts and booklets), Emmanuel Press, Africa Christian Literature Advance (AEF), and NGK Press. There are nearly 200 Christian bookstores. The Bible Society has a well-developed programme for improved translations of the Scriptures -- the last major languages to receive the Bible being the South Ndebele and Swazi. SU's ministry through literature and to young people has been noteworthy. Few countries are better served with Christian literature, but pray that what is distributed may be eternally fruitful.

9.    Christian radio and television. The South African broadcasting corporation airs 23 radio services in 19 languages and four television services in seven languages. Over 12 million listen or watch religious broadcasting. Radio and Television Pulpit on the national network have a large audience. TWR broadcasts 46 hours per week in six European languages and a total of 16 hours per week in Zulu, Ndebele and Tswana. Pray also for agencies who prepare these programmes, including AEF, CoN, Dorothea Mission and MEMA(NGK). Pray that Christians may continue to have access to these media in the future.

Geography
Location: Southern Africa, at the southern tip of the continent of Africa
Geographic coordinates: 29 00 S, 24 00 E
Map references: Africa
Area:
total area: 1,219,912 sq km
land area: 1,219,912 sq km
comparative area: slightly less than twice the size of Texas
note: includes Prince Edward Islands (Marion Island and Prince Edward Island)
Land boundaries:
total: 4,750 km
border countries: Botswana 1,840 km, Lesotho 909 km, Mozambique 491 km, Namibia 855 km, Swaziland 430 km, Zimbabwe 225 km
Coastline: 2,798 km
Maritime claims:
continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
territorial sea: 12 nm
International disputes: Swaziland has asked South Africa to open negotiations on reincorporating some nearby South African territories that are populated by ethnic Swazis or that were long ago part of the Swazi Kingdom
Climate: mostly semiarid; subtropical along east coast; sunny days, cool nights
Terrain: vast interior plateau rimmed by rugged hills and narrow coastal plain
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Njesuthi 3,408 m
Natural resources: gold, chromium, antimony, coal, iron ore, manganese, nickel, phosphates, tin, uranium, gem diamonds, platinum, copper, vanadium, salt, natural gas
Land use:
arable land: 10%
permanent crops: 1%
meadows and pastures: 65%
forest and woodland: 3%
other: 21%
Irrigated land: 11,280 sq km (1989 est.)

Environment:
current issues: lack of important arterial rivers or lakes requires extensive water conservation and control measures; growth in water usage threatens to outpace supply; pollution of rivers from agricultural runoff and urban discharge; air pollution resulting in acid rain; soil erosion; desertification
natural hazards: prolonged droughts
international agreements: party to - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Climate Change, Desertification, Law of the Sea
Geographic note: South Africa completely surrounds Lesotho and almost completely surrounds Swaziland

People
Population: 41,743,459 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure:
0-14 years: 36% (male 7,578,639; female 7,428,123)
15-64 years: 60% (male 12,356,753; female 12,516,467)
65 years and over: 4% (male 744,806; female 1,118,671) (July 1996 est.)
Population growth rate: 1.76% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 27.91 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 10.32 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female
all ages: 0.98 male(s)/female (1996 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 48.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 59.47 years
male: 57.21 years
female: 61.8 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 3.43 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality:
noun: South African(s)
adjective: South African
Ethnic divisions: black 75.2%, white 13.6%, Colored 8.6%, Indian 2.6%
Religions: Christian (most whites and Coloreds and about 60% of blacks), Hindu (60% of Indians), Muslim 2%
Languages: 11 official languages, including Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Pedi, Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu
Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.)
total population: 81.8%
male: 81.9%
female: 81.7%

Government
Name of country:
conventional long form: Republic of South Africa
conventional short form: South Africa
abbreviation: RSA
Data code: SF
Type of government: republic
Capital: Pretoria (administrative); Cape Town (legislative); Bloemfontein (judicial)
Administrative divisions: 9 provinces; Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, North-West, Northern Cape, Northern Province, Western Cape
Independence: 31 May 1910 (from UK)
National holiday: Freedom Day, 27 April (1994)
Constitution: 27 April 1994 (interim constitution, replacing the constitution of 3 September 1984); note - on 8 May 1996, the Constitutional Assembly voted 421 to two to pass a new constitution which, after certification by the Constitutional Court, will gradually go into effect over a three-year period and come into full force with the next national elections in April 1999
Legal system: based on Roman-Dutch law and English common law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state and head of government: President Nelson MANDELA (since 10 May 1994); Deputy Executive Presidents Thabo MBEKI (since 10 May 1994) and Frederik W. DE KLERK (since 10 May 1994) were elected by the National Assembly
note: any political party that wins 20% or more of the National Assembly votes in a general election is entitled to name a deputy executive president; moreover, any party that wins 20 or more seats in the National Assembly is entitled to become a member of the governing coalition; currently, the ANC, the IFP, and the NP constitute a Government of National Unity (GNU)
cabinet: Cabinet was appointed by the president
Legislative branch: bicameral
National Assembly: elections last held 26-29 April 1994 (next to be held NA April 1999); results - ANC 62.6%, NP 20.4%, IFP 10.5%, FF 2.2%, DP 1.7%, PAC 1.2%, ACDP 0.5%, other 0.9%; seats - (400 total) ANC 252, NP 82, IFP 43, FF 9, DP 7, PAC 5, ACDP 2
Senate: the Senate is composed of members who are nominated by the nine provincial parliaments (which are elected in parallel with the National Assembly) and has special powers to protect regional interests, including the right to limited self-determination for ethnic minorities; seats - (90 total) ANC 61, NP 17, FF 4, IFP 5, DP 3
note: when the National Assembly meets in joint session with the Senate to consider the provisions of the constitution, the combined group is referred to as the Constitutional Assembly
Judicial branch: Supreme Court
Political parties and leaders: African National Congress (ANC), Nelson MANDELA, president; National Party (NP), Frederik W. DE KLERK, president; Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), Mangosuthu BUTHELEZI, president; Freedom Front (FF), Constand VILJOEN, president; Democratic Party (DP), Tony LEON, president; Pan-Africanist Congress (PAC), Clarence MAKWETU, president; African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP), Kenneth MESHOE, president
note: in addition to these seven parties which received seats in the National Assembly, 11 other parties won votes in the national elections in April 1994
Other political or pressure groups: NA
International organization participation: BIS, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, MTCR, NAM, OAU, SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO, ZC
Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Franklin SONN
chancery: 3051 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 232-4400
consulate(s) general: Beverly Hills (California), Chicago, and New York
US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission: Ambassador James A. JOSEPH
embassy: 877 Pretorius St., Arcadia 0083
mailing address: P.O. Box 9536, Pretoria 0001
telephone: [27] (12) 342-1048
FAX: [27] (12) 342-2244
consulate(s) general: Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg
Flag: two equal width horizontal bands of red (top) and blue separated by a central green band which splits into a horizontal Y, the arms of which end at the corners of the hoist side, embracing a black isoceles triangle from which the arms are separated by narrow yellow bands; the red and blue bands are separated from the green band and its arms by narrow white stripes
note: prior to 26 April 1994, the flag was actually four flags in one - three miniature flags reproduced in the center of the white band of the former flag of the Netherlands, which has three equal horizontal bands of orange (top), white, and blue; the miniature flags are a vertically hanging flag of the old Orange Free State with a horizontal flag of the UK adjoining on the hoist side and a horizontal flag of the old Transvaal Republic adjoining on the other side

Economy
Economic overview: Many of the white one-seventh of the South African population enjoy incomes, material comforts, and health and educational standards equal to those of Western Europe. In contrast, most of the remaining population suffers from the poverty patterns of the Third World, including unemployment and lack of job skills. The main strength of the economy lies in its rich mineral resources, which provide two-thirds of exports. Economic developments for the remainder of the 1990s will be driven largely by the new government's attempts to improve black living conditions, to set the country on a steady export-led growth path, and to cut back the enormous numbers of unemployed. The economy in recent years has absorbed less than 5% of the more than 300,000 workers entering the labor force annually. Local economists estimate that the economy must grow between 5% and 6% in real terms annually to absorb all of the new entrants, much less reduce the accumulated total.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $215 billion (1995 est.)
GDP real growth rate: 3.3% (1995 est.)
GDP per capita: $4,800 (1995 est.)
GDP composition by sector:
agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 8.7% (1995)
Labor force: 14.2 million economically active (1996)
by occupation: services 35%, agriculture 30%, industry 20%, mining 9%, other 6%
Unemployment rate: 32.6% (1996 est.); an additional 11% underemployment
Budget:
revenues: $30.5 billion
expenditures: $38 billion, including capital expenditures of $2.6 billion (FY94/95 est.)
Industries: mining (world's largest producer of platinum, gold, chromium), automobile assembly, metalworking, machinery, textile, iron and steel, chemical, fertilizer, foodstuffs
Industrial production growth rate: NA%
Electricity:
capacity: 39,750,000 kW
production: 163 billion kWh
consumption per capita: 3,482 kWh (1993)
Agriculture: corn, wheat, sugarcane, fruits, vegetables; cattle, poultry, sheep, wool, milk, beef
Illicit drugs: transshipment center for heroin and cocaine; cocaine consumption on the rise; world's largest market for illicit methaqualone, usually imported illegally from India through various east African countries; illicit cultivation of marijuana
Exports: $27.9 billion (f.o.b., 1995)
commodities: gold 27%, other minerals and metals 20%-25%, food 5%, chemicals 3% (1994)
partners: Italy, Japan, US, Germany, UK, other EU countries, Hong Kong
Imports: $27 billion (f.o.b., 1995)
commodities: machinery 32%, transport equipment 15%, chemicals 11%, oil, textiles, scientific instruments (1994)
partners: Germany, US, Japan, UK, Italy
External debt: $22 billion (1995 est.)
Economic aid:
recipient: ODA, $NA
note: current aid pledges include US $600 million over three years ending in 1996; UK $150 million over three years; Australia $21 million over three years; Japan $1.3 billion over two years ending in 1996; EU $833 million over five years
Currency: 1 rand (R) = 100 cents
Exchange rates: rand (R) per US$1 - 3.6417 (January 1996), 3.6266 (1995), 3.5490 (1994), 3.2636 (1993), 2.8497 (1992), 2.7563 (1991)
Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March

Transportation
Railways:
total: 21,431 km
narrow gauge: 20,995 km 1.067-m gauge (9,087 km electrified); 436 km 0.610-m gauge (1995)
Highways:
total: 182,329 km
paved: 55,428 km (including 2,040 km of expressways)
unpaved: 126,901 km (1991 est.)
Pipelines: crude oil 931 km; petroleum products 1,748 km; natural gas 322 km
Ports: Cape Town, Durban, East London, Mosselbaai, Port Elizabeth, Richards Bay, Saldanha
Merchant marine:
total: 4 container ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 211,276 GRT/198,602 DWT (1995 est.)
Airports:
total: 667
with paved runways over 3,047 m: 10
with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 4
with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 44
with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 75
with paved runways under 914 m: 221
with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 33
with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 280 (1995 est.)

Communications
Telephones: 5,206,235 (1993 est.)
Telephone system: the system is the best developed, most modern, and has the highest capacity in Africa
domestic: consists of carrier-equipped open-wire lines, coaxial cables, microwave radio relay links, fiber-optic cable, and radiotelephone communication stations; key centers are Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, and Pretoria
international: 1 submarine cable; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 2 Atlantic Ocean)
Radio broadcast stations: AM 14, FM 286, shortwave 0
Radios: 12.1 million (1992 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 67 (1987 est.)
Televisions: 3.45 million (1990 est.)
Defense
Branches: South African National Defense Force (SANDF; includes Army, Navy, Air Force, and Medical Services), South African Police Service (SAPS)
Manpower availability:
males age 15-49: 10,686,976
males fit for military service: 6,502,265
males reach military age (18) annually: 424,854 (1996 est.)
Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $2.9 billion, 2.2% of GDP (FY95/96)

Item	% Complete	Status	To complete (US $)
Planning	Nul	pending	1000.00
Translation	Nul	pending	7000.00
Recording	Nul	pending	11500.00
Broadcast	Nul	pending	16000.00
Total Cost Required To Complete $ 35500.00

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