NAME CHANGES IN SOUTH AFRICA

NAME CHANGES IN SOUTH AFRICA

Sometimes when some of us had a favorite childhood holiday town, and after a few years break, we decide to revisit that ‘special’ destination, we find that it has just ’’disappeared”. It hasn’t fallen of the planet if that’s what you thinking, but its name has changed.

Well to keep up to date with the 21^st century, South Africa went through a couple of dramatic changes.

According to the South African Geographical Naming council, these are the main reasons for a place being renamed:

· if a name had become offensive because of its associations

· a name is changed if it can be found to have an original name that had been discarded during Apartheid

· to pre-empt the offensive linguistic corruption of a name

I always get confused when I visit towns which had this dramatic change, and I’m sure it can be a problem for mapmakers to struggle to keep up. It makes it even worse because road signs don’t get changed immediately. I decided to write this which I think will benefit everyone, especially the tourists which we will be expecting in a few months time for the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

The towns which changed are:

v Almansdrift became Mbhongo, named after a king.

v Buffelspruit became Mhlambanyatsi otherwise known as ‘where the buffaloes drink'.

v Buffelspruit became Mhlambanyatsi otherwise known as ‘where the buffaloes drink'.

v Dzanani township became Mphephu, a Venda chief who was defeated the Transvaal government in 1898.

v Louis Trichardt became Makhado. King Makhado Ramabulana was the King of Vhavenda from 1864 to 1895.

v Makhado township became Dzanani, meaning a place of quarrels. That doesn't bode well...

v Messina became Musina which is the Tshivenda word for copper which is mined in the area.

v Nylstroom became Modimolle. This name comes from the Basotho legend that attributed the disappearances of mountain climbers to an ancestral spirit who killed and ate the unfortunate.

v Potgietersrus became Mokopane, the name of a famous king.

v Pietersburg became Polokwane. Polokwane has many alleged meanings, from a place of safety to a place of little storage space. Or it could just simply reflect the name of a nearby river.

v Skilpadfontein became Marapyane - and no one seems to know what it means. Any ideas?

v Triomf became Sophiatown, which was the town's original name before the Group Areas Act saw most of the building demolished by the end of 1963.

v Warmbaths became Bela Bela - the Sesotho word simply meaning ‘hot spring' or ‘bubble bubble'. How cool is that?

To really fit in with the 21^st century, we also have a few nicknames that our cities have:

v Durban - eThekwini, meaning in the bay. Or, as some people argue, ‘a man with one testicle' in reference to the shape of the bay.

v Cape Town - eKapa, the Xhosa name for the city. And of course don't forget that internationally Cape Town is known as the Mother City.

v Johannesburg - Jozi or eGoli, meaning Place of Gold (yes, that's where the soapie gets its name!)

v Pretoria - Tshwane. This is supposed to be the new and official name for the city, but the change has been delayed. Tshwane is the African name for the Apies River that flows through Pretoria and was the area's original name.

Several new municipal and megacity boundaries have been created:

v The City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality covers cities such as Pretoria, Centurion, Temba, and Hammanskraal.

v The Nelson Mandela Metropole covers the East London/Port Elizabeth area.

The names of all South African airports were also changed:

v Cape Town International Airport needs no explanation, whereas who but a local would know where DF Malan Airport was?

v Johannesburg international airport changed to OR Tambo International Airport.

v The new airport at La Mercy, near Durban, would be known as King Shaka International Airport.

There now you have it. All that’s left to do now is to explore our wonderful South Africa. Go and rediscover all the old places with new names. You might just find something that you like!

POSTNATAL DEPRESSION

I remember that day as if it was yesterday. As I lay there in the theater waiting for the doctor to cut me open and hand over my adorable bundle of joy, my thoughts were everywhere. That day finally came. After nearly 10 months of waiting, running to the loo and feeling like a whale most of the time, the day came for my baby to be born. I remember every detail.

The moment you hold your baby for the first time, everything and everyone around you disappears. Every mother remembers that day. Every women dreams of that day. But as soon as you leave the hospital, or sometimes even before that, a mother may feel a bit down, teary and emotional. You’d be experiencing the baby blues, which shouldn’t last more than a few days. However, some women experience real depression after giving birth.

If you suspect that you are suffering from postnatal depression (PND), you are certainly not alone. 20% of women suffer from more than just the baby blues. The most important thing to remember is that it can be treated. The sooner you get help, the sooner you can feel better and enjoy your baby to the fullest.

Firstly it’s important to understand that there are different degrees of post-baby emotional problems. The baby blues are quite common. They usually start between the 3rd and 5th day after birth. The symptoms include:

• no energy
• lack of sleep
• anxiety
• appetite changes
• sadness
• feeling overwhelmed
• crying often for no reason
• oversensitive
• irritable
• being hyperactive
• not feeling much love for your baby
• frightening thoughts of self-harm or harm to your baby

These symptoms are caused by the drop-off in hormones and it should pass quickly. If these symptoms do not pass after a few days and you notice that it is getting worse, you should seek help by contacting your doctor.

The most common theories explaining the cause of postnatal depression include hormone imbalance, unrealistic expectations, lack of sleep, any recent major loss, lack of financial, social or emotional support, or even an unplanned pregnancy.

Postnatal depression can also start at any time in the first year after birth. Mental states include:

• hopelessness
• loss of normal interest and interest in sex
• thoughts of suicide and guilt
• feeling that your baby and spouse will be better off without you
• feelings of despondency
• impaired concentration
• panic attacks
• hallucinations
• feeling out of control
• anger
• bizarre thoughts

According to research, the things that we eat during pregnancy can have a major effect on how we feel. For example, depressed patients are often low on folic acid and iron, both of which are very important in pregnancy. Sugar and stimulants should be avoided in pregnancy and in the early days with you baby, because they give you a quick high by stimulating neurotransmitter release. After that, you experience a steep drop in feel-good chemicals. Another important nutrient in keeping your serotonin levels topped up is the amino acid tryptophan. It is found in food that contain protein like turkey, fish, bananas, avocados, cottage cheese and wheatgerm.

Other safe and natural mood enhancers include vitamin B, vitamin C or omega 3 fats - which you can find in fatty fish or supplements.

Postnatal depression often begins in pregnancy and mothers-to-be don’t realize it. Be alert to these symptoms and catch it before it gets out of control.

The above is just a guide and I hope it will help you deal with your situation. Always remember to consult your doctor, but (my personal advice) before going on additional medication please do consider whether it may just be your current medication that is giving you these symptoms, and inform you GP that you would like to discontinue it's use and see the effects first.

For more info, contact the Post Natal Depression Support Association of South Africa on: Email: info@pndsa.org.za
Help Line: +27 (0)82 429 2279
National help-line: +27 (0)82 882 0072

What to do in sa?

WHAT TO DO IN SA?

South Africa is a big, beautiful country that offers hospitable people, glorious weather, magnificent scenery, wildlife and wilderness, and world-class hotels and restaurants. South Africa's beautiful, varied and often dramatic landscape is one of the attractions that draw millions of foreign visitors to the country every year.

Besides the Soccer World Cup Coming up in June 2010, there are many other reasons to visit this exciting and gorgeous country like:

Visiting the Big 5

THE BIG5

Many travellers regard a visit to South Africa as incomplete without having spotted, and perhaps photographed, the Big Five. The term 'Big Five' refers to five of Africa's greatest wild animals – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. As during the past era the term "Big Five" still call up up the romance and excitement of Africa's exciting destinations and experiences. The roar of lions echoing across the eternal savannah, the sound of elephants under a star studded sky – this is what you will experience when you visit

South Africa. Feel the thrill and adventure of a close encounter. The Big 5 can be found in many major game reserves like: Kruger National Park, Table Mountain National Park, Addo Elephant Park, Thanda Private Game Reserve Pilanesburg Game Reserve and many more.

Sight-seeing at museums and caveS

MANDELA FAMILY MUSEUM

CANGO CAVES

For those who want to be taught about South African history and culture, South Africa has many amazing museums to have guests educated and entertained. There are museums dedicated to apartheid and the heroes who fought against it; to gold, military and Boer history; to transport, money, zoology, culture, medicine, anthropology, beer and many other subjects to capture the thoughts of every visitor. The most common of all is of course the Mandela Family Museum. Nelson Mandela's humble little house in Orlando West, Soweto, is an interesting stopover for those keen to take in a slice of authentic history on the world's most renowned former prisoner. Other famous museums are:

• South African Museum - Cape Town
• Robben Island Museum - Cape Town
• National Museum - Bloemfontein
• Anglo-Boer War Museum - Bloemfontein
• National Cultural History Museum - Pretoria
• Transvaal Museum of Natural History - Pretoria
• National Museum of Military History - Johannesburg

South Africa has many archaeological sites to be visited such as the Sterkfontein caves near Krugersdorp, Gauteng Province, and Makapansgat, near Potgirtersrus (which is now called Mokopane) in Northern Province, which contain evidence of very early human settlements dating back about three million years ago. Not all of the caves are open to the public - there is more than one section to the caves that took millions of years to form one of the world's great natural wonders - but the main sections are available for amazing exploratory viewing. The Sudwala Caves in Mpumalanga are one of South Africa's major attractions. The caves are believed to be about 2 000 million years old. There is also the Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn, Western Cape. This is a place of great natural beauty, and is truly a national monument. Situated just outside Ohrigstad, Mpumalanga are the spectacular Echo Caves. These mysterious caves were discovered in the 1920's by the owner of the farm.

Being adventurous ON Table Mountain

TABLE MOUNTAIN

They say you haven't seen the whole of South Africa until you have visited the Table Mountain. It exerts its powerful and captivating pull, delighting and drawing any person under its enchantment. For many centuries now only a handful of bold and enterprising people could say that they had climbed it. The top of the mountain offers stunning views in all directions and gives a dazzling view of the city. After finally getting to the top by cable-way or walking, there are different paths to various look-outs for the adventurous, make use of the telescopes for the sight-seeing lovers and enjoy a light meal or simply a sundowner beverage in the restaurant to end of this wonderful journey to one of the wonders of the world.

Relaxing in Sun City

SUN CITY

For travelers that just want to relax and enjoy South Africa's beautiful weather, Sun City is the place to visit. Only 187 km from Johannesburg, the resort, situated in the bushveld of South Africa's North West province, is surrounded by the imposing mountains of the Pilanesberg. While at Sun City it's time to relax, unwind and make the most of the world-class facilities on offer. Take a break in the Gym & Spa, play tennis or squash or enjoy a round of golf at two of the best golf courses in Africa. Cool down in one of the many swimming pools, take in an exhilarating ride in the waterpark or try your hand at water-skiing or parasailing. There are four different hotels to choose from that makes Sun City a holiday experience for everyone from affordable family fun to the height of luxury.

Great Viewing at Panorama Route

GOD'S WINDOW

BERLIN FALLS

Know as "Paradise Country", few regions in the world can match the extraordinary beauty of the Lowveld and escarpment. One of the many extraordinary views in this country is God's Window. It is truly an area of breathtaking scenic splendour. Just one look down and you will begin to understand why it is called "God's Window". Gods Window is so called for the panoramic view of the Lowveld more than 900 m down into flourishing indigenous forest.

There is also the Blyde River Canyon. The Blyde River Canyon Reserve extends along the Blyde River Canyon's winding path, which at every turn offers more and more remarkable views over sheer edges dropping 800m into the riverbed. The 'Pinnacle' is a single quartzite column rising out of the deep wooded canyon and the 'Three Rondavels' (also called 'Three Sisters') are three huge spirals of dolomite rock rising out of the far wall of the Blyde River canyon. Their arched heads are iced in green and their sides are blemished with blazing orange lichen. From the 'Three Rondavels' you can see the widespread Swadini Dam in the far distance, which symbols the end of the reserve.

The 'Bourke's Luck Potholes' has created one of the most unusual geological phenomenon in South Africa. It has taken thousands of years to form extraordinary cylindrical sculptures carved by swirling water. The geology and climate of this high rainfall plateau results in masses of waterfalls, beautiful to look at and many of which you can visit like The Berlin Falls ,which is close to God's Window, Mac-Mac Falls, The Montrose Falls which is close-by to the Sudwala Caves and the Elands River Falls which has been declared a national monument.

Swimming in South African beaches

BALLITO BEACH

South African has some of the finest beaches in the world. From the pristine coastal stretch of Cape Vidal in KwaZulu-Natal to the penguin colony of Boulders Beach to sun-drenched Camps Bay in the Western Cape … when it comes to beaches, we win!

Some of the top South African beaches are: The Cape Town Beaches, Jeffreys Bay beaches, Grotto Beach in Hermanus and Ballito Beach in KwaZulu Natal.

Some argue that the closer beaches are to Cape Point the colder they are but the general rule of thumb for beaches on the Indian Ocean is that they're three to four degrees warmer than the Atlantic beaches.

NOW ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS TO ENJOY YOUR STAY HERE!!

Does marriage change love?

Does marriage change Love?

I glance around at the older couples and wonder what keeps their marriage alive?

I frequently have an urge to go up and inquire from them. Seeing them still being all lovey-dovey and holding hands, sharing a drink and kissing each other every 5 minutes. Who knows how many children and grandchildren they have, maybe even great-grand children? After so many years of marriage for them, how do they carry on being like this? What keeps their marriage alive? What keeps the spark there from the time they got married?

The love that new couples have for each other is incredible! We girls, especially, think that this is going to last eternally. We think that this guy is going to carry on worshipping the ground we walk on forever. Well think again girls!!! You are so in love, you cannot wait to get to the altar.

I sit and think of the high divorce rate and wonder if those people also had this love before they got married and did they also think that this is going to last forever?? It's frightening if u really think about it.

Anyways after the honeymoon phase is over, the couple starts to adjust to each other. That requires a lot of patience and also tolerance. I believe that you only know a person once you live with them. Before marriage you still impressing each other and doing what the other loves. After the vows are taken, things slowly start to change. There isn't new things for your partner to discover anymore. Arguments start taking place for ridiculous things. You need to learn how to compromise and negotiate because you cannot run out of the house anymore when one of you gets upset because that is your house now. Everything in your life changes as you grow older and go through life. When you first get married it's new, exciting, and full of hopes and dreams. Every marriage must go through a rocky patch or two. Depending on the underlying strength of the bond between the two spouses, some come through it while others suffer a divorce.

Most marriages take strain after a new addition comes in the family. The woman doesn't look or feel the same, never mind act the same. I mean she has a huge responsibility after all. Her body changes, her hormones are all over the place, and it's not just the two of you anymore. The way she looks will obviously change. The guy feels left out because his wife is not giving him all her attention. The so-called date-night that everyone says couples with children should do, hardly happens for most couples. The old romance is lost. Before you got married, and maybe a few months after that, you used to touch and hug your partner all the time? What has changed? Are you tired of them already? Or have you just seen the true person inside them, the person that you never saw while dating???

So does love change after marriage? Is it because people get married for all the wrong reasons? Or do you just need to make room in your life to adjust having someone living with you???

Ramadaan & the chaos in Fordsburg

Sitting for over 15 minutes in traffic trying to drive from one robot to another, I sit and observe as everyone goes crazy buying food and clothes. People are selling all the luscious treats outside most of the restaurants & shops, trying to get the attention of all the people that haven't eaten the whole day. Of course they (the treats) look heavenly, but how do they taste after lying in the sun the whole afternoon, if not the whole day?? All the food places inside are empty because most of the people cannot eat. Looking at the menu from the passing street, my mouth starts to water...
Finally I reach my destination - the tiny shop to buy clothes for the upcoming Eid. Why do people have such small shops with so much stock and barely any room for the customers to move? Squashing through people I try to find what I require. Men, women, boys and girls all rushing like Eid is occurring the next day. After many minutes I get the help of someone but there isn't what I'm looking for. Again trying to squash my way through to the door, I can breath a sign of relieve for getting out of that small shop. In and out of shops that I go through hoping to find something for my little angel, but no such luck... All the squashing and pushing - pointless. It reminds me of the pilgrimage that my husband and I went to 2 years ago. Was that something!!
Anyways my last stop for the day is not a clothing store but a bakery. Thinking that that place will at least be a bit unfilled as most of the community is fasting but it wasn't any better then the clothing store. All the mouth-watering tarts, biscuits and cakes are set before me looking divine. My stomach starts grumbling at that instant. Looking around, people are going crazy once again buying and buying and buying. The first thought that comes to me is that I wonder if all these people consume all the provisions that they buy after fast is broken. I know I can barely eat. A few glasses of water and maybe one savoury and I am finished for the night. Well I just came here for some rolls to go with my yummy steak for tonight's dinner, which I doubt is going to be eaten, and I am out of this chaotic place...
At last I am finished with Fordsburg. My head wants to burst with all the chaos and rush that I just went through. Driving out of Fordsburg with an awful headache that I developed while rushing in and out of each shop, I think how life has turned out to be - such a rush!