South Africa is one of the richest countries on the African Continent. Through decades it was a symbol for racism; sanctions where imposed on the grounds of and against the Apartheids Era. With the end of Apartheid at the beginning of the nineties South Africa could regain international recognition.   Please visit:   Archaeology National Flag of South Africa Nelson Mandela Timetable Cecil John Rhodes Christiaan Barnard Oliver Tambo Frederik Willem de Klerk Mohandas Gandhi Steve Biko Miriam Makeba Cape Town Accommodation   Thabo Mbeki took over the presidential role from Nelson Mandela, who entered into the history books as the first South African President elected in free elections. Now every South African citizen from 18 years onwards is free to vote. The National Elections take place every five years. The governmental party is the ANC – the African National Congress Parties.