Date: 4 - 6 May 2010
Venue: Sandton Convention Centre
Maude Street
Sandton 2196
Johannesburg
South Africa
Registration fee
Conference delegate fee: 950euro (excluding accommodation)
Conferenece day pass: 300euro (excluding social events and for a maximum of two days)
| Climate and clothing |
South Africa's climate is generally sunny and pleasant, but there is considerable regional variation: the northwest is very arid, the south is temperate, and the northeast has a more typically tropical climate.
For summer months between April and October, lightweight (cottons and linens), short-sleeved clothes are best, although a light jersey/jumper might be needed for the cooler evenings. The average temperature for Johannesburg in May is around 19 degrees Celsius.
| Currency and Exchange Rate |
The currency unit is the Rand, denoted by the symbol R, with 100 cents making up R1 (one Rand). Notes issued are in denominations of R200, R100, R50, R20, R10; and coins R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c.
| Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs |
Foreign currency can be exchanged at local banks and Bureaux de Changes. Most major international credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa and their affiliates are widely accepted.
As a precaution, check that the appropriate logo is displayed on the ATM before inserting your card. Remember that every time you withdraw cash there will be a transaction surcharge. Check with your own bank to see how much this is.
| Dress Code |
Gentlemen:
Ladies:
| Electricity |
South Africa's electricity supply: 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.
| Food and Drink |
As a rule, tap water in South Africa is safe to drink as it is treated and is free of harmful microorganisms. In hotels, restaurants and nightspots, the standards of hygiene and food preparation are extremely high. It is safe to eat fresh fruit and salads and to put as much ice as you like in your drinks.
| History |
Often referred to as the 'City of Gold' due its to rich gold-mining heritage, or simply 'Jo'burg', Johannesburg is a striking city, filled with contrast and considerable wealth, despite its relative youth, being founded just over 120 years ago, in 1886. The Johannesburg of today is South Africa's financial capital and a truly vast city, being one of the biggest in the whole of Africa, after only Cairo (Egypt) and also Lagos (Nigeria). In fact, Johannesburg is growing at such a rate that it is soon expected to make an appearance on the list of the largest ten cities on the planet.
Currently the world's biggest inland city, Johannesburg features a number of fortified suburbs, along with a modern city centre which is teeming with towering skyscrapers, huge shopping complexes and much excitement, with a number of new high-rise projects taking place in the districts of Midrand and Sandton. Crime levels in the some neighbourhoods are high and tourists are advised to visit only the recommended sights, in the safest tourist-friendly areas.
| Insurance |
Travel insurance is not included in the programme. Please ensure that you are adequately covered for the duration of your stay.
| Language |
English is generally understood across the country, being the language of business, politics, media, and the country's lingua franca. However, there are 10 other home language in South Africa, these are: Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, Northern Sotho, Tswana, Southern Sotho, Tsonga, Swati, Venda and Southern Ndebele.
| Medical |
In an emergency a doctor is contactable through the hotel reception. Should you have any specific medical requirements you are advised to bring a supply of prescribed medicines with you, as it may not be possible to source the same medication under the same brand name locally.
| Nightlife |
Johannesburg has a lively nightlife and venues go in and out of fashion all the time. In Sandton, many of the bars are located around Nelson Mandela Square, adjacent to the Sandton City Mall (website: www.nelsonmandelasquare.com). This is an Italian-style piazza ringed with trees and lights, overlooked by a 6m (20ft) statue of the formidable man himself.
| Safety |
South Africa boasts a vast array of cultures, communities, sites and attractions.
It is always advisable to follow certain precautions when you are in a new city or country. Travellers are often seen as easy targets therefore, the following simple instructions should be observed:
- Do not accept or carry a package or gift for delivery from someone you do not know. The package may be dangerous and/or illegal.
- Be aware of what’s going on around you.
- Stay in the main shopping and tourist areas.
- Keep wallets in an inside pocket and make life as difficult as possible for pick-pockets.
- Keep a firm grip on your purse, bag, camera and shopping.
- Avoid wearing expensive jewellery, watches or displaying valuable items when out in the city.
- Be wary of strangers who seem over anxious to help.
- Do not travel by yourself. At night, walk only in well-lit areas with other pedestrians.
| Social Conventions |
- Handshaking is the usual form of greeting.
- Normal courtesies should be shown when visiting someone's home.
- Casual wear is widely acceptable.
- Smoking is prohibited in public areas and places with special smoking sections been provided at restaurants, etc.
| Dialling Code |
The international dialling code for South Africa is +27
| Time |
GMT +2
| Visas |
A valid passport is required to enter Johannesburg. The majority of all countries within Western Europe and the Commonwealth, together with Japan and the USA will automatically be issued with free entry permits. All visitors are entitled to a 90-day visa, which will expire on the day that you fly home.
If you are unsure of the entry requirements into South Africa please contact the South African Embassy in your country for more information or visit the comprehensive South African home Affairs Department website at: http://www.home-affairs.gov.za/
If you do not have a passport you will need to apply for one and cover the relevant cost. Please check with your local immigration office to ensure that you have enough time for your passport application to be processed.
| Venue |
Sandton Convention Centre
Maude Street
Sandown
2196
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 779 0000
Fax: +27 11 779 0001
E-mail: info@saconvention.co.za